Replacing 1600 processors

[Michael Izak]

I have a proliant 1600 which contains a P3-550 MHz processor and a ultra2/3 cage. I wonder if I can replace the P3 550 MHz processor with a faster P3 processor running at 733 MHz or faster? I assume the processor pin settings are the same. What do you suggest to make this work?

I'm looking at a used 1600 unit which contains a P2 450 MHz procesor and a ultra2/3 cage. Both P2 and P3 unit parts look identical. Can I replace the P2 processor with a P3 processor? I'm assuming the P2 processor pin setting are the same as the P3. What do you suggest to make this work?

Please advise.

[JohnWRuffo]

You can install two 600Mhz processors in the 550-P3 model and not change anything.

On the P2 model, you can only install P2 processors.. you would have to change out the processor cage, RAM, etc... to get it to a P3 and that is gona cost a bundle.

[JohnWRuffo]

Sorry for the double post...

Here is a link to the options for the 1600:

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/10035_div/10035_div.html#Options

Hope this helps?

[Michael Izak]

I knew about the 600 MHz chips. I was hoping that putting in a faster processor would bypass the switch speed settings.

As for not being able to swap the P2s with P3s, are you saying the P2 processor motherboard won't support the P3 processors?

[JohnWRuffo]

I am not sure about installing a faster than 600Mhz processor in the box... I have never done it.

As for the PII:
There is a kit you would need to install to make the 400/450 PII be a PIII model. I am sure it is not hard to do, but like I said... gona be $$$.
I saw this:
Note: To Upgrade 400-MHZ, 450-MHz, or 500-MHZ models to the 550-MHz or 600-MHz or when upgrading a 550-MHz to the 600-MHz model, installation of an additional Thermal Upgrade Option Kit (144003-B22) is required. Failure to install this kit when upgrading may cause damage to the server and will void the warranty.

[Brian_Murdoch]

Michael,

The PII and PII processor cages should be the same (Compaq Spare part 313622-001 on a sticker located on the PCB).

To upgrade from PII to PIII (500Mhz and above) you will need the CPU's and voltage regulator modules (VRM's) which changed for these newer CPU's. The memory should be OK without being swapped as the same part numbers are used across the CPU range.

The thermal kit essentially includes a better fan in the processor cage (New one is marked 12V 0.80 amp, old one is 0.49 amp I think). This new one is a Nidec Beta V TA450DC model. Additionally there is a foam air baffle/guide attached to the lid of the processor cage to guide air past the CPU/Memory area more efficiently than the earlier 450Mhz and below models, due to the increased heat. The thermal kit option number is 144003-B22. From experience I can tell you that without the kit (fan and air baffle especially) the Proliant 1600's with higher speed CPU's suffer from NMI parity errors and can be generally unstable.

Hope this helps.

Brian