Purpose:
This article is a culmination of the work of many on this and other web sites. The sole purpose is to clearly define and outline the steps necessary to modify your HP EX485/487 MediaSmart Server (or MSS) from a single core Intel Celeron 440 to the more powerful Intel Dual Core. It will present various options for the MSS user and provide a one stop resource for the complete upgrade process. Choosing a CPU, performance gains/benchmarks, power consumption temperature and memory upgrades are discussed as well. I will try to sort thru some of the technical jargon and issues that can make this process complicated. While the scope of this article will surround the E5200 CPU that has been extensively tested it will also list the other CPU designations reported to work for your consideration. Depending on your level of expertise you might find some topics interesting or boring but there listed here regardless of your abilities. Some useful tips have been included and some very useful links have been placed in the reference sections at the end of the article.
Warning and Disclaimer:
The author of the article assumes no responsibility for “bricking” “smoking” or voiding the warranty of your MSS as a result of your action. Safe to say if you take the cover off you have probably voided the warranty. Read this document completely before diving in! If you do not feel comfortable with disassembly, modifications, handling electronics parts, software configuration or are not familiar with electrostatic procedures you should stop here and get help. OK, now that we have satisfied the lawyers out there lets move on.
Background of the Media Smart Server:
The HP MediaSmart Server EX48X series (EX485/7) are second generation servers that were released as a replacement for the EX47X. The EX485/7 come provisioned with an Intel Celeron 440 single core 2Ghz processor. This was an upgrade over the less powerful AMD cores used in the 470 series. The Celeron 440 provides reasonable performance for basic operations, WHS administrations, backups, photo management and file functions on your network. Unfortunately when you ask it to run other add-ins such as CPU intensive audio and video streaming/compression it runs out of steam quickly resulting in dropouts, pauses and other issues.
What’s the Solution?
There is no total solution because of the limitation of the HP hardware and intent of design. Some of the limits are: a minimal power supply, Passive CPU cooling with low air circulation, limited case size and an unforgiving proprietary motherboard that is nearly impossible to buy on the open market with no recovery features. While we can’t solve all the problems we can improve performance to a more acceptable level and limit the risks of the modification.
Cost:
How much will this cost me and is it worth it? Obviously this is a major consideration unless you’re a hobbyist or just love hacking. It does not make much sense dumping a ton of money into a platform that in the end run won’t perform as you expect it to. Sometimes we just have to admit that no mater how hard we try we can’t make a pig fly. This is the conclusion that some have come to. If you are thinking this upgrade will make the 485 a barn blazing video eating audio blasting end all platform forget it. It will give you a 100% performance increase over the Celeron 440 and can be done for around $60.00. Granted you could spend a great deal more but how much you want to spend and how deep you go is up to you.
What’s next?
This depends on the route you choose and the processor you select. For those who want a transparency and minimal work you have the following option: Buy an Intel Dual Core E5200 processor with sSpec of SLAY7 or QFHQ. This sSpec specific core will provide the all around best bang for the buck with the least amount of implementation work or operational issues. The E5200’s are readily available both new and used from many sources. E5200 processors are also used in the 3rd generation of the MSS. Let’s talk a little about what this sSpec code is all about. (I will cover E5200 sSpec SLB9T later in the article).
What is an sSpec?
The sSpec number is also known as the specification number and stepping code. It contains 5 characters (example: SLAY7 or QFHQ etc.) that are stamped on top of the processor and printed on the box to identify the processor.
Do Intel processors of the same model have the same sSpec?
Not necessarily, the same processor number can have many different sSpecs codes. This is because when a processor stepping change occurs, a new sSpec is generated for that stepping. It is also true that the same stepping level can also have more than one sSpec associated with it.
What is a processor stepping?
It is the revision level of the CPU silicon. The stepping version can be changed for a number of reasons, these can be to fix some errata, raise the performance/ clock speed modify die sizes or to reduce power consumption and can include micro code changes or update. Generally a higher stepping version is better, but not in the case of compatibility with the EX485.
When stepping version change, what is the naming convention?
Each stepping gets a different name. The usual naming convention is to change the letter of a stepping on each full-layer stepping and change the number of a stepping on the metal-layer stepping. As an example, the first full-layer stepping from A0 would typically be B0 and the first metal-layer stepping from A0 would be A1. In the case of our target processor, the E5200 there are three sSpec versions using 2 stepping models, M0 and R0. M0 is the most compatible for our MSS application and the desired choice.
Where can the sSpec value be found?
You can find this number by looking at the markings on the processor top-side (see Figure 1), or on the bar code label on the side of the processor box (Figure 2). Here’s an example of each location.
Why is all this stuff important?
This information is important because it is necessary to know how to identify and select sSpec for a given CPU and to select the one that will work best for our application. Before you agree to purchase any CPU be sure the seller can provide the sSpec code.
Which Intel CPU should I use and how this choice affects BIOS settings:
Many have mentioned having some success with other dual core Celeron, Pentium and Xeon units. Some of CPU’s reported to work are the: E3300, E3400, E4400, E6300, E6420, E8200, L3110 Xeon’s and a few others. Some of these processors have higher clock rates, larger cache and advanced technologies some of which cannot be taken advantage of. For a CPU to be utilized for optimum performance the motherboard and chipset must contain the information to accommodate the processors abilities and operating parameters. This is partly done in the system BIOS. BIOS: (Basic Input/Output System) is a set of instructions and parameters that CPU uses to bootstrap or begin to startup. The BIOS also provides the necessary code to hand off the boot process to the boot loader on the hard drive and boot the operating system. The BIOS for the 485 is contained on a single flash chip on the motherboard. As you can see the BIOS is a key consideration. Values specified in the BIOS that do not fully match the CPU can easily cause operational inconsistencies within the MSS.
The Intel E5200 appears to be the upgrade processor of choice. This article will focus on the use of this core. This is not to say that the E5200 is the best selection but it does have a number of features that puts it high on the list. First, it is the same processor that HP is using in the 3rd generation 490. Second, it is cheap (approx $60.00) and easy to find on the open market. Third it provides a noticeable improvement over the stock Celeron 440 core. Finally, it can be implemented with no adverse operational issues.
The Intel E5200 vs. Celeron 440 Comparison
Clock Rate: 2.5 vs. 2.0
L2 Cache 2MB vs. 512k
45nm vs. 65 nm process (a smaller number is better, the E5200 uses reduced size core semiconductors)
65w vs. 35w TDP (the Celeron draws less power but not appreciable in actual testing) This is one of the most important consideration when picking a dual core processors. You do not want to select a core with a power rating greater than 65w. Exceeding this value can create issues for the power supply and generate too much heat to be properly dissipated by the passive cooling used in the 485.
Intel released 3 versions of the E5200 for general release. These can be identified by the SSpec code (see figure 1 and 2 above). Two of these are the SLAY7 and QFHQ versions are the easiest to implement in the 485 and are stepping model M0. No BIOS changes are required, this is simply and remove the old CPU and install the new one. All functions of your MSS will work properly. The only exception is the monitoring of the backplane temperature of -128c/262f in the BIOS display. Windows Home Server software will also identify this core as a Pentium 3 XEON processor. Neither issue is detrimental to the operation of the MSS and is totally transparent to the user. One note, to obtain the optimal performance of this and any dual core processor speed stepping can be disabled. This is a controversial point which will cover in the speed stepping discussion later on.
The third version of the Intel E5200 was the SLB9T and is stepping model R0. The SLB9T is the current production E5200 release and by far the easiest to obtain. Because of the R0 stepping some items in the BIOS will need to be modified before the core switch. You cannot simply change the CPU without making necessary BIOS changes, if you try you will end up with a server that will not Boot.
What must I do to uses the E5200 SLB9T?
You have 2 ways to implement this CPU. The first is to “Flash” the BIOS with the required changes. It requires nothing but a BIOS file, no cables/adapters/keyboards and the most cost effective. This is also the most dangerous method and can result in a bricked server. Should this happen you need to send your motherboard back to HP for repair. This will cost you a minimum of $65.00. Generally, when properly done flashing the BIOS is an un-eventful thing and USUALLY completes without problems. Another complication for the MSS is that the user performing the update is totally blind to the process. There are no safeguards such as BIOS recovery jumpers used on most motherboards. Not so great if you have problems.
The second and recommended method is to change the BIOS is the use of a KVM adapter. This adapter will allow the user to connect a PS2 compatible keyboard, mouse and VGA Video monitor to the MSS. It also makes tweaking and experimenting with the MSS easy and provides direct access the Microsoft Home Server’s console if needed. This adapter will set you back anywhere from $60 to $90 dollars depending on the version you get but well worth it. Consider it necessary tool and the pathway to the inner working of your MediaSmart Server. This adapter also opens the door to things like booting and installing alternative operating system from a flash drive. BIOS settings/changes and tweaks are a snap to do. You can also correct WHS errors from the console possibly saving you and your data from a full system recovery. If you consider the time and expense of buying the hardware pieces and parts to build you own this purchase is a no-brainer.
The KVM is available from Charles at VOV Technologies. You can find his contact info in the following link: http://www.mediasmartserver.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3980 for details on the adapter, the configurations available and how to use it.
I think the Keyboard/Video/Mouse edition is the best choice for the average person even though I bought the one with the additional serial port just to play with. This unit is a well constructed professionally built adapter. It is easy to install and Plug n Play. Plug the included cable into the CN-9 connector on the MSS motherboard, connect a compatible PS2 keyboard mouse and monitor to the ports and your good to go. The adapter can be stored in the upper drive bay for easy access to the BIOS/Console at any time without disassembly of the MSS. If all your drive bays are full the cable can be placed behind the lower front plate so you can attach the adapter without case disassembly.
Let the fun Begin:
Before you do anything make sure your MSS is fully functional and operating properly. Starting with a sick or malfunctioning server is a sure recipe for disaster. You should have a recent backup and your server should be up to date. Boot the server a number of times and make sure all is well. Look at the event logs to make sure nothing out of the ordinary is occurring. Download and install CPU-Z, OCCT software to your server. This will help you verify core information, power and temperature date and give you a base line. Perform detailed CPU benchmarks before and after the upgrade, you will be amazed at the results. Based on the process you are using select the correct step below.
Required steps for the following processors:
I am using a E5200 sSpec SLAY7 or QFHQ
The process will be: case disassembly, CPU removal and replacement, case re-assembly, 2 reboots and it’s done! The BIOS setting for Dual Core Enabled will automatically updated in the BIOS. Speed stepping will be left enabled by default. (to optimize performance read the Speed Stepping discussions later in the article.)
I am using a E5200 sSpec SLB9T or other CPU
For those using the E5200 SLB9T or other CPU’s the process will be: BIOS update/CMOS clear, case disassembly, CPU removal and replacement, case re-assembly, and a couple of reboots to get everything recognized. What will be affected, the server sleep and power down functionality will no longer work correctly and temperature monitoring features will be incorrect depending on CPU, not a big deal if your server runs 24×7 like most.
More on the BIOS:
It should be noted that some of the users on various forum’s have modified the EX49X BIOS to work in the EX485 using the newer Dual core processors. These modified BIOS’s correct the Sleep/power down function and allow proper CPU identification clearing the way for other processor use. Unfortunately these modified BIOS created some fan issues that have not yet been resolved. Hopefully the developmental work will continue. Sadly 2 major players working on these changes and very familiar with flashing have bricked their 485’s during this endeavor. If you choose to use a BIOS load off the forums it is most important that you know the source of the BIOS that you are using for flashing, you must also know exactly what setting have been incorporated. This can be very dangerous. You must be familiar with the flash process and have a stable power source before flashing. Consider plugging your MSS in a UPS before starting this activity. Should your home power drop’s out during the flash process you might end up bricked. We all know about Murphy’s law.
Again, BIOS upgrading must be done BEFORE the installation of the new CPU (other than those using QFHQ or SLAY7).
How do I Flash the BIOS and which version should I use?
There are a number modified BIOS’s available for the EX485 and can be obtained simply by reading the thread listed in the reference section titled “The original HP EX485 CPU Upgrade thread, on mediasmarthome.com You could download and apply one of them but that’s up to you.
What I suggest is to extract a copy of your own BIOS running on your server. You can them make the necessary changes and apply it back to your MSS. The chance of applying invalid or corrupted BIOS is greatly diminished. You can also initialize the CMOS during this process. (The CMOS contains information specific to your EX485 such as memory size, disk types, CPU clock and bus values, initializing it sets it to a startup or failsafe value)
Extracting and re-applying the BIOS require a couple of software tools. Download these to another computer, unrar them. They will be transferred to a MSS shared folder. (Note, you could also download them directly onto your MSS via the Remote Desktop connection if you have unrar and unzip software loaded on your server)
They tools are: AFUWIN 4.xx and AMIBCP 3.xx
The links for AFUWIN:
http://www.ami.com/support/downloadagreement.cfm?DLFile=support/downloads/ami
After the download unzip and find the folder name amiflash amibios afuwin 32 afuwin.exe
Download AMIBCP 3.37:
http://www.lejabeach.com/sisubb/AMIBCP3.37.rar
unrar to a folder you can get to later.
Download to another computer then copy them into a shared folder on your MSS under WHS.
Using the Remote Desktop Connection (or simply click Start, Run and enter: %SystemRoot%\System32\mstsc.exe /console /admin
Log into your MSS. Create a BIOS subdirectory under the C: drive, copy AFUWIN32.exe and AMIBCP.exe to this directory.
Execute AFUWIN 32 and on the bottom click save (this will save a copy of your original bios, call it ORIGBIOS) You should always maintain a copy of this file.
close AFUWIN
Execute AMIBCP, open the saved BIOS file: ORIGBIOS you saved using AFUWIN above.
Go to the Setup Configuration , Click Advanced then Click CPU Configuration and then on the right you should only change the following (see Figure 3 below)
Change the Original Configuration
PECI 00 00 (old value)
Mandatory Change
PECI 01 01 (new value)
This is optional and affects speed stepping
Intel® SpeedStep Tech 01 01 (old)
Optional Change
Intel® SpeedStep Tech 00 00 (old)
Leave all other values as they are (unless you know exactly what you are changing)
Save the file as (MODBIOS)
Open AFUWIN and open the newly modified Bios file. (MODBIOS)
On the SETUP TAB click on LOAD CURRENT OPTIMAL under CMOS Options.
Take a deep breath and Click Flash. DO NOT INTERRUPT THIS PROCESS. Let it complete.
Now reboot your server with original Celeron still in place to see if everything went right.
What did we change?
PECI was enabled and set to 1. PECI is Platform Environment Control or thermal control that was implemented into the Intel Dual Core and not used for the Celeron 440. The MSS will not boot if this setting is not changed and the dual core installed. The PECI setting and speed stepping setting is totally transparent 440 so you can change enable it at will. The Celeron will work just find with PECI set to either value. The optional change disabled speed stepping. (see this topic in this document for further info) Now that the correct BIOS setting are in place lets start the hardware upgrade process.
The Disassembly/Reassembly process:
Access to the processor is accomplished by the removal of the motherboard from the case assembly. This is an easy process and outlined here:
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/09/16/a-closer-look-at-the-ex490-and-ex495-hardware/
One note: when attempting to remove the top plate it is necessary to depress the retainer clip before attempting to slide the top plate forward. Failure to do so will result in the clip being damaged. Look inside the top drive bay at the roof of the MSS. In the center just a few inches back from the front you will see a slot, just to the rear of the slot is a clip that when pushed up will allow for the easy removal of the top plate.
Operating on the motherboard:
Always make sure you observe electrostatic procedures when you handle any sensitive electronic components especially in dry climates with low humidity. Even the smallest static discharge can destroy or permanently damage a CPU or motherboard. Once the CPU heat sink has been removed you will need to remove the thermal paste. Rubbing alcohol can be for this. Remove the old processor by unlatching the retention clip and lifting upward. Simply remove the old CPU and clean any residual thermal paste. Install the new processor making sure to observe the orientation. Use a 1/8 inch bead of Artic Silver 5 down the center of the new CPU starting top to bottom leaving about 1/8 inch from the edge. Just as indicated in Figure 4 below:
This is the recommended location and amount per the Artic Silver web site. Adding more than this is a waste of paste and just makes a mess. Carefully line up the heat sync and place it on the new processor. Gently rock the heat sync to allow the paste to distribute over the top of the processor. Complete the re-assembly procedure. Also, a cable assembly runs across the fan in the front of the MSS, using the slack in the cable pull it down and out of the way of the fan. Then using a cable tie secure the cable out of the way of the fan. This will help provide a clear path for the air and aid in cooling.
Re-install the hard drives, reconnect the network cable and power. Have your PC with Home server connector booted and online. Power up the MSS, and notice the health indicators. If all is well the system should be fully booted and accessible via the Home Server connectors. If all appears normal but you cannot access the system perform a MSS power down/reboot. If at this point you still do not have access you can connect your KVM switch and should be able to see the status of the system. On a normal boot the console will present a login screen. If you see this screen then more then likely you have a networking/connectivity issue and not a CPU related problem. Depending on the problem and health indicators trace back your installation procedures. If you don’t have a KVM adapter your worst case scenario would require you to re-install your original processor to do additional troubleshooting and possible BIOS verification.
Speed stepping settings:
There is much controversy around speed stepping and if it should be enabled or disabled. This discussion should help your make your choice. First, what is speed stepping or dynamic frequency scaling as it is otherwise know? It is the ability of the processor to up shift or downshift the clock speed of the processor based upon the processor load. The advantages are less heat and power draw. The disadvantages are CPU overhead required for speed management and time lag and low optimization. Microsoft suggests speed stepping should be disabled if problems are occurring with video processing. When testing I found that disabling speed stepping provided a noticeable performance difference with negligible heat or power increases. I was never able to achieve maximum core clock rates with speed stepping enable no mater how much I loaded the CPU. Based on the Microsoft recommendation and tests it is disabled in my platform. If you would like to disable the setting access the BIOS using the KVM adapter and set speed stepping to disabled. This can also be accomplished used the same procedure used to change the PECI setting and flashing the BIOS with the change. Use the procedure listed above, substitute “Speed stepping disabled” for PECI 00 00. Complete the process and flash the change.
Wrapping up the CPU upgrade with a few tests:
Some Actual CPU Testing and SiSoftware Sandra Benchmark results:
CPU Aggregate Multi Media test Power Draw CPU Dhrystone CPU Whetstone
C-440 13.32 M/pixel/s 35.0 w 7.80 GIPS 7.30 GFLOPS
E5200 33.35 M/pixel/s 37.3 w 19.5 GIPS 18.44 GFLOPS
E6300 35.42 M/pixel/s 37.0 w 20.1 GIPS 19.02 GFLOPS
These performance results speak for themselves and are very amazing. I ran a number of temperature tests and found the data to be inconclusive. When running CPU intensive testing I found that the Celeron had a slightly cooler temperature than the Dual Core but carried that temperature longer. The Dual Core would spike but recover to a lower temperature quicker because it is a more powerful processor and able to complete the task quicker. If both the 440 and 5200 was loaded to max capacity the Celeron would run slightly cooler. Again this is not a conclusive test because of the ability of the dual core to complete the task quicker than the Celeron not only because of the dual processors but the much larger cache. As a note the Dual Core was never more than a few degrees warmer then the original Celeron and always with normal temperature values. These finding may improve as the Artic Silver 5 paste cures with time and dissipates the dual core heat more efficiently.
The power draw of the E6300 was surprising considering it provided slightly better results than the E5200. This may be in part because it is a slightly newer generation core and more than likely as incorporated improvement but it also raises the conversion costs an additional $30 bucks, not sure if its justified.
Larger CPU Cache:
A dual processor with a larger L2 cache (such as the E8200) may be of some benefit but I don’t expect a major increase in performance. When the prices come down some I plan to work with the E8200 with 6GB cache just to see exactly what the difference will be.
Memory upgrade from 2gb to 4gb:
After some careful review and many conversations with some of the support engineers at HP the common consensus is that the MSS would not greatly benefit from a memory upgrade though it can be easily upgraded to 4gb. This is mostly because of its role in life is a minimal server and really does not need more than the 2gb it already has. Unlike Windows XP WHS can address a full 4gb so the memory upgrade would be used by the OS. Another issue is when you increase the density of memory on a chip you increase the power draw and heat dissipation. The cost of the upgrade would be over $100 and might provide little return on your investment. Jury is out on this one until some detailed testing and analysis can be done. Should you wish to perform this memory upgrade the correct part is 240-pin DDR2 SDRAM PC2 6400 G.SKILL Model #:F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ. It is a pin compatible replacement for the existing 2GB memory part and should be recognized automatically without other changes.
Final Observation and Conclusion:
Overall I am very pleased with the outcome of this project. It is a relatively easy task that just takes a little planning and time to complete. The results were well worth the time and money. It also extends the life cycle of the EX485. I am sure this will greatly help the upgrade demands that 3.0 will demand once it is available. I selected the E5200 M0 as the processor of choice primarily because I want my MSS to sleep at night when it’s not used and to prolong the life of the unit.
Other processors
It would be a great resource to all looking to complete this upgrade for those using other Dual Core processors to share their experiences. Please consider the following, Before staying “Everything Works Great” please do in depth and complete testing. List your exact configuration and what you modified or changed. It would also be useful to those tweaking BIOS setting would list them as well.
My thanks to those who take the time to share their work making these upgrades possible for all.
Dan
References and additional resources:
Exploring the BIOS using the KVM/CN9 access:
http://www.mediasmartserver.net/2009/01/09/how-to-unlock-the-ex487-bios/
OCCT Power, Temperature Monitoring software, excellent for testing CPU stats.
http://www.ocbase.com/perestroika_en/
The original HP EX485 CPU Upgrade thread, the original process and a good read
http://www.mediasmarthome.com/forum/thread/11977/HP-EX-485-CPU-upgrade-sucessful/
Adding a Printer to the MediaSmartServer
http://www.myhomeserver.com/?page_id=30
HP EX485 Media Vault Software Update
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?product=3855978&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&lang=en&cc=us
Microsoft Window Home Server TechNet
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd347480%28WS.10%29.aspx
Inside new HP Data Vault
http://www.homeserverhacks.com/
Article by Alex Kuretz
I'm Alex Kuretz, and I'm the founder of MediaSmartServer.net. I was the Lead Test and Integration Engineer at HP for the MediaSmart Server until April 2008 when I moved on to other opportunities outside HP. I've kept active in the Windows Home Server community, creating several add-ins and helping users make the most of their Home Servers.
{ 59 comments… read them below or add one }
← Previous Comments
Hey Dan, I checked out the WOL tool but it didn’t work with the E3300. So that’s checked off the list. Thanks for the all feedback/ideas!
Some additional info before I…Upgrade to the SLB9T.
I have read all the comments and not sure about the bios flash required.
I have ex485 bios HPMSS-01 23/09/2008 updated SW to system 3.
2G memory.
Everything is good…
Right now the original is;
PECI:00/00
Speed Step:00/01
According to the directions and subsequent comments i should set it to:
PECI:01/01
Speed step:00/01
Can someone with this configuration please verify????
I would like to keep the WAF as high as possible…
There is a typo in Dan’s original article concerning the default values for speed stepping. Speed stepping is already disabled in the bios Fail Safe Settings and his chart should actually read as follows:
This is optional and affects speed stepping
Intel® SpeedStep Tech 00 01 (old)
Optional Change
Intel® SpeedStep Tech 00 00 (new)
That means that the answer that Dan is suggesting to your question is:
According to the directions and subsequent comments i should set it to:
PECI:01/01
Speed step:00/00
Those settings enable PECI (to get the MediaSmart Server started) and disable Speed Stepping (to allow the MediaSmart Server to always run at the maximum CPU speed), which is his goal.
Thanks for the reply John.
I went ahead with the update last week and have been running great so far.
The settings I used were:
PECI:00/00
Speed step:00/00
I initially tried with PECI on but it wouldnt boot up like the others have mentioned. It took me 4 hours total – could have been done in 2 if i hadnt had to reflash to turn off PECI. I rebooted a couple of times and both cores are now showing up.
Overall I am quite happy with the outcome.
Thanks everyone for your efforts.
Hello EDNX4.
Your contrary PECI results don’t surprise me. In theory, there are reasons that those results may be predictable.
It is my understanding that the original Celeron 440 CPU in the EX485 supports PECI. Yet HP decided to leave PECI disabled in the bios.
Now people are trying to install other Intel CPU’s that also support PECI and for some unexplained reason believe that they have to go through all this bios flashing to enable PECI when it was unnecessary, or undesirable, for the original CPU.
If you have a desktop with a PECI enabled Intel CPU and a motherboard that actually supports PECI, and you choose to go into the bios and enable or disable the PECI setting, the machine starts either way. Enabling or disabling PECI might generate a variance in how temperature readings are reported, but that is a different subject.
So I really don’t understand the presumed correlation between fiddling with PECI in the bios to a setting not used by HP for its original PECI enabled CPU and whether or not a machine starts with a different PECI enabled CPU.
Disabling Speed Stepping in a machine like an EX485 that may sit idle for long periods and suffers from marginal cooling in the first place also seems like a dubious proposition; the CPU seems to return to full speed when under sustained load anyway. About all that disabling Speed Stepping as an Optimal Value seems to accomplish is to make it easier to get snapshots of CPU-Z at the ramped up values, albeit at the expense of generating more heat full time.
Interesting subject, but I must be missing something.
EDN4X4 and John,
Sorry to take so long to answer your questions, I have been out of town, As far as the values in the article are defined they are correct. Probably the confusion is the speed stepping and sStep version used. First let me say changing the speed stepping is not required for ANY processor you choose to implement and is up to the user and results they want to achieve.
As I mention in the article speed stepping is enabled by default, in order to remove the overhead and have the processor running at full speed at all times it is suggested to disable this feature.
Most folks on the forum seem to want full cpu speed all the time. Performing benchmark testing with and without speedstepping provided interesting results. These were without speed stepping actual cpu performance increased approx. 10%. The only thing I can speculate about this difference is the overhead required for the upshift and downshift of processor speed. It is also true that disabling speed stepping does increase the overall system temperature at idle (minimal, approx 2c) but this is not the case under full load. Under full load speed stepping setting makes no difference in core temperature. If the user doing the modification moves the cable that partially blocks the front fan its a wash at idle and runs slightly cooler at full tilt.
PECI, it is true that the Celeron 440 is capable of PECI and that is why changing this value in the BIOS will be ok with it. The E5200 uses a slightly different temperature monitoring circuit and the slb9t made additional changes to the microcode that enforces its use and prevents the boot of the later cores. This is why the later processors require the PECI change and the SLAY7 does not. PECI as I understand it has been full implemented in the 495.
With a little luck I hope to be getting a motherboard that I can experiment with and an E8300 cpu. I am going to socket the flash chip so I can try fiddling with the BIOS and be able to recover it and be able to write it at will. I think a updated BIOS can be written using the 495 as a template. The PECI implementation is the major problem that creates all the problems using the later chips. Hopefully we can resolve this. To be continued….
Dan
Hello
This question is for EX485 / 487 owners who have upgraded their ram to 4 GB. What type / brand did you purchase? So far all I have seen reference to is ” Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 4GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory Model 991762 ”
FYI The reason I am upgrading to 4GB is to run VMWare Server for a Linux environment on my EX485.
Thanks
ws2000,
Here’s 2 that will work that I would suggest:
perfect if you are using the stock processor G.Skill PN F2-6400CL6S-4GBMQ, if your using an upgraded processor and running it with speed stepping turned off use: F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ. This second SDRAM is rated a little faster and will eliminate possible memory timing issues. An added plus is they dissipate heat very well because of the built in heat sink.
You might have to look around a little for these but G.Skill makes a great product they are worth the extra work to find them.
As far as the Mushkin’s, I have used their products in the past and find them to be very dependable as well. I think it would be fairly safe to say you would be good with a CAS 5 or better SDRAM and I believe the product number you provided meets that spec.
As I mentioned in the article 4Megs of ram in the Windows Home Server application for the most part is not worth the bang for the buck. Perhaps that is not the case with Linux.
Your finding will be most interesting, keep us posted!
Best Regards,
Dan
Dan
Thank you for the response! I will look around for F2-6400CL5S-4GBPQ. Newegg currently does not have it in stock
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little more FYI…
I hope to get this Googlevoice + Asterisk pbx (PiAF) + Free DID from SipGate project running on my EX485.
http://slickdeals.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1480557
I would like to avoid setting up another box to act as a server when I have the EX485 running all the time. There is an option to run this project off a router but I would love to use the EX485.
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