Run 64 bit Windows Server 2008 on Proliant ML110 G3

[Soon Hua Khor]

Hi,

Can Proliant ML110 G3 run on 64 bit of Windows Server 2008?

Khor

[James M Davies]

No help yet but I'm about to install server 2008 on mine. I've got windows 7 on there now and it only recognizes 2 of the 4 CPUs. I've been told that 2008 will not only run but will recognize 4 cpus.

[James M Davies]

I've just found this on Microsoft website.
Note: An Intel Itanium 2 processor is required for Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-Based Systems
Does this mean 2008 IS a Itanium Based System? I don't know. If so I've got a 2008 paper weight.

[Alex Geroulaitis]

The short answer is "yes", although HP does not support it directly.

HP does list WinServer 2003 64-bit on a list of supported OSs on Proliant ML110 G3 support page. That's good news: the BIOS and the CPU do support 64-bit computing. WinServer 2008 is not supported and what it means, is that it will likely install and run, but some system devices will not have HP drivers and thus will not be recognized by the OS.

Also, according to ML110 G3 QuickSpecs (http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12308_div/12308_div.HTML), it uses Intel Pentium D 920, 930, and 940 Processors, which, according to Intel (http://processorfinder.intel.com/details.aspx?sSpec=SL94Q) does support 64-bit processing.

If you have that option, do a trial installation and see how it runs, and whether all devices are recognized.

(Use this advice at your own risk :))

[Alex Geroulaitis]

James: what is your server's model?

[Alex Geroulaitis]

I see, DL580 G3. No, it's not Itanium based, and you need Windows Server 2008 (R2) (any edition except Foundation) to take advantage of 4 CPUs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/r2-compare-specs.aspx

[James M Davies]

Alex,

Thanks much. Would you happen to know if I can tweek Windows 7 to use all four CPUs?
While I have you do you know of a sound card that will work in the CPI X slots. My sound blaster says it's up and running but no noise.
TKS again

James

[Alex Geroulaitis]

I haven't heard of anybody being able to hack Win7 into using 4 CPUs. Not saying it's impossible - just that I haven't heard of anyone.

SoundBlaster: PCI cards are supposed to work in PCIX slots, but I am not sure what the problem is with your particular SoundBlaster installation.

[Marshall Penn]

According to the ML110 G3 Quickspecs, it primarily takes a Pentium D processor, or equivalent, which means it takes 64 bit processors. Therefore Windows server 2008 x64 should install and run with no problems.

Regards
Marshall

[Chris Thame]

I have server 2008 std x64 running on my ML110 G3 server. There are 3 items at the moment that I can not solve

1) Using Storage manager 5.0, the only one I can get for 2008 x64, it can not talk to controller.

2) any PCI network card comes up with
"Your computer's system firmware does not include enough information to properly configure and use this device. To use this device, contact your computer manufacturer to obtain a firmware or BIOS update. (Code 35)"

3) you need to go to ATI and download the ES1000 video card drivers and even then you get this
"This device cannot find enough free resources that it can use. (Code 12)

If you want to use this device, you will need to disable one of the other devices on this system."