How to find out the exact configuration of a Compaq server?

[Ilan Vagenshtein]

Hello Sir,

I bought a Compaq server (I believe it is a Proliant), about 3 years old, from a small hi-tech company which was closed.

The server didn't work for the past year, and the people who handled it cannot be found (I bought it through the ones responsible for selling this company's equipment).

How is it possible to know exactly the type of server that I bought? someone told me that all of this data can be found on HP's website, including exact (original) hardware configuration for each server, by the serial number of the server.

Is this true? if so, can you please refer me to this link? and if not - how can I find out?

I received the server with formatted disks, and original MS package of server OS, but I don't want to start installing anything before I know what I have, and maybe do some upgrading.

Many thanks,
Ilan

[Gus Kwong]

To check the spec server (using the part code, which is usually a sticker at the back or a pullout tag looking something like 234567-B21).
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/Division/Division.html


To check the warranty using the serial number:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/WarrantyLookup.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodSeriesId=398220&prodTypeId=15351


Or you can boot up in RBSU and check the CPU type/speed you have got, and you can match with the model using the 1st link above.



ps: Please assign points accordingly.

[Ilan Vagenshtein]

To check the spec server (using the part code, which is usually a sticker at the back or a pullout tag looking something like 234567-B21).
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/Division/Division.html

* OK, I found a tiny label at the frong, stating that it is ProLiant ML-350. I was told that the server should be 3-4 years old, so it makes sense. I also found the general specs for this series (30 pages).

However, I still repeat my question - how do I know the EXACT configuration, meaning amount of memory, number and type of CPU's, number and exact type/size of disks, etc.

I have technical backgroung with desktops and notebooks, but this server boots completely different, and I have no idea of what to do with it, and how to check it...

So, please explain in as much details as possible, as to a laim person.



To check the warranty using the serial number:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/WarrantyLooku
p.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodSeriesId=398220&prodTypeId=15351

* This link does not work - it says that it doesn't exist.



Or you can boot up in RBSU and check the CPU type/speed you have got, and you can match with the model using the 1st link above.

* What is RBSU? can you please explain what you mean?



Thanks a lot,
Ilan

[Igor Karasik]

Shalom Ilan !

1) ML350 3-4 years old maybe G1, G2 or G3 server. If you server is white - you have G1.
(G - is generation).
For G1 server you need SmartStart 5.50 CD for installation/configuration
http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/22678.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN
For G2 or G3 you can use last SmartStart CD
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/25190.html

>> What is RBSU
RBSU is Proliant BIOS setup utility.
F9 or F10 during boot - depend on Proliant generation


>> how do I know the EXACT configuration, meaning amount of memory, number and type of CPU's, number and exact type/size of disks, etc.

CPU and memory information you can see during boot. The main question if server have SmartArray controller (hardware RAID card) or not. If during boot proccess you see something like "SmartArray ...." - you have it ! Type/disk size you can see on SCSI drives

P.S. Where you live in Israel ?

[Ilan Vagenshtein]

Igor,

Thank you so much. The server is white, so I guess it is G1, as you say. I know it was brought from the US for a small hi-tech company that was a client of mine, so I guess it is pretty well configured.

Anyway, I live in Giv'atayim, and still haven't decided what to do with it. I think it is an overkill for my small business, so I may want to sell it, and this is why I want to find as many details on it as possible.

Do you have any idea what I can ask for such a server these days? It has the original MS Windows 2000 Server disks and license (5 clients, I think), and all of the Compaq literature and disks (Backup Tape and more).

Thanks,
Ilan

[Igor Karasik]

>>Do you have any idea what I can ask for such a server these days?

I think 700-800 shekel is maximum,
but find buyer for it - hard task.
G1 is relative old hardware, windows 2000 server + 5 CAL licenses doesn't add almost nothing