Frequently asked questions
®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
HP XW4550 Workstation
Workstation power…uniquely affordable
HP xw4550 Workstation frequently asked questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
®
AMD Opteron Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chassis design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Operating systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Linux . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
PCI Express Graphics and I/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
ISV certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Manageability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Options and modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Warranty and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
Who will benefit from the
Market Segment
Benefits
functionality and features of
the HP xw4550 Workstation?
MCAD
The xw4550 is pre-certified with a variety of AutoDesk, UGS, PTC software and others,
providing an optimized solution for mechanical engineers, architects, electrical designers
and civil engineers, and software developers.
DCC
The xw4550 is certified with Adobe Premier Pro, Avid and more giving entry and mid-level
professionals an affordable digital content creation system they can count on.
Power office
For advanced business users who have outgrown the limits of traditional PCs, the xw4550
provides an easy, affordable way to step up to workstation power.
Does HP offer ENERGY STAR®
support on the xw4550?
Yes. HP offers a standard 80 PLUS efficient power supply, which is a requirement for all ENERGY STAR configurations as
well as select SKUs that have been certified for ENERGY STAR.
Do I need a business desktop
or an entry workstation? What
is the difference?
The value of a workstation when compared to a business desktop PC is characterized by several things:
• High-performance 3D OpenGL graphics and professional 2D multi-display graphics—for the ultimate visualization and
design interaction experience
• Professional ISV certifications on technical applications - for guaranteed compatibility and reliability, optimized
performance, and supportability
• Choice of operating system (Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, or Red Hat Linux)—for flexibility of working environments
and IT infrastructure
• ECC memory—for error correction and improved data integrity
• High power—for rich configurations
Will I have to change my
golden image on the HP
xw4550 Workstation?
Yes. The HP xw4550 is a completely new platform based on new technology from AMD. The system drivers are new;
therefore you will have to create new golden images. Manageability software is available to help with this image building
process.
®
AMD Opteron Technology
What are some of the key
features and benefits offered
by AMD Opteron?
AMD’s Opteron processors provide outstanding performance in a small and power-efficient package. Some of the key
unique enablers to this performance include AMD’s Direct-Connect architecture and HyperTransport technology. See
below for more information on these features.
The HP xw4550 Workstation
implements AMD’s Direct
Connect Architecture. What
does this mean?
The AMD Direct Connect Architecture addresses and helps eliminate the real challenges and bottlenecks of system
architecture providing superior computing performance. With the AMD Opteron Direct Connect Architecture, the HP
xw4550’s memory is connected directly to the CPU optimizing memory performance, the I/O is directly connected to the
CPU helping balance throughput and enable expandable I/O and the CPU are connected directly to CPU allowing more
Linear Symmetrical Multiprocessing.
What is the advantage of
having the DDR memory
controller integrated (on-chip)?
The HP xw4550's AMD Opteron processor integrates the memory controller on-chip, reducing memory latency. Reduced
memory latency is important for applications that frequently miss cache (i.e. scatter-gather operations).
3
®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
The HP xw4550 delivers
AMD HyperTransport™
technology. What is
HyperTransport?
HyperTransport technology is a high-speed, high-performance, low-latency point-to-point cache coherent link for integrated
circuits. It provides a universal connection designed to reduce the number of buses within the system, provide a
high-performance link for embedded applications, and enable highly scalable multiprocessing systems. HyperTransport is
designed to enable the chips inside of the workstation and networking and communications devices to communicate with
each other faster. The end result is a reduction in bottlenecks and increased performance.
What are the benefits
of dual-core processors?
The AMD dual-core processor provides double the processing resources in the same footprint compared to similar single
core offerings. Dual-core processors are ideal for usage models requiring multitasking (running many applications or
simulations at once); working on spreadsheets while listening to music with virus checkers and system backups running
(power office); or those using applications that can split a task across processors (multithreaded), like
animation/rendering—DCC.
Does the new dual-core
processor offer any
Yes, the new dual core processors from AMD offers significant performance improvement over previous generation dual
core processors on many applications and in many work environments.
performance improvement
over previous single and
dual-core processors?
Dual-socket
Dual-core
Two physical CPU sockets
Each CPU has exactly two cores
Dual-Core. Dual-Socket.
Quad-Core. Multi-Core.
What do these terms mean?
Multi-core
CPU has two or more cores
Dual-processor
Old terminology for a system with two processors in two sockets.
Memory
What memory is used on
the HP xw4550? Is it the
same memory use on the
HP xw4600?
Yes and no. The HP xw4550 uses DDR2-667 unbuffered ECC memory technology for ECC memory configurations up to 4
GB, as well as DDR2-667 unbuffered non-ECC memory up to 2 GB. The xw4600 uses DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 for all
ECC configurations, and does not offer non-ECC configurations.
Why do I sometimes see
Clock rate is directly proportional to memory bandwidth. The bandwidth of 667 MHz DDR2 memory is calculated as
memory in terms of PC2-5300? 667 MHz 8 bytes per channel = 5,336 MB/s or 5.3 GB/s. For simplicity, the value is thus referred to as PC2-5300 DDR mem-
How does this relate to
memory bandwidth?
ory. The “2” after PC just identifies this memory as DDR2 memory. This nomenclature is sometimes more accepted in the
industry.
The memory bandwidth of the system is improved upon by implementing dual-channel memory architecture. Above,
notice the factor “8 bytes per channel”. By implementing two channels you can essentially double your bandwidth. Instead
of a single DIMM working alone, a pair of DIMMs essentially works together to split up the data exchange to and from the
rest of the system. On the HP xw4550 the dual-channel memory architecture results in very high memory bandwidths on
a personal workstation. With PC2-5300 DDR (667 MHz) memory, the system’s theoretical memory
bandwidth is an astounding 10.6 GB/s.
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®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
Many technical applications require huge amounts of memory bandwidth, especially those that use 3D graphics or that
have a large percentage of floating point calculations. These applications will benefit from the massive memory bandwidth
provided by the HP xw4550. Additionally, no configurations using three memory modules are supported.
How does this memory
bandwidth impact the HP
xw4550 system performance?
Memory latency is another very important factor. At the highest level, latency is a measure of how long it takes the
memory subsystem to respond to a cache miss in the processor. The lower (shorter) the memory latency, the better the
application performance, especially for applications that “thrash the cache.”
Does the memory for the HP
To utilize the dual-channel memory architecture advantages, memory must be installed in pairs. However, a single DIMM
xw4550 have to be ordered in will work in the system (i.e. you could put 1x256 MB in the system). It is highly recommended that memory be added in
pairs? What is the maximum
memory configuration?
pairs, as the performance benefit is substantial. Because of this, no single DIMM configurations are offered on xw4550.
When installing memory in the HP xw4550, pairs must be matched in size and speed (i.e. 2x512 MB/667 MHz, not
1x512 MB/667, 1x1 GB/667) and multiple pairs must be matched in speed. The HP xw4550 has 4 DIMM slots (2 dual-
channels) and supports up to 4 GB of physical memory.
Does the HP xw4550 offer
ECC and non-ECC memory?
If so, what speeds are/will
be offered?
The HP xw4550 offers both ECC and non-ECC memory. The following table outlines what memory is available:
DIMM size/speed
256 MB
512 MB
1 GB
DDR2 667 MHz, ECC
Not Available
Available
Available
Available
Available
DDR2 667 MHz, non-ECC
Not available
What is ECC memory?
Why is ECC memory important?
“ECC” stands for Error Correcting Code or Error Checking and Correction. ECC memory modules have an extra chip that
performs a comparison of the data that is read in and written out. This chip has the capability of detecting single and
multiple bit errors and correcting single bit errors on the fly. If this extra chip detects a single bit error, it will correct the
discrepancy and the system will continue to function without any interruption. If a multiple-bit error (which is extremely
uncommon) is detected, the memory module will issue a non-maskable interrupt (NMI) which will shutdown the system,
avoiding any data corruption in the system. Single- and multiple-bit data errors can go undetected without ECC memory.
Data integrity is always important, but when you are designing an airplane or automobile part, under a tight deadline on
your TV commercial production, analyzing population densities for domestic policy reform, or managing your clients’
financial portfolios of millions of dollars, data integrity is absolutely vital. And in today's cut-throat competitive environment,
work flow efficiency and utilization rates are also crucial. All HP workstations, including the HP xw4550, offer ECC
memory which provides an extra level of data integrity, reliability, and greater system uptime.
Drives
Is the floppy drive really
optional on the HP xw4550?
Yes. For ultimate price flexibility and/or security concerns, we now offer systems with or without the floppy drive. With the
advancement of technologies like USB Disk Keys, bootable CD-ROMs/CD-RWs, external storage, etc. the necessity of a
floppy drive has really declined over the past few years and many customers simply don't need them anymore. We offer
the flexibility should you decide it is not needed on your HP xw4550.
Is the optical drive really
optional on the HP xw4550?
Yes. Once again, for the ultimate in price flexibility and because of security concerns, we now offer systems with or
without an optical drive. Microsoft has lifted a requirement that forced the integration of an optical device on previous
systems, so this is now possible for the first time on the HP xw4550.
Does HP offer any other
removable storage options?
Yes. HP offers an optional 16-in-1 Media Card reader that can be factory-installed on the HP xw4550. This device will
enable users to quickly and easily transfer data between their workstation and their flash media (Compact Flash, Smart
Media, etc). This device will occupy the bottom optical bay in the HP xw4550.
5
®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
What optical drives are
The following table outlines what optical drives are currently available and what software is bundled with
available with the HP xw4550? each drive.
What software is bundled with
these drives?
DVD+/-RW Double Layer
SuperMulti* (SATA) with
LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling
DVD-ROM
(SATA)
2007 optical apps set
• Support on Windows XP 32-bit,
Vista Business 32-bit, Vista Business 64-bit
• CTO, apps are preinstalled
Create data & music CDs/DVDs • Roxio Easy Media Creator 9
Create video CDs/DVDs
• Roxio Easy Media Creator 9
• WinDVD Player 5
Play DVDs and video files
Back up files or entire system
• HP Backup and Recovery (SoftThinks)
*Actual speeds may vary. Does not permit copying of commercially available DVD movies or other copyright protected materials. Intended for creation and stor-
age of your original material and other lawful uses. Doublelayer discs can store more data than single-layer discs. However, double-layer discs burned with this
drive may not be compatible with many existing single-layer DVD drives and players. LightScribe creates a monochrome image. LightScribe media required and
sold separately. Note that DVD-ROM cannot read or write to 2.6 GB Single-Sided/5.2 GB Double-Sided—Version 1.0 media.
Does the HP xw4550 offer
and support SATA 3.0 Gb/s
hard drives?
Yes. The HP xw4550 has an integrated 4-channel SATA 3.0 Gb/s controller for Serial ATA hard drives and optical drives.
We offer the following SATA 3.0 Gb/s hard drives: 80 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB, and 500 GB (7200 rpm). As noted above,
we will offer SATA versions of DVD-ROM (SATA) and DVD+/-RW Double Layer, Supermulti (SATA) with LightScribe Direct
Disc Labeling optical drives.
Does the HP xw4550 support
Serial ATA (SATA) RAID?
Yes. The chipset used on the HP xw4550 has integrated 4-channel SATA controller with Native Command Queuing
(NCQ) and RAID support for RAID 0, (striped) and RAID 1 (mirrored). You can choose to have a high performance
RAID 0 array of hard drives where data is striped across multiple hard drives (this RAID method greatly improves data
access times and system performance). You can also choose to have a highly reliable RAID 1 array of hard drives,
where data is duplicated to multiple hard drives at once (this RAID method essentially creates a backup copy of all your
data in real time).
What is the value of Native
Command Queuing or NCQ?
NCQ is a performance enhancement for hard drives. NCQ reorganizes read/write commands in such a way that they
can be executed in a more efficient manner than typical synchronous execution. NCQ performance improvement is highly
dependent on the type of application and load, but can be as high as 20%.
Are Serial Attached SCSI drives No. Customers interested in SAS or 10k RPM SATA hard drives can find an outstanding selection on the HP xw4550 and
and controllers offered on the
HP xw4550?
other higher performance HP workstations.
Chassis design
Is the chassis for the HP
Yes. The HP xw4550 uses the same highly engineered chassis as the HP xw4600. The HP xw4550 is housed in an
xw4550 the same chassis used intelligently designed chassis with tool-less access for ease of servicing, upgrading and maintenance. It is still convertible
on the HP xw4600? Is it still
convertible?
from a desktop orientation to a minitower orientation. The HP xw4550 is rackable and shelving kits are available.
What ports does the HP
xw4550 have on the
front bezel?
The front bezel on the HP xw4550 has the following ports available: (1) IEEE 1394a port*, (2) USB 2.0 ports, (1) micro-
phone port, and (1) headphone port.
*The IEEE 1394a port is only active when the optional IEEE 1394 PCI card is installed in the system.
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®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
Operating Systems
1
What Operating Systems are
available on the new HP
xw4550 Workstation?
Genuine Windows Vista® Business 32-bit with downgrade to Windows® XP Professional 32-bit custom installed
1
Genuine Windows Vista® Business 64-bit with downgrade to Windows® XP Professional x64 custom installed
HP Installer Kit for Linux (includes drivers for both 32-bit & 64-bit OS versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS4 and WS5)
Red Flag Linux v5 (available in China only)
1
Available for end user customers that are a business (including governmental or educational institutions) who are expected to annually order at least 25 Customer Systems with the same
Custom Image.
Is dual OS preload an option?
Dual OS preload will not be offered due to restrictions of licensing agreements.
Is Microsoft Windows XP x64
Edition supported on the new
HP xw4550 Workstations?
Microsoft Windows XP x64 Edition is not supported on the new HP xw4550. Microsoft plans to discontinue authorization
for OEMs like HP to preinstall this OS in early 2008.
Is Microsoft Windows 2000
supported on the new HP
xw4550 Workstations?
Microsoft Windows 2000 is not supported on the new HP xw4550. Microsoft discontinued OEM sales of Windows 2000
on March 31, 2004. Tier 1 OEMs, such as HP, can no longer ship systems with this OS.
Will existing 32-bit software
This is highly dependent on the specific application. Many 32-bit applications will run on 64-bit operating systems without
run, without being re-compiled, difficulty, but some have issues. HP recommends you check with your application provider for details.
on a 64-bit operating system?
Linux
Does the HP xw4550
Workstation support linux?
Yes. Red Hat Enterprise WS 4 and WS 5 are available via the HP Installer Kit for Linux Q1, 2008. HP also offers Red
Flag Linux 5 preinstalled for customers in China.
What is the HP Installer Kit
for Linux?
The HP Installer Kit for Linux is a set of HP provided CD’s to be used in conjunction with a Red Hat Enterprise Linux
installation to complete your Linux workstation installation. The CD’s in the HPIKL are:
(The HP Installer Kit for Linux is
expected to be available on
the HP xw4550 Workstation
Q1, 2008.)
• HP Driver CD for Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS 4 and 5.
This is a “post install” CD used at the end of a Red Hat Enterprise Linux installation which contains HP content for your
Linux workstation. Content provided includes:
• NVIDIA and ATI accelerated graphics drivers that have passed HP quality standards and are compatible with the
hardware platform and RHEL releases
• HP Documentation links
• Additional hardware drivers provided by HP that are not part of the standard Red Hat Enterprise Linux releases
All content provided on this CD is compatible with RHEL WS 4 and RHEL WS 5.
• Red Hat Driver Disk - for a specific Red Hat Enterprise Linux Update
This is the “RED” CD and is not included in ALL versions of the HPIKL. It will be included with the HPIKL when a hard-
ware driver is required for the workstation platform that has not yet become a part of a standard Red Hat Enterprise
Linux release. The next subsequent Update from Red Hat removes the need for this CD.
For information on how to use the HP Driver CD or the Red Hat Driver Disk, refer to the HP Linux Workstation User manual
7
Does the HP Installer Kit for
Linux actually contain the Red
Hat Box Sets?
No, you must obtain the Red Hat Box Set of your choice. The HP Installer Kit for Linux is a CD set to be used in conjunc-
tion with a RHEL install and supports Red Hat Enterprise WS 4 and WS 5.
Red Hat requires that you purchase Red Hat Enterprise WS 4 or WS 5. It is available from HP as After Market Option
(AMO) kit.
HP is only offering a preload
of RHEL WS 4 (64 bit). What
if I want to run the 32 bit
OS instead?
Included with the preloaded RHEL WS 4 workstation is a Red Hat Network registration card. Use this card to register your
workstation with the Red Hat Network. This enables you to download all versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS 4 for your
workstation, and get any future updates from Red Hat as well. You can choose the 32 bit OS instead of the 64 bit OS if
desired.
what minimum Red Hat release/update is required for Red Hat Enterprise Linux to functional correctly on your
workstation platform.
Will I get recovery CD’s
with my preloaded
Linux workstation?
The expected OS delivery model for Red Hat Enterprise Linux is electronic. This is because of the Red Hat Network that
Red Hat uses to continually provide updates for their customers for their operating system releases.
As a result HP has found that creating a set of OS installation CD’s has limited value. Many workstation owners quickly
want to register to the Red Hat Network and obtain newer OS versions or build their own custom golden image. So
instead HP is including the OS install CD’s as ISO images on a hard disk drive partition. You can choose to create install
CD’s from the ISO images if you prefers. Or you can get them from the Red Hat Network as well.
What value does HP bring
to Linux on personal
Workstations?
• HP has a dedicated Linux R&D team with 25+ years of experience in OS and driver development
• HP provides an engineered solution of Red Hat Linux
• HP provides a single point of support (for warranty and extended software support services)
• HP has close relationship with multiple third-parties to enable the complete Linux workstation solution
• HP engineering provides extensive pre-sales technical support
• HP publishes detailed documents, drivers, and white papers on the support website regarding Linux on HP workstations
Why would I choose Linux on
HP workstations?
• HP Workstations deliver ROI-based solutions on industry standard platforms.
• HP partners with customers and key technology providers to deliver an HP engineered Linux workstation you can deploy
quickly and with confidence
• HP Workstations offer worry-free deployment through:
• HP worldwide service and support
• HP accountability and indemnification
• HP Workstations offers on-line technical white papers, drivers, and customer advisories enabling customers to support
themselves more easily
Why is HP supporting Linux on Some of HP’s technical workstation markets and customers rely on the UNIX operating environment, both in their
workstations?
infrastructure and the applications that they use. Linux on personal workstations is a very viable and attractive UNIX
alternative. In addition, many OEMs are turning to Linux as a cost effective open source operating system for many
different applications. This is especially true in the DCC, EDA, oil and gas, OEM, and some MCAD markets.
Offering HP workstations with Linux is part of HP's overall multi-OS strategy which provides HP-UX, Linux and Windows
solutions to customers.
Where can I find (in detail)
what workstation hardware is
supported by Red Hot Linux?
month with the latest support information for hardware platforms and their components. This matrix will indicate the mini-
mum RHEL update version required for the workstation platform to operate correctly. As well it will indicate what add-in
components are supported by RHEL.
8
Where can I find technical
information to guide my
installation, configuring, or
customizing of my Linux
workstation solution?
Linux configuration tips such as enabling large memory configurations, hyper threading, multi-headed graphics
configurations, and release notes for each Red Hat Enterprise Linux Update.
Why is HP enabling the Red
Hat distribution?
HP has a strategic corporate relationship with Red Hat resulting in Red Hat solutions across all of HP product lines. As well,
Red Hat has a market presence that results in customer demand for this distribution. The ISV's of importance to the Linux
workstation market are certified on Red Hat Enterprise Linux as well.
Will Linux distributions other
than Red Hat work on HP
Workstations?
Most likely they will work. However HP warranty support is only available for the Red Hat distribution. In addition HP has
reviewed the performance, functionality, and reliability of the Red Hat distribution on the hardware platform and made
any required adjustments.
every month with the latest support information for hardware platforms and their components.
What is HP’s Linux strategy in
the future?
HP workstations are continually evaluating market trends along with customer requirements to determine solutions that best
meet customer needs. HP's corporate strategy is strategic relationships with both Red Hat and Novell/SUSE and many of
HP's products offer both Red Hat and SuSE distributions.
What does the future hold for
HP and Linux?
HP simplifies the integration of open source and Linux! Our solutions are built with best-of-breed software from our
industry leading partners, complemented by HP value-add in areas like management and high availability clustering,
implemented on market-leading standards-based platforms, and supported by HP Services worldwide.
Known for its performance, scalability, reliability and low cost, Linux is proving to be the answer for workstation
environments that were in the past traditionally a proprietary UNIX infrastructure. Such markets as Digital Content
Creation (DCC), oil and gas, EDA, MCAD, and software development areas are adopting and using Linux in
their infrastructures.
Why doesn’t HP offer a dual
boot with Windows and Linux?
HP cannot offer dual boots due to licensing agreements.
What version of Red Hat Linux Red Hat Enterprise Linux WS4 (RHEL WS4) has both a 32-bit version and a 64-bit version. HP will preinstall the 64-bit
supports 64-bit?
version of RHEL WS4 and will also support the 32 and 64-bit versions with a Driver CD in the HP Installer Kit for Linux.
Are there other 64-bit
distributions of Linux that will
work on the HP Workstations?
It is very likely that other Linux distributions will work. However Red Hat Enterprise Linux is the distribution HP is choosing
to do a full engineering evaluation and support for our customers.
Can I run 32-bit apps on a
64-bit Linux OS? How does
this work?
Yes, you can run 32-bit apps on 64-bit Linux OS as the runtime support (mainly shared libraries) for the application exists
on the system. The Linux convention for having 32-bit libraries and 64-bit libraries on the same OS is to have companion
library directories. The 32-bit libraries are in the conventional locations…. /lib, /usr/lib, /usr/X11R6/lib, etc whereas
64-bit libraries just append 64 to the directory name such as /lib64, /usr/lib64, and /usr/X11R6/lib64. This also
includes 32-bit versions of the graphics libraries which HP has included from the graphics vendors.
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®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
What do I do if my 32-bit
apps do not run due to
missing shared libraries?
You will need to get the library from Red Hat’s 32-bit RHEL 3 distribution and put it on your system in the appropriate
directory and report the missing library to Red Hat through their Red Hat Network subscription. This will help Red Hat to get
the right set of 32-bit libraries needed for most apps in future releases.
Once I have installed the
64-bit version of Linux, what
do I have to do to build
64-bit apps?
Simple. Just rebuild from scratch and the compiler will build 64-bit by default. This is true for most apps. However, some
apps must be made 64-bit clean which means that the developers must review the code to get rid of any assumptions about
32-bitness, such pointer arithmetic issues. Some makefiles that explicitly declare paths such as /lib, /usr/lib and
/usr/X11R6/lib might need to be changed to append “64.”
PCI Express Graphics and I/O
What graphics card are
available on the new HP
xw4550 Workstation?
Integrated Graphics ATI Radeon X1250
Professional 2D
NVIDIA Quadro NVS 290 (256 MB)
Entry 3D
NVIDIA Quadro FX 370 (256 MB) and NVIDIA FX 570 (256 MB)
ATI FireGL V5600 (512 MB) and NVIDIA FX 1700 (512 MB)
Mid-range 3D
What’s the advantage of PCI
PCI Express is the next generation interface not only for graphics cards, but also for I/O cards. PCI Express is a scalable
Express for graphics? What are interface, and depending on the chipset the system can have multiple PCI Express connections with various bandwidths.
the differences?
For graphics cards, the defined standard is “by sixteen” (or x16). This implementation of PCI Express Gen 1 provides
twice the unidirectional bandwidth and four times the peak bandwidth as AGP 8X. PCI Express Gen 2 doubles that
bandwidth again. The PCI Express specification also allows for 75W from the motherboard to the graphics cards. This is
three times as much power as the standard AGP 8X specification.
Should I buy a graphics
card with 256 MB or
512 MB of memory?
Graphics performance is dependent upon many factors, including the amount of video memory. Higher performing cards
also include bigger and faster GPU’s, more memory bandwidth, and tend to have more features like dual-link connectors
and support for stereo. The higher performance graphics cards will also have more memory (and a higher price). A dual
display configuration at 1920x1200 pixels will allocate about 70MB for the frame buffer. The remaining graphics memory
will be used to store textures, display lists (graphics data sent by your applications), and other data specific to graphics. If
your application would benefit from more storage space for these items, then you should purchase a graphics card with
more memory.
ISV Certifications
HP has very strong relationships with independent software vendors (ISVs). The software vendors recognize that HP is a critical
ally in the industry, not only as a hardware OEM, but in marketing and support relationships. HP, in many cases, has engineering
personnel located full-time on site at these software vendors’ location providing technical support, application performance
tuning, and graphics driver optimization.
ISV certification is a critical aspect of the workstation value proposition. Workstation users are running very complicated,
high-end, technical applications and reliability and stability are an absolute requirement. The entry workstation is targeted at
specific technical applications, many of which were listed above. The following table outlines the applications that are
planned for the HP xw4550.
Some of the applications listed in the table do not certify hardware, but they are listed as “targeted” applications. For
those applications listed above that do offer hardware certification, the new entry workstation will be certified.
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®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
DCC
MCAD/CAE
Other
Adobe
Premier/After Effects
Avid
Pinnacle Steinberg/Liquid
XSI
Autodesk
Map 3D
Civil 3D
Building Systems
Land Desktop
Inventor
ArcGIS
Ardence
Secure
Austin GEO (Linux only)
Dynamic Graphics
Earth Decision
GoCAD
Autodesk
3D Studio Max
Combustion
Toxik
Revit
AutoCAD
AliasStudio
Electrical
Mechanical/Desktop
Bentley
MicroStation
CATIA
Catio V5
CoCreate
OSDM
Dassault
DS SolidWorks
ICEM
Surf
PTC
ProE
ProM
UGS
NX
I-Deas
TcVis
ESRI
Landmark
Flagship
GeoProbe
GeoGraphix
Leica
ERDAS Imagine Professional
Roxar
Schlumberger
Petrel
Sensor
MEDxz
Smoke
MAYA
Canopus
NX
Matrox
DigiSuite Family
Infonet TV
RT.X100
Bluefish
HD | Lust
RemoteView
SMT
MSC Nastran
Solid Edge
Security
What security features are
available on the HP xw4550?
• Padlock support – standard; padlock loop in rear of chassis
• HP Solenoid Hood Lock/Sensor Kit - optional electro-mechanical lock that is activated through the manageability soft
ware on the workstation. Instead of a physical key, the chassis is locked through a password by the local user or the
remote system administrator
• Universal chassis clamp lock support - locks side cover and locks cables to chassis; secures chassis from theft and allows
multiple units to be chained together when used with optional cable)
• Serial, Parallel, USB Enable/Disable - enables or disables ports and hide them from the operating system
• Removable Media Write/Boot Control - prevents the computer from being booted from removable media on supported
devices; can disable writes to media
• Power-On Password - prevents an unauthorized person from booting up the computer
• Setup Password – prevents and unauthorized person from changing the system configuration
• Kensington Cable Lock (optional)
• Internal USB port – prevents theft of ISV applications
Manageability
What manageability features
are available on HP Personal
Workstations*?
HP Client Management Solutions help you simplify management of your workstations and reduce total ownership costs.
These integrated solutions are a result of extensive work between HP and our partner, Altiris, a leading provider of man-
ageability solutions. HP Client Manager Software is a free of charge download available with all HP Personal
Workstations. It allows you to centrally track, monitor and manage the hardware aspects of HP client systems on your net-
work. Other benefits include:
• Ability to get valuable hardware information such as CPU, memory, video and security settings
• Monitor system health to fix problems before they occur
• Install drivers and BIOS updates without visiting each workstation
• Remotely configure BIOS and security settings
• Automate processes to quickly resolve hardware problems
• Local recovery
*Available on Microsoft Windows-based systems.
For more information on HP Client Management Solutions: http://h20331.www2.hp.com/hpsub/cache/284018-0-0-225-
121.htm?jumpid=ex_R2845_vanityim/goclientmanager/ka011106
11
®
HP recommends Windows Vista Business
The HP Performance Tuning Framework is a preloaded utility which enables the most favorable configuration of HP
What is the HP Performance
Tuning Framework*?
Personal Workstations delivering stability and best performance. The Framework will guide your system setup, allowing a
"custom" configuration that best matches the workstation to user requirements. This customization facilitates availability of
the latest graphics cards and drivers and removes some memory restraints. The Framework’s extensible design permits
new configuration functionality and application support be easily integrated over time. To facilitate the delivery of such
new features, the Framework automatically updates itself when newer versions become available. The Performance Tuning
Framework, available only from HP, can help save both time and money and increase overall productivity. For more infor-
mation on the HP Performance Tuning Framework, go to: http://h20331.www2.hp.com/hpsub/cache/285683-0-0-225-
121.html
*Available on Microsoft Windows-based system.
Options and modules
What options are available for For a complete list of all options for HP Workstations, go to: www.hp.com/accessories/workstations
the new HP xw4550
Workstation?
Warranty and Support
What is the warranty and sup- A standard warranty for the HP xw4550 Workstation is 3-3-3 (3-years parts, 3-years labor and 3-years next business day
port for the HP xw4550
Workstation with Windows?
on-site). A 1-1-1 (1-year parts, 1-year labor and 1-year next business day on-site) is also available as a lower cost option in
some countries.
What is the warranty and sup- The warranty for HP Workstations with Linux is the standard 3-3-3 with ninety days of OS configuration and installation
port for HP Workstations with
Linux?
assistance.
Will HP stand behind Linux
when I have problems?
HP is the first place for support. Hardware and software warranties for the workstations with Linux will be the same as that
of the Windows workstations. Extended hardware warranties and software support options are also available for pur-
chase for if you need extended coverage.
Why should you use HP
support instead of Red Hat?
HP Linux support services are available on a global basis. HP offers predictable multi-platform expertise providing you with a
single vendor who can effectively support Linux and Windows environments. HP has leveraged its proven support processes
and extensive UNIX expertise to open source environments. HP offers a full portfolio of Linux services, ranging form phone-in
assistance through proactive and mission critical services. In addition, a global education, installation and integration services
and multi-vendor network services are available to meet Linux and multi-platform support.
© 2008 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for
HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed
as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. Intel, Pentium and Core are
registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Linux is a U.S. registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Windows Vista and Aero are either registered trademarks or trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. AMD and AMD Opteron are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
HyperTransport is a licensed trademark of the HyperTransport Technology Consortium. ENERGY STAR is a registered mark owned by the U.S. government.
4AA1-5185ENW, August 2008
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