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Sun Java™ Workstation W1100z and
W2100z Architecture
A Technical White Paper
June 2005
SunWIN Token #415542
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Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................5
New Sun x86 AMD Opteron Processor-Based Workstation Product Family...............................................5
A Quick Note on the Nomenclature..........................................................................................................6
Target Users and Markets.............................................................................................................................6
Sun Java™ Workstation W1100z..............................................................................................................6
Sun Java™ Workstation W2100z..............................................................................................................7
Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z System Overview............................................................7
Feature Comparison......................................................................................................................................9
External View of the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z.............................................................9
Front View..................................................................................................................................................9
Rear View.................................................................................................................................................10
Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z System Architecture....................................................11
Motherboard.................................................................................................................................................11
AMD Opteron Processor..............................................................................................................................16
CPU Packaging........................................................................................................................................17
Processor VRM........................................................................................................................................19
Memory Architecture....................................................................................................................................19
AMD64 Architecture.....................................................................................................................................19
HyperTransport Technology........................................................................................................................20
System Performance Enhancements......................................................................................................21
Memory Interface.....................................................................................................................................22
Chip-to-Chip Interconnect........................................................................................................................22
I/O Expansion Capability to High-Speed Industry Buses.......................................................................22
I/O Subsystem.............................................................................................................................................23
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) Flash Memory.....................................................................................23
AMD-8000 Series Chipset...........................................................................................................................24
The AMD-8151 HyperTransport AGP 3.0 Tunnel...................................................................................24
AMD-8131 HyperTransport PCI-X Tunnel...............................................................................................24
AMD-8111 HyperTransport I/O Hub (SouthBridge)................................................................................26
Memory........................................................................................................................................................26
External Connectivity Ports.........................................................................................................................26
Expansion Bays...........................................................................................................................................27
Expansion Slots...........................................................................................................................................27
Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z Graphics Accelerators.................................................29
NVIDIA Quadro NVS280.............................................................................................................................29
NVIDIA Quadro FX500................................................................................................................................32
NVIDIA Quadro FX4000..............................................................................................................................35
Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z Environmentals and Regulations...............................37
Environment.................................................................................................................................................37
Regulations..................................................................................................................................................38
Software Operating Environment(s).......................................................................................................39
Solaris™ Operating System........................................................................................................................40
Solaris™ 9 Operating System Specific Features.......................................................................................40
Productivity Features...............................................................................................................................41
Advanced Networking..............................................................................................................................41
Bundled Software....................................................................................................................................41
Solaris 9 OS Bundled Desktop Environments........................................................................................41
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File System Logging................................................................................................................................43
Solaris JumpStart™ Software.................................................................................................................43
Solaris™ Flash Software.........................................................................................................................43
Solaris™ Live Upgrade Software............................................................................................................43
Real-Time Video Creation and Broadcast Support................................................................................43
Graphics Software Interfaces......................................................................................................................44
Solaris OS Licensing and Usage................................................................................................................44
Additional Software Tools........................................................................................................................46
Sun N1™ Grid Engine Software Environment............................................................................................46
Java™ Desktop System (JDS) Software....................................................................................................46
Sun Studio 8 Software for x86....................................................................................................................47
Sun Java™ Studio Software.......................................................................................................................49
Sun Java™ Studio Enterprise Software.................................................................................................49
Sun Java™ Studio Creator Software..........................................................................................................49
Conclusion.................................................................................................................................................50
References...................................................................................................................................................50
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Chapter 1
Introduction
“Simply the fastest workstations we’ve ever built...”
New Sun x86 AMD Opteron Processor-Based Workstation Product Family
Sun has recently introduced a new line of AMD Opteron processor x86-based workstations that
demonstrate our
commitment to delivering the most compelling workstations on the market. With a single x86-based
systems
architecture, the Sun Java™ Workstation W1100z and W2100z support both 32-bit and 64-bit operating
systems
and applications, offering the highest degree of flexibility for customers who want to run existing 32-bit
x86
operating systems and applications, and be able to gracefully migrate to the next-generation 64-bit
operating
systems and applications when they are ready.
Figure 1-1. Both the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z ship in the same compact tower case
packaging
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The Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z provide high performance with new 64-bit features and
with existing 32-bit x86 applications. With support for multiple 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems, the
Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z offer the freedom customers need in order to run their
choice of applications and industry-standard peripherals, yet minimize hardware support costs and
reduce IT training costs. These facts, plus a one-year base warranty, and next-business-day support,
mean that the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z offer among the best total cost of ownership
(TCO) for workstations.
This document describes the system architecture for both the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and the
Sun Java Workstation W2100z, along with key software components included with both models that
enable a wide range of service deployments.
A Quick Note on the Nomenclature
The “W” in the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z is the same W used in “SunW”, our publicly
traded
stock symbol. The first number of the series indicates the number of processors (1 or 2). The remaining
digits may
evolve meaning over time, but have been left the same for now.
Target Users and Markets
The Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z are designed to provide optimal performance,
reliability, and scalability for the widest range of users and markets in Sun history. With these new
workstations, Sun seeks to slake the never-ending thirst for performance from our traditional customers
and provide an attractive platform for new customers to adopt and exploit.
Sun Java™ Workstation W1100z
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The entry-level, single-processor Sun Java Workstation W1100z is ideal for the following users and
markets:
• Consumer Electronics
• General and Higher Education (e.g., classrooms, labs, research, K-12)
• Government (e.g., security, federal government, mission planning, defense)
• Telco (e.g., NOCs, TOCs, call centers)
• Semiconductor manufacturers (e.g., chip manufacturing, ASIC simulations)
• Motherboard manufacturers (e.g., board layout tools, etc.)
• PCB manufacturers
• Automobile
• Aerospace
• Heavy machinery
• OEMs (e.g., medical, air traffic control, military)
Sun Java
The dual-processor Sun Java Workstation W2100z is recommended for the following power-hungry and
demanding users and markets:
• Energy (e.g., Oil and Gas, research/exploration/data mining)
• Government (e.g., GIS/mapping, 3-D visualization, security, HPC)
• Higher Education (e.g., classrooms, research labs, university-level software development courses)
• Life Sciences (e.g., medical imaging, genomics, Nano BioTech)
• Manufacturing, including Electronic Design Automation (EDA), Mechanical Computer Aided Design
(MCAD), and
MCAE (Mechanical Computer Aided Engineering)
• Financial modeling and economic simulation
• OEMs (e.g., medical, air traffic control, military)
™
Workstation W2100z
Chapter 2
Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z
System Overview
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The Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z have been designed for high-performance, scalability,
and flexibility at a cost-effective price in a common deskside tower enclosure. They feature 64-bit
performance, large memory support, I/O capability to support low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnects
for technical computing, 32-bit x86 compatibility, multiple OS support, and a wide range of peripheral
and ISV support. Customers can run their current 32-bit applications and leverage their existing
knowledge base while laying a foundation that can take advantage of future benefits of next-generation
64-bit operating systems and applications
The Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z are solidly built to Sun-renowned quality specifications
and come from the factory with a robust set of desktop workstation features, including:
• Support for single or dual AMD Opteron processors with AMD HyperTransport technology and an
integrated
dual-channel memory controller, enabling true 64-bit computing on an x86 architecture.
(HyperTransport
technology delivers exceptional bandwidth, alleviating the constraints that typically limit performance
with
off-chip memory controllers.)
• High bandwidth memory subsystem with error correction
• Support for up to an industry-leading 16 GB of total system memory in a mini-tower workstation (upon
availability of 2 GB DIMMs)
• Visualization-class AGP graphics accelerators
• A mini-tower form factor featuring five USB 2.0 ports, two IEEE 1394a (FireWire) ports, one built-in
copper
Gigabit Ethernet port (CAT6 recommended), and Ultra320 SCSI interfaces
• Five high-speed PCI-X expansion slots that enable high-speed system interconnect, such as external
Ultra320
SCSI, additional Gigabit Ethernet adapters, etc.
• Expandable, high-performance storage options
• Choice of operating systems
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Feature Comparison
Table 1-1 describes the main features, functions, and benefits offered by the Sun Java Workstation
W1100z and W2100z.
Table 1-1: Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z Features Comparison
Sun Java Workstation W1100z Sun Java Workstation W2100z
Processor Type One AMD Opteron 100-series CPU Two AMD Opteron 200-series CPUs
Processor Speed 1.8 GHz (Model 144) to 2.4 GHz (Model
150)
Memory Up to 8 GB of PC3200 Registered ECC
Memory Note: 4 GB currently available. 8 GB
will utilize 2 GB DIMMs, which will be
available in August 2004
1.8 GHz (Model 244) to 2.6 GHz (Model 252)
Up to 16 GB of PC3200 Registered ECC Memory
Note: 8 GB available at RR only. 16 GB will
utilize 2 GB DIMMs, which will be available in
August 2004.
Graphics NVIDIA Quadro NVS280, FX500, , FX3000, FX4000
Networking Gigabit Ethernet
Optical Drives DVD-ROM/CD-RW Standard (DVD +/- R/RW Optional)
Hard Disk Drive Up to 160 GB (2x 80 GB) of UltraATA-100 Up to 584 GB (4 x 146 GB) of Ultra320 SCSI
USB 2.0 Five ports
FireWire Two ports
Audio AC '97
Parallel/Serial One parallel (D-25 pin)/Two serial (DB-9-M)
Height 462 mm (18.2 inches)
Width 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Depth 557 mm (21.9 inches)
Weight 24 kg (53 lbs)
Legacy I/O Floppy and PS2 keyboard/mouse not supported
External View of the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z
Front View
Figure 2-1 shows the front view of the Sun Java Workstation W1100z/W2100z. The CD-RW/DVD-ROM
always occupies the first external drive bay. The hard disk drive LED shows the activity of the 73-GB
Ultra320 SCSI HDD (Sun Java Workstation W2100z only) or the 80-GB UltraATA HDD (Sun Java
Workstation W1100z only).
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The system fault LED functionality will evolve over time. For the first release of the Sun Java
Workstation W1100z/W2100z, the System Fault LED will light up on any BIOS hardware error, including
memory errors, POST errors (h/w), and machine check exceptions. Future releases of the Sun Java
Workstation W1100z/W2100z will support CPU overheating, fan speed failure, and other errors. The
LED in the front panel provides only limited information. The PC Check diagnostic utility included with
the Sun Java Workstation W1100z/W2100z should be used to gain detailed information about the
system.
NOTE: The system fault LED will not be functional at the time of revenue release.
Leveraging the more recent advances in industry-standard peripheral interfaces, the Sun Java
Workstation W1100z/W2100z provides convenient expansion to external portable hard drives or digital
cameras via two USB 2.0 connectors and one IEEE 1394a (FireWire) connector. Additionally, an input
for a microphone and a line-level output for headphones are also included. Additional USB, FireWire,
and audio ports can be found on the rear panel.
Figure 2-1: Sun Java Workstation W1100z/W2100z—Front View
Rear View
Figure 2-2 shows the rear view of the Sun Java Workstation W1100z/W2100z. It contains the remaining
USB ports,
one IEEE 1394a (FireWire) port, and audio ports. Starting from the top of the chassis, the Sun Java
Workstation
W1100z/W2100z provides a parallel port and two serial ports. Next, two USB 2.0 ports and the
remaining IEEE
1394a port are located together. The final USB 2.0 port and the RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet connector are
next, followed
by the remaining audio connectors (audio out, audio in, microphone in).
Category 6, Universal Twisted Pair (CAT6-UTP) network cabling is recommended for optimal
performance, but is not required for general network connectivity.
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Figure 2-2: Sun Java Workstation W1100z/W2100z—Rear View
Chapter 3
Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z
System Architecture
This chapter describes the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z architectures in detail, including
the
motherboards and processors, memory subsystem, interconnects and ASICs, storage, and system I/O.
Motherboard
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The heart of the new Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z is the motherboard. Both
workstations are based
on a common motherboard that utilizes a two-piece construction. The main board provides the majority
of the
functionality common to all systems. Meanwhile, the expansion card provides one Advanced Graphics
Port (AGP)
and three full-length PCI-X slots. The two-processor Sun Java Workstation W2100z has an additional
processor and
memory daughter card that provides multi-processing capability.
Figure 3-1 illustrates the motherboard for both the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and the Sun Java
Workstation W2100z in a basic block diagram that represents the actual physical board layout of the
CPUs, ASICs, sockets, interfaces, and connectors.
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Figure 3-1. Physical layout block diagram of the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z
motherboard
Figures 3-2 and 3-3 illustrate in detail the fully-integrated system motherboard that is the basis for both
the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z. Figure 3-2 shows the actual, single-processor Sun
Java Workstation W1100z motherboard and Figure 3-3 shows the actual, dual-processor Sun Java
Workstation W2100z motherboard.
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Figure 3-2. Sun Java Workstation W1100z motherboard
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Figure 3-3. Sun Java Workstation W2100z motherboard
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Figure 3-4 illustrates the modularity of the Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z system
motherboard and shows how the hardware expansion module (K85AE E-card) connects to the main,
core motherboard (K85AE Main board). The K85AE expansion module provides the AGP 8x slot and 3
full-length PCI-X slots (among other things) needed to complete the entire system motherboard for the
Sun Java Workstation W1100z and W2100z. The K85AE expansion module can be used to implement
new features, such as PCI Express.
Figure 3-4. Main board and expansion module
AMD Opteron Processor
The Sun Java Workstation W1100z supports one AMD Opteron 100 Series processor while the Sun
Java Workstation W2100z supports up to two AMD Opteron 200 Series processors. Each processor
contains a memory controller supporting a 128-bit wide path to memory and three 16x16-bit
HyperTransport links. Each HyperTransport link runs at up to 800 MHz and is clocked on both edges of
the clock pulse, allowing for a maximum of 3.2 GB/sec. (1.6 GB/sec., 2 bytes wide) throughput in each
direction (6.4 GB/sec. aggregate data rate bi-directionally).
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