Dual processors in low-end Integrity systems?

[Duane Sadowski]

Hi. Could someone please answer a couple of questions regarding low-end VMS Integrity systems (rx1620, rx2620, rx3600) systems that have two processor slots?

Can a second processor provide redundancy if one of the processors fails, or does the failure of one processor inevitability cause the whole system to fail even if the other processor is running OK? (FWIW, I'm aware that adding a second processor has implications for the software license costs.)

Also, does one have to buy at the time of the original system purchase the second processor and the VMS license to support the second processor, or can one purchase the second processor and upgrade the VMS license in separate steps later?

- Duane

[Hein van den Heuvel · Accepted solution]

The intent for the second processor is certainly not redundancy, but throughput.

As a processor fails it is 99.99% sure to take down the system with a crash.

During a reboot you can disable it and are likely, but not garantueed, to be able to run with just the other processor. There is no garantuee, because it is a failed devive and may act in strange unpredicted ways.

I feel much more comfortable with a 2 cpu system over 1, but not to the point that I woudl escew a a single dual core montecity in the 2620 over two single cores. Then I would take the montecito and derive comfort from knowing there is an empty socket should business load need more power.

I'm sureyou can buy the second processor laer, but I think it is pretty rare that folks actually would. Still, it is nice to know that you could.

The above are just opionions and by no means authoritive answers. You would need to ask HP for an official answer, specifically for the licenses.

Hope this helps some,
Hein van den Heuvel
HvdH Performance Consulting

[Hoff]

As Hein indicates, typically no, and typically yes, respectively.

The usual response for OpenVMS configurations requiring uptime is clustering. There are Integrity systems -- the Integrity NonStop series -- that are intended to provide higher reliability and uptime. With the non-NonStop boxes, the processors and cores are intended for increased performance.

There have been various discussions around Capacity On Demand programs; on subset licensing. The names of these programs tend to vary, and may or may not be available on the platform. You might well simply be able to license fewer cores than are present. You can have one or two cores in a socket, and different numbers of sockets; these three systems always have two sockets, and the processors can have one or two cores. A quick look at the rx3600 shows only dual-core processors listed.

Check with your HP reseller or HP representative for assistance with this purchase. If you don't feel comfortable with that or should you want explanations or assistance or translations from HP-speak into English, there are folks that can assist with the discussions.

[Duane Sadowski]

Hein:

Thanks for the information regarding the implications of the second processor.

Hoff:

Thanks for the information about the failure of a processor and about the licensing programs.

Also, when you referred to assistance with discussions with HP or resellers, were you referring to HP / reseller staff or instead to outside consultants?

- Duane

[Hoff]

There are folks around that can assist with HP product purchases and working with HP resellers and used-equipment vendors; to help match your particular requirements and your particular assumptions with the available products and services, and to work with the purchaser and the HP rep or HP reseller or other vendor, and to then help smoothly integrate the equipment back into your specific environment.

Anything from answering the phone when you have questions to out-sourcing the purchase and installation process. With training. Customized and site-tailored operational procedures. Or more.

[Philip Gegen]

Duane,

It is very easy to add processors at a later time. That goes for the Alpha and Itanium servers. I will typically spec what I need at the time of purchase, and then wait a year or so for the price of the additional hardware to go down, and them purchase any additional processors.

With the Itaniums you will have to upgrade your license PAKs.

[Duane Sadowski]

Hoff:

Thanks for detailing some of the ways outsiders can help with product purchases.

[Duane Sadowski]

Philip:

Thanks for answering my question about the viability of adding processors after the initial purchase.

That's kinda neat. As one's processor needs increase over time, the price of additional processors drops. :-)

- Duane

[Andy Bustamante]

>>That's kinda neat. As one's processor needs increase over time, the price of additional processors drops.

The options for upgrade also can change over time. The Alphaserver 4100 makes a good example. We sold many of these with a 466/4 mb cache CPU moduel or two. Additional CPUs were added. Even later these were replaced with up to 4 x 600/8mb cache modules. As our customer grew, so the the available options for upgrade. Eventually the 4100's were replaced with newer sytems, but for us, it was workhorse for many years.

HP can provide future options, generally under NDA to help plan the purchase.

Andy

[Duane Sadowski]

Andy:

Thanks for letting me know that not only the price may drop but also superior new alternative components might become available.

- Duane