CE memory reporting is ambiguous BugID

Hot-plug function is not disabled when only one power supply exists (BugID 4408237)

A Sun Fire 880 system with only one working power supply is an unsupported configuration. A system configured with the minimum two power supplies (the non-redundant configuration) may shut down abruptly if either power supply fails.

However, on a system with only two power supplies, if one power supply fails, the system may continue operating with only one functional power supply. In this degraded state, if you then attempt to add a PCI card through a hot-plug operation, the additional power demands of the card may exceed the capacity of a single supply, resulting in an immediate system shutdown. The Solaris 8 7/01 operating environment does not recognize a Sun Fire 880 configuration with one power supply and does not inhibit PCI hot-plug operations under these circumstances. Installation of an optional third power supply enables the system to remain fully operational should any single supply fail.

CE memory reporting is ambiguous (BugID 4491362)

On a Sun Fire 880 system running the Solaris 8 07/01 or 8 10/01 operating system, if a dual inline memory module (DIMM) encounters a ce error, Solaris will not identify the correct CPU/Memory board that the failing DIMM resides on. Solaris reports the correct DIMM location within the CPU/Memory board, but Solaris does not identify which CPU/Memory board in the system that the failing DIMM resides on.

Workaround – To correctly identify the failing DIMM, use the following procedure.

1. Bring the system to the ok prompt.

a. Place the security keyswitch to the Diagnostics position.

This forces the system to run POST and OpenBoot diagnostics during system startup.

b. Press and release the system Power button.

Pressing the Power button initiates a graceful software system shutdown.

c.After the system has powered off, wait at least 30 seconds. Then power on the system by pressing the system Power button.

When the system initiates the startup sequence with the keyswitch in the Diagnostics position, it will run POST and OpenBoot diagnostics tests during system startup. For more information about POST and OpenBoot, see “Diagnostics and Troubleshooting” in the Sun Fire 880 Server Service Manual.

Sun Fire 880 Server Product Notes 25

880 specifications

The Sun Microsystems 880 is a prominent series of workstations and servers that played a significant role in the computing landscape during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was known for its innovative technologies and robust performance, making it a favored choice for both developers and enterprises. The 880 series was powered by the SPARC (Scalable Processor ARChitecture) architecture developed by Sun, which provided enhanced speed and efficiency.

One of the standout features of the Sun 880 was its multiprocessing capability, allowing multiple processors to work simultaneously. This capability ensured high performance for demanding tasks, making it ideal for applications in scientific research, graphics, and large databases. The architecture supported a wide range of operating systems, with SunOS being the most notable, providing a stable and powerful environment for users.

The Sun 880 also incorporated advanced memory management features, including support for virtual memory, which allowed for more effective use of system resources. Users could run multiple applications simultaneously without compromising system performance. The system architecture was designed to handle large amounts of RAM, which was essential for memory-intensive applications, further enhancing its suitability for professional use.

Another characteristic of the Sun 880 series was its modular design, which allowed for easy upgrades and maintenance. This modular approach meant that users could customize their systems according to their specific needs, whether that involved adding more memory, upgrading processors, or incorporating additional storage solutions. The high flexibility made it appealing to businesses that required tailored solutions.

In terms of connectivity, the Sun 880 featured a variety of ports and interfaces, enabling integration with various peripheral devices. This made it possible to connect printers, scanners, and other essential tools, facilitating seamless operation in office environments.

The Sun 880's impressive combination of processing power, expandability, and superior memory management made it a cornerstone in the evolution of workstations and servers during its time. As technology progressed, the Sun 880 helped pave the way for subsequent generations of computing systems, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of high-performance computing. The architecture and design principles laid down by the Sun 880 continue to influence modern computing technologies today.