Site Preparation Guide, Eighth Edition - Superdome HP 9000 Systems

Chapter 1

System Specifications

Environmental Requirements

This section provides the environmental, power dissipation, noise emission, and air flow specifications for the

Superdome.

Temperature and Humidity Specifications

Ambient intake air temperature is often different from ambient room temperature. You should measure the

operating temperature and humidity directly in front of the cabinet cooling air intakes rather than check only

ambient room conditions. Table 1-14 lists the computer room temperature and humidity specifications for

Superdome servers.

At altitudes above 10,000 feet (3048 m), the lower air density reduces the cooling capability of air conditioning

systems. If your facility is located above this altitude, the recommended temperature ranges may need to be

modified. For each 1000 feet (305 m) increase in altitude above 10,000 feet (up to a maximum of 15,000 feet),

subtract 1.5° F (0.83° C) from the upper limit of the temperature range listed in Table 1-14.

NOTE Operating ranges refer to the ambient air temperature and humidity measured 0.5 meter from

the air intake cooling vents at the same height as these vents.

Power Dissipation

Table E-1 on page 104 shows Superdome power requirements by configuration (i.e. number of cell boards,

amount of memory per cell, and number of I/O chassis). This requirement applies to 32-way-capable systems

with PA8600 or PA8700 processors.

There are two columns of power numbers (Watts). The Power Breaker column shows the power used to size

the wall breaker at the installation site. The Typical Power column shows typical power. Typical power

numbers are for PA8600 systems and may be used to assess average utility cost of cooling and electrical

power. Expect these typical numbers to be about 18% less for PA8700 systems. Table E-1 on page 104 also

shows the recommended breaker sizes for 4-wire and 5-wire sources.

Table 1-14 Computer Room Environment

Parameter Operating Range

Recommended

Range

Maximum Rate of Change (per

hour)

Temperature

a. At altitudes up to 3,000 (9,842) meters.

b. System also requires 2400 CFM airflow.

to 86

(20

to 30

to 72

(20

to 25

F repetitive,

F nonrepetitive

C repetitive,

C nonrepetitive)

Humidity 15% - 80%

with no condensation

40% - 55% 6%