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Demystifying SQL Licensing on Multi-Core Systems

I read this excellent question and its response today in this month's TechNet Magazine SQL Q & A. Thought you'd be interested in the clarification on SQL licensing for multi-core systems...

Q: In addition to hyperthreading and dual-core technology, chip vendors are beginning to release processors with additional cores (four, eight, and more). I am considering purchasing a new server with multi-core processors to support a SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition deployment and am curious if, when using a four-core processor, I will only be able to make use of a single physical CPU (since Standard Edition is limited to four CPUs)?

Click below for the answer...

A: For the purposes of both licensing and CPU edition support, SQL Server considers only the number of physical sockets/CPUs, regardless of the number of cores on the processor. So, for example, the fact that SQL Server 2005 Standard Edition supports up to 4 CPUs means it will support 4 physical CPU sockets, regardless of the number of cores in each one (if you have 4 physical CPUs with 4 cores each, your Standard Edition deployment would have 16 logical CP Us to make use of). Moreover, even though you have 16 cores/logical CPUs, the licensing requires only that you pay for the 4 physical CPUs, not all 16 cores. For more information on SQL Server and multi-core, see http://www.microsoft.com/sql/howtobuy/multicore.mspx.

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Greg Shields' Bio:

Greg Shields is a Principal Consultant with 3t Systems in Denver, Colorado. With more than 10 years of experience in information technology, Greg has developed extensive experience in systems administration, engineering, and architecture specializing in Microsoft, Citrix, and VMware technologies. Greg is a Contributing Editor for both Redmond Magazine and Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine, authoring two regular columns along with numerous feature articles, webcasts, and white papers. He is known for his abilities to relate highly technical concepts with a drive towards fulfilling business needs. Greg is also a highly sought-after instructor and speaker, teaching system and network troubleshooting curriculum for TechMentor Events, a twice-annual IT conference, and producing computer-based training curriculum for CBT Nuggets on numerous topics. Greg is a triple Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) with security specialization and a Certified Citrix Enterprise Administrator (CCEA).