AlphaServer 1000/1000A CPU Upgrade Guide

This document provides a comprehensive guide for upgrading Digital AlphaServer 1000 and 1000A systems with performance-enhanced CPU modules. It details a multi-stage process, beginning with an overview of the upgrade kit contents and prerequisites, such as required operating system revisions.

The core upgrade procedure involves:

1. Operating System Preparation: Updating the operating system to the necessary revision level and, for Windows NT, backing up and updating specific system files (HAL).
2. Hardware Installation: Shutting down the system, removing the existing CPU, and installing the new performance-enhanced CPU module.
3. Firmware Update: Setting a fail-safe loader jumper on the new CPU, booting from a firmware update diskette to flash the SRM and ARC (AlphaBIOS) console firmware, and then resetting the jumper to its normal operating position.
4. Configuration Data Update: Running the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) to correct system configuration data and, if applicable, updating StorageWorks RAID controller firmware to version V3.11 or higher. This also includes verifying custom system settings/environment variables for Windows NT, Digital UNIX, and OpenVMS.
5. System Boot & Verification: Rebuilding the operating system kernel (for Digital UNIX), booting the system, and confirming the upgrade by checking the operator control panel for a "Model 5/xxx" message.

The guide also includes instructions for downgrading the system back to a previous 4/xxx configuration, outlining the steps to replace the CPU and restore older console firmware, noting the ECC memory requirement for 4/xxx systems.