HP9000/L2000 "foreign" memory (Dataram)

[Steve Mentas]

We have tried installing and "additional" 4GBs of Dataram memory into our HP9000/L2000 server. We have tried 2GB (2x1024) kits and 1GB (2x512)kits. Each with the same memory error on bootup. All procedures for proper slot positioning (high-capacity to low-capacity, etc.) were followed as documented.

This is a "brand new" box and I have NEVER had difficulties with foreign/3rd-party memory in the past... Is there any special configuration necessary to accept non-HP DIMMS?

[Antoanetta Naghiu]

See http://docs.hp.com/omnimark/lclass/book1.html ->L-Class Hardware Information -> Install Add-On Components-> Add Memory.

[Rick Garland]

With a brand new box my preference would be to use HP memory. If you have a problem with the memory in the system and need to call HP, they will charge you for the visit. Although, this depends on the support K for the system.

[Patrick Wessel]

Steve,
The memory system of the N- and L-Class system is smarter than the older one. At boot-up checks the platform monitor the size of the DIMMs and some other information. As an example is the EEPROM with the "FRU ID" on the HP DIMMs. The system is able to read this EEPROM and get information about part no. and manufacturing date code from there

[Steve Mentas]

So, Patrick: Are you saying then that the new "L" class does, infact, reject non-HP DIMMs?

[Patrick Wessel · Accepted solution]

Steve,
That's not exactly what I mean.
The memory communicates with the system in two different ways. Using the Data, Address & Control lines as every other memory module. But it also has an I2O bus interface. This bus is used internally in the system to communicate between the components, the power monitor and GSP. At bootup does the power monitor send an inquiry to the memory DIMMs that are installed. If a DIMM isn't capable to send an appropriate answer will the selftest fail.
The N- and L-Class server are the first 9000/800 using this kind of DIMMs. That means the DIMMs for the N- and L- Class are not compatible to any other memory DIMM from a HP9000/800