Adding second cpu to NetServer LH3

[Kimmo Koho]

Hi!

I had a LH3 with 1 PII 400MHz cpu and VRM. Now I have replaced that with 2 PII 450MHZ cpu's and additional VRM.

I have installed latest bios and I have changed mainboard switch from 400MHz to 450MHz.

Server starts ok, but when I install Windows 2000 and installation is "starting windows 2000", installation stops. I can see all ASCII texts and selections in the beginning, but when there should be some graphical view, the monitor goes to power saving state and it seems that no signal goes to monitor.

Then everything stoods still... Does anyone have any ideas about this? Very annoying, because I think this is almost working...

BR,

Kimmo

[Kimmo Koho]

One thing: I took that other VRM from older HP NetServer L-something server. So can there be too low output voltage in that VRM?

Input to both VRM's is 5V, but in this VRM that I added there is text:

5V/12V IN 3.1V ADJ OUT and numbers:

05s2910a.d2 DEIC 9646-20770-00

And in the original VRM there is text:

5V IN, HP P/N 0950-2848 DEIC 9850-0097583-01

Kimmo

[Terri Harris]

I would recommend installing only the HP VRMs for the LH3. Where did you get the two 450 CPUs?

1. Do both processors banner during POST?
2. Are there any errors during POST?
3. Run the System BIOS setup (F2), then F9 to set everything to factory defaults. F10 to save and exit. I am assuming you do not have or need any custom BIOS settings here.
4. What OS was running on this server before? Have you wiped out the drives to start a clean install?

[Kimmo Koho]

Hi again!

I'll reply here to your questions:

I would recommend installing only the HP VRMs for the LH3. Where did you get the two 450 CPUs?

-VRM is from HP LD Plus or HP LH Pro
-CPU's are from Dell Precision 410: they look exactly same than original CPU, information on CPU's: Intel Pentium II with MMX technology; 80523PY450512PE SL2U7 98491258-0033 MALAY and 80523PY450512PE SL2U7 Y8440517-0127 IRELAND


1. Do both processors banner during POST?
-Monitor informs in the beginning that CPU is Intel Pentium II 450MHz and in the later there is text "Dual processor system initialized" or something like that.
2. Are there any errors during POST?
-I cannot see any errors on monitor. Front Panel says errors about another FAN (0 RMP), but it has been already before
3. Run the System BIOS setup (F2), then F9 to set everything to factory defaults. F10 to save and exit. I am assuming you do not have or need any custom BIOS settings here.
-This didn't unfortunately help. Same thing. Windows goes ok until it should start. It even shows screen of Windows 2000 Server Family, but then, when I should see mouses arrow, there becomes "black screen". Can it be RAID configuration problem (drivers etc.) or does this CPU turn of power?
4. What OS was running on this server before? Have you wiped out the drives to start a clean install?
-Before there was Win2000 and I have changed SCSI disks and configured new RAID configuration. Can I install Windows 2000 by one CPU and then add another. Is it possible for Win2000 to detect another CPU later?

BR,

Kimmo

[Terri Harris]

HP only supports the HP processors which have been tested in the given Netservers. I do not know if you can get these Dell CPUs to work correctly.
The VRMs for the older Netserver L-series are different from the LH3/LH3r. The correct VRMs are HP part number 0950-2848, these can be ordered from https://partsdirect.hp.com/epdo/partsordering/Shop_For_Parts.asp?nopart=y
You can certainly try installing 2000 with one CPU - see if this makes any difference.

[Kimmo Koho]

Hi!

I'm going to use only that one cpu which works ok. Thanks for help anyway.

Kimmo