Deprecated CPU Systems / Servers in ESX 9.0 and implications for support

Products

VMware vCenter Server VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article provides information about deprecated and end of life CPU series, systems and servers in ESX 9.x and implications for support.

Environment

VCF 9.x
vCenter 9.x
VMware ESX 9.x

Resolution

A number of Systems / Servers on the BCG have been marked as "VCF Supported. Confirm w/Vendor" in ESX 9.x as a result of the systems / devices being end of life (EOL'd) by either CPU vendors, OEMs and/or including a combination of IO devices by vendors.

VMware CPU System / Servers deprecation policy mandates these CPU based systems and servers, to continue and operate for the duration of a full major release so as to provide enough time for customers to migrate away from them. These systems and servers will be removed in the next major VCF release, and hence customers should plan ahead to replace or migrate away from using such ageing hardware.

Note: Systems / Server OEMs are always permitted to submit server certifications to be listed in the Broadcom Compatibility Guide (BCG) for any CPU Series that are currently listed and supported by VMware.

(1) "VCF Supported. Confirm w/Vendor" CPU Systems / Servers and, (2) End of Life (EOL'd) are described as follows:

"VCF Supported. Confirm w/Vendor" CPU Systems / Servers

A "VCF Supported. Confirm w/Vendor" System / Server is defined as follows:
- ESX 9.x support for the CPU Series is current.
- If System / Server OEM did not submit for certification, that System / Server may be marked with the keyword "VCF Supported. Confirm w/Vendor".
- No further system level driver enhancements.
- Best effort to provide fixes and/or workarounds for VCF software only support.
NOTE: To ensure that there is hardware level, BIOS or firmware support for the systems / servers, please contact your OEM system / server representative directly. Hardware, BIOS and firmware support is the responsibility of the OEM system / server providers.

Systems / Servers that are under "VCF Supported. Confirm w/Vendor" Support should be replaced at the earliest availability to ensure there is no gap in support in the future.

EXAMPLE:
- CPU Series: Intel Cascade Lake generation:
  - This CPU Series is operating in Deprecated Mode for VCF 9, and is still supported, as listed in the BCG. Refer to CPU Deprecation KB link below.
  - VMware CPU System / Servers deprecation policy mandates these CPU based systems and servers, to continue and operate for the duration of a full major release.
  - VMware does NOT require any “Request for Product Qualification/Technical Qualification” (RPQ/TQ) for support of these servers and systems, with the exception for certain OEM server models marked “VCF Supported. Confirm w/Vendor” who require their customers to reach out to them directly for HW-side support.
End of Life

A CPU series, system / server, or IO driver, or a combination have been discontinued, and no longer supported on that ESX release, due to HW vendors end of support. CPU series, System level drivers, and or IO devices associated drivers, will not be recognized by ESX 9.x during installation. Upgrades from the previous release may also fail.

An "End of Life" System / Server is defined as follows:
- CPU series, System / Server and or IO devices are not listed in 9.0 Broadcom Compatibility Guide (BCG)
NOTE: Prior to upgrading any of these systems or servers to ESX 9.x, you should plan to acquire hardware support directly from your server OEM. For VCF Software Only support for older End of Life hardware, please consult your VCF account team. The RPQ/TQ request is contingent upon feasibility of sustaining such old hardware, a strong business justification, and VMware management approval.

Systems / Servers that are under End of Life should be replaced at the earliest availability.

EXAMPLE:
- CPU Series: Intel Skylake generation:
  - This CPU is Discontinued for VCF 9. CPU Series and server models are NO LONGER listed for VCF 9 on the BCG. Refer to CPU Deprecation KB link below.
  - VMware will require an RPQ/TQ for continued support of these servers and systems on VCF 9, and by default provide VCF 9 Software Only support upon VMware approval (Note: VCF 9 implementation instructions will be provided after the RPQ/TQ is approved).
  - To ensure that there is hardware level, BIOS or firmware support for the systems / servers, please contact your OEM system / server representative directly. Hardware, BIOS and firmware support is the responsibility of the OEM system / server providers.