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How to restrict SQL Server to use limited cores

  • January 25, 2016 at 9:33 pm

    #307920

    Hi,

    I have Windows Server 2012 with 20 cores, Windows Server 2008 R2 with 4 core and SQL Server 2014 St core License is for 20 cores only.

    I want to restrict SQL Server to use only 16 cores on Windows server 2012 because I want to install SQL Server on Windows Server 2008 R2 also.

    How can I restrict SQL Server to use 16 cores only on Windows Server 2012 with 20 cores

    Regards,

    Nikhil P Desai

  • January 26, 2016 at 1:59 am

    #1854367

    If it's a licensing requirement, disable the extra cores in the BIOS. I know that's what you have to do for Enterprise if you don't want to use all cores, not 100% sure it it applies to Standard as well, or whether Standard will only use 16 of the cores by default.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass

  • September 16, 2016 at 5:25 am

    #1901306

    Disabling cores does not reduce your licensing liability for SQL Server. Trust me - we've just been audited by Microsoft.

    However, I notice for Windows 2016 (https://download.microsoft.com/download/7/2/9/.../WSSC2016LicensingFAQ.pdf ) you can disable cores in the BIOS to reduce licensing costs.

    Wish they did the same for SQL 2016.

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