AMD Threadripper Pro Castlepeak to Chagall CPU Upgrade for Lenovo ThinkStation P620

Overview

This document outlines the process for upgrading AMD Threadripper Pro processors on the Lenovo ThinkStation P620 from the Castlepeak generation to the newer Chagall family. This upgrade is a drop-in replacement, requiring a basic system BIOS update to function.

AMD Threadripper Pro Processors - Chagall vs. Castlepeak

The following table compares specifications for AMD Threadripper Pro processors in the Chagall and Castlepeak families:

Step 1: Update BIOS

Updating the system BIOS is a crucial first step to ensure compatibility with the new Chagall family of CPUs on the P620 platform. The BIOS update process is staged, and the correct sequence depends on the current BIOS version installed on the system.

BIOS Update Procedures Based on Starting BIOS Version

Table 1 outlines the required BIOS flash procedures:

If starting BIOS is less than BIOS 26A:

1. Flash to BIOS 26A first.
2. Note: Refer to special instructions below if starting BIOS is 21A or 22A.
3. Flash to BIOS 45A (or the latest available BIOS).
4. Proceed with physical CPU installation.

If starting BIOS is 26A or newer:

1. Flash to BIOS 45A (or the latest available BIOS).
2. Proceed with physical CPU installation.

Important Note: Successful BIOS upgrade is critical. Failure to upgrade the BIOS properly before installing the Chagall CPU may result in the system failing to boot.

Lenovo recommends using BIOS S07KT45A (version 45A) or a later version for Chagall CPUs on the P620 platform.

Special Instructions for Starting BIOS 21/22A

If your system's starting BIOS version is S07KT21A (21A) or S07KT22A (22A), an additional step is required during the BIOS flash process for successful completion.

1. With the system powered off, locate jumper JP55 on the P620 motherboard.
2. Move the JP55 jumper from its default position (connecting pins 1-2) to the disabled position (connecting pins 2-3).
3. Run the BIOS flash update for BIOS 26A as instructed.
4. After the BIOS 26A flash completes successfully, power off the system and move the JP55 jumper back to its default position (connecting pins 1-2).
5. Proceed with the general BIOS Flash Update Procedure steps outlined in the next section.

Figure 1: Location of jumper JP55 on the P620 motherboard. The jumper is typically a small plastic piece connecting two pins. Pin 1, Pin 2, and Pin 3 are labeled.

Special Instructions for Starting BIOS 0EA

If the starting BIOS version is S07KT0EA (0EA) or earlier, it is critical to ensure that BIOS Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) is set to ‘Enabled’ before performing the BIOS update. Follow these steps:

1. Boot into BIOS setup by pressing F1 during startup.
2. Navigate to the 'Advanced' menu option, then select 'CPU Configuration'.
3. In the 'CPU Configuration' menu, find the 'Simultaneous Multithreading' setting and ensure it is set to 'Enabled' using the drop-down menu.
4. Press F10 to Save and Exit BIOS setup.
5. Proceed with the general BIOS Flash Update Procedure steps.

Figure: Screenshots show the BIOS navigation path to 'CPU Configuration' and the 'Simultaneous Multithreading' setting within the BIOS interface.

General BIOS Flash Update Procedure

Note: Choose the BIOS update package that best suits your needs, whether it's flashing from the Windows operating system, an EFI shell, or an ISO image.

1. Flash BIOS to S07KT26A: Refer to the readme file included with the BIOS update package for specific instructions for each flash method.
   • EFI Shell: https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/thinkcentre_bios/s07j326usa.zip
   • Flash from Windows OS: https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/thinkcentre_bios/s07jy26usa.exe
   • Flash from ISO image: https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/thinkcentre_bios/s07j926usa.iso
2. Reboot the system and verify the BIOS revision level in BIOS setup. (See Figure 2 for reference).
3. Flash BIOS to S07KT45A: Refer to the readme file included with the BIOS update package for specific instructions for each flash method.
   • EFI Shell: https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/thinkcentre_bios/s07j345usa.zip
   • Flash from Windows OS: https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/thinkcentre_bios/s07jy45usa.exe
   • Flash from ISO image: https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/thinkcentre_bios/s07j945usa.iso
4. Reboot the system and verify the BIOS revision level in BIOS setup. (See Figure 3 for reference).

Figure 2: Displays the BIOS system summary screen showing the 'BIOS Revision Level' as S07KT26A after a successful update.

Figure 3: Displays the BIOS system summary screen showing the 'BIOS Revision Level' as S07KT45A after a successful update.

Step 2: CPU Removal and Installation

For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to remove and install the new Chagall Workstation CPUs, please refer to the following document:

https://download.lenovo.com/pccbbs/thinkcentre_pdf/ts_p620_cpu_installation_removal_v1.0.pdf

Step 3: CPU Fusing

The Lenovo ThinkStation P620 platform supports AMD's Platform Secure Boot (PSB) technology. This technology enhances security by protecting system firmware against malware. As a result of PSB support, any Threadripper Pro CPU installed in the P620 platform will be permanently bound to the motherboard via a one-time programmable fuse and Lenovo's signed BIOS code. Once fused, the processor will only function with motherboards utilizing Lenovo's code signing key.

Prompt During First Boot with New Processor:

Figure 4: During the first boot after installing a new processor, a prompt from American Megatrends will appear. It indicates that a new CPU has been detected and will be fused to the motherboard, making it compatible only with this product model if the process continues. The prompt asks: "Do you wish to continue?"

Options:

• Press 'Y' to continue to fuse the CPU to the board. This action is non-reversible.
• Press 'N' to shut down the system without fusing the CPU. The system will not boot and will shut down immediately.

Revision History

The following table details the version history of this document: