64 Bit Test Machine

[cd]

If I were going to support a 64bit driver, what should I look for in a test
machine to pass Win2k3 Server logo testing?

1) Minimum RAM?
2) Number of Processors?
3) Power Management States Supported?
4) Anything Else???

Any recommendations for a specific machine(s)?

 

[Robert Harper [MSFT]]

If you are testing for Windows logo:

This is dependant on the device/driver that you are testing.
The system requirements for each Windows Logo device group vary.
The HCTHelp.chm has the system requirements for each category.
The Test tools and Device Team Information for Windows Logo Program can be
found at:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwtest/device/default.mspx

Regards,
Robert Harper
WHQLNET @ Microsoft.com

 

[cd]

1) I am testing a multifunction adapter that includes a net driver which
usually has the most requirements.
2) The test help files for LAN adapter do not say anything much about 64 bit
OS and machine requirements. They seem to specifically address machines with
PAE, but nothing specifically with 64 bit versions of the OS. The 64bit
versions are not listed in the Hardware requirements.
3) While I can eventually get the requirements, it would be nice to know of
a machine that MS or anyone has used to certify their device so that I do
not go out and spend money on a machine that does not support some specific
device state or causes problems with the testing.

Here is what I am assuming:
1) Number of procs: 4 (hyperthreading allowed? AMD or Intel only?)
2) Min memory: 6GB (is 6GB really needed if there is no such thing as PAE in
a 64 bit proc?)
3) Power states: S1, S3, S4 (Should it be [S1 OR S3] or [S1 AND S3]? How
many 64 bit servers will actually be suspended anyway?)

So once again, any recommendations of a machine or server motherboard?

 

[Robert Harper [MSFT]]

CD,


For Windows (2000 and 2003) Enterprise(Advanced Server)/Datacenter testing
we require 4 processors 6GB of ram regardless of the type of platform (32 or
64 bit)
For client OS's such as Windows 2000 Professional or XP we require 2
Processors. (I would recommend at least 512MB of ram)

All systems are required to support ACPI sleep states of S1, S3 and S4
unless otherwise covered by erratum.
Please see the WHQL Network home page below for test kit downloads,
instructions, errata and contact information:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwtest/device/default.mspx?area=network

For windows logo program requirements and other specifications (for tests,
drivers, etc.) please visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/winlogo/downloads.mspx

For systems that have received the Windows Logo Please visit the Windows
Catalog:
Unfortunately Microsoft can not recommend any machines for testing.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/
or for server
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/server/


Regards,
Robert Harper
WHQLNET @ Microsoft.com

1) I am testing a multifunction adapter that includes a net driver which
usually has the most requirements.
2) The test help files for LAN adapter do not say anything much about 64 bit
OS and machine requirements. They seem to specifically address machines with
PAE, but nothing specifically with 64 bit versions of the OS. The 64bit
versions are not listed in the Hardware requirements.
3) While I can eventually get the requirements, it would be nice to know of
a machine that MS or anyone has used to certify their device so that I do
not go out and spend money on a machine that does not support some specific
device state or causes problems with the testing.

Here is what I am assuming:
1) Number of procs: 4 (hyperthreading allowed? AMD or Intel only?)
2) Min memory: 6GB (is 6GB really needed if there is no such thing as PAE in
a 64 bit proc?)
3) Power states: S1, S3, S4 (Should it be [S1 OR S3] or [S1 AND S3]? How
many 64 bit servers will actually be suspended anyway?)

So once again, any recommendations of a machine or server motherboard?

If you are testing for Windows logo:

This is dependant on the device/driver that you are testing.
The system requirements for each Windows Logo device group vary.
The HCTHelp.chm has the system requirements for each category.
The Test tools and Device Team Information for Windows Logo Program can be
found at:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hwtest/device/default.mspx

Regards,
Robert Harper
WHQLNET @ Microsoft.com

 

[cd]

1) Thank you for clarifying the requirements for 64 bit OS. Please update
your specs to make mention of this - it is not clear now.
2) I have selected catalog machines before only to find out that the machine
will only support S1 *OR* S3 instead of S1 *AND* S3. For example, I had one
system that would not allow the ACPI test to go into S1 state if the BIOS
specified standby support of S3 state and vice versa. I then got rid of that
machine and bought a Dell 530MT which supports both S1 and S3 at the same
time allowing the ACPI test to work. Since 64bit OS 4 CPU 6GB machines are
very expensive, I do not want to make the same mistake.

Any one else other than MS people care to tell me what they use? I guess I
could always try another Dell...

 

[Robert Harper [MSFT]]

CD,

ACPI tests are not part of the HCT 11.2 (64-bit version) Network test kit.
Unfortunately Microsoft can not recommend any machines for testing.

Thanks,
Robert Harper
WHQLNET @ Microsoft.com

 

[Thomas F. Divine [DDK MVP]]

I understand that MS can't recommend any specific vendor. Recommendation is
to go to the Windows Catalog to find suitable Logo'd systems.

Have you guys actually tried that? It is impossible! There are millions of
Logo'd systems there, but no clue as to their characteristics. (And a lot of
old systems that are no longer sold are in the way).

For example: How in the world would a newbie go through the Windows Catalog
and even find the subset of 1.) dual processor machines, 2.) actually
capable of supporting the memory required for testing, 3.) with bus
configurations that would actually support installation of the required
hardware for network testing and 4.) that are actually commercially
available?

I don't think it's possible! (And I am trying myself).

(Actually, it is absolutely impossible since the Windows Catalog does not
list any servers whatsoever!!!).

Hence, the ongoing pleas for advice until the Windows Catalog is improved.
There should be a way to distill the Logo'd system list to a subset (no
recommendation, mind you, just a distilled list) that would actually be
suitable for HCT.

Just my two bits.

Thomas F. Divine
DDK MVP

 

[cd]

I agree! Also, even if you get a 'logo' system it does not guarantee that it
will be suitable for testing. I got a machine that was logo'd only to find
out that it did not simultaneously support S1 & S3. I had to go buy another
machine that I secretly got recommended to me... I cannot afford to do that
with a 4 proc 6gb i64 machine.

 

[Thomas F. Divine [DDK MVP]]

Perhaps instead of "recommending" machines MS could publish a list of
machines that have been used in approved Logo submissions that they have
received.

Thomas F. Divine

 

[Robert Harper [MSFT]]

Thomas, CD,

Unfortunately to recommend the systems used for testing by vendors which
successfully logo their devices\systems would be in violation of our
agreements with the companies that submit for Windows logo by disclosing
thier testing processes and procedures.

The documentation (HCT Help\ Network Devices\ LAN device testing overview)
clearly states to contact the vendor of the system to find out about the
sleep states supported..
Important Each test system (both client and remote test host) must be
included on the Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) or the
Microsoft Windows Catalog.


Note To verify that the test system supports these states, contact the
system vendor, or install the Systems kit and successfully pass the
ACPI Stress Device I/O (extended) test.




The information posted on the Windows Catalog is based on what the companies
wish to publish. Please contact them with your suggestions.

The systems catalog is located here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/
You can find server systems in the server catalog at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/catalog/server/


Regards,

Robert Harper

WHQLNET @ Microsoft.com

 

[cd]

Note To verify that the test system supports these states, contact the
system vendor, or install the Systems kit and successfully pass the
ACPI Stress Device I/O (extended) test.

1) Most if not all vendor sales people have no idea what we are talking
about when it comes to power states.
2) They will allow me to install it after I buy it. I want to know BEFORE I
buy the machine - not after.

CD