For those System Builders, VARs and Integrators that prefer a pre-built system, the Validated

Server Program (VSP) is designed to enable rapid introduction of AMD Opteron™ processorbased

servers. AMD has joined forces with Celestica, one of the world’s leading electronics

manufacturing services (EMS) providers, to bring you the VSP. Building on tested, stable, and

reliable VSP solutions available from Celestica, your organization can:

VSP platforms are designed to take advantage of the performance of AMD Opteron processors,

HyperTransport™ technology links, and the AMD-8000™ series of chipsets. All of Celestica’s

server platforms are defined with reliability, availability, and serviceability as key objectives. This

attention to detail provides servers that can be relied on for mission critical applications.

The design methodology for the VSP platform includes:

systems

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In addition to the rigorous design and test methodologies, Celestica provides an Engineering

Change Notice (ECN) procedure to give advanced warning of any modifications in hardware or

firmware along with an explanation of the severity and cause. These ECNs are designed to allow

you to proactively solve potential issues with your customers and provide orderly transitions to

new revisions of the platforms.

Celestica offers comprehensive phone and web-based support for all VSP platforms. A

knowledgebase is available for common issues while a trained staff of technicians and engineers

handles more difficult situations. All issues are tracked with trouble tickets to help ensure a

prompt response.

VSP includes two product lines—one for 2-way multiprocessing and one for 4-way

product lines feature AMD Opteron processors with AMD64 architecture, enabling end-users to

leverage their current base of 32-bit applications and migrate to 64-bit applications when ready. In

addition, each platform offers high-bandwidth I/O for increased flexibility and expandability,

along with an integrated QLogic baseboard management controller (BMC) for streamlined

management, IPMI v1.5-compliance, and remote management capabilities.

This rack-optimized 1U platform is ideal for print/file server applications, Internet/network-edge

devices, dedicated web servers, and high performance cluster nodes. Figure 2 on page 13 shows a

1U/2P rack-optimized server based on the AMD Opteron 200-series processor.

Key features of this platform include:

The VSP 4-way multiprocessor solution is designed to deliver incredible performance for

enterprise-level computing including—database, Internet infrastructure, data center environments,

CAD/CAM, high performance cluster nodes, and scientific applications.

Figure 3 shows a 4U/4P server, based on the AMD Opteron 800-series processor.

Key features of this platform include:

The best solution for System Builders and Resellers manufacturing pedestal platforms is the

processor-in-a-box (PIB) from AMD. The PIB is available now in a new retail box. The improved

display options allow the product to be either free-standing, stacked, or hung. The boxed processor

package is heat-sealed to alleviate lid tampering and to help ensure the authenticity of the AMD

processor. The AMD PIB is covered by a three-year limited warranty.

Figure 4 shows the new PIB retail box.

The PIB includes the following items:

Check with your preferred distribution partner for AMD Opteron™ processor in a box or buy

distribution partner for AMD Opteron™ processor-in-a-box.

This chapter contains instructions for the installation of the AMD Opteron™ processor heatsink.

The AMD Opteron processor heatsink requires the retention frame and the backplate to be

attached to the motherboard. If the retention frame and backplate are already attached to the

motherboard, proceed to step 10. Figure 5 shows the backplate and retention frame for the

AMD Opteron processor heatsink. The heatsink assembly shown in Figure 5 may not exactly

match the one provided in a PIB.

Follow the instructions to install the AMD Opteron processor heatsink.

1. Place the backplate on a flat surface.

2. Peel the release liner off the backplate. (See Figure 6 on page 20.)

AMD Opteron™ processor-based motherboards can leverage industry-standard tower or pedestal

chassis. The selection of the proper system chassis is a critical element to the success of the

finished system. For best results, a system builder should always contact the motherboard and

chassis suppliers or vendors to verify that each of the chosen components supports the desired

system configuration. The following data is a basic guideline that has been tested by the

engineering staff at AMD.

The choice of the appropriate system enclosure depends on many factors as follows:

motherboard and power supply requirements with those suppliers.

components, especially critical parts like the processor.

The following are some basic guidelines to aid in finding an enclosure with adequate cooling

capability:

AMD Opteron processor-based motherboards may be designed to leverage industry standard

power supplies. The selection of the proper system-power supply is a critical element to the

success of the finished system. For best results, a system builder should always contact the

motherboard, power supply, and chassis suppliers or vendors to verify that each of the chosen

components supports the desired system configuration, and a system builder should verify that

support through internal testing and validation.

Depending on the motherboard vendors’ design requirements, the server/workstation can use

either an ATX 12-V power supply, or an EPS12V. The motherboard design can use one or two

power connectors. Usually a separate power connector is used to provide power for the I/O

components. It is important that you confirm with the motherboard manufacturer the exact

connector requirements.