• deep_kkumar (4/1/2013)


    We have a two node cluster. In order to utilize the max resources we are planning to add more instances to this cluster by adding few more nodes. Let us assume--

    server A - cluster node--100 GB ram and 24 core cpu (active)

    server B - cluster node--100 GB ram and 24 core cpu( active)

    server C - new node -- 50 GB ram and 12 core cpu( passive)

    server D - new node -- 50 GB ram and 12 core cpu (passive)

    What we are planning to do is to run sql instance of server C and D on server B and make use of the resources. When server A fails we need it to failover to server B and if this happens we can manually failover the two instances running on server B to node C and node D respective. Is this possible? I know in cluster all the nodes should have same resources. Need suggestions?

    In theory, yes all nodes should have the same configuration. This is especially important to the following

    CPU family

    Base hardware (i.e. server model)

    Patch level

    Network configuration (including the NIC type)

    Now, in my current role we actually have a 6 node cluster that has 2 "high spec" nodes and 4 lower spec nodes (but all 4 the same). The key to remember here is how the clustered instances will be distributed, just because you install a clustered instance into a multi node cluster it doesn't mean you should then install it across all the cluster nodes.

    Only install the instance across nodes where you want the resources to be highly available.

    So, having 2 nodes that are slightly lower spec does not present an issue but you should abide by the above regarding CPU family, network configuration and more importantly the patch level. The software version and level are the most important here.

    muthyala_51 (4/2/2013)


    Not sure. Wait for Perry's reply.

    Lol, thank you

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    "Ya can't make an omelette without breaking just a few eggs" 😉