Server Design FAQ

Introduction and Overview

The Server Design FAQ supplements Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0 for Microsoft Windows NT Server in providing a guide for engineers who build servers, expansion cards, and peripheral devices that will be used with the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating systems. This FAQ is co-authored by Intel Corporation and Microsoft Corporation.

This document is provided as a master list of the "Frequently Asked Questions" for Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0 for Microsoft Windows NT Server. This compendium includes all of the FAQs for the document to date, plus additional clarifications and information provided for better understanding. Please note that this document should be read as an addendum to the Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0, and not as a separate or standalone document.

The goal for the FAQ is to provide updated information. No new "requirements" are noted in this document over the requirements in Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0 unless needed to assure platform interoperation with Windows 2000 or as a small evolutionary step in an existing requirement.

In general, the information in this document will go into effect at the same time as the Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0. The information in this guide provides guidelines for the testing programs administered by WHQL; where different dates are set for compliance, they are noted specifically in the text.

Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0 for Microsoft Windows NT Server is available for download on the web at http://www.microsoft.com/ whdc/ hwdev/ platform/ pcdesign/ desguide/ serverdg.mspx, and on http://developer.intel.com/ .

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Terminology Changes

Operating System Naming

Since the publication of Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0 for Microsoft Windows NT Server, Microsoft has announced a naming change for all Windows NT-based operating systems offered after Windows NT 4.0. In summary, the naming changes are as follows:

For a more detailed overview of these name changes, please see http://www.microsoft.com/ PressPass/ press/ 1998/ Oct98/NT5.0Pr.asp.

For the purposes of this FAQ, readers should map the language in Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0 for Microsoft Windows NT Server to the platform naming listed here, with one additional note--either Windows 2000 Advanced Server, Windows 2000 Datacenter Server, or both platforms should be substituted for all usage of Windows NT Server 5.0, Enterprise Edition.

"Alpha" Processor and Architecture References

All references to "DEC Alpha" in Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0 for Microsoft Windows NT Server should instead now read as "Alpha architecture."

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Broadening of Coverage for Large Systems

In previous versions of Hardware Design Guide for Microsoft Windows NT Server, the guide encompassed the "standard high volume" server with up to and including four processors in a symmetric multiprocessing configuration. However, systems with up to eight processors are now shipping, or are on the verge of shipping, from many vendors. Due to this broadening of the "standard high volume" server market, systems with up to eight processors are now included in the servers that are covered by the Hardware Design Guide Version 2.0.

As previously stated, there is no "one to one" mapping of the number of processors in a server to a specific server "class" or "usage model" (for example, one could certainly have a "SOHO Server" with more than one processor); however, in general, it is anticipated that most servers with four or more processors will be most likely viewed as designed to the "Enterprise Server" system considerations.

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Legal Notices

The information contained in this document represents the current view of Intel Corporation and Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Because Intel and Microsoft must respond to changing market conditions, it should not be interpreted to be a commitment on the part of Intel and Microsoft, and Intel and Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented. This document is for informational purposes only. INTEL AND MICROSOFT MAKE NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT.

Intel Corporation and Microsoft Corporation may have patents or pending patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. The furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights.

Intel and Microsoft do not make any representation or warranty regarding specifications in this document or any product or item developed based on these specifications. Intel and Microsoft disclaim all express and implied warranties, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from infringement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Intel and Microsoft do not make any warranty of any kind that any item developed based on these specifications, or any portion of a specification, will not infringe any copyright, patent, trade secret, or other intellectual prop-erty right of any person or entity in any country. It is your responsibility to seek licenses for such intellectual property rights where appropriate. Intel and Microsoft shall not be liable for any damages arising out of or in connection with the use of these specifications, including liability for lost profit, business interruption, or any other damages whatsoever.

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© 1999 Intel Corporation and Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

This document is not for sale. To obtain additional copies of this document, please download the source files from the web sites at http://developer.intel.com/design/servers/desguide/index.htm  or http://www.microsoft.com/ whdc/ hwdev/ platform/ pcdesign/ desguide/ serverdg.mspx.

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