Windows Server 2019 Standard edition, how many processor cores does it support?

Admetos · 27 Feb 2020 at 02:22

I'm considering buying a licence for Windows Server 2019 Standard, and installing on either a 8 or 12 Core AMD Ryzen, however i'm unsure if a regular version of Windows Server 2019 Standard will support all the processor cores.

I know there is something called 2 core license packs, however I'm still unsure if the regular Server 2019 Standard will cover all the CPU cores, or I need an additional licence.

Can anyone please shed any light on above.

Mcnumpty2323 · 27 Feb 2020 at 04:52

This help?
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started-19/editions-comparison-19

Admetos · 27 Feb 2020 at 05:44

Mcnumpty2323 said:
This help?
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/get-started-19/editions-comparison-19

I'm still confused how many cores a standard 2019 license can use. I was planning on buying one of the disused licence keys that are available.

Armageus · 27 Feb 2020 at 06:30

For Windows server you generally buy a 16 core license (as you have to license 16 cores minimum), the 2 core license are generally only for additional cores or for any Windows server virtual machines you want to run. (Iirc the 2 core packs are just a sticker you apply to the server!)

JasonM said:
I was planning on buying one of the disused licence keys that are available.

No such thing - if it's cheap then it's not legit anyway. A 16 core server 2019 license is ~£780.

Additionally depending on why you are actually buying Windows Server, then you may also need to buy Windows Server CALs (for any device or user that connects to the Windows Server)

Admetos · 27 Feb 2020 at 06:43

Armageus said:
For Windows server you generally buy a 16 core license (as you have to license 16 cores minimum), the 2 core license are generally only for additional cores or for any Windows server virtual machines you want to run. (Iirc the 2 core packs are just a sticker you apply to the server!)

No such thing - if it's cheap then it's not legit anyway. A 16 core server 2019 license is ~£780.

Additionally depending on why you are actually buying Windows Server, then you may also need to buy Windows Server CALs (for any device or user that connects to the Windows Server)

Apparently the cheap on-line licenses are disused keys from MS volume packs that are resold.

It's only a home server, I will be the only person accessing it.