Main:Rx2620 CPU
From Servers4Linux
Introduction
Often, you see rx2620's with one CPU. They have 2 sockets, so might as well get a second CPU and use the second socket. You need to get the exact same CPU. You can see the details of your installed CPU at the EFI menu (at boot time, interrupt the boot), or from the EFI shell with the 'info cpu' command.
Something else I haven't tried is that the HP docs indicate that the last models of these would take dual core CPU's (if you had the latest firmware installed). So it's possible to update the firmware, sell your single core CPUs on eBay and use the money to get 2 dual core CPU's. Four cores would be cool.
Get Prepared
Reboot the machine (or power it on). Get console to it, so you can see the boot sequence. When the EFI menu displays, hit esc to interrupt the boot. You can see the CPU details here. Alternately you can select 'EFI Shell' from here, and use the 'info cpu' command. This displays a few more details (like cache size).
Shell> info cpu
PROCESSOR MODULE INFORMATION
# of L3 L4 Family/
CPU Logical Cache Cache Model Processor
Module CPUs Speed Size Size (hex.) Rev State
------ ------- -------- ------ ------ ------- --- ------------
0 1 1.5 GHz 6 MB None 1F/01 B1 Active
You need:
- Sane people use a anti-static wrist strap when they mess with thousand dollar CPUs. Maybe they know something. Get a wrist strap and ground yourself.
- The Fscking Manual (TFM). Yes, read the manual. It has a pretty good step by step. It leaves out a couple of things though. It doesn't mention that you have to remove the plastic knock-out in the Processor Airflow Guide for the second CPU. It also makes no mention of the (required) power supply.
- A long 2.5mm hex allen wrench to lock/unlock the CPU socket. I got mine on eBay for a couple of bucks. The official $75 HP tool is just a 2.5mm allen wrench.
- A Torx screwdriver for the CPU and power supply fasteners (IIRC it's a T15). I bought mine on eBay for a couple of dollars.
- The EXACT same CPU. Same speed, same cache size. Of course, buy one for your exact model number of server (rx2620 in this case). It seems like HP packaged the same actual Itanium chips into 50 different CPU modules, every server has different ones. BE VERY SURE. CPUs are expensive. (Of course, shop around and get a good price. If you can't return it, you can sell it on eBay).
- A CPU power supply. The manual makes no mention of this. I guess if you bought a brand new CPU module from HP (for thousands of dollars) this is included. Most CPUs in the after-market don't include these. There are multiple different models of these, look at the one you have and get the numbers off it. Buy an identical one. Different model numbers output different voltages for different CPUs. They are NOT interchangeable. I googled "mcpod II" (the name off my power supply) and got hits in Google shopping and eBay.
Follow the Procedure in the Manual
Follow the steps in the manual. This is from page 74, "Replacing a Processor". I'll only mention exceptions here. Remember, go very slowly and gently. Nothing is forced, if you're doing it right, everything is smooth and easy. Don't bend any pins. If you encounter resistance, then stop, read the manual again, and think it through.
- Step 1. Disconnect power and cables.
- Step 2. Open the case.
- Step 3. Remove old CPU if applicable.
- Remove processor airflow guide. Not only do you need to remove it, but if you've never had a second CPU installed you need to remove the 2nd CPU plastic cover inside the airflow guide. See pictures below.
- Remove metal socket cover. See pictures below.
- Step 4. Unlock socket. Practice with the tool and go through a couple lock-unlock cycles. Become familiar with what "unlocked" and "locked" feels like. When you do this for real in a moment, the CPU obstructs your view of the handy little locked/unlocked icons. I put a little "flag" on my tool so it's realy easy to see what 180 degree rotation looks like. See pictures below.
- Sandwiched between the CPU and the heat sink is a "sequencing retainer plate". It's a piece of sheet metal. It slides back and forth. In one position, it covers the socket unlock hole, so your tool won't reach. In the other position, it uncovers the hole and your tool will reach. Take a moment and understand which plate position is covered and uncovered. The manual isn't real clear on this. You want it in the uncovered (tool will reach) position. You should be able to see daylight through the heat sink (tool will reach through).
- Step 5. Gently set the CPU into the unlocked socket.
- Step 6. Lock the socket. Good thing you practised.
- Step 7. Slide the sequencing retainer plate to the rear (cover hole).
- Step 8. Tighten screws in a "X" pattern so you don't warp heat sink. Be gentle. You don't need to torque these down. Snug is fine.
- Slide CPU power supply (power pod) into place. It'll make a small click when fully seated. Look at the one that's already installed, the new one will line up the same way (shoulder to shoulder).
- Tighten the power pod down. Mine didn't come with a screw. I stole one from the existing pod, so they each now have one.
- Step 9. Plug the new CPU fan cable in. Plug the new power pod in.
- Step 10. Install the airflow guide.
- Step 11. Replace cover.
- Step 12. Verify operation. Once linux comes up, you should see:
[root@ipf00 ~]# cat /proc/cpuinfo processor : 0 vendor : ia64 arch : IA-64 family : Itanium 2 model : 1 revision : 5 archrev : 0 features : branchlong cpu number : 0 cpu regs : 4 cpu MHz : 1500.000029 itc MHz : 1500.029992 BogoMIPS : 2244.60 siblings : 1 processor : 1 vendor : ia64 arch : IA-64 family : Itanium 2 model : 1 revision : 5 archrev : 0 features : branchlong cpu number : 0 cpu regs : 4 cpu MHz : 1500.000029 itc MHz : 1500.029992 BogoMIPS : 2244.60 siblings : 1
 0 - rx2620 EFI menu showing 1 CPU installed |
 1 - Getting ready for CPU installation, TFM, tools, CPU, power supply |
 2 - Make sure you have a power supply, CPU's are often sold without these |
 3 - Make sure you get the EXACT same CPU speed and model |
 4 - Remove the CPU cover |
 5 - The reverse of the cover has knockouts |
 6 - Carefully remove the knockout |
 7 - Knockout removed |
 8 - The CPU socket has a cover |
 9 - Remove cover |
 10 - Practice opening and closing the socket with the tool |
 11 - Insert the CPU |
 12 - Go slowly, don't bend any pins |
 13 - Lock the CPU into place |
 14 - Tighten screws in a "X" pattern |
 15 - Insert the power supply |
 16 - Screw it down |
 17 - Plug the power cord in |
 18 - Not much left over |
 rx2620 EFI menu showing 2 CPUs installed |
