Proliant 1600 VRMs

[L.C. Karssen]

Hi there,

I recently bought a second hand Proliant 1600, with one 450 Pentium II processor.
Because I have two identical PIII-600's lying around, I want to try to upgrade my proliant to a dual processor machine. I already installed one PIII-600 and it works fine (@ 450 MHz, but that doesn't matter).
Now I want to add the second PIII as well, but I run into difficulties when deciding which VRM to buy:
The HP online part shop lists two VRM replacement part numbers: 327660-001 and 329267-001 (the first one is identical to the VRM that is already installed).

Can anybody tell me whether I can use both types of VRMs , or do I specifically need the first one?
Or are other part numbers also OK (some people just mention "for proliant 1600" when they offer a VRM for sale)?

Thanks in advance!

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Mr. Karssen,
This is what you need:

Processor Power Module (350-450) 327660-001
Processor Power Module (500-600) 329267-001

Thermal Upgrade Kit 161144-001

Always use the PPMs according to the CPU in the system to avoid any problems.

Regards,

[L.C. Karssen]

Dear Mr. Jerath,

Thanks for your quick reply!
Can you tell me what the Thermal Upgrade kit is for? Is it only needed to run the PIII-600, or is it needed for a PII-450 as well (I may try to find a second PII-450 with VRM instead of using the two PIII-600s)?

[Sunil Jerath]

Hello Mr.Karssen,
Especially when you upgrade your Server CPUs from 450 up...!! This kit is required to meet the thermal conditions within the server because these components generate quiet a bit of heat.

Regards,

[Netman_1 · Accepted solution]

The Thermal kit is only necessary if you are running the U2 cage. It sure wouldn't hurt to have it, but it'll save you about $250 CDN.

Make absolutley sure the VRMs for the 600s are 329267-001 - they are higher wattage. The ones for the 450s are too weak and will eventually give out (I have this experience already).