server not seeing all ram on post

[mmarzotto]

system with the issue:

dl580 g5 with 128GB ram
4 sockets with 6-core cpus - xwon x7460
9.20B firmware cd used to update firmware

I have tried the following items with no success:

running diagnostics from the smart start cd
upgrading firmware using the latest firmware update cd
rebooted multiple times (even cold boot by unplugging all power)
reseated all cpu sockets and reseated all ram


the post shows only 120GB ram (while there is 128GB installed) and then ESX only
sees 120GB. However, when going into the BIOS, it can see all 128GB of ram. run
ning a diagnostic shows all RAM available and when I check on the ram status via
iLO, it shows all DIMMs accounted for and working properly.

What do I need to do to get the system to recognize all 128GB of ram on POST?

Please let me know.

[Michael A. McKenney]

Boot from the smart start and run a diagnostics to see which 8GB DIMM is missing. I would shut down the server. Check every DIMM to see its inserted correctly.

[mmarzotto]

i did that already and it showed all ram as being present and working...i also reseated all ram to make sure they were all seated properly and the issue remains

[Murali_V]

Hi,

Try upgrading the BIOS firmware individually, I see there was a fix for this problem â Resolved an issue where the ROM would display the incorrect memory amount during boot when the system is configured with 128GB or more of memory and the Advanced Memory Protection (AMP) mode is configured to Online Spare Mode or Mirroring Mode.â

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareDescription.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodTypeId=15351&prodSeriesId=3454575&swItem=MTX-b2793758963c4b0bade75ea109&prodNameId=3562405&swEnvOID=1005&swLang=8&taskId=135&mode=5

Refer the following customer advisory:
http://bizsupport1.austin.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c01403196

Also, check the memory configuration and partnumbers supported from the QuickSpec below:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12770_div/12770_div.HTML#Memory

Regards,
Murali Mohan

[mmarzotto]

i have the memory setting to advanced ecc and the 7 other servers i have (all the exact same config -- dl580 g5's with 128 gig of ram and 4 socket 6-core cpus) are not having the issue.

I upgraded the system bios rom to the latest version available and it still does not help

[mmarzotto]

also, the system doesnt halt on post and there are no error logs in the IML and no amber lights lit up on the front of the server indicating memory issues.

[Murali_V · Accepted solution]

check the BIOS version during POST to confirm, if it is updated try swapping the memory board with other servers.

[mmarzotto]

i have updated the firmware to the latest version -- 2010.10.25 (B) 11 Jan 2011

I will try the swap of the memory/cpu system board with one of the other 580s

[mmarzotto]

i tried the swap of the system board on another server that was working and the issue followed.

sent in an rma for the system board.

thanks for your tip on that troubleshooting step