Re: [Wg-test-framework] ThunderX machines (for the Xen Project OSSTEST Test Lab)

[Steve Wilson <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Lars,   I noticed an error in our quotation where we described the R150-T61 
as having 10 x 2.5" storage bays.   This is incorrect, it has 4 x 3.5" bays.    
The R150-T60 has 10 x 2.5" bays if you want that.  

Memory prices have been going up too.  We are going to need to requote you to 
clean things up.  

I am not aware of any open items/questions.   Lets confirm the configuration 
needed.  I am going to assume the 4 x 3.5" configuration of the R150-T61 is 
fine.    Further a small HDD and small memory footprint. 

Let me comment on that further.  ThunderX has 4 memory controllers and the best 
performance is achieved when all 8 DIMMS per CPU are populated.   Historically 
the smallest DIMM we used was 8GB.   I am working to get some 4GB RDIMMs so we 
can get to 32GB per CPU with all sockets populated.  This will bring your cost 
down and meet your needs, I believe.  

I can be available to discuss in the AM EST if necessary.   My skype ID is 
stevenjwilson9603 if that is convenient. 

The only other thing that would be useful to know is when you expect to order 
the machines and when do you need delivery. 

Regards, Steve


Steve Wilson
Director, Phoenics Tech Center
978 856 0111 (o)
617 594 9603 (c)



-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Wilson 
Sent: Tuesday, February 7, 2017 4:17 PM
To: 'Ian Jackson' <ian.jackson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Alena Hyde <alena@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; 
wg-test-framework@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; Julien Grall <julien.grall@xxxxxxx>; 
Lars Kurth <lars.kurth@xxxxxxxxxx>; Frank Motta 
<frank@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; ypatel@xxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: ThunderX machines (for the Xen Project OSSTEST Test Lab)

Hi Ian,     Sorry I remember seeing this email, but I don't recall the blurb at 
the end......

Frank Motta, copied, is our software engineer.  His response: 
        - I cannot be certain what "all firmware functions" means... but, I 
almost never use anything but the serial interface for most of my effort except 
upgrading firmware
        - I am unaware of what 'chainloading' is... but, the Ubuntu netinstall 
does boot a minimal Linux and then install Linux.  If this is not chainloading, 
 then we need to learn what is desired.
        - The netinstall pulls directly from Ubuntu/canonical sites - so, it is 
as stable as what is the current repository

Ian - We have been shipping Ubuntu 16.04 with no issues.  I believe 
chainloading is supported, but if you wish to dig deeper, pls do.  We are 
looking forward to working with and supporting you.  Frank sits at the Cavium 
office and works closely with the Cavium team.  If you need anything further, 
pls let us know. 

Regards, Steve



-----Original Message-----
From: Ian Jackson [mailto:ian.jackson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] 
Sent: Monday, January 9, 2017 9:50 AM
To: Lars Kurth <lars.kurth@xxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: Steve Wilson <steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; Alena Hyde 
<alena@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; wg-test-framework@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; Julien 
Grall <julien.grall@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: ThunderX machines (for the Xen Project OSSTEST Test Lab)

Lars Kurth writes ("Re: ThunderX machines (for the Xen Project OSSTEST Test 
Lab)"):
> Steve Wilson:
> > What about memory and disk configuration?

Around 16G or 32G RAM would probably be right, depending on price.

We don't need a lot of disk space, nor RAID.  We'll take whatever spinning rust 
is readily available.

> > Any other requirements?

We must have:
 * all firmware functions, including bootloader and firmware
   configuration, accessible via RS232 (serial)
 * netbooting, with chainloading to hard disk
 * works with Debian stable (perhaps with kernel from stable-backports)

Thanks,
Ian.

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