Poweredge R320 processor compatibility

Question

Our 'old' PER320 (rackmount) is 'severely over-taxed' since it still has the 'stock' E5-2407 2.2GHz quad-core XEON processor installed.  As it stands right now, the owners are a tad reluctant to replace this server, so I need to 'upgrade' this bad boy as much as is possible (I know, I know... with ALL possible upgrades, this will cost nearly as much as an entirely new server - but I'm just the 'nerd' and it isn't always necessary to listen to what WE recommend...).   So I've been on the hunt for an 'affordable' processor upgrade .. (at least for now until my 'reasoning' meets more receptive ears).  So - I know the PER320 normally supports E5-2400 series as this mainboard supports these 'out-of-the-box', and I've looked at E5-2440's (hexa-core) and E5-2470's (octal-core) and the prices aren't actually as bad as I might have originally estimated ($$$$), but I just stumbled across an E5-2470 V2 (which is a deca-core - nice! 10 cores and hyper-threading too..?) which SEEMS to have very similar specs as the E5-2470, and is being offered locally for what I think is a remarkably cheap cost (it's good to have friends in the 'refurb' and 'lease-return' business, no doubt..).  So, according to the supplier, this 'chip' is 'tested and verified' fully operational, having been removed from a 'damaged' rackmount server just this past week.  But is there something about this chip I'm not aware of as it might pertain to the PER320?  Or maybe something I'm just 'ignoring' in my drive to put some 'spunk' in this server..?  Or maybe I am simply dreaming that this might actually function in the R320..(?) Gotta do something... this server is just TOO slow and cranky... BTW: the RAM has been upgraded in the PER320 to 32 GB, and all the four of the hard disks have recently been replaced with larger, faster disks since they'd 'overrun' the previous storage space in just two years.  (but '.... buy a NEW server..?  Nah...  Didn't we just buy THIS one..?')

Daniel My · Accepted Answer

Hello E5-2470 V2 (which is a deca-core - nice! 10 cores and hyper-threading too..?) which SEEMS to have very similar specs as the E5-2470 is there something about this chip I'm not aware of as it might pertain to the PER320? The E5-2470 V2 is validated to work in the R320. I'm not aware of any requirements aside from a BIOS update to make it functional. I would recommend updating all system hardware prior to installing the CPU. Thanks

theflash1932 · Answer

Start with iDRAC and BIOS, then PERC, NIC, backplane, and drives.

billezinn · Answer

Excellent.. I had only hoped..

But, your comment re: "..recommend updating all system hardware prior...". Specifically, what other hardware would you suggest 'updating' in addition to the new hard disks and new RAM..? Power supply ..? ..... But now that you mention, certainly a 'spare' to have at hand is an excellent idea - which I hadn't thought about before your input. But, something else, in addition..?

I figure,,, If they aren't going to give me a new server, then I want this to be at least "as good as I can make it.."

Daniel My · Answer

But, your comment re: '..recommend updating all system hardware prior...'.  Specifically, what other hardware would you suggest 'updating' in addition to the new hard disks and new RAM..?  Power supply ..? I think you misunderstood what I meant by updating. I'm not referring to replacing or upgrading all of your other hardware. I'm referring to performing updates. Update the BIOS and firmware on your hardware before replacing the CPU. Thanks

billezinn · Answer

Oh... right.. Got it... (my bad..). I'll do this in any event, whether they decide to get the "V2" chip or simply 'stick with' the E5-2470 which the local supplier also has available. The Office Manager controls the checkbook, so ultimately it will be his decision, anyway. Regardless, I'll go look for a new BIOS update and any other software/firmware that might be considered an 'update' (IE: those items "theflash1932" noted above).

Thanks to both of you for your invaluable help.

PowerEdge Hardware General

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