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

[Leo Kliger]

On Thu, 2006-11-02 at 07:41 +1100, Stephen Hodgman wrote:
> 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,
> -- 

Hi Steve,

I haven't worked with Dual Core Xeon technology so it's difficult to
know exactly but I would ask / suggest the following:-

- Is the BIOS at the latest revision?

- Are you trying to install RHEL4 Update 4?

- Perhaps it's a hardware issue.... could you try installing FC6 and see
if boots and then perhaps runs for 24 hours.

- If you are installing RHEL4 can we assume that this is a "Red Hat
Network" subscribed system? What do Red Hat support say?

Regards,

Leo