S2600BP Processor Population Rules
Intel® S2600BP motherboard processor population rules.
Although the Intel® S2600BP motherboard supports using different processors on each socket, Cray performs platform validation only on systems that are configured with identical processors. For optimal system performance and reliability, install identical processors.
If needed, the S2600BP may operate with one processor in the CPU 1 socket. However, some board features may not be functional if a second processor is not installed. Riser slots 3 and 4 can be used only in dual processor configurations.
- be of the same processor family,
- have the same number of cores,
- and 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 that have different Intel UltraPath (UPI) 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 Intel Corporation.