Barney's Blog

Blog archive

Windows Server 2008: The More Cores, the Better

I've long been concerned about XP's and Vista's inability to exploit multi-core processors. Both generally do a good job of using dual-cores and, depending on the apps, can gain some benefit from quad-cores.

Windows Server is different. The latest rev of Windows Server 2008 uses up to 64 processors. R2, due out in the next year or two, promises to exploit as many as 256. That could handle some mighty big databases, legions of mailboxes and a fair share of SharePoint!

What is your biggest server and what does it do? Brag to me at [email protected].

Posted by Doug Barney on November 10, 2008


Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.