RP4440 additional processor upgrade

[Alvin Andries]

Hi,

We have a leased rp4440-8 with 1 processor module that we've asked to upgrade to 2 modules (so 4 CPUs). So far, the 2 attempts by the HP technicians failed and they restored the system to it's original state. Tomorrow, they will swap the motherboard of the server to see if that helps. This doesn't sound to reassuring. To the defense of the technicians: they're specialized in Windows hardware (because all the HP-UX guys recently left HP Belgium) and our rp4440 is the first they've seen (maybe even the only one in Belgium).
Now, is there anything they might be overlooking (they have already tried upgrading the firmware)? I would be surprised if the hardware is alread broken (barely 6 months old). And another day of downtime without any result would be really depressing.

Kind regards,
Alvin.

[Robert-Jan Goossens_1]

Hi Alvin,

Check the RP4440 upgrade guide, I'm can't open this large file from place where I'm working now.

Link location:
http://www.docs.hp.com/hpux/onlinedocs/Upgr_rp4440_rx4640/upgr_rp4440_rx4640.pdf

Best regards,
Robert-Jan

[Alvin Andries]

Hi Robert-Jan,

I was referring to the installation of a second PA-8800 processor. The document link you've posted is on how to upgrade to an itanium-based server. The mounting instructions are similar, but meanwhile I've found the Operations Guide.
http://www.docs.hp.com/hpux/onlinedocs/rp4440_ops/rp4440_ops.pdf

My feeling is that the problem is more firmware or O/S related, but I'll be lurking over the technician's shoulder tomorrow (I'll read the operations guide very carefully this evening).

I'll post the results tomorrow.

Thanks for the fast response anyway,
Alvin.

[Andrew Rutter · Accepted solution]

hi in what way does it fail?

just not recognise the cpu's? system hangs? are there any errors in the gsp logs. theres probably a sequence to installing the procesors to make sure there seated correctly. Also extra PSU's arn't needed are they to power the new cpu's
I've dealt with a few but they have all come from hp with the correct number of cpu's installed.

Andy

[Zygmunt Krawczyk]

Hi Alvin,

the firmware upgrade is not needed to install additional processor module
in rp4440, but the new firmware fixes many problems, so you should install it.
The installation process is very easy. You can simply apply the patch to the OS:

PHSS_31161 s700_800 11.11 rp4440 PDC44.21,BMC2.37,MP E.20.29 FW Patch

This patch is available from ITRC.

You should have correct add on processor module
- A7125A Dual 800MHz PA-8800 CPUs for rp4440-8 - for 800MHz system
- A7135A Dual 1.0GHz PA-8800 CPUs for rp4440-8 - for 1GHz system
Check the processor frequency of your system.

Detailed procedure of processor installation is described in the doc (page 36):
http://www.docs.hp.com/hpux/onlinedocs/7124-96001_rev.4.0/a7124-96001_revised.pdf

One hint: during installation always disconnect all power cords from the system!

Regards,
Zygmunt

[Robert-Jan Goossens_1]

Hi Alvin,

# MP did not show proper number of processors on rp3410, rp3440 and rp4440 systems in previous revisions of Management Processor firmware.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?locale=en_US〈=English&pnameOID=401769&prodSeriesId=401767&prodTypeId=15351&basePartNum=COL4174&locBasepartNum=ux-21688-1&os=HP-UX+11.x&tech=Firmware++Management&locale=en_US〈=English&pnameOID=401769&prodSeriesId=401767&prodTypeId=15351&basePartNum=COL4174&locBasepartNum=ux-21688-1&os=HP-UX+11.x&tech=Firmware++Management&attTypeId=110

There are also OS installable patches available.

11.22
http://www4.itrc.hp.com/service/patch/patchDetail.do?BC=patch.breadcrumb.main|patch.breadcrumb.search|&patchid=PHSS_30679&context=firmware:osinit

11.23
http://www4.itrc.hp.com/service/patch/patchDetail.do?BC=patch.breadcrumb.main|patch.breadcrumb.search|&patchid=PHSS_30680&context=firmware:osinit

11.11
http://www4.itrc.hp.com/service/patch/patchDetail.do?BC=patch.breadcrumb.main|patch.breadcrumb.search|&patchid=PHSS_31161&context=firmware:osinit

Best regards and good luck.

Robert-Jan

[Alvin Andries]

Hi guys,

It got fixed!

The cause was that both technicians that passed by forgot to execute the following step from the processor upgrade guidelines (see installation guide or upgrade manual):
"Step 3. Lock the assebly to the socket by rotating the cam on the socket 180 degrees clockwise, using a 2.5 mm driver (Allen wrench)."
In the good old days, the classic lever on the ZIF sockets was less obvious to miss :-)

I don't know if Andrew Rutter was referring to this (from experience?).

We now have 4 processors up and running. Thanks for the replies.

Regards,
Alvin.

[Andrew Rutter]

Hp seems to have changed the way all the dual core cpus fit. Ive never installed another cpu in these yet, but always open the box and have alook at the new hardware. Take note of location and switches and alike, you never know when you or someone else might find it handy

thanks

Andy

[Alvin Andries]

Just to summarize: the problem was that the physical locking of the CPUs is not that obvious and wasn't mentioned in the upgrade manual of the local HP technicians.

Thanks for all the replies,
Alvin.