Digital AlphaServer 400 Series Upgrade Information

This document, "Digital AlphaServer 400 Series Upgrade Information" (published February 1995), is a guide for customers and Digital service representatives on how to upgrade to a Digital AlphaServer 400 Series system.

Its main purpose is to detail which hardware options from various older Digital systems (including DECsystem, MicroVAX, VAX, DEC 3000, and DEC 2000 series) can be repurposed and installed into a new Digital AlphaServer 400 Series system.

The upgradeable components include:

• Internal/external SCSI disk drives (535 MB, 1.0 GB, 2.1 GB)
• Internal/external tape drives (DAT, QIC) and CD-ROM drives
• Color monitors (17" and 21")
• Expansion boxes (deskside and desktop models)

The upgrade procedure involves five key steps:

1. Note SCSI IDs and Drive Names: Record current drive configurations from the existing system.
2. Remove SCSI Drives: Detach specified drives from the older system.
3. Set SCSI IDs: Adjust the SCSI IDs on the transferred drives to prevent conflicts with the AlphaServer 400's factory-installed drives (typically ID 0).
4. Install Options: Integrate the migrated components into the new AlphaServer 400 system, referencing the system's user information manual for detailed installation.
5. Return Your System to Digital: Package and ship the existing, now de-componented, system back to Digital.

The document also provides important warnings regarding antistatic precautions to prevent damage to hardware during the upgrade process.