Vista only lisenced for 2 processors?

Gopher_By_Fende · 9 Jan 2007 at 18:52

has anyone heard of this? apparently you can only use a copy of vista on two processors at a time?

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=36815

If thats the case, what will happen when the new quad core processors come out? and for that matter, the octo-core from AMD due to show its face towards the end of this year?

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=36765

Why would MS restrict the amount of cores that and OS could use. apart from to then announce 4 or 8 core versions of Vista for a hefty premium?

Jokester · 9 Jan 2007 at 18:56

Quad core are one processor, 4x4 or V8 are two processor systems.

Not sure what the limitations Vista puts on the number of cores per socket, but I suspect it will be a lot more than any home user is likely to need in the near to mid future.

Jokester

PhilthyPhil · 9 Jan 2007 at 19:08

Yeah, it is a limitation on the number of physical CPUs. XP pro is the same but it will run fine with 2x dual core CPUs

NathanE · 9 Jan 2007 at 19:32

It's licensed on physical CPU's. Each CPU can have an unlimited number of cores (this is unlike XP where Home limits to 2 logical cores, and Pro to 4 logical cores.)

PhilthyPhil · 9 Jan 2007 at 21:00

I didn't realise that was the case for XP. Are they just arbitrary limits imposed for licensing reasons or is there a proper reason for them? I seem to remember there being a patch when Intel introduced HT but I may well be mistaken.

NathanE · 9 Jan 2007 at 21:09

Nope just licensing limits. Remember it was 2001 when these limits were thought up

manoz · 9 Jan 2007 at 21:19

I think the server additions of the OSs are the ones that can support more then 2 physical cpus?

this_is_gav · 9 Jan 2007 at 21:44

manoz said:
I think the server additions of the OSs are the ones that can support more then 2 physical cpus?

Oh yes. Many, many more (though it's structured in the licensing too).