224 IBM eX5 Implementation Guide6.2.3 Processor installation orderThe following list shows the processor installation requirements: The server ships with a minimum of two processors, which are installed in sockets 1 and 4. You can install additional processors in sockets 2 and 3 in either order. You need to install a QPI wrap card in QPI slot 3 and 4 after processor 2 is installed. You need to install a QPI wrap card in QPI slot 1and 2 after processor 3 is installed. The server functions in a slightly reduced capacity if the QPI wrap cards are not installedand the server is running as a stand-alone server. When processor 2 is installed and theQPI wrap card is not installed across slots 3 and 4, processor 2 must make a memoryrequest through processor 3 or 4 to access the memory that is attached to processor 1.This type of memory call through two processors doubles the memory latency to accessthe memory that is attached to processor 1.6.2.4 Processor installation toolA processor installation tool ships with all processor options for this server. This tool assistswith both installing and removing processors. The processor pins are extremely fragile so it isextremely easy to bend one or more of these pins while attempting to install or remove aprocessor. The process is more difficult on this type of server due to the deep well in whichthe processors are located between the power supply cage and the memory cage.Bent processor pins can result in a number of possible problems: A complete processor failure Repeat failures of DIMMs at the same location within the two memory cards that aresupported by that processor Repeat PCIe failures on the same slots that are associated with either processors 1 and 2or processors 3 and 4 Redundant QPI link failures between two processors, between a processor and the I/Ohub, or between a processor and the MAX5Figure 6-2 on page 225 shows the processor tool that is used to install a processor in thissystem safely or remove a processor from this system.Memory installed on all memorycards for installed processors and theMAX5. QPI wrap cards must be removed from the server toaccept QPI cables that are used to link the MAX5memory expansion unit to the server. Performance improves as DIMMs are added to evenlypopulate all ranks on each memory controller for localmemory. Performance improves significantly when more activememory calls use local memory on the system boardinstead of the memory that is located in the MAX5. In the rare instance of a memory card failure, VMwareoperational requirements can be satisfied if all of thememory is installed in the MAX5 or each processor hasthe same amount of memory disabled. Memory accessis significantly slower if all of the memory is in the MAX5.Memory Installed Operational characteristic
