We just got a server that has 2 quad core CPUs and replaces a server
with 2 dual core. CPUs. The server will be running SQL 2005 and
ArcSDE. The ArcSDE product will cost us extra to run on this new
server because of the quad core processors unless we disable some of
the processors SQL is using. It looks like we can deal with this by
turning off some of the processors using the "processor affinity." Is
that right? Also, if we do that do we need to disable any of the I/O
Affinity? Thanks

You really have to ask the vendor of the "ArcSDE" software this. For instance, they might require
you to disable the processor in BIOS or remove it physically if you don't want to pay more license
fee. We don't know how they have phrased their license agreement.

--
Tibor Karaszi, SQL Server MVP
http://www.karaszi.com/sqlserver/default.asp
http://sqlblog.com/blogs/tibor_karaszi


"Scott 62" <wawork@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:4824c7ea.162608468@msnews.microsoft.com...
> We just got a server that has 2 quad core CPUs and replaces a server
> with 2 dual core. CPUs. The server will be running SQL 2005 and
> ArcSDE. The ArcSDE product will cost us extra to run on this new
> server because of the quad core processors unless we disable some of
> the processors SQL is using. It looks like we can deal with this by
> turning off some of the processors using the "processor affinity." Is
> that right? Also, if we do that do we need to disable any of the I/O
> Affinity? Thanks

As Tibor said, it really depends on your licensing agreement.

With SQL Server, for example, it is not enough to just change processor
affinity; you have to physically remove unlicensed / unused CPUs if you want
to be in compliance.






"Scott 62" <wawork@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4824c7ea.162608468@msnews.microsoft.com...
> We just got a server that has 2 quad core CPUs and replaces a server
> with 2 dual core. CPUs. The server will be running SQL 2005 and
> ArcSDE. The ArcSDE product will cost us extra to run on this new
> server because of the quad core processors unless we disable some of
> the processors SQL is using. It looks like we can deal with this by
> turning off some of the processors using the "processor affinity." Is
> that right? Also, if we do that do we need to disable any of the I/O
> Affinity? Thanks

I am pretty sure what Aaron stated was correct in that you need to
physically remove the cores otherwise you are liable for them in SQL Server.
But the good news is that you had one with 2 dual cores. The license for 2
quad cores for SQL Server is the same a it is not the cores that are
licensed but the physical procs. In this case it was and still is 2. If the
vendor is charging you per core for ArcSde that is a different story but if
they are trying to get you to pay for more SQL licenses you should look for
a more reputable vendor because they are trying to rip you off.

--
Andrew J. Kelly SQL MVP
Solid Quality Mentors


"Scott 62" <wawork@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4824c7ea.162608468@msnews.microsoft.com...
> We just got a server that has 2 quad core CPUs and replaces a server
> with 2 dual core. CPUs. The server will be running SQL 2005 and
> ArcSDE. The ArcSDE product will cost us extra to run on this new
> server because of the quad core processors unless we disable some of
> the processors SQL is using. It looks like we can deal with this by
> turning off some of the processors using the "processor affinity." Is
> that right? Also, if we do that do we need to disable any of the I/O
> Affinity? Thanks

To add to other's comments, "Licensing Reseller Handbook for Microsoft
Partners" says about Processor Licensing that: "No Processor Licenses are
needed for processors that have been made inaccessible to all operating
system copies on which the SQL Server software is set up to run."

In this case, it would be the right choice (as others mentioned) to unplug
the physical Processor Socket itself which is not going to be licensed.

--
Ekrem Önsoy



"Scott 62" <wawork@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:4824c7ea.162608468@msnews.microsoft.com...
> We just got a server that has 2 quad core CPUs and replaces a server
> with 2 dual core. CPUs. The server will be running SQL 2005 and
> ArcSDE. The ArcSDE product will cost us extra to run on this new
> server because of the quad core processors unless we disable some of
> the processors SQL is using. It looks like we can deal with this by
> turning off some of the processors using the "processor affinity." Is
> that right? Also, if we do that do we need to disable any of the I/O
> Affinity? Thanks