There are different kernels for the Intel 64-bit processors and the AMD 64-bit processors. You need to select the right kernel and the right architecture on Red Hat Network (RHN) to get the right kernel for your architecture.
The newer Intel Xeon processors go by the name EM64T and show up with an architecture of ia32e. Note that EM64T and ia32e are the same thing.
AMD processors go by the name AMD64 and show up with an architecture of x86_64. Note here that AMD64 and x86_64 are the same thing. In this case we see that neither mentions anything about ia32e. AMD64-bit processors cover the Athlon XP 64 and the Opteron CPU’s.
Now the for the kernels:
- Intel® has 1 (ONE) 64 bit kernel, which shows up as kernel-[version].ia32e.rpm
- AMD has 2 (TWO) 64 bit kernels which show up as either kernel-[version].x86_64.rpm OR kernel-smp-[version].x86_64.rpm
Notice there is no kernel-smp listed for the Intel EM64T Xeon processors. That is because there is no kernel-smp for Intel EM64T Xeon processors. It was decided that since all 64-bit Intel processors are HyperThreaded, a non-smp kernel was not needed, so, by default, all EM64T kernels are smp-aware.
Since x86_64 and EM64T cover different architectures the x86_64 kernel will not work properly on an EM64T (ia32e) system.
Do not install the kernel-smp for x86_64 on an EM64T system. The EM64T kernel comes with SMP support built-in.
If you install the x86_64 kernel-smp on an EM64T system it will either:
- not boot
- boot and crash (or hang)
- not work properly (if it manages to boot at all without crashing)
The only way the improper kernel can be installed is if it is manually downloaded and installed by hand. The up2date program will not accidentally install the wrong kernel.
