CPU failure on Dual-Processor system with MS OS

[Christian Friebe]

Hi,
we a re planning to install Windows Server 2003 on a dual processor DL380 G4 HP Proliant system. What happens when the server is up and running and one of the cpu's fails? Will the Operating system and applications continue to operate or will the server shutdown/reboot/bluescreen?
We are trying to investigate if more than one cpu are usefull for hardware resilience.
Many thanks!

[Oleg Koroz]

Failed CPU is very rare occasion; normally what can be wrong with CPU: wrong part number, DOA, or Bent Pins. 1:100000 that it won't fail in the normal operational environment, with UPS. I wouldn't speculate any scenario or expectation that CPU might fail. Just follow your needs, if you need more Performance, application requires dual CPU, do so. CPU might fail from power spike caused by External or Internal Components. In Dual system: if one CPU fails - there is no template what could happened: BSOD or Crush or etc., mainly failed CPU appears at POST after unexpected Power Outage or scheduled Restart, when System experience power load over circuit components.

[CLEB]

Hello

I had just this happen on my DL360 G4.

Windows 2003 Standard Edition. Server was running fine for six months then could not ping one morning. Investigation found OS had created stop error and server was dead apart from power light on.

Would not boot, no screen output until second CPU was removed.

Warranty replacement for new CPU and server has been working since.

[Terry Hutchings]

The use of two or more cpus is not meant to be used for fault tolerance, but rather a performance benefit.

[DJ Cigar]

HP DL 585 will continue to run in most cases in a degraded state as long as the failed processor isn't CPU #2.