Question on CPU compatibility & VMotion

[vheff]

I've read in the DRS whitepaper (page 22) that processors must be from the same vendor (Intel, AMD) and family to be compatible with VMotion. Am I right in thinking that different stepping levels is also something that can cause incompatibility?

Ray.

[MR-T]

Yes you're correct.

Look at this paper, it explains all:

http://download3.vmware.com/vmworld/2006/tac1356.pdf

[vheff]

I've read this, but there is no mention of stepping levels? It says that SSE3, 32/64bit, family, vendor, and so on... but doesn't mention stepping. Is this the same as family?

Ray.

[MR-T]

My understanding is the stepping levels are very important for VMotion.

Have you looked at the kb article?

http://kb.vmware.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&externalId=1991

[vheff]

I hadn't seen that KB article, thanks for that. Looking at the different CPU compatibility groups, it appears that stepping (on it's own) doesn't matter then.

For example, in Group B it covers P4s from Model 3, Stepping 1 onwards. From that, I'd take it that any stepping level in P4 model 3 would be ok?

The reason I'm trying to find this out is because I thought stepping levels were important as well, but I've got my VCP exam today and I've read some conflicting information that I wanted to get to the bottom of.

Ray.