ML370 G5 "Total Memory" errors...

[Ray St. Louis]

I just fired up a new HP ML370 G5 server. The POST recognizes that I have 6 GB of RAM (DDR2 - FBD) and all other POST messages are good; however, when I run SmartStart 7.8 and run the server diagnostics, I get memory errors. Everything else is 100% good to go. (I have not yet installed an OS but plan on installing Win2003)

I get the following memory errors (failed status):
Total Memory - Address Test (Error: 020471)
Total Memory - Read Test (Error: 023071)
Total Memory - March Test (Error: 023271)
Total Memory - Noise Test (Error: 021471)
Total Memory - Walk Test (Error: 020571)

I have tried with only 2 GB RAM installed, tried the different pairs separately (yes, the correctly matched pairs), I tried using the different memory board. Everything I have tried resulted in the same way.

Any help or advice would be very appreciated. I am suppose to deploy this sucker on Friday.

[James ~ Happy Dude]

Hello Ray,
All DIMM combinations giving the exact same results sounds "fake reports" to me.
What is the BIOS revision ? Try booting the server from the firmware maintenance cd 8.10 & update the firmware for the entire server. Lets see if that makes any difference.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=1121474&prodNameId=3279719&swEnvOID=1005&swLang=8&mode=2&taskId=135&swItem=MTX-2c5987b8362348dbb3e80d277b

Regards,

[KarloChacon]

hi Ray

besides james' advice

I recommend you use smartstart Cd 8.0 (SSCD)

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=1121474&prodNameId=3279719&swEnvOID=1005&swLang=8&taskId=135&swItem=MTX-8324160be431440195dca1d613&mode=3

to be completely sure about those errors

Every time a new SSCD is released previous bugs are repaired

regards

[Ray St. Louis]

Thanks for the advice! I will try the 8.0 version of smartstart and report the results. I will then try the firmware and also post my results.

Thanks again.

[Ray St. Louis]

Okay, while I was downloading SmartStart 8, I tried using version 7.91 I grabbed last night. It runs great and reports the previous errors are 100% passed!

While this may be good news, I repopulated the memory board with the full 6GB. Once I did that, I am now looking at the server (booted with SS7.91) and the following LEDS are lit up:

On the front panel, the "Internal System Health" LED is flashing amber. When I pull this out to expose the system insight display, the same LED is flashing and in the "FBDIMM" LEDs, I have number 3C solid amber.

Could this actually be a bad stick of RAM?

[Ray St. Louis]

I have just finished running SmartStart 8.0 and the Server Diagnostic report for Total memory is 100% passed again. I still have the amber LED on 3C.

Do you recommend I use the firmware anyway or consider the specific RAM module to be a dud? If this is the case, the does anyone know how I can have this replaced (warranty).

Please advise and thanks again for all your help.

[James ~ Happy Dude]

Hello,
Since the Diags is 100% success; I would recommend clearing the NVRAM using the system maintenance switch & check is the amber led goes out.

Regards,

[Ray St. Louis]

How do I clear NVRAM and where's this maintenance switch? I have the User Guide and there's no mention of any of this. Help!

Thanks.

[Gary Antonio Benavides]

check on page 85

http://bizsupport.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00710498/c00710498.pdf

You need to set the switch number 6 to the on Postion and boot the server. Then restart the server and set the switch back to the off position.

[Ray St. Louis]

What are the risks, if any, by me doing this? It's just that I plan on deploying this soon. Server setup time is imminent.

Please advise. Thanks for everyone's help with this.