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Dell PowerEdge 4600
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Dell PowerEdge 4600

Processor

The PowerEdge 4600 supports two Intel next-generation Xeon processors based on Pentium 4 technology. These processors utilize NetBurst™ micro-architecture, which maximizes performance on applications. The latest Intel Xeon processor technology incorporates the next-generation IA-32 microprocessor, designed specifically for servers and workstation applications. Xeon processors are 100% compatible with existing IA-32 software.

The Xeon processor is based on a 0.13-micron process, includes 512KB of on-chip cache, and supports both P6 MMX instructions and Xeon SIMD extensions. It utilizes a 603-pin micro-PGA package connected through a surface-mount ZIF socket on the system board.

This is a picture of the PowerEdge 4600 processor subsystem

Key features of the Dual Processor Xeon processor:
  • Latest 0.13 Micron technology from Intel
  • Source synchronous Front Side Bus (FSB) with address clocked at 200MHz and data (8 bytes) clocked at 400MHz
  • L2 cache on-die (512KB)
  • 603-pin PGA package in a ZIF socket
  • 93 Watt maximum power provided by Voltage Regulator Modules (VRM9.0)
  • No termination required for non-populated CPUs (must populate CPU socket 1 first)
  • Peak Bandwidth 3200Mb/s
  • 64 byte Cache line size
  • Data Inversion
  • IOQ depth = 12
  • Source -Synchronous Transfer (SST) 4x per bus clock
  • Max trans per processor 29
  • RISC/CISC hybrid architecture
  • AGTL+ external bus
  • Compatible with existing x86 code base, optimized for 32-bit code
  • Support for MMX and streaming SIMD extensions
  • Hyper-Threading technology (see below)
For more information about Xeon processors, see the white paper/data sheet from Intel's website: http://www.intel.com/design/xeon/datashts/298642.htm

Hyper-Threading

Hyper-Threading technology provides added performance on multithreaded code and multitasking operations through better utilization of processor resources. The technology is compatible with today's multiprocessing-aware software, and Intel is working with software vendors to tune applications for optimal performance.

In simplified terms, Hyper-Threading causes the operating system to view a processor as two logical processors. This does not mean that Xeon processors have two separate processors on one die; instead, the processor has duplicate architectural states that share a single execution resource, so the execution resource (often idle in dual-processor servers) will be utilized more efficiently. As a result, Hyper-Threading will provide improved reaction and response time, because multiple tasks can be run simultaneously. Hyper-Threading allows the PowerEdge 4600 to support more users and process more transactions than a server without the technology.

IMPORTANT - More Information NOTE: By default the PowerEdge 4600 is shipped with Hyper-Threading enabled. There is a field in the System Setup Utility (BIOS) to disable this option. For best performance, it is recommended that Hyper-Threading be left enabled if the OS on the server supports it (see list below).

Hyper-Threading and Operating Systems

The current operating systems that are supported on Dell platforms will react differently to Hyper-Threading technology. Below is a listing of those operating systems, with the characteristic responses of each.

IMPORTANT - More Information Microsoft NT 4.0, Novell NetWare 5.X (and earlier versions), and RedHat Linux 7.2 Pro (and earlier versions) Operating Systems do not recognize Hyper-Threading logical processor technology.

 Operating Systems  Characteristics

 
  • Microsoft NT 4.0
  • NetWare 5.x
  • Red Hat Linux 7.2 Professional
Does not recognize Hyper-Threading logical processors. Some Service Packs (or other operating system updates) may change this; check with the OS vendor for more details.  
 
  • Microsoft Windows 2000
Recognizes both logical and physical processors, but is not able to distinguish between them.

  
    NOTE: As Windows 2000 cannot distinguish between logical and actual processors, Hyper-Threading will impact licensing models if enabled.  
 
  • Microsoft .NET
  • NetWare 6.X SP1
  • Red Hat Linux 7.2 Advanced Server
  • Red Hat Linux 8.0
 Distinguishes between physical and logical processors. Optimizes for Hyper-Threading.  

Voltage Regulation Modules (VRMs)
Voltage regulation to the Xeon processor is provided by external Voltage Regulation Modules. The VRM is an OEM-manufactured device built to comply with the Intel VRM 9.0 specification. The VRM connects to the system board via an edge-card connector that plugs into an edge housing adjacent to the corresponding processor.

This is a picture of the PowerEdge 4600 processor subsystem

The PowerEdge 4600 system requires two VRM 9.0 modules for a dual processor system.

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