Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition: System requirements

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition: System requirements

Computers that run Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition must be on the compatibility list for Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition. For details, see the hardware compatibility information in the Windows Server Catalog at the Microsoft Web site.

The requirements for systems on the compatibility list for Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition include the following:

  • For an x86-based computer:

    • Must be able to support eight or more processors with a minimum speed of 400 megahertz (MHz). For new installations, the minimum processor speed is 550 MHz. A maximum of 32 processors per computer is supported.

    • 512 megabytes (MB) of RAM minimum, 128 gigabytes (GB) maximum.

    • 2 GB of free hard-disk space (minimum) for Setup.

      For computers with more than 4 GB of RAM, be sure to confirm hardware compatibility by clicking the appropriate link in Support resources.

  • For an Itanium-based computer:

    • Must be able to support eight or more processors with a minimum speed of 733 MHz. A maximum of 64 processors per computer is supported.

    • 1 GB of RAM minimum, 1024 GB (1 Terabyte) maximum.

    • 4 GB of free hard-disk space (minimum) for Setup.

      For computers with more than 4 GB of RAM, be sure to confirm hardware compatibility by clicking the appropriate link in Support resources.

  • For an x64-based computer:

    • Must be able to support eight or more processors with a minimum speed of 1.4 GHz. A maximum of 64 processors per computer is supported.

    • 1 GB of RAM minimum, 1024 GB (1 Terabyte) maximum.

    • 4 GB of free hard-disk space (minimum) for Setup.

      For computers with more than 4 GB of RAM, be sure to confirm hardware compatibility by clicking the appropriate link in Support resources.

  • A hard-disk partition or volume with enough free space to accommodate the setup process. To ensure that you have flexibility in your later use of the operating system, we recommend that you allow considerably more space than the minimum required for running Setup, which is approximately 2 to 3 GB on an x86-based computer, and 4 GB on an Itanium-based or x64-based computer. The larger amount of space is required if you are running Setup across a network instead of from a CD-ROM.

    Note

  • A VGA or higher-resolution monitor (Super VGA 800x600 or higher recommended), keyboard, and (optionally) a mouse or other pointing device.

    As an alternative, for operation without a monitor or keyboard, you can choose a remote diagnostic and support processor that is designed for products in the Windows Server 2003 family. For more information about hardware compatibility, click the appropriate link in Support resources.

For CD-ROM installation:

  • A CD-ROM or DVD drive.

For network installation:

  • One or more network adapters and related cables that are designed for products in the Windows Server 2003 family. For more information about hardware compatibility, click the appropriate link in Support resources.

  • A server from which to offer network access for the Setup files.

For additional hardware-based functionality:

  • Appropriate hardware for the functionality you require. For example, if you plan to support network clients, the servers and clients must have appropriate network adapters and cables. As another example, if you require a server cluster, the entire cluster solution must be listed as compatible with Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition, (for more details, see information about cluster hardware and drivers in Planning and preparing for cluster installation). For more details about your hardware, click the appropriate link in Support resources.