Proliant 8500 Quad Dead

[Ernest B. Ferro]

I recently purchased a quad PIII700/2M Proliant 8500 server. When I got it, it was working fine. I purchased 4 additional PIII700/2M processors that have the same P/N as the original 4 and also purchased 4 additional VRM's. I inserted the additional 4 processors and VRM's and when I power up, nothing happens other than the fans on the PSes go on. The machine never boots. I have removed the 4 new processors and VRM's and tried to boot with the original processors and I have the same problem now. That is, the machine won't boot. Does anyone have any idea what the problem might be. None of the indicators on the top of the box light up but the LCD screen is on.
Assuming I can get the machine started with some help from the forum, is there anything I need to do to convert the box to and 8 way instead of the quad? I have purchased the proper cache accelerator but the right one may have been in there to begin with since the new one looks like the old one. Anyway, can anyone help me? By the way, I have none of the original software that probably came with the machine when it was new.
Thanks in advance for any assistance that can be offered.

[JohnWRuffo]

Ernest:

One question to ask yourself... did you install the PPM's with the new processors? If you did not install them at the same time, then the proessors and possibly the board may be fried.

now... let's check that everything...

Make sure everything is seated properly. I have an 8500 that the memory board has to be seated "just so" before it will boot. Check that the processors and PPM's are firmly seated and check the memory board is fully seated. Make sure the Processor Core Switches are set for the new processors.
You must have the second cache accelorator installed when you have more than 4 processors. Finally, make sure the processor/memory module (the cage with all the processors and memory board) has been firmly seated back into position and that the latches are back in position. Also, look for loose screws and such...

does it boot?

if not...

Remove the 4 processors, the PPM's and the second cache module from the server. Re-install the processor terminators back to where they were and set the core switches to auto.

Will it boot?

If not, try to reset the ROM by setting SW1 pin #6 to on. (read: http://h200002.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/UCR/SupportManual/TPM_124847-003_rev5_us/TPM_124847-003_rev5_us.pdf#page=157 )

If you do get it to boot, be sure to install the latest bios (lots of fixes here): http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/18330.html

I hope this helps you. -john

[Brian_Murdoch]

Ernest,

Use the attached Proliant 8500 Troubleshooting guide to try and locate your problem.

Good luck.

Brian

[Ernest B. Ferro]

John and Brian:
Thanks for your help. I reseated the processors and the memory board and VRM's and the machine started up. Then, I added the four additional processors and was also able to boot. So, I'm almost a happy camper. Now, I've got to figure out how to hook my SCSI array up to the onboard Array Controller and I might actually be able to use the thing.
Thanks again.
Ernie

[JohnWRuffo]

Your best bet is to purchase a SmartStart 5.50 CD. With the CD, you can configure the server and all its features as well as configure your array controller and build the Array Volumes. A handy disk to have. Click here to order one: http://h18004.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/subscription/PSM_subscription.html
G'luck!