Smart Array 6402/128 & ML350 G3

[Perry Lund]

I have installed a Smart Array 6402/128 controller in my Compaq ML350 G3. HP had recommended the controller for my server.

When I boot the server, I get the following message: "A Type 2 header device is install. and the BIOS will not recognize it."

I have booted my SmartStart CD and it does not recognize the controller card either.

I am at a lose as to how to proceed.

[Perry Lund]

FOLLOWUP:

Alright, I did some investigating on my own. The ML350 G3 server that I have is a PCI-X/66 - 100 bus. The Smart Array 6402 is PCI-X 133. I am going assume that the Smart Array card is not going to work in the ML350 G3 server due to bus speed issues.

Now here is what I would love to know. Why does HP tell me in a pre-sales chat room that the RAID card I need is the Smart Array 6402 before asking me the questions necessary to ensure it is compatible with my ML350 G3 server?

It appears to me that HP does have some ML350 G3 server models that indeed have the PCI-X 133 bus, but not mine. Am I out the money I spent for the Smart Array 6402 card since I did not purchase direct from HP. Probably.

I hope I can find someone to take the card off my hands on eBay.

If anyone has suggestions about this snafu, I would appreciate it.

[Brian_Murdoch]

Hi Perry,

The Smart Array 6402 should work fine with either system board (400Mhz and 533Mhz FSB models). I believe that even in the 533Mhz model the card actually runs at 100Mhz anyway. It sounds as if there is an issue with the BIOS or the Smart Array controller has a problem.

There was an issue with PCI devices with the original ML350 G3 BIOS but that BIOS was dated 17th March 2003 (03/17/2003 - D14).

Download the latest BIOS from here.

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=uk&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=316537&swItem=MTX-UNITY-I22051&prodNameId=3279705&swEnvOID=1005&swLang=8&taskId=135&mode=5

1- Update the system BIOS first.
2- Remove all other PCI devices and insert the SA6402 to see if it is seen properly during POST (Power-On Self-Test). Try PCI Slots 1 and 2 first as they are on a higher PCI bus scan order than slots 3 and 4.
3- Try other slots to verify the fault is common to the SA6402.

I hope this helps.

Brian

[Perry Lund]

Brian,

The BIOS shows it is up to date at the 9/15/2004 version of D14. I will attempt to make sure I am using Slot 1. There is no other PCI card in the machine. I am getting an amber light on the CR100 LED on the Smart Array card - DIAGS ERROR. It blinks about every 10 seconds or so.

[Perry Lund]

Brian,

The BIOS is up to date. The error message with the card in Slot 1 is - "A Type 2 Header PCI Device has been detected. The BIOS will not configure this card. It must be configured properly by the OS or driver."

The embedded SCSI works fine with the card in the Slot 1 space even though it is not recognized by the System BIOS. When I go into the System BIOS (F9), and look at the PCI devices, it says there is an unknown device in Slot 1.

Any more thoughts?

[KarloChacon]

hi


you should log a call at HP support... and get a explanation for that

regards

[Brian_Murdoch]

Perry,

I would say that you have a faulty 6402 controller. Remove the cache module completely and clean the gold pins on the bottom of the card to see if that makes any difference. Insert the card without the cache module.

If it doesn't make any difference then get the reseller to replace it if you can, alternatively log a call with HP to get it replaced.

I assume that any other cards (NIC /SCSI) work OK in the PCI slots.

Regards,

Brian