DIGITAL Server 9100 Series User's Guide
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Chapter 1
Server Description
The server uses Pentium
Pro symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) and peripheral component interconnect
input/output (PCI I/O) to provide unparalleled reliability, investment protection, scalability, and
price/performance.
The server provides superior processing and I/O power with support for four to eight Pentium Pro
processors, four PCI busses, and up to three onboard SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) busses for
the fastest application and network performance.
The server increases system availability through:
•
ECC (Error Checking and Correction) memory
•
Hot-swappable disk drives (“hot-swappable” refers to a component that you can replace with the
system power on)
•
Hot-swappable redundant power supplies
•
Redundant cooling
•
Integrated server management hardware and software
By providing internal expandability up to 12 SCSI disk drives, 4 gigabytes (GB) of memory, 15 PCI slots,
and 4 EISA slots, the server provides world-class investment protection for even the fastest-growing
customer applications.
This server system is designed for use in applications where downtime must be minimized. To this end,
the server includes or has the option to include the following:
•
Optional power system redundancy. In a system configured with the appropriate number of power
supplies for redundancy (two in some system configurations and three in others), the system continues
to operate with a single power supply failure.
•
Self-contained, hot-swappable power supply units. Power supplies can be easily installed or
removed from the back of the chassis. If you have a redundant power supply configuration, you can
remove and install a power supply while the system is running.
•
Easily accessible SCSI drive bays. The bays are accessible from the front of the chassis.
•
Hot-swappable SCSI drive backplane. You can remove a failed drive and install a new drive
without turning the system power off.
•
Failure monitoring. Hardware monitors (temperature and voltage) and software monitors to indicate
failures.