upgrading ProLiant DL380 G3

[bigbuoy]

Hi Guys, we have a server that we would like to upgrade. Currently the machine has one Intel Xeon Processor @ 2.80 Ghz, 512 MHz. We would like to upgrade the machine to run with two Xeon Processor @ 2.80 Ghz, 533 MHz processors. Can anyone give me tips on how to do this? What should I be aware of? Currently there is one new processor with one VRM module, the original. The machine boots okay but it is showing me that the processor is not being used to it's full potential only running at 2.1 GHz instead of 2.8 Should we upgrade the VRM modules and are there upgrades available?
The original Part No.: 266284-001 Spare Part No.: 290560-001
Any help greatly appreciated, regards.

[u84823]

HP CPU option kit will include everything that's needed - CPU, heatsink, VRM etc. But will no doubt cost a fortune. Google on the QuickSpecs for this machine to find the part number.

[bigbuoy]

Hi there u84823, when you say part no. which part no. are you referring too? I have already listed the spare part no.'s of the original pieces above. Thanks for you fast response, I did not expect such a quick reply. Cheers!

[u84823]

Look here:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11430_na/11430_na.HTML#Options

Option kit you need is 314763-B21 by the look of it.

[bigbuoy]

Hi u84823,
the advice you give me is for a ProLiant ML350 G3 systems with 533 MHz front side bus only.
We are upgrading an DL380 G3... are they compatible?

[u84823]

Sorry my mistake, look here:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11473_div/11473_div.HTML#Options

[bigbuoy]

Hi u84823,
I had a look at the page but it is still not clear to me which Processor upgrade kit I need. This server was retired in 2005, It was originally shipped with an Intel Xeon Processor @ 2.80 Ghz, 512 MHz processor. We bought two 533MHz processors without really knowing how to upgrade (yes I know...dumb mistake) What I need to find out is should we order part 266284-001 VRM module or are there newer modules that can be used to upgrade the server so that both processors will be used to their full potential. What do we need to upgrade? Will we need a new power converter? I am reluctant to order anything else as this is turning nightmarish with parts & prices,
Regards,

[u84823]

Since there are two options for the 2.8GHz chip (400 and 533MHz), you may have the wrong processors. Any you may or may not have heatsinks that will fit and be of the right size.

Do you know the actual part number of the server?

TBH it will probably be a lot cheaper and easier (and maybe better performance) to replace it with an ML115 G5 quad-core, presuming this is a test box by now(?).

[bigbuoy]

I presume by part number you mean the server serial number? 8252LDN11578

The processors we have purchased are both 2.8 GHz 533MHz and they both fit in the server (with heatsink attached of course). I have been able to boot the server successfully using one processor. The question is though; can we get the processor to use it's full capability? How would I go about doing that? Also is there a dip/jumper setting on the board that I should check?
Regards,

[Sysop_2]

Product Number is 301111-001

[mstoumba1]

Seems like there was also a bios upgrade for this box to get it to detect the processors . Did you check that? just thinking out loud

[Oscar Ekeroth]

I too have the problem with a 2.8 GHz Xeon only running at 2.1 GHz, does anyone have a solution for this?

[Graeme Bray]

Oscar,

Do you have PC1600 Memory in the server? This could cause the processor to slow down. You should run PC2100 memory in this server.

Thanks,

Graeme

[Oscar Ekeroth]

Hi Graeme, thanks for your response, but no, I'm using PC2100.

/Oscar