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Document ID: RMIE-3E7CKU

PC Server 325 / 330 - Pentium Pro replacement procedure

Applicable to: World-Wide

Abstract :
Pentium Pro Replacement Procedure in Server 325/330

Text :
Before replacing, upgrading, or adding an additional Pentium Pro Processor in the IBM PC Server 325 (8639) and PC Server 330 (8640), it is important to verify that Server has the latest BIOS level.

Use the following procedure BEFORE replacing, upgrading or adding an additional Pentium Pro processor:

1. Perform a shutdown of the operating system and then reboot.

2. When the IBM logo screen appears, check the BUILD ID in the lower left hand corner of the screen. An example of a BUILD ID is RAET29AUS. The 29A is the BIOS level. Compare this level with the latest BIOS level on the Database

3. If the system BIOS level is at a lower level (lower numeric value) than the latest BIOS level available on the database, download the latest BIOS image and update the system BIOS prior to installing the processor.

The Intel Pentium Pro processor has an area to store microcode patches. This microcode is stored in the BIOS of the PC Server 325/330 and is loaded into the Pentium Pro during POST. Each Pentium Pro processor has a stepping level. Each stepping level requires a specific microcode patch. The latest level BIOS will contain all the microcode patches for all processor stepping levels.
When the Server POSTs, a specific microcode is loaded to the Pentium Pro processor depending on its stepping level. If the BIOS is downlevel, the processor may not receive the correct microcode because it is not present in the downlevel BIOS. The processor will not operate properly without the correct microcode patch.

SAS Keywords :
PSY2 UNCLASSIFIED PSY2BRD PSY2PART
PENTIUMPRO D/T8639 12J2680 P/N12J2680
75H9831 P/N75H9831 12J3501 P/N12J3501

Search Keywords

Health

Hint Category

Processors, Retain

Date Created

11-02-97

Last Updated

25-01-99

Revision Date

24-01-2000

Brand

IBM PC Server

Product Family

PC Server 325, PC Server 330

Machine Type

8639, 8640

Model

all

TypeModel

Retain Tip (if applicable)

H136522

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