Hyper threading, processors and licensing

[martynh]

Hi,

We would like to buy a server with 2 Xeon processors to run SQL Server. However, initially, only part of the servers job will be to run SQL Server, so we only want to buy a single CPU license. Does anyone know if this is allowed? We would, of course, need to find a way to limit SQL Server to just one physical processor.

Also, with the Hyper Threading feature of Xeon processors, if we only buy one processor (with SQL Server SP3 installed) it looks like SQL Server will recognise the presence of two logical processors. Am I correct in this, or is there anything in particular we need to do to make sure SQL Server makes the most of both logical processors?

Regards

Martyn

 

[hmckillop]

In answer to your first question - to limit SQL server to use only one physical processor, use enterprise manager to change the properties of the server -
-Open Enterprise manager
-Right Click on the server
-select properties
-Select Processor tab
-Only check the processor you wish to use with this instance of SQL Server.

As far as the hyperthreading goes, not sure about Xeon processors but SQl gives you the option of specifying upto 255 worker threads per processor. (This is at the same screen)

"I'm living so far beyond my income that we may almost be said to be living apart

 

[mrdenny]

Martynh,
In order to only need one processor license you must physically remove the second processor from the server. You don't get the option of licensing the number of processors that you want to use, you have to license the number of processors that are in the physical machine.

I've written a FAQ on licensing, you might want to check it out it's faq962-5153.

Denny

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

 

[DebiJo]

I checked into the Hyper threading a while back. I guessed they would want all the money they could lay their hands on. However, believe it or not, Microsoft still only requires 1 processor license for a single hyper threaded processor. Surprise, surprise. Obviously, you'd probably want to verify with your Microsoft Vendor.

Debi

 

[NortonES2]

I was told by our re-seller that it refers to the number of physical processors installed, not the logical number reported by the OS and SQL Server.

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