* Understanding the requirements: The SQL Server database currently runs on a physical server with
256GB of RAM and 12 CPU cores at > 80% utilization. The VM must run on a single NUMA (Non-Uniform Memory Access) node to maintain performance.
* NUMA Node Configuration:
* NUMA nodes are designed to optimize memory access and CPU utilization.
* Keeping the VM within a single NUMA node ensures low latency and high performance.
* Processor Options:
* Option A (Intel E5 2680v4): 14 cores each @ 2.4GHz, 28 cores total. This exceeds the core count for a single NUMA node.
* Option B (Intel E5 2620v4): 8 cores each @ 2.1GHz, 16 cores total. Lower clock speed and fewer cores might not meet the performance requirements.
* Option C (Intel E5 2643v4): 6 cores each @ 3.4GHz, 12 cores total. Matches the current core count but has higher clock speed; however, total cores might limit future scalability.
* Option D (Intel E5 2667v4): 8 cores each @ 3.2GHz, 16 cores total. This provides a good balance of cores and clock speed, aligning with current and future performance needs.
* Performance Consideration:
* The SQL Server is highly transactional, requiring both high core count and high clock speed for optimal performance.
* Option D (Intel E5 2667v4) offers a suitable compromise with 8 cores at 3.2GHz, totaling 16 cores. This configuration will fit within a single NUMA node, providing the necessary performance and maintaining efficient memory access.
References:
* General CPU configuration guidelines from Nutanix documentation.
* NUMA architecture and performance optimization best practices.