ML110 G6 server will not boot after memory upgrade

[martianw]

Hi, I have an ML110 G6 server which currently has only 1GB RAM. I am trying to replace the single 1GB RAM DIMM with a single 4GB DIMM. This should be a case of simply removing the 1GB memory and replacing it with a 4GB DIMM in the same slot. I have sourced memory of the correct spec I believe.

In fact I've tried two different manufacturer's memory now and get the same result each time. After removing the old memory and installing the new 4GB memory, when I plug in the power, the server starts up but always hangs at a BIOS menu screen which has options to press ESC, F10 or F12.

Interleaving is set to false in the BIOS settings which for a single chip I believe to be correct.

Any ideas as to how to fix this issue gratefully received.

Thank you

[lholling]

You will need to ensure that the RAM is exactly as follows. I am guessing that it is 3rd Party RAM rather than HP Branded then you will need to make sure that the RAM provider supports it in the ML110 G6.

Here are the HP Part numbers for the supported RAM in the server.

HP 4GB (1x4GB) Dual Rank x8 PC3-10600E (DDR3-1333) Unbuffered CAS-9 Memory Kit 500672-B21
HP 2GB (1x2GB) Dual Rank x8 PC3-10600E (DDR3-1333) Unbuffered CAS-9 Memory Kit 500670-B21
HP 1GB (1x1GB) Single Rank x8 PC3-10600E (DDR3-1333) Unbuffered CAS-9 Memory Kit 500668-B21

The memory that you install must support ECC in order to work correctly in the server.

The only other thing that I would recommend is updating the BIOS to the latest version 2011.08.26 but this will require you to be under warranty or have extended maintenance as it requires an entitlement in order to access.

[martianw]

Hi and thanks for the quick reply, much appreciated.

I think I see the problem. Unfortunately the memory I bought has the following spec:

Kingston 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 ECC 

• Capacity: 4 GB
• Technology: DDR3 SDRAM
• Form Factor: DIMM 240-pin
• Memory Speed:1600 MHz

I'm guessing the problem is the speed. Is it the case that the speed is too high for my server or is that the maximum speed the memory can operate at and it should be able to operate at lower speeds?

Regards

M

[lholling · Accepted solution]

Hi martianw

Unfortunately it may not work, you will need to make sure that you have fully compatible memory.

I had a look on the Kingston site and they list only one type of module for the ML110 G7 (ML110 G6 not listed).

4GB Module - DDR3 1600MHz

Part Number: KTH-PL316ES/4G  

Specs: DDR3, 1600MHz, ECC, CL11, 1R, X8, 1.5V, Unbuffered, DIMM, 240-pin

The ML110 G7 has only two HP Memory types supported

HP 4GB (1x4GB) Dual Rank x8 PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) Unbuffered CAS-9 Memory Kit 500672-B21
HP 2GB (1x2GB) Dual Rank x8 PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333) Unbuffered CAS-9 Memory Kit 500670-B21

So the 4GB modules are the same for the ML110 G6 & ML110 G7 so you could argue with Kingston about it being supported, assuming you have that module.

Leonard...

[martianw]

Hi Leonard

thanks for your comments. In fact I just ordered some HP memory... time to cut my losses I think! The Kingston memory is now on eBay :-)

The description of the memory I just ordered is "HP Memory 4 GB DIMM 240-pin DDR3 1333 MHz / PC3-10600 CL9 unbuffered" so hopefully this will work with no problems.

Regards

M