HP Xw4550 - Workstation - 2 GB RAM Instruction Manual

HP xw4550 Workstation frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
AMD®Opteron Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chassis design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Operating systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Linux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
PCI Express Graphics and I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
ISV certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Manageability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Options and modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Warranty and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Frequently asked questions
HP XW4550 Workstation
Workstation power…uniquely affordable
HP recommends Windows Vista®Business

HP XW4550 Workstation
Operating systems:
Genuine Windows Vista® Business 32-bit with downgrade to
Windows® XP Professional 32-bit1custom installed
Genuine Windows Vista® Business 64-bit with downgrade to
Windows® XP Professional x641custom installed
HP Installer Kit for Linux (includes driver for 32-bit OS version of Red
Hat Enterprise Linux WS4 and WS5)
Red Flag Linux v5 (available in China only)
Chipset: AMD 690G with ATI Radeon X1250
Processor:
AMD Opteron™ 1000 Series processors with HyperTransport2,3,4
AMD Opteron processor Model 1212 (2.00 GHz) 1 MB L2 Cache
per core2,3,4
AMD Opteron processor Model 1214 (2.20 GHz) 1 MB L2 Cache
per core2,3,4
AMD Opteron processor Model 1216 (2.40 GHz) 1 MB L2 Cache
per core2,3,4
AMD Opteron processor Model 1218 (2.60 GHz) 1 MB L2 Cache
per core2,3,4
AMD Opteron processor Model 1220 (2.80 GHz) 1 MB L2 Cache
per core2,3,4
AMD Opteron processor Model 1222 (3.00 GHz) 1 MB L2 Cache
per core2,3,4
Quad-core AMD Opteron processor Model 1356 (2.3 GHz) 2 MB L2
Cache2,3,4
Memory and I/O interface: HyperTransport 1000 MHz
Memory: Up to 4 GB5DDR2 667 MHz ECC; Up to 2 GB5
DDR2-667 MHz non-ECC; 4 DIMM slots
Expansion slots: 4 full length slots: 1 PCI Express (PCIe) x16 graphics,
1 PCI Express (PCIe) x4 (x1 electrical), 2 PCI slots
Power supply: 300W wide-ranging, active Power Factor Correction, 80
PLUS efficient; ENERGY STAR® qualified optional
Audio: Integrated HD Audio (Realtek ALC262), opt. PCI Sound Blaster
X-Fi XtremeGamer, opt. HP Thin USB Powered Speakers
Drive controllers: Integrated 4-channel SATA 3.0 Gb/s controller with
RAID5 0, 1 and NCQ6
HyperThreading: N/A
HP XW4600 Workstation
2
Certain Windows Vista product features require advanced or additional hardware. See http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/hardwarereqs.mspx and
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx for details. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine which features of Windows Vista will run on your computer. To download the tool,
visit http://www.windowsvista.com/upgradeadvisor. All HP Personal Workstations are capable of running Genuine Windows Vista Business. Windows Vista Business disk also included for future upgrade if desired.
1Available for end user customers that are a business (including governmental or educational institutions) who are expected to annually order at least 25 Customer Systems with the same Custom Image.
2This system requires a separately purchased 64-bit operating system and 64-bit software products to take advantage of the 64-bit processing capabilities of AMD OpertonTM series 1000 processor technology. Dual-core
processing available with AMD OpertonTM 1000 series processor technology is a recent technology innovation designed to improve performance of this system. Given the wide range of software applications available,
performance of a system including a 64-bit operating system and a dual-core processor will vary.
3AMD’s numbering is not a measurement of clock speed.
4GHz refers to internal clock speed of the processor. Other factors besides clock speed may impact system and application performance.
5Above 3 GB, all memory may not be available due to system resource requirements.
6Hardware RAID is not supported on Linux systems. The Linux kernel, with built-in software RAID, provides excellent functionality and performance. It is a good alternative to hardware-based RAID. Please visit
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00060684/c00060684.pdf for RAID capabilities with Linux.
7Quad-Core and Dual-Core are new technologies designed to improve performance of multithreaded software products and hardware-aware multitasking operating systems and may require appropriate operating system
software for full benefits; check with software provider to determine suitability; Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of these technologies.
8Intel’s numbering is not a measurement of higher performance.
9Actual bus clock rate is less. Listed bus speed represents the effective data transfer rate.
10 64-bit computing on Intel architecture requires a computer system with a processor, chipset, BIOS, operating system, device drivers and applications enabled for Intel® 64 architecture. Processors will not operate (including 32-bit
operation) without an Intel 64 architecture-enabled BIOS. Performance will vary depending on your hardware and software configurations. See www.intel.com/info/em64t for more information.
11 This workstation does not support the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor over-clocking feature.
Operating systems:
Genuine Windows Vista® Business 32-bit with downgrade to
Windows® XP Professional 32-bit1custom installed
Genuine Windows Vista® Business 64-bit with downgrade to
Windows® XP Professional x641custom installed
Red Hat Enterprise Linux™ WS 4 64-bit
HP Installer Kit for Linux (includes drivers for both 32-bit & 64-bit OS
versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS4 and WS5)
Red Flag Linux v5 (available in China only)
Chipset: Intel x38 Express
Processor:
Intel® Pentium® E2180 (Dual-Core 2.00 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache, 800
MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core™ 2 Duo E4500 (Dual-Core 2.20 GHz, 2 MB shared L2
cache, 800 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 (Dual-Core 2.33 GHz, 4 MB shared L2 cache,
1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 (Dual-Core 3.00 GHz, 4 MB shared L2
cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 (Dual-Core 2.53 GHz, 3 MB shared L2
cache, 1066 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Duo E8300 (Dual-Core 2.66 GHz, 6 MB shared L2
cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (Dual-Core 3.00 GHz, 6 MB shared L2
cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 (Dual-Core 3.16 GHz, 6 MB shared L2 cache,
1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 (Dual-Core 3.33 GHz, 6 MB shared L2
cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 (Quad-Core 2.40 GHz, 2 x 4 MB shared
L2 cache, 1066 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 (Quad-Core 2.50 GHz, 2 x 3 MB shared
L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 (Quad-Core 2.66 GHz, 2 x 6 MB shared
L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 (Quad-Core 2.83 GHz, 2 x 6 MB shared
L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 (Quad-Core 3.00 GHz, 2 x 6 MB shared
L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9
Intel Core 2 Extreme Processor QX9650 (Quad-Core 3.00 GHz,
2 x 6 MB shared L2 cache, 1333 MHz FSB)4,7,8,9,10,11
Memory and I/O interface: 1333 MHz
Memory: Up to 8 GB5DDR2 800 MHz ECC, up to 4 GB5DDR2 667
ECC; 4 DIMM slots
Expansion slots: 7 full length slots: 2 PCI Express (PCIe) x16 graphics,
1 PCIe x8 (x4 electrical) slot, 1 PCIe x1 slot, 3 PCI slots
Power supply: 475W; active Power Factor Correction; 80 PLUS efficient;
ENERGY STAR® qualified configurations
Audio: Integrated high definition audio with jack retasking capability, opt.
PCI Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer, opt. HP Thin USB Powered Speakers
Drive controllers: Integrated serial ATA controller (ICH9R) 3 Gb/s
(NCQ with 5 internal and 1 external SATA connectors) with RAID 0, 1,
5 and 10 capability; removable boot drive option6
HyperThreading: N/A
HP recommends
Windows Vista®
Business

3
Who will benefit from the
functionality and features of
the HP xw4550 Workstation?
Does HP offer ENERGY STAR®
support on the xw4550?
Yes. HP offers a standard 80 PLUS efficient power supply, which is a requirement for all ENERGY STAR configurations as
well as select SKUs that have been certified for ENERGY STAR.
Do I need a business desktop
or an entry workstation? What
is the difference?
The value of a workstation when compared to a business desktop PC is characterized by several things:
• High-performance 3D OpenGL graphics and professional 2D multi-display graphics—for the ultimate visualization and
design interaction experience
• Professional ISV certifications on technical applications - for guaranteed compatibility and reliability, optimized
performance, and supportability
• Choice of operating system (Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, or Red Hat Linux)—for flexibility of working environments
and IT infrastructure
• ECC memory—for error correction and improved data integrity
• High power—for rich configurations
Will I have to change my
golden image on the HP
xw4550 Workstation?
Yes. The HP xw4550 is a completely new platform based on new technology from AMD. The system drivers are new;
therefore you will have to create new golden images. Manageability software is available to help with this image building
process.
What are some of the key
features and benefits offered
by AMD Opteron?
AMD’s Opteron processors provide outstanding performance in a small and power-efficient package. Some of the key
unique enablers to this performance include AMD’s Direct-Connect architecture and HyperTransport technology. See
below for more information on these features.
AMD®Opteron Technology
The HP xw4550 Workstation
implements AMD’s Direct
Connect Architecture. What
does this mean?
The AMD Direct Connect Architecture addresses and helps eliminate the real challenges and bottlenecks of system
architecture providing superior computing performance. With the AMD Opteron Direct Connect Architecture, the HP
xw4550’s memory is connected directly to the CPU optimizing memory performance, the I/O is directly connected to the
CPU helping balance throughput and enable expandable I/O and the CPU are connected directly to CPU allowing more
Linear Symmetrical Multiprocessing.
Market Segment Benefits
MCAD The xw4550 is pre-certified with a variety of AutoDesk, UGS, PTC software and others,
providing an optimized solution for mechanical engineers, architects, electrical designers
and civil engineers, and software developers.
DCC The xw4550 is certified with Adobe Premier Pro, Avid and more giving entry and mid-level
professionals an affordable digital content creation system they can count on.
Power office For advanced business users who have outgrown the limits of traditional PCs, the xw4550
provides an easy, affordable way to step up to workstation power.
What is the advantage of
having the DDR memory
controller integrated (on-chip)?
The HP xw4550's AMD Opteron processor integrates the memory controller on-chip, reducing memory latency. Reduced
memory latency is important for applications that frequently miss cache (i.e. scatter-gather operations).
HP recommends Windows Vista®Business

4
Does the new dual-core
processor offer any
performance improvement
over previous single and
dual-core processors?
Yes, the new dual core processors from AMD offers significant performance improvement over previous generation dual
core processors on many applications and in many work environments.
Dual-Core. Dual-Socket.
Quad-Core. Multi-Core.
What do these terms mean?
Dual-socket Two physical CPU sockets
Dual-core Each CPU has exactly two cores
Multi-core CPU has two or more cores
Dual-processor Old terminology for a system with two processors in two sockets.
What memory is used on
the HP xw4550? Is it the
same memory use on the
HP xw4600?
Yes and no. The HP xw4550 uses DDR2-667 unbuffered ECC memory technology for ECC memory configurations up to 4
GB, as well as DDR2-667 unbuffered non-ECC memory up to 2 GB. The xw4600 uses DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 for all
ECC configurations, and does not offer non-ECC configurations.
Memory
Why do I sometimes see
memory in terms of PC2-5300?
How does this relate to
memory bandwidth?
Clock rate is directly proportional to memory bandwidth. The bandwidth of 667 MHz DDR2 memory is calculated as
667 MHz 8 bytes per channel = 5,336 MB/s or 5.3 GB/s. For simplicity, the value is thus referred to as PC2-5300 DDR mem-
ory. The “2” after PC just identifies this memory as DDR2 memory. This nomenclature is sometimes more accepted in the
industry.
The memory bandwidth of the system is improved upon by implementing dual-channel memory architecture. Above,
notice the factor “8 bytes per channel”. By implementing two channels you can essentially double your bandwidth. Instead
of a single DIMM working alone, a pair of DIMMs essentially works together to split up the data exchange to and from the
rest of the system. On the HP xw4550 the dual-channel memory architecture results in very high memory bandwidths on
a personal workstation. With PC2-5300 DDR (667 MHz) memory, the system’s theoretical memory
bandwidth is an astounding 10.6 GB/s.
The HP xw4550 delivers
AMD HyperTransport™
technology. What is
HyperTransport?
HyperTransport technology is a high-speed, high-performance, low-latency point-to-point cache coherent link for integrated
circuits. It provides a universal connection designed to reduce the number of buses within the system, provide a
high-performance link for embedded applications, and enable highly scalable multiprocessing systems. HyperTransport is
designed to enable the chips inside of the workstation and networking and communications devices to communicate with
each other faster. The end result is a reduction in bottlenecks and increased performance.
What are the benefits
of dual-core processors?
The AMD dual-core processor provides double the processing resources in the same footprint compared to similar single
core offerings. Dual-core processors are ideal for usage models requiring multitasking (running many applications or
simulations at once); working on spreadsheets while listening to music with virus checkers and system backups running
(power office); or those using applications that can split a task across processors (multithreaded), like
animation/rendering—DCC.
HP recommends Windows Vista®Business

5
What is ECC memory?
Why is ECC memory important? “ECC” stands for Error Correcting Code or Error Checking and Correction. ECC memory modules have an extra chip that
performs a comparison of the data that is read in and written out. This chip has the capability of detecting single and
multiple bit errors and correcting single bit errors on the fly. If this extra chip detects a single bit error, it will correct the
discrepancy and the system will continue to function without any interruption. If a multiple-bit error (which is extremely
uncommon) is detected, the memory module will issue a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) which will shutdown the system,
avoiding any data corruption in the system. Single- and multiple-bit data errors can go undetected without ECC memory.
Data integrity is always important, but when you are designing an airplane or automobile part, under a tight deadline on
your TV commercial production, analyzing population densities for domestic policy reform, or managing your clients’
financial portfolios of millions of dollars, data integrity is absolutely vital. And in today's cut-throat competitive environment,
work flow efficiency and utilization rates are also crucial. All HP workstations, including the HP xw4550, offer ECC
memory which provides an extra level of data integrity, reliability, and greater system uptime.
Is the floppy drive really
optional on the HP xw4550?
Yes. For ultimate price flexibility and/or security concerns, we now offer systems with or without the floppy drive. With the
advancement of technologies like USB Disk Keys, bootable CD-ROMs/CD-RWs, external storage, etc. the necessity of a
floppy drive has really declined over the past few years and many customers simply don't need them anymore. We offer
the flexibility should you decide it is not needed on your HP xw4550.
Drives
Is the optical drive really
optional on the HP xw4550?
Yes. Once again, for the ultimate in price flexibility and because of security concerns, we now offer systems with or
without an optical drive. Microsoft has lifted a requirement that forced the integration of an optical device on previous
systems, so this is now possible for the first time on the HP xw4550.
Does HP offer any other
removable storage options?
Yes. HP offers an optional 16-in-1 Media Card reader that can be factory-installed on the HP xw4550. This device will
enable users to quickly and easily transfer data between their workstation and their flash media (Compact Flash, Smart
Media, etc). This device will occupy the bottom optical bay in the HP xw4550.
Does the memory for the HP
xw4550 have to be ordered in
pairs? What is the maximum
memory configuration?
To utilize the dual-channel memory architecture advantages, memory must be installed in pairs. However, a single DIMM
will work in the system (i.e. you could put 1x256 MB in the system). It is highly recommended that memory be added in
pairs, as the performance benefit is substantial. Because of this, no single DIMM configurations are offered on xw4550.
When installing memory in the HP xw4550, pairs must be matched in size and speed (i.e. 2x512 MB/667 MHz, not
1x512 MB/667, 1x1 GB/667) and multiple pairs must be matched in speed. The HP xw4550 has 4 DIMM slots (2 dual-
channels) and supports up to 4 GB of physical memory.
Does the HP xw4550 offer
ECC and non-ECC memory?
If so, what speeds are/will
be offered?
The HP xw4550 offers both ECC and non-ECC memory. The following table outlines what memory is available:
DIMM size/speed 256 MB 512 MB 1 GB
DDR2 667 MHz, ECC Not Available Available Available
DDR2 667 MHz, non-ECC Available Available Not available
How does this memory
bandwidth impact the HP
xw4550 system performance?
Many technical applications require huge amounts of memory bandwidth, especially those that use 3D graphics or that
have a large percentage of floating point calculations. These applications will benefit from the massive memory bandwidth
provided by the HP xw4550. Additionally, no configurations using three memory modules are supported.
Memory latency is another very important factor. At the highest level, latency is a measure of how long it takes the
memory subsystem to respond to a cache miss in the processor. The lower (shorter) the memory latency, the better the
application performance, especially for applications that “thrash the cache.”
HP recommends Windows Vista®Business