AlphaServer
AlphaServer was the name given to a series of server computers, produced from 1994 onwards by Digital Equipment Corporation, and later by Compaq and HP. As the name suggests, the AlphaServers were based on the DEC Alpha 64-bit microprocessor. Supported operating systems for AlphaServers are Tru64 UNIX (formerly Digital UNIX), OpenVMS, MEDITECH MAGIC[1] and Windows NT (on earlier systems, with AlphaBIOS ARC firmware), while enthusiasts have provided alternative operating systems such as Linux, NetBSD, OpenBSD and FreeBSD.
Some AlphaServer models were rebadged in white enclosures as Digital Servers for the Windows NT server market. These so-called "white box" models comprised the following:
- Digital Server 3300/3305: rebadged AlphaServer 800
- Digital Server 5300/5305: rebadged AlphaServer 1200
- Digital Server 7300/7305/7310: rebadged AlphaServer 4100
As part of the roadmap to phase out Alpha-, MIPS- and PA-RISC-based systems in favor of Itanium-based systems at HP, the most recent AlphaServer systems reached their end of general availability on 27 April 2007. The availability of upgrades and options was discontinued on 25 April 2008, approximately one year after the systems were discontinued. Support for the most recent AlphaServer systems, the DS15A, DS25, ES45, ES47, ES80 and GS1280 is being provided by HP Services as of 2008. These systems are scheduled to reach end of support sometime during 2012, although HP has stated that this event may be delayed.[2]
Models
In approximate chronological order, the following AlphaServer models were produced:
Avanti Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache | Chipset | Max. Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
200 | 4/100 | Mustang | 1 | 21064 (EV4) |
100 | 512 KB | 21071 | 8 to 384 MB | 1 PCI 1 or 2 PCI/ISA 1 ISA |
Desktop | ? | ? |
4/166 | 166 | ? | ? | |||||||||
4/233 | 21064A (EV45) |
233 | ? | ? | ||||||||
400 | 4/166 | Mustang S | 1 | 21064 (EV4) |
166 | 512 KB | 21071 | 8 to 384 MB (6x 72-pin SIMMs, 3 banks) |
2 PCI 1 PCI/ISA 3 ISA |
Mini-tower | ? | ? |
4/233 | 21064A (EV45) |
233 | ? | ? | ||||||||
300 | 4/266 | Melmac | 1 | 21064A (EV45) |
266 | 2 MB | ? | 512 MB (8x 72-pin SIMMs, 2 banks) |
1 PCI 1 PCI/ISA 1 ISA |
Desktop or rackmount |
? | ? |
Sable Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2100 | 4/200 | Sable | 1, 2, 3 or 4 | 21064 (EV4) |
200 | 1 MB / CPU | ? | 2 GB (1 GB if 4 CPU) |
3 PCI, 8 EISA |
Pedestal or rack | ? | ? |
4/233 | Sable45 | 21064A (EV45) |
233 | 1 MB / CPU | ? | ? | ? | |||||
4/275 | 275 | 4 MB / CPU | ? | ? | ? | |||||||
5/250 | Gamma-Sable | 21164 (EV5) |
250 | 4 MB / CPU | ? | ? | ? | |||||
5/300 | 291 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||||
5/375 | 21164A (EV56) |
375 | ? | ? | ? | |||||||
2000 | 4/200 | Demi-Sable | 1 or 2 | 21064 EV4 |
190 | 1 MB / CPU | ? | 640 MB | 3 PCI, 7 EISA, 1 PCI/EISA |
Pedestal | ? | ? |
4/233 | Demi-Sable45 | 21064A (EV45) |
233 | 1 MB / CPU | ? | 1 GB | 3 PCI, 7 EISA |
? | ? | |||
4/275 | 275 | 4 MB / CPU | ? | ? | ? | |||||||
5/250 | Demi-Gamma | 21164 (EV5) |
250 | 4 MB / CPU | ? | ? | ? | |||||
5/300 | 291 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||||
5/375 | 21164A (EV56) |
375 | 4 or 8 MB / CPU | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
The AlphaServer 2100 was briefly sold as the Digital 2100 before the AlphaServer brand was introduced.
Mikasa Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1000 | 4/200 | Mikasa | 1 | 21064 (EV4) | 200 | 2 MB | ? | 512 MB | 2 PCI, 1 PCI/EISA, 7 EISA |
Pedestal or rackmount |
? | ? |
4/233 | Mikasa+ | 21064A (EV45) |
233 | ? | ? | 1995 | ? | |||||
4/266 | 266 | ? | 1 GB (20× 72-pin SIMMs, 4 banks)1 |
? | ? | |||||||
5/300 | Mikasa-Pinnacle | 21164 (EV5) |
300 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
^1 Each bank contained five SIMMs. The initial four SIMMs were used for data; the fifth SIMM was used for ECC. | ||||||||||||
Noritake Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1000A | 4/233 | Noritake | 1 | 21064A (EV45) |
233 | 2 MB | ? | 1 GB (20x 72-pin SIMMs, 4 banks)1 |
7 PCI 2 ISA |
Pedestal or rackmount |
? | ? |
4/266 | 266 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||||
5/300 | Noritake-Pinnacle | 21164 (EV5) | 300 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
5/333 | 333 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||||
5/400 | Noritake-Primo | 21164A (EV56) |
400 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
5/500 | 500 | 8 MB | ? | 1997-04-14[3] | ? | |||||||
800 | 5/333 | Corelle | 1 | 21164A (EV56) |
333 | 2 MB | ? | 2 GB (8x ECC EDO DIMMs, 2 banks) |
3 PCI 2 EISA 1 PCI-X/EISA |
Mini-tower (can be converted to rackmount) | 1997-04-14[3] | ? |
5/400 | 400 | ? | ? | |||||||||
5/500 | 500 | ? | 1997-10-27[4] | ? | ||||||||
^1 5 modules per bank, 5th module used for ECC, later 1000A 5/500 systems have 16 slots, 4 modules with ECC per bank | ||||||||||||
Rawhide Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache / CPU | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4000 | 5/300 | Wrangler/Durango | Up to two | 21164 (EV5) |
300 | 2 MB | ? | 4 GB | 8-16 PCI (including 3 shared PCI/EISA) |
Pedestal/rackmount | 1996-09-04[5] | ? |
5/400 | 21164A (EV56) |
400 | 4 MB | ? | ? | |||||||
5/466 | 466 | 4 MB | ? | ? | ? | |||||||
5/533 | 533 | 4 MB | ? | 1997-10-27[4] | ? | |||||||
5/600 | 600 | 8 MB | ? | ? | ? | |||||||
4100 | 5/300E | Dodge | Up to four | 21164 (EV5) |
300 | None | Custom | 32 MB to 8 GB | 5 PCI, 3 PCI/EISA |
Pedestal/rackmount | ? | ? |
5/300 | 300 | 2 MB | ? | ? | ||||||||
5/400 | 21164A (EV56) |
400 | 4 MB | ? | ? | |||||||
5/466 | 466 | ? | ? | |||||||||
5/533 | 533 | ? | ? | |||||||||
5/600 | 600 | 8 MB | ? | ? | ||||||||
1200 | 5/400 | Tincup | Up to two | 21164A (EV56) |
400 | 4 MB / proc. | ? | 4 GB | 4 PCI-X, 1 PCI, 1PCI-X/EISA |
Pedestal | 1997-10-27[4] | ? |
5/533 | 533 | ? | ? | |||||||||
Turbolaser Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache / CPU | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8200 | 5/300 | TurboLaser | 2 to 6 | EV5 | 300 | 4 MB | Custom ASICs |
12 GB | 132 PCI slots, 8 EISA slots |
19" rack | 1995-04-11 | ? |
5/350 | 350 | ? | ? | |||||||||
5/440 | EV56 | 437 | 4 MB | ? | ? | |||||||
5/625 | 612 | ? | ? | |||||||||
8400 | 5/300 | TurboLaser | Up to 14 | EV5 | 300 | 4 MB | Custom ASICs |
28 GB | 144 PCI, 8 EISA, XMI |
Cabinet | 1995-04-11 | ? |
5/350 | 350 | ? | ? | |||||||||
5/440 | EV56 | 437 | 4 MB | ? | ? | |||||||
5/625 | 612 | ? | ? | |||||||||
GS60 | 6/525 | TL6 | 2 to 8 | EV6 | 525 | 4 MB | ? | 12 GB | 132 PCI, 8 EISA |
19" rack | 1998-10-19[6] | ? |
6/700 | EV67 | 700 | 8 MB | ? | 1999-11-11 | ? | ||||||
GS60E | 6/525 | TL6 | 2 to 6 (later 8) |
EV6 | 525 | 4 MB | ? | 12 GB | 132 PCI, 8 EISA |
19" rack | 1999-07-19 | ? |
6/700 | EV67 | 700 | 8 MB | ? | 1999-11-11 | ? | ||||||
GS140 | 6/525 | TL6 | 2 to 14 | EV6 | 525 | 4 MB | ? | 28 GB | 144 PCI, 8 EISA, 24 XMI |
Cabinet | 1998-10-19[6] | ? |
6/700 | EV67 | 700 | 8 MB | ? | 1999-11-11 | ? | ||||||
Lynx Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2000A | Demi-Lynx (EV45), Demi-Gamma-Lynx (EV5) |
Up to two | EV45, EV5 or EV56 | 233, 250, 275, 300, 375, 400 | ? | ? | ? | ? | Pedestal | ? | ? | |
2100A | 4/275 | Lynx | Up to 4 | 21064A (EV45) |
275 | 4 MB | ? | 2 GB, 1 GB for 4 CPU | 8 PCI, 3 EISA |
Pedestal | ? | ? |
5/250 | Gamma-Lynx | 21164 (EV5) |
250 | 4 MB | ? | ? | ? | |||||
5/300 | 300 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||||
5/375 | 375 | 8 MB | ? | ? | ? | |||||||
Tsunami Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DS10 | 6/466 | WebBrick | 1 | EV6 | 466 | 2 MB | ? | 2 GB | 3 PCI-X, 1 PCI |
desktop | 1999-05-10 | ? |
67/600 | EV67 | 600 | 2 MB | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
DS10L | 6/466 | Slate | 1 | EV6 | 466 | 2 MB | ? | 1 GB | 1 PCI-X | rackmount (1U) | ? | ? |
6/600 | EV67 | 600 | 2 MB | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
DS20 | 6/500 | Goldrush | Up to 2 | 21264 (EV6) | 500 | 4 MB | ? | 4 GB | 5PCI-X, 1 PCI-X/ISA |
pedestal/rackmount | ? | ? |
DS20E | 6/500 | Goldrack | Up to 2 | EV6 | 500 | 4 MB | ? | 4 GB | 5PCI-X, 1 PCI-X/ISA |
pedestal/rackmount | ? | ? |
6/667 | EV67 | 667 | 8 MB | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
68/833 | EV68AL | 833 | 8 MB | ? | 2001-07-16 | ? | ||||||
DS20L | 68/833 | Shark | 2 | EV68AL | 833 | 4 MB | 21271(Tsunami) | 2 GB | 2 PCI-X | Rackmount (1U) | 2001-07-16 | ? |
ES40 | 6/500 | Clipper | Up to 4 | EV6 | 500 | 4 MB | ? | Model 1: 16 GB Model 2: 32 GB |
Model 1: 6 PCI-X Model 2: 10 PCI-X |
pedestal/rackmount | ? | ? |
6/667 | EV67 | 667 | 8 MB | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
68/833 | EV68AL | 833 | 8 MB | ? | 2001-02-12 | ? | ||||||
Titan Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DS15 | 68/1000 | HyperBrick | 1 | EV68CB | 1000 | 2 MB | ? | 4 GB | 4 PCI-X 33 MHz or 2 PCI-X 66 MHz |
Tower | 2003-10-20 | 2007-04-27 |
DS25 | 68/1000 | Granite | Up to 2 | EV68CB | 1000 | 8 MB | ? | 16 GB | 6 PCI-X | Tower/5U Rackmount | 2002-08-04[7] | ? |
ES45 | 68/1000 | Privateer | Up to 4 | EV68CB | 1000 | 8 MB | ? | 1: Up to 16 GB 2: Up to 32 GB |
1: AGP 4x, 6 PCI-X 2: 10 PCI-X |
Pedestal/8U rackmount, tower | ? | ? |
68/1250 | 1250 | 16 MB | ? | 2002-08-04[7] | ? | |||||||
Wildfire Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs | CPU | CPU MHz | B-cache | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GS80 | Wildfire | Model 4: 2 to 4 Model 8: 2 to 8 |
21264A (EV67) |
731 | 4 MB | Custom | Up to 64 GB | 33 MHz PCI-X: Up to 16 buses, 56 slots |
Rack | ? | ? |
21264C (EV68CB) |
1001 | 4, 8 MB | ? | ? | |||||||
1224 | 4, 8, 16 MB | 2002-08-04[7] | ? | ||||||||
GS160 | Wildfire | Model 8: 2 to 8 Model 16: 2 to 16 |
21264A (EV67) |
731 | 4 MB | Custom | Up to 128 GB | 33 MHz PCI-X: Up to 32 buses, 112 slots |
Rack(s) | ? | ? |
21264C (EV68CB) |
1001 | 4, 8 MB | ? | ? | |||||||
1224 | 4, 8, 16 MB | 2002-08-04[7] | ? | ||||||||
GS320 | Wildfire | Model 24: 2 to 24 Model 32: 2 to 32 |
21264A (EV67) |
731 | 4 MB | Custom | Up to 256 GB | 33 MHz PCI-X: Up to 64 buses, 224 slots |
Rack(s) | ? | ? |
21264C (EV68CB) |
1001 | 4, 8 MB | ? | ? | |||||||
1224 | 4, 8, 16 MB | 2002-08-04[7] | ? | ||||||||
AlphaServer SC
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz |
B-cache | Chipset | Max. Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SC20 68/833 | ? | 8 to 256 | 21264B EV68AL |
833 | 2 MB | ? | 2 GB/node | 2 PCI-X | Rack(s) | ? | ? |
SC40 67/667 | Sierra | 16 to 512 | 21264A EV67 |
667 | 8 MB | ? | 24 GB/node | 10 PCI-X | Rack(s) | ? | ? |
SC40 68/833 | 21264B EV68AL |
833 | ? | ? | ? | ||||||
SC45 68/1250 | Sierra | 16 to 4096 | 21264C EV68CB |
1250 | 16 MB | ? | 32 GB/node | 10 PCI-X | Rack(s) | ? | ? |
The AlphaServer SC was a supercomputer constructed from a set of individual DS20L, ES40 or ES45 servers (called "nodes") mounted in racks. Every node was connected to every other node using a Quadrics elan3 interconnect and the systems were designed and used primarily for high-performance technical computing. An AlphaServer SC45 supercomputer was still ranked #6 in the world as late as November 2004.[8]
Marvel Family
Model | Code name | # of CPUs |
CPU | CPU MHz | Scache | Chipset | Memory | Expansion | Enclosure | Introduced | Discontinued |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ES47 Tower |
? | 2 | 21364 (EV7) |
1000 | 1.75 MB | On-die | Up to 16 GB | 1 4× AGP 1 133 MHz PCI-X 4 66 MHz PCI-X |
Tower | 2003-01-20 | 2007-04-27 |
1150 | 2004-08-16 | ||||||||||
ES47 | Marvel 2P | 2 to 4 | 21364 (EV7) |
1000 | 1.75 MB | On-die | Up to 32 GB | Up to 4 4× AGP 32 PCI-X |
4U or 8U rackmount |
2003-01-20 | 2007-04-27 |
1150 | 2004-08-16 | ||||||||||
ES80 | Marvel 4x2P | 2 to 8 | 21364 (EV7) |
1000 | 1.75 MB | On-die | Up to 64 GB | Up to 8 4× AGP 64 PCI-X |
Rack | 2003-01-20 | 2007-04-27 |
1150 | 2004-08-16 | ||||||||||
GS1280 | Marvel 8P | 2 to 64 | 21364 (EV7) |
1150 | 1.75 MB | On-die | Up to 512 GB | Up to 64 4× AGP 512 PCI-X 192 PCI |
Rack(s) | 2003-01-20 | 2007-04-27 |
21364 (EV7z) |
1300 | 2004-08-16 | |||||||||
The AlphaServer GS1280 originally supported a maximum of 16 microprocessors. In October 2003, the number of microprocessors supported was increased to 64 and the supported memory capacity was doubled to 8 GB per microprocessor.
See also
- CHARON-AXP: AlphaServer virtualization solution in the Stromasys Charon (software) family, available for Windows, Linux, and Barebone
References
- ↑ ftp://www.hp.com/pub/alphaserver/archive/DECinfo/info_3/infosheet/MEDITECH_MAGIC_on_the_Compaq_06may1999LIW0LIPF.pdf "Compaq MEDITECH MAGIC Brochure 06 may 1999"
- ↑ Ann McQuaid. "Dear Valued AlphaServer Customer", April 28, 2007. Hewlett-Packard Company.
- 1 2 Davis, Jim (1997-04-14). "Digital makes servers available". CNET News".
- 1 2 3 Davis, Jim (1997-10-27). "Digital has new Alpha, Intel servers". CNET News.
- ↑ Davis, Jim (1996-09-04). "DEC: more power, less money". CNET News.
- 1 2 Shankland, Stephen (1998-10-19). "Compaq rolls out Alpha server". CNET News.
- 1 2 3 4 5 ComputerWire (2002-08-04). "HP refreshes midrange PA, Alpha servers". The Register.
- ↑ www.top500.org Top 10 Supercomputing Sites, November 2004
- AlphaServer GS80, GS160, and GS320 Systems Technical Summary. Hewlett-Packard Company.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to DEC. |
- HP AlphaServer range
- DIGITAL Product Catalogue Winter 1997, Digital Equipment International, 1997.
- Compaq Alpha System and Model Code Names (at archive.org)
- FreeBSD/alpha 6.1 Hardware Notes
- About NetBSD/alpha
- The OpenBSD/alpha port
- Debian Alpha system types
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