Does ESX need to be like hardware?

[REALM]

Does ESX need to be on like hardware?

For example I have a 3.0.1 cluster of 3 boxes... if I add a 4th, does it need to be the same hardware? What are the risks if it's different?

What about ESX 3.5?

Thank you.

[jayolsen · Accepted solution]

If you are using DRS and Vmotion it can make a difference. VMotion requires compatable CPUs to work. Doesn't mean you have to the same exact make and model of server, but need to verify the processor first. More info here

[weinstein5]

It all depends what type of cluster you have - if it is a DRS cluster then yes there are definite issues you need to be aware of - since DRS relies on VMotion the new node's CPU must be compatible with the original 3 nodes - same CPU manufacturer, family, instruction set etc. - number of cores, cache size, number of processors does not need to be an exact match.

If it is an HA cluster you have more flexibility since VMotionis not involved, the VM is restarted on the new node, it just needs to be a supported hardware platform.

[jrenton]

As long as your processors are the same vendor and all servers are on the VMWare HCL there should be no issues. Each virtual machine is hardware independant by design and does not care what the underlying hardware is. As long as VMWare can manage the hardware all should be OK.