Add a 2nd Processor

[RobCollins29]

We have an ESX Server 2.5.0 Build 11343. It's been running perfectly with several VMs for several years. Now we're finding that increased demand has pushed the single CPU % on the host so it's hovering in the 90s (from looking at the VMWare Status Monitor). We're concerned that this will lead to performance slowdown on the VMs.

We're thinking that adding a second CPU to the machine will help. Does ESX Server automatically make use of the new processor, and does this affect licensing?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[jp-H]

Hi,

A second CPU does not affect licensing, because 1 license is for 2 CPU.

I never tried to add a CPU in a installed ESX so I do not know how to.

Good luck

[Texiwill · Accepted solution]

Hello,

It should not affect licensing but that depends on the # of procs in your license. As for adding another processor the suggestion is to match them identically. Make sure you get the same speed and stepping. Otherwise you may have issues. Contact your vendor for best information for matching up your CPUs. But there should be no issues with just adding another CPU. ESX will automatically find it on a reboot.

Best regards,

Edward L. Haletky, author of the forthcoming 'VMWare ESX Server in the Enterprise: Planning and Securing Virtualization Servers', publishing January 2008, (c) 2008 Pearson Education. Available on Rough Cuts at http://safari.informit.com/9780132302074

[taylorb]

I didn't think youd could install ESX on a single CPU box....

Anyway, I can confirm that there are no issues just adding another CPU. I went from 2 to 4 CPUs. ALl I had to do was install the license keys, shutdown the box, add the 2 CPUs and reboot. Nothing to configure. As was mentioned, you can skip the licensing because each license is for 2 CPUs.

[RobCollins29]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I'll be doing a bit of overtime out of hours to fit the new processor. Wish me luck!

Rob