Quick Reference Guide

Dell-VMware VMotion Compatibility Matrix | 13
Important Information
 For general information on VMware VMotion, see the VMware VMotion and CPU Compatibility
Information Guide at vmware.com .
 VMotion compatibility depends on the model and stepping of the processor involved. It does not depend
on the model of the PowerEdge system or the speed of the processor. Table 3 through Table 7 illustrate
VMotion compatibility with respect to processors. For more processor-specific information, see the
knowledge base (KB) articles 1991, 1992, and 1993 at kb.vmware.com .
 For more information on Enhanced VMotion Compatibility (EVC) processor support, see
kb.vmware.com/kb/1003212 .
 To determine if the processor support exists in a specific ESX release, see the specific Systems Compatibility
Guide at vmware.com/support/pubs .
 Each PowerEdge system model listed in Table 1 and Table 2 includes all currently supported processor
models, stepping, and processor speeds with that system.
 Each processor specification, model number, or series includes all supported processor variants of the
family.
 For the latest information on the ESX support matrix for the PowerEdge systems, see the VMware ESX/ESXi
4 on Dell PowerEdge and Storage Systems Compatibility Matrix or VMware ESX/ESXi 5 on Dell
PowerEdge and Storage Systems Compatibility Matrix at support.dell.com/manuals .
 Before enabling VMotion, update all PowerEdge systems to the latest BIOS version at support.dell.com .
NOTE: VMotion between systems with older BIOS versions may fail.
 When you migrate between certain processor models, turn off the NX bit on the VMware vSphere Client
interface.
Perform the following steps to turn off the NX bit:
a Right-click Virtual Machine and select Edit Settings→ Options→ Advanced Settings.
b Select Hide the NX flag from guest radio button.
The NX bit is now turned off.
 VT must be enabled to run 64-bit guest operating systems on Intel platforms. For more information on 64-
bit guest operating system VMotion compatibility, see Table 3 through Table 7.
 Create consistent virtual switch names on each copy of ESX.
 VMotion requires the setup of a Gigabit Ethernet migration network between all copies of ESX. It is
recommended to isolate this network from other production network traffic.
 For the latest information on VMotion with ESX/ESXi 4.1, see kb.vmware.com/kb/1022851 .