SBS 2003 Premium Edition - processor issue

[ThirdEye]

Hi all, can anybody clarify for me whether there are any licensing issues regarding the Xeon processors. Specifically, I understand that a server with 2 Intel Xeon processors is ok as SBS sees this as 4 processors which is within licensing alowances. However, I've been told that 2 x Dual Core Intel Xeon processors would be seen as 8 processors by SBS and therefore would not be within the licensing allowances and SBS wouldn't work.

I would like to know what the answer is to this as Ideally I'd like to get a new server with the dual core Xeons. Had a look on micorsoft's site but didn't have any joy.

 

[ThirdEye]

After some more continued searching on microsoft I've found the following info in KB 909382:

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"Windows Small Business Server 2003 supports a maximum of two physical processors, even if the processors are multicore or hyper-threaded.

For example, if you use two dual-core processors, each physical processor contains two cores. Therefore, four virtual processors are available. Windows Small Business Server 2003 will recognize and support all four virtual processors.

Similarly, if you use two dual-core, hyper-threaded processors, eight virtual processors are available. Windows Small Business Server 2003 will recognize and support all eight virtual processors. "
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Am I right in thinking therefore that a dual core Xeon 5050 would be seen as 2 physical processors with 2 cores = 4 but due to hyperthreading would then be seen as 8? Further, that SBS 2003 would utilise all 8 virtual/physical processors.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[ThirdEye]

Great - many thanks for replying, that's settled that then! Next question is, how many physical processors can I go up to (unlikely I'll go beyond 2 but you never know!)?