Configure Single 8-Socket Server to Dual 4-Socket Server (CRU)

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Configure Single 8-Socket Server to Dual 4-Socket Server (CRU)

The following procedure describes how to configure a single 8-socket system (1x8) to a dual 4-socket system (2x4).

Before You Begin

Prepare to set up and configure two servers (System A and System B) for independent operation.
Determine Oracle Server X7-8 dual 4-socket system (2x4) CMOD CPU module processor and memory population.

Note - In a dual 4-socket configuration, the two sides of the system can support either identical or different processor SKUs and memory.
In an Oracle Server X7-8 dual 4-socket system (2x4), the System A and System B CMOD processor and memory populations can be dissimilar. Conversion to a single 8-socket system (1x8) may require additional CMOD processor and memory removal and replacement to match all CMODs.
Resolve all open problems in the server, server components, and chassis.
Verify the System B management ports connectivity on SMOD1 on the back panel, as required.
- Connect a serial cable between the SP and a terminal device or PC, used for the initial configuration. Attach the serial cable to the System B serial management port SER MGT.
- Connect an Ethernet cable for the SP to the administration network. Attach an Ethernet cable to the System B SP management port NET MGT.
Prepare the System B host's network ports.

Connect four Ethernet cables for the host's primary interface to the main network. Attach Ethernet cables to the System B four network ports NET0-3.

Clear all server faults.
See Troubleshooting and Diagnostics.
Verify the System A server single 8-socket (1x8) server mode.
See Verify the Current Socket Mode Configuration.
Prepare the server for warm service.
Log in to the System A Oracle ILOM command-line interface (CLI), and type the following command at the Oracle ILOM prompt:

To gracefully shut down the server, type:
```
-> stop /System
Are you sure you want to stop /System (y/n)? y
Stopping /System. 
```
See Preparing the Server for Component Replacement.

Configure the server for dual 4-socket (2x4) server operation.

-> show /SP/policy ENABLE_8_SOCKET_MODE

 /SP/policy
    Properties:
        ENABLE_8_SOCKET_MODE = enabled

-> set /SP/policy ENABLE_8_SOCKET_MODE=disabled
NOTE: Changing socket mode may take several minutes to complete. The SP will be
immediately restarted and complete chassis power cycle will take place.
      Before proceeding, please make sure:
      1) Host power is turned off at both sides of the chassis.
      2) No other management task or reconfiguration is happening.

Are you sure you want to set ENABLE_8_SOCKET_MODE=disabled (y/n)? y

The system resets. No message is displayed. Wait for the SP to come back online.

Add System B server optional components, as required.
Optional components include PCIe cards and storage drives. See Replaceable Components and Servicing Components.

Update the System B server Oracle ILOM and BIOS firmware. This step is required.

A System Firmware (SysFW) image contains both the SP and BIOS firmware. An upgrade takes about five to seven minutes to complete. No other tasks can be performed using the SP until the firmware upgrade is complete and Oracle ILOM is reset.

Refer to Getting Firmware and Software Updates in Oracle Server X7-8 Installation Guide.

Caution - Follow software update best practices for servers. Firmware can be different on System A and System B in dual 4-socket (2x4) server mode.

Verify the System B server dual 4-socket (2x4) server mode.
- System A is active.
- System B is active.
See Verify the Current Socket Mode Configuration.
Run UEFI diagnostics for System A and System B.
See Troubleshooting and Diagnostics.
Configure the operating systems for System A and System B.
Refer to the Oracle Server X7-8 Operating Systems Installation Guide.

Oracle® Server X7-8 Service Manual

Configure Single 8-Socket Server to Dual 4-Socket Server (CRU)

Oracle^® Server X7-8 Service Manual