FLOATING POINT BENCHMARKS
167 MHz 250 MHz 250 MHz 336 MHz 400 MHz 400 MHz 400 MHz
1 MB
1 MB 4 MB
4 MB 4 MB
8 MB 8 MB
84 MHz 83 MHz 83 MHz
84 MHz 100 MHz 100 MHz 80 MHz
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -------
------
SPECfp95 1 CPU
9.37
11.7 15.0
20.4
25.4 30.1
28.5
2 CPU
N/A
N/A N/A
25.8
33.3 36.2
N/A
4 CPU
N/A N/A
N/A 33.7
42.8 47.9
N/A
6 CPU
20.4 24.8
30.8 37.6
47.6 53.5
N/A
8 CPU
N/A
N/A N/A
N/A
50.1 57.7
N/A
10 CPU
N/A
N/A N/A
N/A
51.1 59.1
N/A
12 CPU
23.1
29.3 34.7
40.6
54.4 61.5
58.4
SPECfp_rate95 1 CPU
83
104 135
184
229
267 256
6 CPU
469
584 745
1,036 1,244
1,519 1,452
8 CPU
N/A
N/A N/A
1,278 1,611
1,956 1,893
10 CPU
N/A
N/A N/A
N/A 1,925
2,354 2,309
12 CPU
887 1,073
1,436 1,798
2,209 2,790
2,704
14 CPU
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
2,465 3,199
3,095
24 CPU
1,497 1,656
2,340 2,786
N/A
N/A 4 ,522
30 CPU
1,660 1,782
2,580 3,021
N/A
N/A 5,269
The following compilers were used for this
benchmark:
167 MHz/1 MB SC4.2
alpha
250 MHz/1 MB SC4.2
beta
250 MHz/4 MB SC5.0
alpha
336 MHz/4 MB SC5.0
400 MHz/4 MB SC5.0
400 MHz/8 MB SC5.0
Solaris versions do not impact these performance
benchmarks.
HPC HPC
HPC HPC
Description
3500 4500 5500 6500
===========
==== ==== ==== ====
CPU MHz
400 400
400 400
Cache/
CPU MB
8 8
8 8
Max CPUs
8 14
14 30
Min CPUs
1 1
1 1
Max Memory
8 GB 14 GB
14 GB 30 GB
Performance
Gflop/s
Peak
4.800 11.200 11.200 24.000
Linpack*
2.951 4.505 4.505 5.190
DP 1000
Linpack*
5.772 10.050 10.050 21.610
DP Rmax
* Linpack and Linpeak results are based
on the Solaris 2.6
Operating Environment and a matrix size
of 20352 for DP Rmax.
The Sun HPC 10000/6500 results are based
on the Solaris 7
Operating Environment and a matrix size
of 39936 for DP Rmax.
2. PRODUCT PREVIEW DATE
------------------------
January 12, 1999
3. ANNOUNCE DATE
-----------------
January 26, 1999
CURRENT INTEGER BENCHMARKS
HPC HPC HPC
HPC HPC
HPC
Description
450 3500 4500
5500 6500 10000
=========== ====
==== ==== ==== ====
=====
CPU MHz
400 400 400
400 400 400
Cache/
CPU MB
4 8
8 8
8 8
Max CPUs
4 8
14 14
30 64
Min CPUs
1 1
1 1
1 4
Max Memory 4 GB
8 GB 14 GB 14 GB 30 GB
64 GB
Performance
Gflop/s
Peak
3.200 4.800 11.200 11.200 24.000
51.20
Linpack*
1.841 2.951 4.505 4.505
5.190 N/A
DP 1000
Linpack*
2.879 5.772 10.050 10.050 21.610
43.82
DP Rmax
* Linpack and Linpeak results are based
on the Solaris 2.6
Operating Environment and a matrix size
of 20352 for DP Rmax.
The Sun HPC 10000/6500 results are based
on the Solaris 7
Operating Environment and a matrix size
of 39936 for DP Rmax.
PREVIOUS INTEGER BENCHMARKS
167MHz 250 MHz 250 MHz
336 MHz 400 MHz
1 MB 1 MB
4 MB
4 MB 4 MB
------- ------- ------- -------
-------
SPECint95 1 CPU
6.60 9. 74
10.4
14.9 17.7
SPECint_rate95 1 CPU 59
84
93.9
134 158
6 CPU 336
505
556 767
928
12 CPU 660
1,007 1,096
1,487 1,828
14 CPU N/A
N/A
N/A N/A
2,119
24 CPU 1,296
1,942 2,171
2,944 N/A
30 CPU 1,636
2,317 2,630
3,480 N/A
The following compilers were used for this benchmark:
167 MHz/1 MB SC4.2 alpha
250 MHz/1 MB SC4.2 beta
250 MHz/4 MB SC5.0 alpha
336 MHz/4 MB SC5.0
400 MHz/4 MB SC5.0
Solaris versions do not impact these performance benchmarks.
FLOATING POINT BENCHMARKS
167 MHz 250 MHz 250 MHz 336 MHz
400 MHz
1 MB
1 MB 4 MB
4 MB
4 MB
------- ------- ------- -------
-------
SPECfp 1 CPU 9.37
11.7 15.0
20.4 25.4
2 CPU N/A
N/A N/A
25.8 33.3
4 CPU N/A
N/A N/A
33.7 42.8
6 CPU 20.4
24.8 30.8
37.6 N/A
8 CPU N/ A
N/A N/A
N/A 50.1
10 CPU N/A
N/A N/A
N/A 51.1
12 CPU 23.1
29.3 34.7
40.6 54.4
SPECfp_rate95
1 CPU 83
104 135
184 229
6 CPU 469
584 745
1,036 1,244
8 CPU N/A
N/A N/A
1,278 1,611
10 CPU N/A
N/ A N/ A
N/A 1,925
12 CPU 887 1,073
1,436
1,798 2,209
14 CPU N/A
N/A N/A
N/A 2,465
24 CPU 1,497 1,656
2,340
2,786 N/A
30 CPU 1,660 1,782
2,580
3,021 N/A
The following compilers were used for this benchmark:
167 MHz/1 MB SC4.2 alpha
250 MHz/1 MB SC4.2 beta
250 MHz/4 MB SC5.0 alpha
336 MHz/4 MB SC5.0
400 MHz/4 MB SC5.0
NOTE: The Sun HPC 6500 server does not support the
400-MHz
module:
HPC HPC HPC
HPC HPC
Description
450 3500 4500
5500 10000
=========== ====
==== ==== ==== =====
CPU MHz
400 400 400
400 400
Cache/
CPU MB
4 4
4
4 4
Max CPUs
4 8
14
14 64
Min CPUs
1 1
1
1 4
Max Memory 4
GB 8 GB 14 GB 14 GB
64 GB
Performance
Gflop/s
Peak
3.200 4.800 11.200 11.200 51.20
Linpack*
1.841 2.951 4.505 4.505
N/A
DP 1000
Linpack*
2.879 5.772 10.050 10.050 43.82
DP Rmax
* Linpack and Linpeak results are based on the Solaris 2.6
Operating Environment and a matrix
size of 20352 for DP
Rmax, the Sun HPC 10000 results
are based on the Solaris 7
Operating Environment and a matrix
size of 39936 for
DP Rmax
-PLATFORM:
The 400-MHz/8-MB Module is supported on Sun Enterprise 3000-6000
and
3500-6500 servers. The Sun Enterprise 3000-6000 and 6500
servers must
have the latest clock board that can support the 5-to-1
CPU-to-Gigaplane speed ratio. Upgraded Sun Enterprise 3000-5000
configurations may not require a new clock board in order to
support
the 400-MHz/8-MB module. Please see Item 11, QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS,
below for additional details. (Also see the Sun Product Intro
for the
New Sun Enterprise 3500-6500 Base Packages). The 400-MHz/8-MB
Module
can run on all Sun Enterprise 3X00-6X00 CPU/memory boards and
I/O
boards. Some limitations do exist and they are described
in Item 11,
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, below.
-OPERATING ENVIRONMENT:
Solaris(TM) 2.5.1 Hardware: 11/97 or above; Solaris 2.6 Hardware:
3/98
or above; Solaris 7 Operating Environment
Flashprom 3.2.21 (with patch 103346-21) is required in order to
support the 400-MHz/8-MB module.
The following Solaris patches are also required in order to support
the 400-MHz/8-MB module:
- patch 103640-27 for Solaris 2.5.1
- patch 105181-14 for Solaris 2.6
All of the above patches mentioned above are available at
http://sunsolve.sun.com/
-LICENSING: N/A
-RELEVANT STANDARDS SUPPORTED: N/A
-COMPATIBLE THIRD-PARTY APPLICATIONS: N/A
-SHIPS WITH: N/A
-UPGRADE PLAN:
Sun is introducing a clock board upgrade for the Sun Enterprise
3000-6000 and existing Sun Enterprise 3500-6500 customers.
(Please
see the Sun Product Intro for the New Enterprise 3500-6500 Base
Packages for more information on the clock board upgrade.)
11. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
-------------------------
Q. Is any new hardware required to support the 400-MHz/8-MB module in
the Sun Enterprise 3500-5500 servers?
A. No, this module does not require any new hardware in order to be
supported in the Sun Enterprise 3500-5500 servers.
The Gigaplane is
capable of running at 100 MHz in these systems, and the
clock board
in these servers is capable of supporting a 4-to-1 CPU-to-Gigaplane
speed ratio; in other words, the clock board supports
the
400-MHz/8-MB processor while the Gigaplane runs at 100
MHz.
Q. Is any new hardware required to support the 400-MHz/8-MB module in
the Sun Enterprise 6500?
A. Possibly, depending upon which Sun Enterprise 6500 base package is
being used. The Gigaplane is not capable of running
at 100 MHz in
the Sun Enterprise 6500, therefore a clock board that
is capable of
handling a 5-to-1 CPU-to-Gigaplane speed ratio is required;
in other
words, a clock board that has the ability to support the
400-MHz/8-MB processor while the Gigaplane runs at 80-MHz
is
required.
A new clock board with this capability is included in the
new Sun
Enterprise 3500-6500 base packages announced on May 4,
1999.
Therefore the new Sun Enterprise 6500 base package, which
can be
identified by a new ordering number, will not require
any additional
hardware in order to support the 400-MHz/8-MB module.
The original Sun Enterprise 6500 does not include the new
clock
board that can support the 5-to-1 CPU-to-Gigaplane speed
ratio and
would, therefore, require a clock board upgrade in order
to support
the new 400-MHz/8-MB module. (Please see the Sun
Product Intro for
the new Sun Enterprise 3500-6500 Base Packages for more
information
on the new clock board and the clock board upgrade).
Q. Is the 400-MHz/8-MB UltraSPARC module supported in a Sun
Enterprise 3X00-6X00 system with 84-MHz-capable system
boards?
A. Yes, the 400-MHz/8-MB UltraSPARC module is supported in a system
with 84-MHz-capable system boards, due to the fact that
it supports
both a 4-to-1 and 5-to-1 CPU-to-Gigaplane speed ratio.
With the
4-to-1 ratio, the system boards need to be 100-MHz-capable,
however
the 5-to-1 ratio only requires that the system boards
are 80-MHz
capable.
Please note that if an original Sun Enterprise 3000-6000
CPU/memory
board is used, then only 2 MB of external cache can be
used per
400-MHz/8-MB module on that CPU/memory board. The
original Sun
Enterprise 3000-6000 CPU/memory board is only capable
of supporting
2 MB of external cache per processor.
Q. Is any new hardware required in order to support the 400-MHz/8-MB
module in the Sun Enterprise 3000-6000; that is, systems
that may
have 84-MHz-capable system boards?
A. Yes. With the exception of upgraded Sun Enterprise 3000-5000
servers, the Gigaplane is not capable of running at 100
MHz in these
systems. Therefore, a clock board that is capable
of handling a
5-to-1 CPU-to-Gigaplane speed ratio is required; in other
words, a
clock board that has the ability to support the 400-MHz/8-MB
processor while the Gigaplane runs at 80-MHz is required.
Clock
board upgrades are required for the Sun Enterprise 3000-6000
servers. (Please see the Sun Product Intro for the
new Sun
Enterprise 3500-6500 Base Packages for more information
on the clock
board upgrade).
Q. Based on the above answer, does this mean that Sun
Enterprise 3000-5000 servers that have been upgraded to
include both
100-MHz-capable system boards and 100-MHz-capable Gigaplane
can
support the 400-MHz/8-MB module?
A. Yes, however there is a requirement that the clock board being used
is not the very first clock board introduced with the
Sun
Enterprise 3000-6000 servers. This clock board cannot
support any
processors with clock speeds greater than 167 MHz.
Q. Can the new 400-MHz/8-MB module be factory-configured with the
original Sun Enterprise 3500-6500 base packages or only
with the new
base packages that are being announced on May 4, 1999?
A. The 400-MHz/8-MB module can be factory-configured with the new base
packages, but not with the original base packages, which
are
transitioning from the price list.
Q. Is any new software or firmware required to support the 400-MHz/8-MB
module in the Sun Enterprise 3X00-6X00 servers?
A. Yes, please see "OPERATING ENVIRONMENT" in Item 10 above for
details.
Q. Are there any system slot limitations on the Sun Enterprise 6000
or 6500 when using the 400-MHz/8-MB module?
A. No. All sixteen slots are available on both the Sun Enterprise
6000
and 6500, and each server still has a maximum capacity
of 30 CPUs.
Q. Are there any limitations with regard to power supply redundancy
(N+1) associated with the 400-MHz/8-MB UltraSPARC module?
A. Yes, the 100-MHz-Gigaplane-capable 8-slot systems (Sun
Enterprise 4500, Sun Enterprise 5500, and Sun Enterprise
4000
and 5000 servers with upgraded 100-MHz Gigaplane) have
an N+1 power
limitation. These systems do not support N+1 power
if the system
has seven CPU/memory boards installed (even with four
power/cooling
modules installed). This particular configuration
provides "N"
power. N+1 power is supported in all other
configurations of these
systems, assuming the correct number of power/cooling
modules are
installed.
The N+1 power limitation occurs because the 100-MHz system
speed
consumes more power than 80-MHz or 84-MHz system speeds.
The
increased power consumption does not leave enough spare
power to
continue running a system with seven CPU/memory boards
installed if
one of the power/cooling modules fails.
Q. Do fully configured Sun Enterprise 4500 and 5500 servers with twelve
400-MHz/8-MB modules, six CPU/memory boards, two I/O boards,
and
four power/cooling modules have N+1 power, even when the
Gigaplane
is running at 100-MHz?
A. Yes, the N+1 power limitation is applicable only when the
configuration includes seven CPU/memory boards.
Q. Can a Sun Enterprise 3500 through 6500 system support a mixture of
different processor speeds (for example, 336-MHz and 400-MHz)?
A. Mixing 167-MHz modules, 250-MHz modules, 336-MHz modules, or 400-MHz
modules in a single Sun Enterprise 3500-6500 system is
not supported.
Q. Can the 400-MHz/8-MB module and the 400-MHz/4-MB module be supported
together in a single Sun Enterprise 3X00-5X00 system?
A. Yes, systems that support the 400-MHz/4-MB module; that is the Sun
Enterprise 3X00-5X00 servers where the Gigaplane and system
boards
are 100-MHz capable, can also support the 400-MHz/8-MB
module. Both
processors can even be supported on the same CPU/memory
board;
however, only 4 MB of cache can be utilized on the 400-MHz/8-MB
processor (on that particular CPU/memory board).
Q. Is the mixing of other UltraSPARC modules that run at the same
speed, but with different cache sizes, supported in a
single Sun
Enterprise 3X00-6X00 system? For example, can multiple
cache sizes
exist for both the 167-MHz and the 250-MHz module?
A. Yes. 167-MHz modules require that both modules on a single
board
must have the same cache sizes, however 250-MHz modules
with
different cache sizes can now be supported on the same
board,
provided that Flashprom 3.2.21 or later is used.
Q. It is clear that the Gigaplane runs at 80-MHz on the Sun
Enterprise 6X00 servers, when supporting the 400-MHz/8-MB
module, but how is the Gigaplane speed determined on the
Sun
Enterprise 3500-5000, where the Gigaplane is capable of
running at
either 80 MHz or 100 MHz?
A. The default Gigaplane speed on the Sun Enterprise 3500-5500 servers
(and Sun Enterprise 3000-5000 servers that have been upgraded
to
support the 100-MHz Gigaplane speed) is 100 MHz and will
support the
400-MHz/8-MB processor with a 4-to-1 CPU-to-Gigaplane
speed ratio.
If, however, any of the system boards in the server is
only 84-MHz
capable, the Gigaplane will run at 80 MHz and support
the
400-MHz/8-MB processor with a 5-to-1 CPU-to-Gigaplane
speed ratio.
Q. Why is Sun not announcing support for the new 400-MHz/8-MB module
with the Sun HPC 3500-HPC6500 servers?
A. HPC customers who require the new 400-MHz/8-MB UltraSPARC module
must order the Sun Enterprise 3500-6500 server version
and the HPC
software separately. Sun is planning an HPC ClusterTools
3.0
announcement in late May, which will include new HPC 3500-6500
base
packages. These new base packages will include the
same hardware
changes as the new Sun Enterprise 3500-6500 base packages.
It did not
make sense to revise the HPC base packages for HPC 2.0
and then
subsequently revise for a HPC 3.0 announcement within
the same month.
Questions and Answers from the 400MHz/4 Announcement
Q. Explain the various performance numbers for the Sun HPC servers.
A. The Peak Performance is the theoretical maximum compute performance
based on the number of floating point calculations
per second of a
single processor times the number of processors
in the system.
Linpack DP 1000 represents the direct solution via
LU factorization
of a 1000 x 1000 full-matrix equation.
The Linpack DP Rmax benchmark is the same task for
an arbitrarily
sized matrix chosen to exhibit maximum performance.
This benchmark
is sometimes referred to as "Linpeak."
5. ANNOUNCEMENT SUMMARY
------------------------
Introducing the new 400-MHz/4-MB module, which replaces the
336-MHz/4-MB module as the high-end module for Sun Enterprise/HPC
3500
through 5500 and 10000 servers. The 400-MHz/4-MB module
performs up to
19 percent better than the 336-MHz/4-MB module. The 400-MHz/4-MB
module has the best price/performance of any Sun Enterprise/HPC
3500
through 5500 and 10000 UltraSPARC(TM) module.
Announcing the repricing of 250-MHz/4-MB and 336-MHz/4-MB UltraSPARC
modules for the Sun Enterprise 3500 through 10000 servers, which
will
further strengthen Sun's competitive position by offering even
better
price/performance than before.
The Sun Enterprise/HPC 3500 four-way Base Packages are being
transitioned off of the price list.
Several UltraSPARC module upgrades are also repriced in conjunction
with the UltraSPARC module price change.
New Gigaplane(TM) and I/O Board upgrades are announced along with
a
trade-in promotion for customers with Sun SPARCserver(TM) 1000
or
SPARCcenter(TM) 2000 servers.
6. NEW FEATURES
----------------
Faster and higher-performing UltraSPARC module for the Sun
Enterprise 3500 through 5500 and 10000 servers.
Gigaplane upgrades for the Sun Enterprise 4000 and 5000 and I/O
board
upgrades for the Sun Enterprise 3X00 through 6X00 servers
7. PRODUCT TIMETABLE
---------------------
- Press Release Date:
February 17, 1999
- First Order Date:
January 26, 1999
- First Customer Ship Date: January 26, 1999
- Volume Ship Date:
January 26, 1999
8. TARGET AUDIENCE(S)
----------------------
Sun Enterprise server customers
9. MARKET VALUE PROPOSITION
----------------------------
When I buy the 400-MHz UltraSPARC module for my Sun Enterprise
server,
I get up to 19 percent higher performance with better price/performance
than the 336-MHz module.
10. PRODUCT DETAILS
-------------------
Feature
Function
Benefit
--------
--------
-------
"Because of-"
"You can-"
"Which means-"
400-MHz, 4-MB
Faster system
Provides highest
UltraSPARC module performance
performance available
on Sun Enterprise and
Sun HPC 3500 through 5500
and 10000 servers;
provides best price/
performance for Sun
Enterprise and Sun
HPC 3500 through 5500
and 10000 servers
400-MHz CPU
Run Gigaplane
Increased Gigaplane
speed
at 100-MHz
throughput of 3.2 GB/sec.
in Sun Enterprise/HPC 3500
through 5500 servers;
increased Gigaplane-XB(TM)
throughput of
12.8 GB/sec. in Sun
Enterprise/HPC 10000
servers
-PRODUCT CATEGORY (1-4): N/A
-PRODUCT SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: N/A
-PLATFORM:
400-MHz/4-MB module is supported on Sun Enterprise and HPC 3000
through 5000, 3500 through 5500, and 10000 servers. The
Sun
Enterprise/HPC 3000 through 5000 servers must have 100-MHz
compatible Gigaplane, clock board, and system boards.
The Sun
Enterprise/HPC 10000 must have the new Sun Enterprise/HPC 10000
system boards.
-OPERATING ENVIRONMENT:
Solaris(TM) 2.5.1 Hardware: 11/97 or above; Solaris 2.6 Hardware:
3/98
or above required; Solaris 7. Sun Enterprise Flashprom
update 3.2.18
or above required for Sun Enterprise 3X00-5X00 servers.
Sun
Enterprise/ HPC 10000 System Service Processor software must
be
upgraded to version 3.1
-LICENSING: N/A
-RELEVANT STANDARDS SUPPORTED: N/A
-COMPATIBLE THIRD-PARTY APPLICATIONS: N/A
-SHIPS WITH: N/A
-UPGRADE PLAN:
Sun is introducing a Gigaplane upgrade for Sun Enterprise 4000
and Sun
Enterprise 5000 customers. I/O Board and 400-MHz module
upgrades are
also being introduced
11. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
-------------------------
Q. Is there any new hardware or software required to support the
400-MHz module in the Sun Enterprise 3X00 through
5X00 servers?
A. The 400-MHz modules will require Sun Enterprise Flashprom update
3.2.18 or above. Other than the Flashprom
version, no new hardware
or software is required from what is being shipped
currently in the
Sun Enterprise 3500 through 5500 servers.
They will run in existing Enterprise 3000 through
5000 servers if
they have the following:
- Sun Enterprise Flashprom update 3.2.18 or above
- 100-MHz clock board which is required to support
100-MHz
Gigaplane
The Sun Enterprise 3000 clock board and
Gigaplane are already
100-MHz capable, so in most cases only
the system boards need to
be upgraded in order to support the
400-MHz modules. Only
original Sun Enterprise 3000 base packages
need to have the clock
board upgraded. This is because
the original clock board in Sun
Enterprise 3000 base package did not
support any modules above
167 MHz and, therefore, needs to be
upgraded to support 400-MHz
modules. Sun Enterprise 3001 and
3002 base packages do not need
to have the clock board upgraded because
they shipped with a
second-generation clock board that supported
modules above
167 MHz.
A 100-MHz clock board upgrade is also available.
- 100-MHz capable CPU/Memory and I/O boards (2602A,
2612A, 2622A,
and 2632A)
See the upgrades ordering section for
a list of available 100-MHz
I/O board upgrades. The 100-MHz
CPU/Memory Board upgrade was
previously announced in April, 1998.
- An upgraded 100-MHz capable Gigaplane in the Sun
Enterprise 4000
and 5000
NOTE: Sun Enterprise 3000 excluded, see above.
Q. Are there any limitations in regard to power supply redundancy
(N+1)
associated with the 400-MHz/4-MB UltraSPARC module?
A. Yes, the 100-MHz-Gigaplane-capable 8-slot systems (Sun
Enterprise 4500, 5500, and Sun Enterprise 4000 and
5000 servers with
upgraded 100-MHz Gigaplane) have an N+1 power limitation.
These
systems do not support N+1 power if the system has
seven CPU/Memory
boards installed (even with four Power/Cooling modules
installed).
N+1 power is supported in any other configurations
of these systems,
assuming the correct number of Power/Cooling modules
are installed.
The N+1 power limitation is due to the fact that
the 100-MHz system
speed consumes more power than the 84-MHz system
speed that these
Sun systems currently run at. The increased
power consumption does
not leave enough spare power to continue running
a system with seven
CPU/Memory boards installed if one of the Power/Cooling
modules fails.
Q. Do fully configured Sun Enterprise 4500 and 5500 servers with
twelve
400-MHz/4-MB modules, six CPU/Memory boards, two
I/O boards, and
four Power/Cooling modules have N+1 power?
A. Yes, the N+1 power limitation is applicable only when the
configuration includes seven CPU/Memory boards.
Q. Is the 400-MHz/4-MB UltraSPARC module supported in a system
with any
84-MHz system boards?
A. No, the 400-MHz/4-MB UltraSPARC module is not supported in
a system
with any 84-MHz system boards, due to the fact that
it runs at a 4:1
CPU-to-Gigaplane speed ratio and requires the Gigaplane
(and
associated system boards) to run at 100-MHz.
Q. Why isn't the 400-MHz/4-MB UltraSPARC module supported in the
Sun
Enterprise 6500 and 6000 servers?
A. The 400-MHz/4-MB module requires the Gigaplane to run at 100-MHz.
The Sun Enterprise 6500 and 6000 servers cannot
support running the
Gigaplane at 100-MHz due to the physical length
of the bus.
Q. Will there be a faster-than-336-MHz UltraSPARC module available
for
the Sun Enterprise 6500 and 6000 servers?
A. Yes, there will be a module available that will run faster
than
336-MHz and will not require the Gigaplane, I/O
boards, or
2601A/2602A CPU/Memory boards to be upgraded (2600A
CPU/Memory
boards will need to be upgraded). Up to 30
of these future modules
will be supported and all sixteen Gigaplane slots
will be able to be
utilized.
Q. Will the 400-MHz/4-MB module ever be supported in the Sun
Enterprise 6500 and 6000 Servers?
A. No, the 400-MHz/4-MB module will never be supported in the
Sun
Enterprise 6500 and 6000 Servers.
Q. Is it necessary to upgrade the Gigaplane in order to support
faster-than 336-MHz modules in the Sun Enterprise
3000 through 5000
servers?
A. At this time yes, but in the future there will be a new module
available that will run at faster-than-336-MHz speeds
and will not
require the Gigaplane, I/O boards, or 2601A/2602A
CPU/Memory boards
to be upgraded (2600A CPU/Memory boards will need
to be upgraded).
Q. Can you give any details about the future module?
A. No, it is Sun's policy not to discuss future, unreleased products.
Specific details are available under non-disclosure.
Q. Will an Sun Enterprise 3500 through 5500 system support a mixture
of
different processor speeds (for example, 336-MHz
and 400-MHz)?
A. Mixing 167-MHz modules, 250-MHz modules, 336-MHz modules, or
400-MHz
modules in a single system is not supported.
Mixing same-frequency
modules with different external cache is supported,
as long as all
modules on a single CPU/Memory Board have the same
size external
cache.
Q. Is there any new hardware or software required to support the
400-MHz module in the Sun Enterprise 10000 servers?
A. There *are* hardware and software requirements to run in the
Sun
Enterprise 10000. They must have the following:
- latest Sun Enterprise 10000 system board (2761A).
There is a Sun
Enterprise 10000 system board upgrade
available.
- For Sun Enterprise 10000 customers installing 400-MHz
modules, the
Sun Enterprise 10000 System Service Processor
software must be
upgraded to version 3.1
- There are also software patches required for the Sun
Enterprise
10000 system service processor software version
3.1 to support the
new Starfire(TM) system board with 400-MHz
modules. The patches
can be found at the SunSolve(TM) web site.
Q. Is a new Sun Enterprise 10000 Centerplane required to run at
100 MHz?
A. No, the current Centerplane runs at 83 MHz and was designed
from the
beginning to run at 100 MHz. The Starfire
factory has been testing
Centerplanes at 100 MHz since the fourth quarter
of fiscal year
1998, and no failures have occurred.
Q. Will a system support a mixture of different processor speeds
in the
Sun Enterprise 10000 server, for example 336-MHz
and 400-MHz?
A. Mixing 250-MHz modules, 336-MHz modules, or 400-MHz modules
in a
single system is not supported. Mixing same
frequency modules with
different external cache is supported as long as
all modules on a
single CPU/Memory Board have the same size external
cache.
However, during a managed Sun Enterprise 10000 upgrade
process, the
400-MHz modules will run at 250-MHz or 336-MHz.
Therefore, you will
be able to dynamically reconfigure all the new system
boards into
the Starfire without having to take the system
down. After all the
system boards and CPUs have been installed, the
entire system can be
taken up to 100 MHz/400 MHz at one time, verified
and accepted.
This should minimize the impact on the customer's
operation.
The above, of course, relies on all I/O paths having
Alternate
Pathing.
Q. Can I upgrade some of my Sun Enterprise 10000 Domains to 400-MHz
and
do the rest later?
A. No, mixed-speed processors are not allowed within a Sun
Enterprise 10000 system.
Q. What is bundled with the Sun HPC Servers?
A. The Sun HPC Servers comes bundled with a Sun HPC Software License
that includes enough tokens for a fully populated
configuration
(maximum number of processors). No software
media nor documentation
is included with the Sun HPC hardware.
12. LOCALIZATION AND INTERNATIONALIZATION
-----------------------------------------
N/A
13. TRANSITION TIMELINE
-----------------------
Last Order Date: April 30, 1999
Last Ship Date: July 30, 1999