Quad-Cores --- anyone successfully upgraded yet?

[MMurfster]

OK, here's the run down: DL380G5 (417456-001) running perfectly with dual 5140's. Ordered 2x PN: 433522-B21 (E5320's). Updated ROM to 2006.09.18 (http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/25587.html). Got an 805-Unsupported Processor Detected" message.
Found the advisory (http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&objectID=c00774500&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN) and updated to 2006.09.18A.
Now the message is: Unsupported Processor Detected The system Board does not support the installed Processor(s) – System Halted!

Anybody successfully upgrade their Woodcrest BL/ML's to quad yet ... and if you did, how?

[MMurfster]

Guess not ... so, I'll answer my own question:

1) HP released the BL460/DL380G5/ML370G5 between 08-06 and 11-06 with the previous generation of the Intel 5000 chipset.

2) Only servers made after 11-06 AND with the Intel 5000P chipset, B3 stepping will support the Quad-Core processors.

3) So, regardless of what you read at: http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/25569.html -- or --
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/25577.html -- or ---
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/25568.html

(Such as this statement: "Enhancements Added support for Intel Xeon Processor 5300 Series quad-core processors"), disregard. Quads will not work.)

The G5's and 460's that do support the Quads will not be available until January '07. Nice.

[Mauro Rusignuolo]

hello, ...
no, no, no ...
I'm not sure you are right.
I've upgraded my ML150 G3 from a dual xeon dual core 5050 to a monoprocessor E5320 quad core. everything were fine.
but...
but...
yesterday I tried to install the second one.
no ay to boot.
the MB of the ML150 G3 is a 5000V chipset.
I've seen in Intel web site that also 5000V chipset MB will support the quad core.
also, i've called HP technical support, because the dual quad core E5320 is listed here->
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/Division/Division.html
HP technical support report to me that may be they will write another version of BIOS...
Have a nice day.

TJ

[MMurfster]

I'm not sure you understand:

2) Only servers made after 11-06 AND with the Intel 5000P chipset, B3 stepping will support the Quad-Core processors.

(This is confirmed by HP, believe me -- I have $500k worth of non-upradeable c-class 5140's -- there is plenty of press on this issue ... there might be errata fix later, but for today, that is the answer).

[Mauro Rusignuolo]

hello,
I will say you some news in the next few days.
be sure.
I'm still "at work" on it.
Bye.

TJ

[Mauro Rusignuolo]

Again...
only another question:
do you tried to install a single quad core processor E5320?
it doesn't work?
let me know.

Bye.

TJ

[MMurfster]

No, I never tried just a single quad-core 5320 (there was no advantage). I took out the 2x5140's (and related PM's), installed the 2x5320's (and related PM's), updated all firmware.
Again, I've spent nearly 2 months on this issue, going back and forth with HP. There simply is no firmware solution.

[MMurfster]

I was just informed by one of my guys. HP has acknowleged this issue by inserting this statement in their version 2006.12.28 (6 Feb 07) BIOS release has a new POST statement when attempting to boot with quad cores:

"Unsupported Processors Detected
The revision of the Intel (R) 5000 series Chipset on this System Board does not support the installed Processor(s) type."

[Mauro Rusignuolo]

fantastic !!!
ok.
you are right.
I hope I'll find a solution anyway.
I have 2 E5320 on my desk !!!
nice.

Have a nice evening.

TJK

[MMurfster]

I read your other post. Of course HP is not telling you the whole truth. There is a previous case on this issue: Refer HP to Case #3217116430. Ask your HP representative why HP is promising on something they cannot deliver. If you were counting on the statements by HP that "Yes, they will upgrade" ... get HP to trade that server in for one that WILL upgrade. (Yes, it "should" be a total server replacement, not system board ... the server serial # is tied to functionality of the system board ... would be a future support nightmare).