Sun Microsyste

In Sun Fire X4600 M2 systems, each processor contains an integrated memory controller that supports a 128- bit-wide path to memory and three 16x16-bit HyperTransport links. Each HyperTransport link runs at speeds up to 1 GHz and is clocked on both edges of the clock pulse, which allows for a maximum of 4 GB/sec. (2 gigatransfers/sec., 2 bytes wide) throughput in each direction (8 GB/sec. aggregate data rate bi-directionally). Memory support is for registered DDR2/667 240-pin SDRAM DIMMs. There are four or eight DIMM slots per CPU. DIMMS are accessed in pairs with an available memory bandwidth up to 10.7 GB/sec. (with PC6300) per processor.

Memory capacity scales with the number of processors, so memory attached to an unpopulated processor socket is unaddressable. As a result, a single processor machine can support a maximum of four DIMMs, while a fully-populated, eight-CPU server can support a maximum of 32 or 64 DIMMS (X4600 or X4600 M2) with up to 256 GB (64 x 4GB) of memory.

The AMD processor does support up to eight DIMMs per CPU. However, using more than four DIMMs requires clocking down DIMM speed to 533 MHz, even if the DIMMs used are of the highest speed bin.

AMD Opteron Processor

Features of the AMD Opteron processor in the Sun Fire X4600 and Sun Fire X4600 M2 servers include:

•Up to eight Single-Core or Dual-Core AMD Opteron 800 Series processors (Sun Fire X4600).

•Up to eight Dual-Core AMD Opteron 8000 Series processors (Sun Fire X4600 M2).

•x64 architecture (64-bit extensions) with AMD Direct Connect Architecture using HyperTransport Technology.

•PowerNow! support to dynamically adjust performance based on CPU utilization (voltage and frequency are adjusted depending on kernal load). By default, PowerNow! is disabled in BIOS.

•Native support for 32-bit x86 ISA, SSE, SSE2, MMX, and 3DNow!

•Three HyperTransport links supporting up to 8 GB/sec. of direct inter-processor and I/O bandwidth per link.

•ECC protection for L1 data cache, L2 unified cache, and DRAM with hardware scrubbing of all ECC protected arrays.

•CPU L1 Instruction cache: 64 KB two-way associative, parity protected with advanced branch prediction.

•CPU L1 Data cache: 64 KB two-way associative, ECC protected.

•Two 64-bit operations per cycle, three-cycle latency.

•CPU L2 cache: 1 MB 16-way associative, ECC protected.

•Exclusive cache architecture storage, in addition to L1 caches.

•256 TB of memory address space.

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Sun Microsystems X4600 M2 manual AMD Opteron Processor
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X4600 M2, X4600 specifications

Sun Microsystems was a pioneering technology company that developed innovative hardware and software solutions, most notably in the server industry. Among their notable offerings were the Sun Fire X4600 and X4600 M2 servers. These high-performance systems were designed to meet the growing demands for scalability, flexibility, and reliability in enterprise-level computing environments.

The Sun Fire X4600 was introduced as one of the first four-socket, x86 servers specifically optimized for demanding workloads. Powered by AMD Opteron processors, the X4600 was capable of supporting up to 64GB of memory, which was a significant advantage for memory-intensive applications. Its architecture enabled efficient parallel processing, making it an ideal choice for tasks such as database management and virtualization.

One of the defining characteristics of the X4600 was its modular design. The server featured a combination of innovative technologies that allowed it to be easily expanded and upgraded. This made it well-suited for businesses seeking a long-term investment in their IT infrastructure, as it provided room for growth without necessitating a complete system overhaul.

The X4600 M2, an evolution of the original X4600 model, offered further enhancements in performance and flexibility. It supported the next generation of AMD Opteron processors, providing increased processing power and efficiency. Additionally, the M2 model enhanced memory capacity, allowing for a maximum of 128GB of RAM, catering to the more urgent needs of resource-intensive applications.

One of the key technologies incorporated in the X4600 and X4600 M2 was the Sun Fire’s Advanced Lights Out Management (ALOM), which allowed for remote management capabilities. This feature enabled IT administrators to monitor system health and performance without being physically present, reducing downtime and improving overall system management.

Both servers also offered extensive storage options, combining numerous high-capacity drive bays to ensure ample disk space for data-heavy applications. Their effective cooling solutions made them suitable for even the most demanding environments, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

In conclusion, Sun Microsystems' X4600 and X4600 M2 servers represented significant advancements in server technology. With their powerful architectures, flexible configurations, and innovative management features, they met the evolving demands of modern enterprise environments, solidifying their position as trusted solutions for robust computing needs.
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