Mixing Quad-Core and 6-Core CPUs

[kuay5]

Hi All,

We run our ESXs on a HP C3000 enclosure. All our Blades are BL460c (G1 and G6). They all use the same processor (E5450). No issues.

But now we have purchased a G6 Blade that is running a 6 core CPU (X6560).

I think these 2 CPUs have different features right? Does that mean i need to turn on EVC? Will i lose cores if i turn on EVC? And do i really need to turn on EVC or i can play around with the maskings?

[AntonVZhbankov]

>I think these 2 CPUs have different features right? Does that mean i need to turn on EVC?

Yes.

>Will i lose cores if i turn on EVC?

No.

>And do i really need to turn on EVC or i can play around with the maskings?

EVC is masking. It just lifts weight of manual masking configuration for each VM from your shoulders.

---

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[PduPreez]

A better answer than that you won't get :smileycool:

You could test a VMotion between these 2 servers, the compatibility test will tell you straight away if EVC is needed.

I have not tested you scenario as yet, but my guess is EVC will be needed as Anton said.

Regards

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[The_eternal_lea]

I am a bit of a novice as I am not "hands on" just involved in concepts!

I was pleased to read above that you can mix Quad and six-core CPUs in a single farm using EVC. But I guess this means that six core CPU throtles down to act as quad core?

In this scenario the environment already has a mix of E5345 & E5450 CPUs in BL460 blades and are looking to add another 4 x blades.

Thanks and Regards Shorne

[cebomholt]

No, you shouldn't lose cores. EVC only masks processor features, not cores. See for details

[The_eternal_lea]

I am a bit of a novice as I am not "hands on" just involved in concepts!

I was pleased to read above that you can mix Quad and six-core CPUs in a single farm using EVC. But I guess this means that six core CPU throtles down to act as quad core?

In this scenario the environment already has a mix of E5345 & E5450 CPUs in BL460 blades and are looking to add another 4 x blades.

Thanks and Regards Shorne

[The_eternal_lea]

Tx for the confirmation! (double posting due to network issues!).