Adding a 2nd Processor??

[intel2000]

Hi,
I am using Unix SCO version 5 on a Compact Proliant 3000 server. This server currently has a 450MHZ processor and has another slot for another processor. Well, what I would like to do is add another 450 MHZ processor. Now, is this something Unix SCO will just recognize if I plug it in? Do I have to reinstall the whole operating system? Is there a patch that I can run that will make the operating system just recognize a second processor? (I would really hate to have to re-install this operating system.)

Please help,

Thanks for any information,

Ross Lund

 

[eyedoc1975]

SCO does not automatically recognize second CPU. You have to buy a licence for the second CPU from SCO group.

 

[John Lewis]

Yep. Have to buy a SMP license. Couple of other things to consider before you jump in.

Compaq has in the past had a bad habit of providing connectors for nice goodies on the mobo without providing the hardware/firmware required to make it work. It has been several years since I ran into the problem, but you should still check your documentation before you invest in the project.

List price for a SMP license is $999.00 (see

http://stage.caldera.com/pricing/openserver.html).

SMP does not play well with TCP/IP on some versions of the 5 series. I'm thinking it was a problem through 5.0.5, so you may have to upgrade to 5.0.6. Another $300.00 - $1500.00 or more if you have over 100 users. Generally, don't expect to pay much less than list price. Point is, make sure you know what the true cost of this project is before you start spending.

Another note along the same line, make sure you need the second processor before you throw it in. Read the man page for sar and take a look at your actual CPU usage. Could be that you would be better served by upgrading different parts of your system.

 

[stankow]

mhkwood has right !

Usually users expect too much from second processor.
Normally situated system should spend not more than 30-40% of CPU time for work, measured in 20 minute interval (by sar). The rest ot 60-70% of idle time is good reserve for local overloads and ensure good response time.

If you add second processor system will be idle 80-85% and thats all. Only the local overloadings (say in minute range) will dissappear faster. No one single program will run faster. Because every program, in every CPU clock, will run on one CPU.

If the system is busy more than 60% of time, look for another system, not for another processor.

But it depends how the system is positioned. Is it www, file, DBMS, communication, application server or workstation ? In 4 of 5 cases it is better to invest in faster disks, then in more memory. Second CPU is only the third choice.

Good luck in upgrading !

Stankow,

http://www.noac.biz