5.1 Step 1: Choose a Configuration and Determine
Hardware Requirements
Quick Summary of an AlphaServer 8400 Galaxy Configuration
9 slots for:
I/O modules
Memory modules
Processor modules (2 CPUs per module)
Console line for each partition:
Standard UART for first partition
KFE72-DA for each additional partition
Rules:
Must have an I/O module per partition
Maximum of 3 I/O modules
Must have at least one CPU module per partition
Example Configuration 1
2 partitions, 8 CPUs, 12GB memory
9 slots allocated as follows:
2 I/O modules
4 Processor modules (2 CPUs each)
3 Memory modules (4GB each)
Example Configuration 2
3 partitions, 8 CPUs, 8GB memory
9 slots allocated as follows:
3 I/O modules
4 Processor modules (2 CPUs each)
2 Memory modules (4GB each)
5.1.1 Using the OpenVMS Configuration Utility
The OpenVMS Galaxy Configuration Utility (Galculator) is
an application program you can use to determine the Galaxy
configuration that best suits your needs. It is available at:
http://www.openvms.digital.com
To create an OpenVMS Galaxy Version 7.2 computing envi-
ronment on an AlphaServer 8400, the Galculator steps you
through the following hardware requirements:
* One I/O module (I/O module of type KFTIA or KFTHA)
for each partition.
* At least one processor module for each partition.
* A dedicated serial console port for each partition.
The AlphaServer 8400 provides a built-in UART for
the first console line. Each additional console requires a
module set.
The only hardware required for Galaxy operation that is
not in the typical AlphaServer 8400 configuration is the
KFE72-DA console subsystem.
The KFE72-DA module set is the set of EISA bus modules
that establish a console port.
* A display device for the OpenVMS Galaxy Configuration
Utility.
Compaq recommends an Alpha or VAX workstation run-
ning DECwindows or a Windows NT workstation with
an Xterminal emulator. For more information about the
OpenVMS Galaxy Configuration Utility, see Chapter 9.
OpenVMS V7.2 customers might want to use the following
optional hardware:
* Plug-in units (PIUs) for I/O expansion from an I/O
module (PCI or XMI)
* I/O adapters for network, storage, or traditional cluster
interconnects
* Additional CPUs
5.1.2 OpenVMS Galculator Display Example
The following is a sample display from the OpenVMS
Galculator:
Compaq Computer Corporation
OpenVMS Galaxy System Configuration
2-instance AlphaServer 8400 Galaxy Parts List
______________________________________________________________________
REQUIRED HARDWARE:
Notes:
1) The following parts list should be compared against the base system
parts list to determine if the parts already exist, or need to be
ordered.
2) This parts list covers only the parts required to transform an
existing system into a Galaxy configuration. Although we have tried
to be complete, there is no substitute for the official options catalog.
CONSOLE SUBSYSTEMS and PCI CARD-CAGES
1 KFE72-DA Console Subsystems (3 module set).
1 DWLPB-AA/BA PCI/EISA card-cages.
Notes:
1) Use DWLPB-AA (dual PCI card-cage, back-side) for PCI/EISA options.
2) Use DWLPB-BA (single PCI card-cage, front or back) for PCI expansion.
3) Each KFE72-DA contains 1 on-board Ethernet port, 2 serial line ports,
and 1 floppy disk port.
4) The KFE72-DA module set must be placed in the bottom-most card-cage slots.
I/O PROCESSOR MODULES
1 KFTHA-AA 4-Hose I/O Processor Modules.
1 KFTIA-AA 1-Hose I/O Processor Modules.
Notes:
1) If you use both KFTIA and KFTHA modules, a KFTIA must be placed in
slot 9. The remaining I/O modules can be placed in any order as long as you
configure consecutive slots in descending order (slots 9,8,7,6).
2) If you intend to use an XMI subsystem, it must be cabled into a KFTIA
in system slot 9.
PROCESSOR MODULES
5 756P1-AX Processor Modules.
Notes:
1) A number of different speed processors available are available.
The 756P1-AX is a dual 440mhz module. You can use whichever speed
processors you choose as long as all processors are the same speed.
2) After installing the processors, be sure to upgrade to the proper
Galaxy Console Firmware. (LFU> Update KN7C*).
MISCELLANEOUS PARTS
In addition to the above parts, consider the following parts to help you
organize and manage your Galaxy system.
1) A Terminal-Server (for example, DECserver200 or 900, etc.) to organize
your console serial lines. Having reverse-LAT access to your consoles is
helpful.
2) An Ethernet HUB to manage your Ethernet connections.
3) A suitable workstation for using the OpenVMS Galaxy Configuration Utility.
4) Refer to the OpenVMS Galaxy Guide for more information.
MEMORY MODULES
1 MS7CC-EA (1GB) Memory Modules.
1 MS7CC-GA (4GB) Memory Modules.
SYSTEM CAPACITY AS SPECIFIED:
1) There are 10 processors of which 8 can be migrated.
2) There are 5 I/O Hoses available for PCI and XMI.
3) There are 57 possible PCI devices if all hoses are used.
4) There are 2 KFTIA I/O modules.
Each contains 2 Ethernet Ports, 4 SCSI Ports, and 1 optional FDDI port.
Remember that only the instance owning the I/O modules
can access these ports.