Penguin Computing Relion 1900e, Technical Manual

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Relion 1900e/2900e Manual
15 Revision 1.3
3.2 Processor Thermal Design Power (TDP) Support
To allow optimal operation and long-term reliability of Intel processor-based systems, the processor must
remain within the defined minimum and maximum case temperature (T
CASE
) specifications. Thermal solutions
not designed to provide sufficient thermal capability may affect the long-term reliability of the processor and
system. The server board described in this document is designed to support the Intel
®
Xeon
®
Processor E5-
2600 v3, v4 product family TDP guidelines up to and including 145W.
Disclaimer Note: Penguin Computing server boards contain a number of high-density VAVAGO and power delivery
components that need adequate airflow to cool. Penguin ensures through its own chassis development and testing
that when Penguin server building blocks are used together, the fully integrated system will meet the intended
thermal requirements of these components. It is the responsibility of the system integrator who chooses not to use
Penguin developed server building blocks to consult vendor datasheets and operating parameters to determine the
amount of airflow required for their specific application and environmental conditions. Penguin Computing cannot be
held responsible if components fail or the server board does not operate correctly when used outside any of its
published operating or non-operating limits.
3.3 Processor Population Rules
Note: The server board may support dual-processor configurations consisting of different processors that
meet the defined criteria below, however, Penguin Computing does not perform validation testing of this
configuration. In addition, Intel does not guarantee that a server system configured with unmatched
processors will operate reliably. The system BIOS will attempt to operate with processors which are not
matched but are generally compatible.
When using a single processor configuration, the processor must be installed into the processor socket
labeled “CPU_1”.
Note: Some board features may not be functional without having a second processor installed. See Figure
6.
Relion 1900e/2900e Architectural Block Diagram.
When two processors are installed, the following population rules apply:

Both processors must be of the same processor family

Both processors must have the same number of cores

Both processors must have the same cache sizes for all levels of processor cache memory
Processors with different core frequencies can be mixed in a system, given the prior rules are met. If this
condition is detected, all processor core frequencies are set to the lowest common denominator (highest
common speed) and an error is reported.
Processors which have different Intel ® Quickpath (QPI) Link Frequencies may operate together if they are
otherwise compatible and if a common link frequency can be selected. The common link frequency would
be the highest link frequency that all installed processors can achieve.
Processor stepping within a common processor family can be mixed as long as it is listed in the processor
specification updates published by Penguin Computing. Mixing of steppings is only validated and
supported between processors that are plus or minus one stepping from each other.