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1997

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Document:	AlphaServer 1000A Technical Summary
Order Number:	EK-ALPSV-TS
Revision:	0
Pages:	12
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AlphaServer 1000A
Technical Summary

Contents

1
Investment Protection
Flexible System Packages

Clustering

AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System
AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount System

Server Management

Maintenance
Performance

AlphaServer 1000A Cabinet System
Features and Benefits
CPU Cards
SIMM Memory Modules
System Board
3
I/O Buses

Operational Management
Platform Management

Sources of Performance Information
Information for Digital Partners
Internet Server
5
System Features at a Glance

PCI Bus
EISA Bus
Xbus

6
System Architecture

Storage Architecture

7
Physical Characteristics and Operating Environment
AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System Components

Removable Storage
Disk Storage
SCSI Storage Expansion
RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System Front View

Availability and Reliability

Power-Up Self-Test
Power Control System
Dual SCSI Backplanes
Disk Hot Swap
Thermal Management

AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System Side View
AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System Rear View
9
AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount System
AlphaServer 1000A Cabinet System Components

AlphaServer 1000A

The Digital AlphaServer 1000A system is a low-cost, single-

Figure 1 AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System

processor, PCI/EISA-based server. It is suitable for generalpurpose commercial, high-performance application and
database, PC LAN, and Internet server environments. With
the AlphaServer 1000A server, you can choose from three
operating environments: Windows NT, Digital UNIX, and
OpenVMS.
Guaranteed to provide high reliability and availability, the
AlphaServer 1000A is ideally suited for organizations with
little or no MIS support.
PK-0667-96

Investment Protection
Based on the 64-bit Alpha RISC architecture, the AlphaServer
1000A server provides investment protection you can count on.
You can choose from three popular operating systems:
Windows NT, Digital UNIX, and OpenVMS. These operating
systems and thousands of applications benefit from the 64-bit
Alpha chip performance. Designed to be compatible with
higher performance microprocessors, the system is in-cabinet
CPU upgradable.

AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount System

The rackmount system is a rackmountable box with the same
hardware and features as the pedestal system. The rackmount
box fits easily in a standard 19-inch rack. The box can have
three internal disk drives; additional storage can also be
mounted in the rack.

Figure 2 AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount System

Flexible System Packages
The AlphaServer 1000A system is available in three packages –
pedestal, rackmount, and cabinet –to suit a range of computing
needs.
AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System

The pedestal system is a deskside, low-noise unit designed for
office space where a compact footprint and low to medium disk
storage capacities are required. It supports PCI and EISA I/O,
up to 1 Gbyte of main memory, and up to 30.1 Gbytes of incabinet storage.
PK-0671-96

AlphaServer 1000A Cabinet System

CPU Cards

The cabinet system integrates multiple rackmount boxes and
StorageWorks shelves in a single cabinet. It is designed for
offices or satellite equipment rooms where floor space is at a
premium, large disk storage arrays are required, and high
availability is imperative.

Three CPU cards are available for the AlphaServer 1000A:
266 MHz (Model 4/266), 333 MHz (Model 5/333), and 400
MHz (Model 5/400). Each card contains:
• the processor
• a chipset interfacing the CPU, 128-bit wide ECC-protected
memory subsystem, and 32-bit PCI bus
• 8 Kbytes of serial ROM, providing the CPU with
power-up code
• 2 Mbytes of direct-mapped, ECC-protected second-level
cache

Figure 3 AlphaServer 1000A System Cabinet

PK-0673-96

Features and Benefits
The AlphaServer 1000A provides the following features for fast
application processing, high availability, and low maintenance.
• System Performance
The system design uses industry-standard SIMMs, disk drives,
and PCI and EISA I/O buses to deliver maximum system
performance.
• Reliability and Availability
Fan, power, and temperature sensors monitor the server; the
LCD control panel indicates system status. The ECC memory
allows recovery from most cache and memory errors. A dual
SCSI backplane allows fully redundant disk subsystems. Fully
redundant power supplies also increase system availability.
• System Expansion
System memory can be upgraded from 32 Mbytes to 1 Gbyte
using SIMM options. Seven PCI and two EISA slots
accommodate industry-standard options. An on-board fast,
wide SCSI-2 controller allows direct connection to CD-ROM,
tape, and disk drives. An on-board SVGA controller supports
enhanced graphics without use of an expansion slot.
• Reduced Service Costs
Because of its high reliability, the system requires minimal MIS
support. In most cases, it can be self-serviced by the customer.
The system also comes with a warranty.
• Warranty
A three-year, on-site server hardware warranty is standard. The
warranty provides on-site, next business day response.

Model 4/266 utilizes the 21064A CPU. Model 5/333 and
Model 5/400 utilize the 21164A CPU. These Alpha CPU chips
have the following features:
• All instructions 32 bits long with a regular instruction
format
• Floating-point unit, supports DEC and IEEE floating-point
data types
• 32 integer registers, 64 bits wide
• 32 floating-point registers, 64 bits wide
• On-chip, direct-mapped, write-through physical data cache
• On-chip, direct-mapped, read-only virtual instruction cache
• On-chip I-stream translation buffer
• On-chip D-stream translation buffer
The 21164A CPU chip in the Model 5/333 and Model 5/400
CPU modules utilizes an on-chip second-level 96-Kbyte cache
as well as additional stages of integer and floating-point
instruction pipelining for enhanced performance.

SIMM Memory Modules
The Model 4/266 system supports 20 single in-line memory
module (SIMM) connectors on the system board. System
memory can be configured for up to 1 Gbyte. Memory in
Model 4/266 is grouped in four memory banks consisting of
five memory modules, including one for ECC (error correction
code). The Model 5/333 and Model 5/400 systems support 16
single in-line memory module connectors; only four memory
modules are needed for each bank (including ECC capability).
Memory modules are available in 4-Mbyte, 8-Mbyte, 16Mbyte, 32-Mbyte, and 64-Mbyte sizes. With these, memory is
configurable from 32 Mbytes to 1 Gbyte.

System Board
The AlphaServer 1000A server provides the following I/O
functionality:
• SVGA controller supports high-resolution graphics and text
display for a variety of color CRT monitors without using
an expansion slot (Model 4/266 only.)
• DEC 21050 PCI-to-PCI bridge
• PCI-to-EISA Intel bridge chipset
• PCI-based SCSI controller provides a fast, wide SCSI-2
interface
• 1 Mbyte of flash ROM, which contains the diagnostics and
firmware
• Bidirectional parallel port, two serial ports, and floppy disk
controller
2

•
•
•
•

Keyboard and mouse interface
Time of year (TOY) clock
8 Kbytes of NVRAM to store system configuration
PC-style speaker

SCSI Storage Expansion

The system supports optional external SCSI expansion. SCSI
bus expansion ports on the rear of the system enable the bus to
extend outside the system. StorageWorks modules add up to
440 Gbytes of storage.

I/O Buses
PCI and EISA I/O accommodate industry-standard option
cards.
PCI Bus

The PCI (peripheral component interconnect) is the preferred
I/O bus for high-performance I/O options. The PCI bus has the
following characteristics:
• Fully compliant with PCI Version 2 Specification
• Operates at 33 MHz
• Supports seven PCI option slots
• Supports on-board fast, wide SCSI-2 controller
EISA Bus

The EISA used for several medium-performance options, such
as modems and other peripherals. It also controls the Xbus
interface. The EISA bus is backward-compatible with ISA bus
options, provided the operating system supports the device.
The EISA bus has the following characteristics:
• Operates at 8.33 MHz
• Supports two EISA/ISA slots
• All slots are bus master slots
Xbus

The Xbus includes the real-time clock, NVRAM, flash ROM,
and operator control panel interface.

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks)

The system can be configured with optional RAID controllers
to organize disk data cost effectively, improve performance,
and provide high levels of storage integrity. Optional RAID
controllers have the following features:
• Support for hot-swap drives
• Automatic rebuild after hot swap
• Optional write cache

Availability and Reliability
Power-Up Self-Test

At initialization, the system performs a self-test that verifies its
functionality.
Power Control System

The power system uses several power conditioning functions to
protect against high-voltage transients. The power system is
capable of withstanding under-voltage conditions and power
interruptions of any duration on one or more current phases
without causing physical damage. The power system
continuously monitors the AC input for AC line spikes, voltage
fluctuations, and other voltage anomalies.
For further protection, an optional second power supply
provides redundant power should the first power supply fail.
Dual SCSI Backplanes

Storage Architecture
The AlphaServer 1000A server storage architecture is designed
for maximum performance and easy operation. All storage
bays are accessible from the front of the system. If the system
is configured with RAID, modules can be added or removed
while the system is running ( “hot swap”).
Removable Storage

The system supports a 3.5-inch floppy drive, 5.25-inch
CD-ROM drive, and a number of optional tape drives for a
5.25-inch bay.
Disk Storage

The pedestal system has one internal StorageWorks shelf that
holds seven 3.5-inch storage devices. This SCSI backplane can
be configured to run as a single bus or a dual bus. The
backplane can accommodate both wide SCSI and narrow SCSI
drives. The system’s integral SCSI controller can provide the
interface to the StorageWorks shelf. Or, you can use a PCIbased controller for an internal RAID array.

Using additional SCSI controllers allows for fully redundant
disk subsystems within a dual-SCSI backplane configuration.
Disk Hot Swap

In-cabinet disks support disk hot swap. Hot swap is the
removal of the disk or disks from any one of the storage
compartments while the rest of the system remains powered on
and continues to operate.
This feature contributes significantly to system availability.
Since many disk problems can be resolved without shutting
down the entire system, users lose access only to the disks that
are removed. The hot swap feature is available only within
RAID configurations.
Thermal Management

The system’s thermal management is designed to maximize
system reliability. Sensors monitor internal system
temperature, fan failure, and power supply temperature and
shut down the system if necessary.

The rackmount box can have three internal disks, but no
internal shelf or RAID capability. External RAID arrays can be
configured in a rack or cabinet system.

Clustering

A cluster is a loosely coupled set of systems that behaves like a
single system, but provides high levels of availability through
redundant CPUs, storage, and data paths. Clustering allows
multiple computer systems to communicate over a common
interface, share disks, and spread the computing load across
multiple CPUs. Cluster interconnects are available in all three
operating systems:
• Digital UNIX cluster systems use SCSI buses
(AdvantageCluster) to share disks among systems.
• OpenVMS cluster systems use SCSI, Ethernet, FDDI, and
DSSI as the interconnect between disks and systems.
• Windows NT cluster systems use SCSI buses and Ethernet.

Server Management
The AlphaServer products support important operational and
platform management requirements.
Operational Management

Server/Network Management. ServerWORKS Manager
software is included with each system. This software utilizes
the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
environment to assist the network or server administrator by
constantly monitoring the network for problems, thus avoiding
expensive downtime. The software monitors vital server
information, such as CPU and file system utilization, as well as
the condition of the network supported by the management
console.
Remote Server Management. An optional remote console
monitor module (KCRCM-AA) lets the administrator perform
several tasks from a serial console: monitor the power supplies,
temperature, and fans, as well as reset, halt, and power the
system on or off, regardless of the operating system or
hardware state. Also, the remote console monitor aids in
inventory support by giving access to serial numbers and
revisions of hardware and firmware.
These systems support all the management tools and features
provided by the operating systems to manipulate and monitor
system resources such as disks, printers, networks, and backups.
For example, system managers can use the POLYCENTER
suite of tools to manage an enterprise-wide system. Under
Windows NT, the AssetWorks product can be used to provide a
powerful environment for software and operational
management. All these tools are usable in a highly distributed
environment.
Platform Management

These systems support platform management tasks such as
manipulating and monitoring hardware performance,
configuration, and errors. For example, the operating systems
provide a number of tools to characterize system performance
and display errors logged in the system error log file.
In addition, every AlphaServer system provides robust console
firmware. Hardware configuration tools and diagnostics
facilitate quick installation and troubleshooting. The system
operator can use simple console commands to show the system
configuration, devices, boot and operational parameters, and
recorded errors. Most console firmware features can be

accessed remotely using the POLYCENTER console manager
product.

Maintenance
The system covers are designed to slide off, making
components easy to access. To protect users, a power interlock
switch automatically shuts down the system if the top cover is
removed. The CPU, memory, PCI, and EISA options are
plug-in cards that require no special switch or jumper settings
for normal operation.

Performance
Digital evaluates the performance of the AlphaServer 1000A
server in an ongoing program of performance engineering,
using industry-standard benchmarks that allow comparisons
across major vendors’ systems. These benchmarks against
competitive systems are based on comparable or close CPU
performance, coupled with comparable memory and disk
expandability.
Remember that system performance depends on application
characteristics. Thus, benchmark information is one helpful
“data point” to be used in conjunction with other purchase
criteria such as features, service, and price.
Sources of Performance Information

You can access performance information from Digital using
your fax machine as well as several online sources.
• InstaFACTS. The InstaFACTS fax service delivers
information directly to your fax machine. Call
1-800-723-4431 (through a touch-tone phone in the U.S.A.
and Canada) and 908-885-6426 (outside the U.S.A. and
Canada). A catalog of documents is available from which
you can order an abbreviated table of performance
information, including Digital’s performance briefs and
flashes, TPC results, AIM results, and graphic results.
• FTP. Access performance documents from
ftp://gatekeeper.dec.com. The directory is
pub/DEC/DECinfo/performance/sys.
• CompuServe. Type GO VAXFORUM and look in the
“hardware” library. For more information contact Doyle
Myers at Internet address doyle@wrq.com or
76703.4403@compuserve.com.
• World Wide Web. The document URL (Uniform Resource
Locator) is http://www.digital.com/info/performance.html.
Information for Digital Partners

Digital partners can access Digital’s Integrated Repository from
DECGenisys V1.2. Digital Today, Business Partner Edition,
occasionally contains articles on performance of Alpha systems
and announcements of available documents.

Internet Server
The AlphaServer 1000A system comes ready with all popular
modes of connection to the Internet. It can also be preconfigured with the most commonly used Internet applications, allowing customers immediate access to Internet information, news
groups, and electronic mail.
4

System Features at a Glance
Table 1 summarizes the AlphaServer 1000A system features and specifications.
Table 1 AlphaServer 1000A Server Features
Hardware

Environment
Processors

Office environment (Class B)
One Alpha 21064A (266 MHz)
One Alpha 21164A (333 MHz/400 MHz)

Cache on chip
I-cache/D-cache
Secondary cache
Upgrades
B-cache size
Memory (max.)
Floppy disk
CD-ROM

16 Kbytes/16 Kbytes (4/266); 8 Kbytes/8 Kbytes (5/300)
96 Kbytes
Memory, CPU, storage
2 MB
1 GB
1.44 MB
600 MB

Performance

Model 4/266

Model 5/333

Model 5/400

SPECint95
SPECfp95
SPECint_rate95
SPECfp_rate95

4.34
6.03
39.0
54.3

10.1
10.6
90.7
95.7

11.5
11.1
104
99.6

Internal Storage

Removable media
Maximum internal storage
Pedestal
Cabinet
Total storage
I/O slots
Maximum I/O throughput
System throughput
PCI
EISA

CD-ROM, floppy diskette (pedestal has space for optional drive)
7 hot swap disks (30.1 GB)
21 hot swap disks (90.3 GB)
440 GB
7 PCI/ 2 EISA
528 MB/sec
132 MB/sec
33 MB/sec

Availability Features

System

OpenVMS clusters
Windows NT clusters
AdvantageClusters™(UNIX)
UNIX TruClusters
Operating Systems

System auto reboot, redundant power system (N+1), remote system management, disk hot
swap, ECC cache, ECC memory, ECC system bus, SMP CPU failover, error logging,
optional uninterruptible power supply, RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5, memory failover thermal
management, optional KCRCM-AA
Ethernet, DSSI, FDDI, SCSI, CI
Ethernet, SCSI
DECsafe™ ASE, SCSI
MEMORY CHANNEL™
Microsoft Windows NT Server, OpenVMS, Digital UNIX

Warranty

Hardware
Software

3-year, on site
90-day telephone advisory support

System Architecture
Figure 4 shows the AlphaServer 1000A system architecture.
Figure 4 System Architecture

266 MHz Processor
Secondary
PCI Bus

PCI-PCI
Bridge

CPU Card
SROM

21064A

SCSI
Controller

Fast-Wide
SCSI Bus

PCI Slots
PCI Slots

Bcache
2MB

TOY

OCP

PCI Slots
Flash
ROM
(1MB)

PCI Slots

EISA
Config
RAM

Epic
Comanche

PCI Slots

Decade

8242
Keybd&
Mouse

PCI Slots
Buffers
PCI Slots
Memory
(32MB-1GB)

EISA Slots
EISA Slots

SVGA
Cirrus
5428

PCI-EISA
Bridge

Serial Ports
Floppy Port
Parallel Port

NS
87332

EISA Bus

Primary
PCI Bus

Keyboard
Mouse

X-Bus

PK-0668-96

333/400 MHz Processor
Secondary
PCI Bus

PCI-PCI
Bridge

CPU Card
SROM

21164A

SCSI
Controller

Fast-Wide
SCSI Bus

PCI Slots
PCI Slots

Bcache
2MB

TOY

OCP

PCI Slots
Flash
ROM
(1MB)

PCI Slots

EISA
Config
RAM

CIA
PCI Slots

DSW

8242
Keybd&
Mouse

PCI Slots
Buffers
PCI Slots
Memory
(32MB-1GB)

EISA Slots

X-Bus

Keyboard
Mouse

EISA Slots
PCI-EISA
Bridge
NS
87332

Primary
PCI Bus

EISA Bus

Serial Ports
Floppy Port
Parallel Port

PK-0668A-96

Physical Characteristics and Operating Environment
Table 2 lists the physical characteristics and operating conditions for the AlphaServer 1000A pedestal system and AlphaServer
1000A rackmount and cabinet systems.
Table 2 AlphaServer 1000A Physical Characteristics
Characteristic

AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal Model

AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount/Cabinet

Width
Length

35.8 cm (14.1 in.)
58.6 cm (23.1 in.)

Height
Weight

46 cm (18.1 in.)
typical: 39 kg (86 lbs)
maximum: 51 kg (113 lb)
Class B
5°C–40°C with 10°C rise inlet to outlet
10% to 95% noncondensing at
304 m of altitude
110−120 V
220−240 V
59–61 Hz
49–51 Hz
8.0/4.0 Amps (one power supply);
4.6/2.2 Amps (two power supplies)

48.2 cm (19 in.)
63.5 cm (25 in.) system chassis only;
73.7 cm (29 in.) system chassis and rackmount assembly
26.7 cm (10.5 in.)
29 kg (65 lbs) system and rackmount assembly

Operating environment
Operating temperature
Operating humidity
Nominal voltage
Frequency range
RMS current at nominal voltage
(steady state)

Class B
5°C–40°C with 10°C rise inlet to outlet
10% to 95% noncondensing at 304 m of altitude
110−120 V
220−240 V
57−63 Hz
8.5/4.0 Amps (one power supply)

AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System Components
Figures 5 to 9 show the main components of the AlphaServer 1000A pedestal system.

Figure 5 AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System Front View
Optional
Tape Drive

Power
Interlock
Switch

CD-ROM
Drive
Floppy
Drive
Operator
Control
Panel
Hard-Disk
Drive
Housing

SCSI Backplane

Primary
Power
Supply
PK-0665-96

Figure 6 AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System Side View
System Board

CPU Card

Upper Fan

Speaker

Lower Fan

PK-0670-96

Figure 7 AlphaServer 1000A Pedestal System Rear View
Keyboard Port

VGA Port
Mouse Port
Serial Port

Parallel Port
SCSI Port
PCI/EISA
Slots

Serial Port

PK-0669-96

AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount System
Figure 8 shows the AlphaServer 1000A rackmount system.
Figure 8 AlphaServer 1000A Rackmount System

PK-0671-96

AlphaServer 1000A Cabinet System Components
Figure 9 shows the AlphaServer 1000A cabinet system.
Figure 9 AlphaServer 1000A Cabinet System Components

Disk Array

System

Disk Arrays

PK-0672-96

Digital believes the information in this publication is accurate as of its publication date; such information is subject to change without notice. Digital is not responsible
for any inadvertent errors. Digital will conduct its business in a manner that conserves the environment and protects the safety and health of its employees, customers,
and the community.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: AlphaServer, AlphaGeneration, the AlphaGeneration logo, the DIGITAL logo, DSSI, OpenVMS,
POLYCENTER, and StorageWorks. OSF/1 is a registered trademark of the Open Software Foundation. SPEC, SPECint95, and SPECfp95 are registered trademarks of
Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company. Windows and Windows NT are
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. MEMORY CHANNEL is a trademark of Encore Computer Corporation.