CPUID utility vs processors listed in Systems Compatibility Guide

[LyleRyan]

In the Systems Compatibility Guide HCL, some servers like the Dell PowerEdge 1850 are listed as supporting 4.0 if they have a "Prestonia/Gallatin" Xenon, but only support 3.5 if they have a "70xx" Xenon.

In looking to buy some old hardware for a testbed, I'm wondering how to tell a "Gallatin" from a "70xx" (for instance).

If the system passes the "cpuid" utility with a last line of "Supports 64-bit VMware" = Yes, does that mean I'm in the clear? Or would the "Brand String" output of the utility give the pedigree (the README doesn't show it doing this)?

Thanks in advance.....Lyle

[AndreTheGiant]

I haven't tested yet ESX 4.0 on a old PE 1850 (with old CPU).

But I've tested serveral system with old 64 bit CPU.

See for example:

In this case, if CPU is 64 bit capable, then vSphere will run.

But without Intel VT you loose some functions like EVC in cluster.

Obviously no new feature like VMDirectPath, VMware FT, ...

Andre