Compaq 307560-001 - ProLiant - 2500R User manual

TECHNOLOGYBRIEF
1
201A/1196
November 4, 1996
Compaq Computer
Corporation
CONTENTS
Introduction
.....................
3
Technology
Overview
.........................
4
Form Factor/Chassis
.............
4
Security
................................
6
Processors
...........................
8
Memory
................................
9
I/O
................................
.....
10
Storage
.............................
10
Power
................................
14
System Architecture
.......
15
Price:Performance
.........
17
System
Manageability
................
17
Conclusion
....................
18
Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server Technology
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
With the decentralization of corporations and corporate computing, departmental and remote
office servers must provide a range of features that have been unavailable in traditional
departmental and remote office servers. Recognizing the changing business dynamics, Compaq
has developed a new business-critical departmental and remote office server that combines the
latest processor, network, and storage technology in a flexible new chassis. The Compaq
ProLiant 2500 Server delivers a robust set of performance, management, and availability features
at a very affordable price.
This brief describes the performance, management, and availability technologies as well as the
system architecture that make the ProLiant 2500 an ideal departmental and remote office server.
Please direct comments regarding this communication via internal bmail to this address: Tech Com@HW Tech@Sys Hou.
Compaq field personnel may also send comments via the internet to this address: [email protected]
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
2
201A/1196
NOTICE
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL
OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, NOR FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE
FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL. THIS
INFORMATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS.” COMPAQ MAKES NO REPRESENTATION
OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR
STATUTORY, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, GOOD TITLE AND
NONINFRINGEMENT.
This publication does not constitute an endorsement of the product or products that were tested.
The configuration or configurations tested or described may or may not be the only available
solution. This test is not a determination of product quality or correctness, nor does it ensure
compliance with any federal, state or local requirements. Compaq does not warrant products
other than its own strictly as stated in Compaq product warranties.
Compaq, Contura, Deskpro, Fastart, Compaq Insight Manager, LTE, PageMarq, Systempro,
Systempro/LT, ProLiant, TwinTray, ROMPaq, LicensePaq, QVision, SLT, ProLinea, SmartStart,
NetFlex, DirectPlus, QuickFind, RemotePaq, BackPaq, TechPaq, SpeedPaq, QuickBack, PaqFax,
Presario, SilentCool, CompaqCare (design), Aero, SmartStation, MiniStation, and PaqRap,
registered United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Netelligent, Smart Uplink, Extended Repeater Architecture, Scalable Clock Architecture, Armada,
Cruiser, Concerto, QuickChoice, ProSignia, Systempro/XL, Net1, LTE Elite, Vocalyst, PageMate,
SoftPaq, FirstPaq, SolutionPaq, EasyPoint, EZ Help, MaxLight, MultiLock, QuickBlank,
QuickLock, UltraView, Innovate logo, Wonder Tools logo in black/white and color, and Compaq
PC Card Solution logo are trademarks and/or service marks of Compaq Computer Corporation.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
©1996 Compaq Computer Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Windows NT Advanced Server, SQL Server for Windows
NT are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server Technology
First Edition (November 1996)
Document Number 201A/1196
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
3
201A/1196
INTRODUCTION
Many current departmental servers and remote office servers do not provide the range of features
required to meet today’s changing business dynamics:
• Network operating systems are becoming more robust, with more and more network services
now integrated into the core operating system.
• Business-critical systems such as email and decision support systems are being pushed out
into the departments and remote offices.
• Departmental servers are hosting local data linked to the enterprise. As a result, the range of
capabilities required in a departmental or remote office platform have become more complex
and require a more robust platform.
• MIS wants to gain control over departmental systems; however, their systems have not been
robust enough to support effective management capabilities.
• Departments have become interdependent. Because so many more users will be affected if a
sever goes down, availability requirements are increasing.
• Departmental and remote office locations frequently do not have qualified service and
technical engineers on site to maintain and upgrade systems. With availability requirements
growing, it becomes increasingly important that departmental and remote office servers be
designed for easy service and upgrading.
Compaq recognizes these changes and realizes that customers need a server platform that answers
the varying computing needs of specific departments and remote offices—a platform that delivers
a range of performance, management, availability, and serviceability features at an affordable
price.
In answer to that need, Compaq has developed a new departmental and remote office server, the
Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server, which supports the following network operating systems:
• Microsoft Windows NT 3.5x and 4.x
• Netware 3.12 and 4.x
• IBM OS/2 2.x and 3.x
• SCO UNIX 5.0
• Banyan Vines 6.x
• UnixWare 2.1x
This brief explains the technology integrated with the ProLiant 2500 that makes it an ideal
departmental or remote office server.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
4
201A/1196
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW
Compaq designed the new ProLiant 2500 specifically to meet customers’ needs for a departmental
or remote office server: a robust server offering high performance, availability, serviceability,
manageability, and investment protection—all at an affordable price. To meet all those needs,
Compaq developed a new server with a highly flexible chassis that is optimized for both tower
and rack configurations (Figure 1) and a new architecture for combining the latest processor,
network, and storage technology.
This section describes individual hardware features and technologies of the ProLiant 2500 server.
Figure 1. The Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server converts readily from a tower configuration (left) to a rack
configuration (right) and back again.
Form Factor/Chassis
The ProLiant 2500 was designed using a compact, yet flexible form factor for both tower and rack
configurations. This highly serviceable form factor reduces the down time associated with field
upgrades and component replacement. The intent of this design is to save customers money in
multiple ways:
• By standardizing on the ProLiant 2500 for departmental and remote office servers, customers
can deploy and redeploy individual servers as their needs change. The ability to reconfigure
a ProLiant 2500 server quickly and easily from a tower to a rack and back to a tower
enclosure provides for end-of-life redeployment and protection of the hardware investment.
• The 5U chassis allows customers to stack up to eight ProLiant 2500 servers in a single 42U
Compaq rack cabinet. The increased server density saves customers both space and money.
• By providing easy access to server components, the ProLiant 2500 design reduces the down
time associated with upgrades and field replacement, reduces the required skill level for
performing routine maintenance, and therefore reduces the cost of maintenance.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
5
201A/1196
• Standardizing on the ProLiant 2500 can reduce the overhead of maintaining an inventory of
spare parts.
The flexible new ProLiant 2500 chassis was designed for maximum serviceability and provides
front, rear, top, and side access for service or upgrade tasks (Figure 2). Most major chassis
elements can be removed without the use of tools. Both the processor board and the I/O board are
rail-mounted in lever-actuated quick release modules designed to be drawn into the chassis by a
cam action lever system (Figure 3).
Figure 2. The ProLiant 2500 Server provides front, top, side, and rear access for service or upgrade tasks.
Most major chassis elements can be removed without the use of tools.
Figure 3. Rear view of the ProLiant 2500 Server chassis showing lever-actuated quick release modules.
I/O Module
I/O Module
System Fan
System Fan
Outlet
Outlet
Processor Module
Processor Module
System Fan Module
System Fan Module
Quick release knob for
Quick release knob for
System Fan Module
System Fan Module
Quick release for I/O
Quick release for I/O
Module
Module
Quick Release for
Quick Release for
Processor Module
Processor Module
Power Supply
Power Supply
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
6
201A/1196
Adding or replacing a processor in the ProLiant 2500 simply requires opening the quick release
lever, sliding out the processor board, sliding in a new processor board, and closing the quick
release lever. Since main memory in the ProLiant 2500 is mounted on the processor board,
adding or changing out main memory is equally simple. The slide-out processor module provides
ready access to memory slots. A used DIMM (dual in-line memory module) pulls readily from its
slot; and with a slight push, a new pluggable DIMM seats securely in its place.
Access to the I/O board for servicing PCI and EISA cards is also quick and tool-less. In the
ProLiant 2500 tower model, access to the cards is from the top. In the rack model, access is from
the side to provide equal visibility. The I/O cards slide smoothly into the expansion slots on the
I/O board. A Compaq-designed rotating latch locks each card securely into place in the option
card bay and also serves as a quick release for easy removal and replacement of cards (Figure 4).
Figure 4. In a ProLiant 2500 tower model, PCI and EISA cards slide into the I/O slots from the top (left). A
unique rotating latch secures each card (right).
A single quick-release knob provides easy access to the system fan, which is mounted
perpendicular to the back panel and exhausts through an outlet below the fan assembly itself (see
Figure 3). The power supply is mounted with four screws that can be easily removed.
With its compact 5U chassis, the ProLiant 2500 provides for improved server density in rack
environments. Customers can stack up to eight ProLiant 2500 servers in a single 42U Compaq
rack cabinet. By comparison, the 7U chassis of the ProLiant 1500 Server permits stacking six
servers in a 42U rack cabinet. With the improved density, installation of the ProLiant 2500
becomes a one- or two-man task as opposed to a two- or three-man task; thus, the increased
density saves customers both space and maintenance costs.
Security
While high serviceability requires easy access to server components, security of data and
equipment is paramount. The ProLiant 2500 housing and chassis design achieves both.
In a rack configuration, access to the system is controlled by two key locks: one on the front door
and a second on the rear door of the rack cabinet. In the tower model, a single key lock on the
front bezel controls access to the system. The top, side, and back panels of the housing slide onto
the chassis and interlock. The hinged front bezel closes over the edges of the top and side panel,
securing them. A simple half turn of the key lock opens or locks the front bezel for the first line
of defense against unauthorized access to the hard drives and other components (Figure 5).
The ProLiant 2500 also provides an optional, second level of security for rear-mounted
components. The ProLiant 2500 comes equipped with three set screws (Figure 6) that can be used
to lock the processor module, the I/O module, and the fan in place. By simply moving these
screws from their initial position and placing them in the three holes shown in Figure 6, the
customer can secure the rear-access modules against quick release and removal.
CZR-052.eps
CZR-037a.eps
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
7
201A/1196
The ProLiant 2500 tower model also includes a Compaq-designed security system for the server
power switch. The power switch is mounted on the chassis, behind the front bezel. When the
front bezel is locked into place, the power switch is accessible by means of small, sliding cover
(Figure 7). To prevent someone from turning off the power to the server, this sliding switch cover
can be shut and locked using a single screw on the inside of the front bezel.
Figure 5. A key lock on the front bezel of the Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server secures data and internal
components from unauthorized access.
Figure 6. Three set screws mounted on the chassis under the side panel are provided for optional use to lock
rear-mounted, quick release modules in place. If moved to the indicated positions, these three screws will
secure the processor module, the I/O module, and the fan against quick release and removal.
Figure 7. The sliding cover for the ProLiant 2500 power switch can be locked from the inside.
CZR-002.EPS
CZR-051.eps
CZR-051a.eps
CZR-041.EPS
2
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
8
201A/1196
Processors
The ProLiant 2500 uses the Intel 82440 FX chip set and is designed to support up to two Pentium
Pro processors. The server comes standard with a single 200-MHz Pentium Pro processor with an
integrated 16-Kbyte L1 cache (8 Kbyte for data and 8 Kbyte for instructions) and an integrated
256-Kbyte L2 cache.
The 200-MHz Pentium Pro processor provides the next-generation performance required for
Microsoft Windows NT and NetWare applications. The integrated L2 cache runs at processor
speed and is protected by Error Checking and Correcting (ECC) code. The L2 cache has a 4-way
set-associate cache memory organization, which is an extension of the 2-way structure. In the
ProLiant 2500, the total cache memory is divided into four banks (or ways) of equal size rather
than two banks, and main memory is divided into logical pages equal to the size of the four banks.
This structure provides four ways that data from the same physical address in main memory can
be stored in cache, thereby increasing flexibility of the cache and increasing cache hit rate. In
typical applications, the higher cache hit rate allows the Pentium Pro L2 cache to outperform 2-
way caches that are twice as large. For specific information about ProLiant 2500 performance,
refer to the Compaq performance summary titled ProLiant 2500 TPC-C Performance.
Intel Pentium Pro processors have precise voltage requirements; therefore, systems based on the
Pentium Pro processors need to provide dedicated regulators for each processor (and for the
processor support chips). The ProLiant 2500 includes a Compaq Processor Power Module for
each processor. The Processor Power Module determines the precise voltage requirement of the
processor and the support chip set and ensures that the proper voltage is delivered to each.
The ProLiant 2500 can be upgraded by adding a second 200-MHz Pentium Pro processor with an
L2 cache of either 256 Kbytes or 512 Kbytes. The Compaq ProLiant 2500 Processor Option Kit
contains both a 200-MHz Pentium Pro processor with 256-Kbyte L2 cache and the Compaq
Processor Power Module needed for the upgrade. Compaq strongly recommends use of this kit to
upgrade the ProLiant 2500 because Pentium Pro processors purchased from third-party vendors
may not fully meet the specifications for use in the ProLiant 2500.
In the ProLiant 2500, the second processor can be configured in either of two ways:
• as an idle backup processor to increase availability, or
• as a second active processor to boost processing power as well as availability.
Customers running operating systems capable of symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) would most
likely configure both processors as active. Use of an idle backup processor would be most
common among customers running a non-SMP-capable Netware operating system. Compaq
recommends configuring the second processor as active whenever possible to take advantage of
the increased processing power.
Use of a second processor in the ProLiant 2500 increases availability by providing the means for
rapid recovery in the event of a processor failure. Recovery from a processor failure in the
ProLiant 2500 requires rebooting the system. If during system configuration the Automatic
Recovery Server feature of the ProLiant 2500 is enabled, restarting the server after a processor
failure will be automatic. If a processor fails, the server will record the failure in the Server
Health Logs and attempt to reboot the system. With a successful reboot, the second processor will
automatically assume the load of the failed processor.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
9
201A/1196
Memory
The ProLiant 2500 architecture is designed to use buffered Extended Data Out (EDO) RAM. The
basic idea behind EDO RAM is to decrease cycle time for sequential accesses to the same RAM
and in so doing, to allow for more memory bandwidth. EDO RAM has an output buffer that
allows the memory chip to accept the next address while still holding the previous data result on
the data bus. This concept is a refinement of Fast Page Mode (FPM) RAM and increases main
memory performance, particularly for multiprocessor systems.
In preliminary TPC-C Benchmark tests conducted at Compaq labs, performance of a single-
processor system with a 256-Kbyte L2 cache and 256 megabytes of EDO RAM operating under
Windows NT was as much as 16 percent higher than for the same system using FPM RAM.
Performance of a dual-processor processor system with a 256-Kbyte L2 cache and 256 megabytes
of EDO RAM was as much as 44 percent higher than for the same system using FPM RAM.
These results were obtained using the TPC-C version 3.1 Benchmark test, Microsoft Windows NT
3.51, and SQL Server 6.5.
The ProLiant 2500 comes standard with a 32-megabyte EDO DIMM in the first of four available
DIMM slots on the processor board. Additional DIMMs may be installed one at a time. The
slide-out processor board and pluggable memory modules make memory upgrades in the ProLiant
2500 simple.
Compaq highly recommends the use of higher bandwidth EDO memory in the ProLiant 2500 to
support the increased memory bandwidth requirement of SMP operation. Compaq offers ProLiant
2500 Memory Expansion Kits containing a single 32-, 64-, 128-, or 256-megabyte buffered EDO
DIMM. The system is expandable to 1 gigabyte of ECC-protected memory using the 256-
megabyte buffered EDO DIMMs expected to be available in November 1996.
For the benefit of customers who plan to standardize on FPM memory to reduce their inventory of
service spares or customers who have already invested heavily in FPM DIMMs, the
ProLiant 2500 supports use of buffered FPM DIMMs with a 4K refresh and combinations of
buffered EDO and FPM DIMMs. Compaq has available four buffered FPM memory expansion
kits developed for the Compaq ProLiant 5000 Server. Because memory in the ProLiant 5000 is
interleaved, each of these kits contains four buffered FPM DIMMs rather than one. As the table
below indicates, the ProLiant 2500 supports use of the DIMMs from three of the four ProLiant
5000 kits.
ProLiant 5000 Memory Expansion Kits
Compaq
Part No. Total Memory Kit Contents Memory Refresh Supported in ProLiant 2500
219282-001 64-MB 4 x 16-MB DIMMs 4K yes
219283-001 128-MB 4 x 32-MB DIMMs 4K yes
219284-001 256-MB 4 x 64-MB DIMMs 4K yes
219285-001 512-MB 4 x 128-MB DIMMs 8K no
Customers considering use of FPM DIMMs in the ProLiant 2500 need to be mindful that there is a
performance tradeoff in doing so: FPM memory gives a memory bandwidth of 178 megabytes
per second, while EDO memory gives a bandwidth of 267 megabytes per second.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
10
201A/1196
I/O
The ProLiant 2500 is optimized for PCI to support the growing I/O needs of departments and
remote sites. The I/O backplane contains six PCI slots, four of which are shared PCI/EISA slots
to provide backward compatibility with existing EISA controllers. Because the PCI controllers
for video, network interface, and storage are integrated in the ProLiant 2500, all six expansion
slots remain available for other uses.
The ProLiant 2500 contains a high-performance, integrated 10/100 TX Ethernet Network
Interface Controller (NIC) on the PCI local bus for high-performance network throughput. This
NIC features the Compaq/TI ThunderLAN chip set, the NetFlex-3 Network Driver Suite, and
autosensing capabilities. It can accurately transfer information at either 10 megabits per second or
at 100 megabits per second. The 10/100 TX Ethernet NIC automatically senses the required data
speed and adjusts its transfer rate to match. Because this controller comes integrated in the
ProLiant 2500, it meets customer requirements for higher bandwidth now, increases reliability,
saves customers the cost of purchasing and installing a 100 Mb/s TX upgrade module later, and
leaves a PCI slot open to support other network topologies such as Token Ring and 100VG-
AnyLAN.
To provide cabling options, the ProLiant 2500 processor board contains both an RJ-45 and an
AUI connector. The RJ-45 connector runs either at 10 megabits per second or at 100 megabits per
second. The AUI connector runs at 10 megabits per second. An optional AUI-to-BNC
transceiver (Compaq Part Number 192732) can be used to convert the AUI connection to a BNC
connection for customers using coaxial Ethernet cable. This transceiver is provided in most
international Compaq country kits.
The ProLiant 2500 contains 1 megabyte of 256K x 16, 70-nanosecond video DRAM and an
integrated Cirrus Logic PCI video controller (Cirrus 54M30) that supports 256 colors at a
resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels.
The ProLiant 2500 is the first Compaq server to support a hot-pluggable keyboard. This feature is
advantageous for deploying the server at remote sites.
Storage
In today’s networking environments the storage subsystem is a key contributor to overall server
performance. In designing the ProLiant 2500, Compaq incorporated the latest Ultra SCSI
technology. The ProLiant 2500 includes the new integrated Compaq Wide-Ultra SCSI Controller
with the Symbios 875 controller chip as a standard feature. This PCI-based controller fully
supports the SCSI and SCSI-2 devices in use today, and it is driver upgradable to support Ultra
SCSI devices when they become available. This means that customers deploying ProLiant 2500
servers now will not have to invest in a new controller to support Ultra SCSI devices expected to
be available in 1Q97. The Wide-Ultra SCSI Controller boosts bus speed by effectively doubling
Fast-Wide SCSI transfer rates.
Data Path Transfer Rate
Fast-Wide SCSI 16-bit 20 MB/s
Wide-Ultra SCSI 16-bit 40 MB/s
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
11
201A/1196
The level of benefit derived from Ultra SCSI depends upon two factors: the type of data reads
and data block size. Seek times for non-sequential reads create bus overhead. Since each data
block also creates bus overhead, the smaller the data blocks, the greater the total overhead.
Consequently, Ultra SCSI controllers provide maximum benefit when transferring large data
blocks accessed by sequential reads.
As illustrated in Figure 8, the new ProLiant 2500 chassis includes four drive bays for removable
media:
• one dedicated to a 3.5-inch diskette drive,
• one dedicated to a CD-ROM drive connected to an EIDE controller, and
• two undedicated half-height bays.
Figure 8. Front view of the Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server chassis showing four drive bays for removable
media and a hard drive cage containing four 1.6-inch non-hot-plug drives.
The ProLiant 2500 contains an EIDE CD-ROM. In designing a new departmental and remote
office server, Compaq elected to use the EIDE CD-ROM to leave the SCSI bus dedicated to the
hard drives. Because CD-ROM drives have significantly lower utilization and data rates than
server hard drives, the EIDE connection does not degrade CD-ROM drive performance.
The two available half-height bays can be used to support removable media, a full-height DLT
tape backup drive, or two non-hot-plug hard drives.
The ProLiant 2500 ships standard with one SCSI bus connected point-to-point from the backplane
to the disk drive cage. Since Ultra SCSI controllers transfer data at such a high speed, data
integrity becomes a concern. Compaq chose a dedicated, point-to-point connection to control the
integrity of the signal to and from the hard drives.
The ProLiant 2500 can support either an internal or an external array of DLT backup drives if a
second SCSI controller is available. The customer can add a DLT array in one of two ways:
• by purchasing the ProLiant 2500 array model (ProLiant 2500 6/200H Model 1S, which has a
second SCSI controller built in) or
• by purchasing a standard ProLiant 2500 model and installing a SCSI controller in an
expansion slot.
1.6” Non-Hot-Plug
Hard Drives
Power Switch
3.5” Diskette Drive
EIDE CD-ROM Drive
Two available
half height bays
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
12
201A/1196
If the server includes a Compaq SMART Array Controller or a Compaq SMART-2 Array
Controller, then the integrated Symbios 875 chip will control the DLT array while the array
controller controls the hard drives. If the server does not contain a SMART or SMART-2 array
controller, then the Symbios 875 chip will control the hard drives and a PCI card must be installed
in an expansion slot to control the DLT array.
The ProLiant 2500 is the first Compaq product to support both the new Compaq 1-inch high-
density hard drives and 1.6-inch high-density hard drives. The maximum number of hard drives
that can be fitted in a ProLiant 2500 depends upon the choice of drive cage and drive height. The
chassis supports drives that can be configured either as rail-mounted, cabled hard drives or as hot-
plug drives mounted in drive cages.
The ProLiant 2500 hot-plug models (ProLiant 2500 6/200H) come standard without drives so that
customers can select the drive trays and drives that best meet the needs of individual departments
or remote offices. Hot-plug drive trays are available for 1.6-inch drives, which currently provide
the maximum individual drive capacity (4.3 gigabytes), and also for the new 1-inch drives (2.1
gigabytes). In 1Q97 Compaq expects to have available 1.6-inch hard drives with an individual
drive capacity of 9 gigabytes and 1-inch hard drives with an individual drive capacity of
4.3 gigabytes. Figure 9 identifies the drive cage configurations available for the ProLiant 2500.
Figure 9. Available drive cage configurations for the Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server.
ProLiant 2500 Drive Cage Configurations
Non-Hot-Plug Drive Cage
•
Standard on ProLiant 2500 6/200 N models
•
Optimized for four 1.6” non-hot-plug drives
•
Upgradable to hot-plug
Hot-Plug Drive Cage (3x1.6”)
•
Optimized for three 1.6” hot-plug drives
Hot-Plug Duplex Drive Cage
•
Optimized for four 1” hot-plug drives or two
1.6” hot-plug drives
1.6” 1.6” 1.6” 1.6”
1” 1” 1” 1” 1”
1.6” 1.6” 1.6”
1” 1” 1” 1”
1.6” 1.6”
Hot-Plug Drive Cage (5x1”)
•
Standard on ProLiant 2500 6/200 H models
•
Optimized for five 1” hot-plug drives
•
Backward compatible with 1.6” hot-plug drives
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
13
201A/1196
The non-hot-plug model (ProLiant 2500 6/200N) comes standard with four 1.6-inch drives. It is
upgradable to support hot-plug drives by replacing the standard drive cage with one of three
available internal hot-plug drive cage options:
• ProLiant 2500 Hot-Plug (5 x 1-inch) Option Kit. A hot-plug drive cage optimized for five
1-inch hot-plug hard drives. This cage is identical to the cage used in the standard
ProLiant 2500 hot-plug model (see Figure 10). It is the appropriate choice for customers
standardizing on 1-inch drives to achieve higher spindle density. This cage will also support
1.6-inch hot-plug drives; it can be configured with up to two 1.6-inch hot-plug drives plus one
1-inch hot-plug drive.
• ProLiant 2500 Hot-Plug (3 x 1.6-inch) Option Kit. A hot-plug drive cage optimized for
three 1.6-inch hot-plug hard drives. This is the appropriate choice for customers
standardizing on 1.6-inch drives to achieve maximum drive capacity.
• ProLiant 2500 Duplex Option Kit. A hot-plug drive cage designed for customers who want
to operate in duplex mode. The duplex option supports drive mirroring for increased
availability. It requires that a second SCSI bus be installed to provide redundancy of
controller and drives. The cage in this kit contains a duplexed SCSI backplane and is
optimized for four 1-inch or two 1.6-inch hot-plug hard drives.
Figure 10. Front view of the Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server chassis showing four removable media bays and
a hard drive cage containing five 1-inch hot-plug drives.
The ProLiant 2500 also supports the Compaq ProLiant Storage System for customers needing
even greater storage capacity. In fact, the combination of a non-hot-plug ProLiant 2500 server
and a ProLiant Storage System can provide up to 63 gigabytes of storage for a low total system
cost.
Operating the ProLiant 2500 Server in hot-plug duplex mode requires the installation of a Hot-
Plug Duplex Option Kit. Customers who know at the outset that they will be using hot-plug
drives in duplex mode are advised to purchase the ProLiant 2500 non-hot-plug model (ProLiant
2500 6/200N) and the Hot-Plug Duplex Option Kit. Compaq makes this recommendation because
the cost difference between the standard hot-plug model and the non-hot-plug model equals the
cost of the Hot-Plug Duplex Option Kit.
Two available
half height bays
Power Switch
3.5” Diskette Drive
EIDE CD-ROM Drive
1” Hot-Plug
Hard Drives
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
14
201A/1196
The ProLiant 2500 also supports use of a 1.6-inch non-hot-plug drive in each of two available
half-height removable media bays shown in Figures 8 and 10. This capability allows the customer
to create additional primary storage. It also allows a customer to increase availability by using the
hot-plug drives for storing data in a RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks) configuration
and using non-hot-plug drives in the two half-height bays for mirroring the operating system.
With such a configuration, if the active OS drive should fail, the system could quickly be
reconfigured to boot the OS from the mirrored drive. If a data drive should fail, RAID would
automatically rebuild any lost data.
Power
The ProLiant 2500 contains a 325-watt power supply that provides nominal output of +3.3 V,
+5 V, +12 V, -5 V, and -12 V. The trend today is toward use of lower-voltage components.
System memory in the ProLiant 2500, for example, operates at 3.3 V. In 1Q97 Compaq expects
to have available a redundant power supply for the ProLiant 2500. This non-hot-pluggable option
will provide two power supply modules within a single housing and will support two AC inlets.
Intel Pentium Pro processors have precise voltage requirements; therefore, Pentium Pro-based
systems need to provide dedicated voltage regulators for each processor (and for the processor
support chips). The ProLiant 2500 includes a Compaq Processor Power Module for each
processor. The Processor Power Module determines the precise voltage requirement of the
processor and the support chip set. Then it ensures that the proper voltage is delivered to each
component.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
15
201A/1196
PROLIANT 2500 SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The overall goal of Compaq multiprocessing architecture is to maximize system throughput by
allowing each critical server subsystem (processor, memory, and I/O) to operate as fast as reliably
possible. Compaq chose to optimize the ProLiant 2500 for PCI, the new industry standard for I/O,
while maintaining backward compatibility with EISA peripherals customers have previously
purchased. Each subsystem in the ProLiant 2500 is individually optimized using separate, high-
bandwidth buses.
The ProLiant 2500 Pentium Pro system features a Gunning Transceiver Logic (GTL+) processor
bus (referred to in this brief as the host bus) that supports high-speed, low voltage transfers. It is a
64-bit split-transaction bus operating at 66 MHz with a throughput capacity of 267 megabytes per
second. Data integrity is ECC protected.
Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the PCI-to-PCI bridge architecture used in the
ProLiant 2500. This primary bus expansion scheme is an economical choice for departmental
servers and provides extra PCI slots for additional PCI devices. This expansion scheme supports
one primary PCI bus directly and independently linked to the high speed Pentium Pro processor
bus via a host-to-PCI bridge. A secondary PCI bus with the same 133 megabytes-per-second
transfer rate is bridged off the primary bus. For backward compatibility, the ProLiant 2500
architecture includes an EISA bus also bridged off the Primary PCI bus. This EISA bus has a data
transfer rate of 33 megabytes per second.
Figure 11. Block diagram showing the PCI-to-PCI bridge architecture used in the Compaq ProLiant 2500
Server.
Figure 12 also depicts the I/O buses (primary and secondary PCI buses and EISA bus) and
expansion slots in the ProLiant 2500. The primary PCI bus supports the following:
• PCI on dedicated slots 5 and 6 and on shared slot 4
• EISA bridge
• Integrated Remote Console (IRC)
Slots
Host Bus
Host Bus
Processors
Processors EDO DIMMs
EDO DIMMs
Memory
Memory
PCI-to-PCI
PCI-to-PCI
Bridge
Bridge
133 MB/s
133 MB/s
PCI Bus Slots
PCI Bus
Slots
Pentium Pro
200 Mhz
Host-to-PCI
Bridge
PCI-to-EISA
Bridge
EISA Bus
64-Bit Host Bus 64-Bit Memory Bus
(267 MB/s + ECC)
133 MB/s
133 MB/s
33 MB/s
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
16
201A/1196
The secondary bus supports the following:
• PCI on shared slots 1, 2, and 3
• Video controller
• NIC
• Embedded PCI Wide-Ultra SCSI Controller
The EISA bus supports EISA on shared slots 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Figure 12. I/O Architecture of the Compaq ProLiant 2500 Server.
5
4
4
3
3
5
Primary
PCI Bus
Secondary
PCI Bus
PCI-to-PCI
Bridge
EISA
Bridge
Shared
Slots Shared
Slots Shared Slots Shared Slots
1
1
Pentium Pro
Processors
Memory
Controller
Memory
DIMMs
4
4
3
3
2
2
Embedded PCI
Wide-Ultra SCSI
Controller
IRC
NIC
Video
6
5
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
17
201A/1196
PRICE:PERFORMANCE OF THE PROLIANT 2500 SERVER
The ProLiant 2500 includes a combination of architecture and hardware features that delivers a
level of performance similar to that of the Compaq ProLiant 4500 Server at an affordable price for
departmental and remote office servers. Recent test results discussed below confirm that the
ProLiant 2500 outperforms other servers in its class.
TPC-C Benchmark
The Compaq ProLiant 2500 6/200 was recently performance tested using the TPC-C version 3.2
Benchmark test. The TPC-C Benchmark is an on-line transaction processing (OLTP) workload
benchmark developed by the Transaction Processing Performance Council (TPC). This
benchmark test simulates the demanding operations processed in complex OLTP application
environments. The test was performed using Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 and SQL Server 6.5.
The results were audited by an independent company.
The ProLiant 2500 6/200 with dual processors delivered performance of 3594.47 tpmC at a cost
of only $82.21—significantly higher performance than leading competitors have demonstrated in
published TPC-C results to date and almost triple the performance of the Compaq ProLiant 1500
5/166 Server. For details of this TPC-C test, refer to the Compaq performance summary titled
ProLiant 2500 TPC-C Performance.
AIM Server Benchmark
On October 9, 1996, at the UNIX EXPO Plus, AIM Technology announced the winners of its
1996 Hot Iron Awards for systems achieving the best performance while operating under
Windows NT or under UNIX. The awards were based upon results of tests with the AIM Server
Benchmark and AIM Subsystem Benchmark.
The ProLiant 2500 6/200 with dual processors was recognized in the following categories for
servers costing less than $25,000:
OperatingSystem Category Award
Windows NT File Server MIX Best Throughput Performance
UNIX Multi-User Shared System MIX Best Throughput Performance
UNIX File Server MIX Best Throughput Performance
UNIX File Server MIX Best Price:Performance Throughput
SYSTEM MANAGEABILITY
Typical departments and remote offices have limited personnel and budget for system and
network administration. The decentralization of applications and the need to interconnect a
growing number of users stretch administration resources and demand cost-effective server
management and maintenance.
The ProLiant 2500 includes a full complement of server management features:
• Automatic Server Recovery (ASR-2)
• Fan spin sense
• Internal temperature sense
• Performance monitoring
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

TECHNOLOGY BRIEF (cont.)
18
201A/1196
• Compaq Insight Manager CD
• Integrated Remote Console (IRC)
• Support for an optional Compaq Remote Insight Board
The new Compaq Integrated Remote Console, which provides seamless remote console for
managing remote office servers, is being implemented for the first time in the ProLiant 2500. IRC
is a Compaq-designed ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) that provides hardware-
based server management abilities to augment the existing software-based management
capabilities in Compaq Insight Manager. Because IRC comes standard and is integrated in the
ProLiant 2500, it significantly raises the level of remote server management capabilities of this
server. To enable IRC, the managed server must simply have a suitable serial communications
device: an internal modem, external modem, or a dedicated serial cable.
For more information about IRC, refer to the Compaq technology brief titled Remote Server
Management with Integrated Remote Console.
To further enhance system manageability and reduce maintenance costs, Compaq provides the
Compaq Pre-Failure Warranty with the ProLiant 2500. This extended warranty enables system
administrators to identify critical components in danger of failing and to replace them free of
charge before an actual failure brings the system down.
Under the Compaq Pre-Failure Warranty, hard drives, memory modules, and Pentium Pro
processor(s) in a ProLiant 2500 server are eligible for free replacement during the standard
product warranty period, if the system determines that one of these components has degraded
below predetermined reliability thresholds. This allows system administrators to obtain
replacement parts and schedule the required maintenance at a convenient time.
CONCLUSION
Compaq designed the ProLiant 2500 Server to meet the specific needs of departmental and remote
office computing today and into the future. The ProLiant 2500 offers next generation
performance, high availability features, and investment protection—all at an affordable price.
The sleek new chassis design provides flexible upgrade and redeployment paths, improved
serviceability with reduced maintenance costs, and a 5U form factor for increased server density
in a rack environment. System manageability features such as Integrated Remote Console and
the Compaq Pre-Failure Warranty Program enable system administrators to manage and maintain
ProLiant 2500 servers proactively and cost-effectively from a central location. This unique
combination of features makes the ProLiant 2500 an ideal departmental or remote office server.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.