HP Integrity rx8620 Server User Service Guide

AB439A and AB548A Processor Stepping Information
IMPORTANT: Intel is planning an updated A2 stepping of the Itanium 2 AB439A and AB548A
processors. Intel will no longer be providing A1 stepping processors. HP and its customers will
have to gradually transition to A2 stepping processors.
For approximately two years (June 2005 — June 2007), A1 stepping processors were replaced
with A1 stepping processors and A2 stepping processors were replaced with A2 stepping
processors. Once A1 processor exchange parts are no longer available, the parts will be replaced
with A2 processors and the system firmware updated if necessary.
How to Identify A1 Stepping processor from an A2 Stepping processor
Table 6-3 Processor Stepping Comparisons
FRU-ID P/NStepping NumberDescriptionFRU Exchange P/N
AB439-04001A11.5GHz 4MBA6913-69009
AB548-04001A11.6GHz 6MBA6913-69011
AB439-04004A21.5GHz 4MBA6913-69014
AB548-04004A21.6GHz 6MBA6913-69015
Mixing A1 and A2 Stepping Processors
A1 and A2 processors can be mixed on the same cell board with A2 compatible firmware. Cell
boards with A1 processors can be mixed with cell boards with A2 processors within the same
partition.
CAUTION: Minimum Firmware Version must be 3.3 with A2 processor cell board(s) or the
system does not boot. If the logical firmware download order is not followed, unpredictable
results may also occur.
Search for More Information
• There is a WTEC CPU Hardware webpage titled Intel Madison9M “A1” vs. “A2” Stepping at
this URL: http://wtec.cup.hp.com/~cpuhw/IA64/Mad-A1vsA2/A1-A2.htm that has additional
technical details and information.
• On the WTEC server, there is also a WTEC newsletter of Current Issues titled Communications
Relative to the Intel Itanium 2 Madison 9M Processor and Upcoming Firmware (#319): http://
15.13.122.166/list_issues.php.
• Service Notes for the firmware releases with A2 Stepping processor support: http://
snserver.mayfield.hp.com/ServiceNotes/Snwebsite/default.asp. Firmware Release notes are
summarized in the service note for the HP Integrity rx8620.
• ReadMe flyers are included with the Add-On A2 processor parts and GSO replacement parts
indicating the minimum level of firmware required.
Removing and Replacing a Central Processing Unit 149