[clug] Recommendation for dual Xeon (dual core) M/b and RHEL4 please

[Stephen Hodgman]

Gday,
We have a need to build some systems that are dual Xeon (dual core) 
systems running Redhat Enterprise Linux 4.  This is essentially 
equivalent to Centos 4
We have been delivered SuperMicro X7DAL-E M/b that we were assured 
worked!  These are ATX formfactor rather than the extended ATX which is 
attractive.
However, while we can run single CPU (standard) kernel the SMP kernel 
panics everytime.
Kernel is 2.6.42
The error is "failed to sync" but sometimes it just stops at the loading 
screen with the "Redhat nash...." line
We also sometimes get an error about "losing ticks" and a problem with 
"TSC syncronization".

Have searched google extensively with no real conclusion.  There are not 
a lot of obvious settings changes possible in the BIOS
We have disabled APCI and disabled legacy USB but the panic continues 
(on the M/b and inside me!!)
We have a deadline that is fast approaching for these systems so if 
anyone can give me pointers, suggestions etc I will be extremely grateful.
Thanks for your time,
-- 

Stephen Hodgman
Namadgi Systems
+61 (0)407 182 355 (mobile)
+61 (0)2 6285 3460 (Office)
+61 (0)2 6285 3459 (Fax)

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