[dr_mabuse]

Evenin all

I have just bought an identical CPU (checked all the serials and everything) to match the one in place in my xw6400 workstation (E5345 Xeon), and wouldn't you just know it, the macine isn't picking it up as it hangs at the HP post screen.

Bummer.

I followed HP's instructions from the QuickSpecs PDF - update BIOS first, ensure running Win7 Ultimate etc and I have tested the new CPU and heatsink by putting them in the first CPU position and the machine boots up with no issues, so I know the new parts are not DOA.

The only thing I could find after some searches was that perhaps the PSU needs to be higher rated?

Anyone any further ideas why the second CPU is preventing boot or what I can try next to try and get it working?

Cheers all

[maf1970]

do you get any beep codes,blinking LEDs or error messages when it doesn't boot ?
What are the exact specs of your original 1 cpu machine ?
The service and technical reference guide does have details about a more powerful psu.

[dr_mabuse]

Hi - thanks for replying.

The machine is an HPXW6400 workstation. It has an E5345 Xeon quad core 2.33 and was originally shipped with XP Pro.

In the time I have had it, I have done a fresh install of Win 7 Ultimate, and as I said I bought another E5345 with the same Stepping and SLARC codes.

I don't get any unexpected errors or beeps, the machine just goes into the first POST screen but then does not go into second stage of POST, which is when the message about "Press any key for option ROM messages" flashes up briefly before proceeding to boot windows. It just sits there, and will not respond to F9 boot menu or F10 Setup commands.

Interestingly, this morning the machine did actually get past this point with both CPUs installed and got as far as the Starting Windows screen, but then it hung, and afterwards went back to the same as above, ie refusing to get past the first HP POST screen.

So this makes me think it is not an OS problem, and I know the CPU works OK as I've tested it by using it in CPU1 position.

Any ideas?
Thanks

[maf1970]

Sorry but seeing as you have tried the new cpu and heatsink in socket 1 it would suggest a hardware fault with your motherboard. i.e. faulty second cpu socket.

[maddogb]

try doing a reset on the bios, disconnect the psu from mainboard and cap the appropriate jumper, also no harm in trying a more powerful psu if u have one handy, failing that see if u can disconnect some power draining peripherals as a test.

[mr_yogi]

Probably a dumb question but are you sure your Xeons are qualified for SMP? I know in the past Xenon CPUs only work up to single/ dual/ or quad CPU configurations depending on model.

EDIT: Scrap that, (as I'm sure you already knew) the e5345 is a dual processor chip.