Alternative processor for Blackbird

Started by clhamilto, September 22, 2026, 08:01:36 AM

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clhamilto

I purchased the 4-core Blackbird bundle several years ago.  I'm looking to upgrade to 8-cores but it's not available from Raptor.  Anyone know of any alternatives?

ClassicHasClass

Some people have run parts with more cores in them. It appears to work with sufficient cooling, though obviously this is out of spec for the board.

clhamilto

#2
Thanks for the response.  I've read, in this forum, about one persons experience with 18-cores.

I think I've found a potential solution, but need to verify and test it.  My preliminary research shows the 02CY256 is an 8-core Sforza processor that should work in the Blackbird.  The specs seem almost identical to the 02CY649. I'll provide additional information when I have more information.

Update:  This turned out to be a dead end.  It's not a Sforza processor after all.

r34per

I run a 16 core cpu in my blackbird (part 02CY231). Temps have been fine for me with the 3u cooler, I do have an intake fan on the top to pull in cool air for it. The VRM's get a bit warm under extended periods of load, I've been meaning to get some heatsinks for them, but it's not enough to cause concern IMO.

Do note that you may need to include the WOF tables for the respective cpu part no., depending on the cpu you get. It'll work without them, but openbmc will throw an error every time you boot.

This thread here covers what you need to do- https://forums.raptorcs.com/index.php/topic,422.0.html

isengaara

Oct 17 08:47:12 blackbird occ-active.sh[1536]: Found 1 CPU(s)
Oct 17 08:47:12 blackbird systemd[1]: phosphor-watchdog@poweron.service: Main process exited, code=killed, status=15/TERM
Oct 17 08:47:12 blackbird systemd[1]: phosphor-watchdog@poweron.service: Succeeded.
Oct 17 08:47:12 blackbird systemd[1]: Stopped Phosphor poweron watchdog.
Oct 17 08:47:13 blackbird systemd[1]: phosphor-gpio-monitor@checkstop.service: Main process exited, code=killed, status=15/TERM
Oct 17 08:47:13 blackbird systemd[1]: phosphor-gpio-monitor@checkstop.service: Succeeded.
Oct 17 08:47:13 blackbird systemd[1]: Stopped Phosphor GPIO checkstop monitor.
Oct 17 08:47:13 blackbird systemd[1]: Started Assert power_on LED.

This looks like a software problem (more precisely a race condition)

SiteAdmin

Quote from: clhamilto on September 22, 2026, 08:01:36 AM
I purchased the 4-core Blackbird bundle several years ago.  I'm looking to upgrade to 8-cores but it's not available from Raptor.  Anyone know of any alternatives?

We still have CPUs available for purchase.  We just moved to a quoting model based on the current inflationary environment and ongoing problems with IBM not properly maintaining key open source projects on the POWER platform.

MPC7500

It would be nice to hear from Tim about what's next for OpenPOWER and RaptorCS.

In September, RaptorCS left the OpenPOWER Foundation. In October, 3mdeb and VectorCamp followed suit, and the OpenPOWER Ready product catalog was also removed.

What's the status of patent application WO2025208160A1, which lists Tim and Todd Rooke as inventors? Is SSC still active?

Is RaptorCS able to offer the following CPUs as well:

- 02CY416 or 02CY647
- 02CY414 or 02CY644