Received the prompt "CPU speed isn't qualified." when install SQL Server 2019

Mark Yang 20 Reputation points
2024-06-14T07:47:30.32+00:00

Hi there

During the SQL server 2019 upgrade installation, I received a prompt stating "CPU speed isn't qualified". The corresponding requirements are:

SQL Server requires: Minimum: x64 Processor: 1.4 GHz

  • SQL Server Management Studio requires: 1.8 GHz or faster x86 (Intel, AMD) processor.

I checked my computer, and the current CPU is Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7, with a base frequency of 1.3 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz. This processor is not only 64-bit but also far exceeds the minimum requirement of 1.4 GHz.

From the official data, the Base Frequency of i7-1065G7, 1.3GHz is below the minimum requirement of SQL Server 2019, 1.4Ghz. so I think this may be the reason why it indicated that the CPU did not meet the requirements during installation.

I would like you to tell me if my CPU meets the requirements for installing SQL 2019. If it does, how can I ensure that the installation program recognizes this information to complete the installation?

I am using a Surface Laptop 3.

Thanks and regards

SQL Server | Other
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Accepted answer
  1. Ali Varzeshi 80 Reputation points
    2024-06-14T09:40:47.7066667+00:00

    Based on the specifications you provided, the Intel® Core™ i7-1065G7 processor in your Surface Laptop 3 has a base frequency of 1.3 GHz and a maximum turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz. The official requirements for SQL Server 2019 indicate a minimum of 1.4 GHz for the processor. The key point to note here is that the SQL Server installation checks the base frequency, not the turbo frequency.

    Confirming Compatibility

    1. Base Frequency:
      • The base frequency of 1.3 GHz is below the SQL Server 2019 minimum requirement of 1.4 GHz. Technically, this means the processor does not meet the minimum base frequency requirement specified by SQL Server 2019.
    2. Turbo Frequency:
      • The turbo frequency of 3.9 GHz far exceeds the requirement, but SQL Server's installation program does not consider the turbo frequency for initial qualification checks.

    Steps to Proceed with Installation

    Given that your processor does not meet the minimum base frequency requirement on paper, there are still a few approaches you can take:

    1. Ignore the Warning (if possible):
      • Some installation prompts allow you to proceed despite warnings. Check if the SQL Server installation gives you the option to continue after showing the warning. If it does, you can proceed with the installation.
    2. Install SQL Server using Command Line:
      • Use the command line to bypass the hardware check. Here's how you can do it:
        • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
        • Navigate to the SQL Server setup directory.
        • Run the setup with the /ACTION=Install parameter and other necessary configuration parameters. For example:
          
                 setup.exe /ACTION=Install /SKIPRULES=RebootRequiredCheck /INDICATEPROGRESS /QS
          
          
        • The /SKIPRULES parameter can help bypass certain checks, but you should replace RebootRequiredCheck with the appropriate rule name if it's different for your scenario.
    3. Modify BIOS Settings:
      • Check if there is an option in the BIOS to disable any power-saving features that may cause the CPU to run below its base frequency. Ensure the processor runs at its base frequency during installation.
    4. Contact Microsoft Support:
      • If you are unable to proceed, contact Microsoft Support for assistance. They may have updated guidelines or workarounds for installing SQL Server on processors with similar specifications.

    Ensuring Installation Recognition

    • Update System Firmware and Drivers:
      • Ensure that your Surface Laptop 3 is running the latest firmware and drivers. Sometimes, updates can address compatibility issues.
    • Run Performance Tests:
      • Use tools like CPU-Z to check if your processor is performing as expected and not being throttled by power-saving features.
    • System Power Settings:
      • Adjust the power settings to High Performance in Windows to ensure the CPU is not downclocked during the installation process.

    While your processor's base frequency technically does not meet the minimum requirement, its high turbo frequency suggests it is more than capable of handling SQL Server 2019. If possible, proceed with the installation by acknowledging the warning, using the command line to bypass checks, or ensuring your system settings do not throttle the CPU. If these steps do not resolve the issue, reaching out to Microsoft Support would be the next best step.

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