Superdome CPU upgrade path

[Jakes Louw]

I'm running some SD-64s with 552 MHz CPUs (PA-8500s?).
What's the upgrade path? Can I go 8700 (750 MHz)or 8700+ (875 MHz) on the same chassis, or what are the issues here?

[Stefan Farrelly · Accepted solution]

I think the chassis is fine, but to get the faster 875's you need a mainboard upgrade/replacement, which is a big job. Its not just a straightforward cpu replacement. These boards hold a few cpu's each so if you upgrade you will have to upgrade 4, or more, cpu's to the new spec at a time.

[Alzhy]

You can go all the way up to PA8800's (dual core) which will hopefully be released sometime Q2-2004. You will most certainly be upgradig your mainboards as well.

BTW, anyone know for certain if the PA-8800 CPU's (dual PA8700's) will finally be available in April/May?

[T. M. Louah]

You need to change the cell board for that partition at least, means purchase new cell board.

[T. M. Louah]

BTW you need also to upgrade the Firmware.

[Jakes Louw]

Thanks, guys.

I sort of assumed that a CPU board replacement would be the case, but wasn't sure if there had been changes in the cells.

T.M.Louah has given me that answer for the 8800s.

Points have been awarded.....