Cache Module status degrade in a Proliant DL380 Gen 9 server

[MichaelHum]

Hi,

I'm experiencing a cache in degraded state, on a Smart Array P440ar Controller 

- current configuration:

Proliant DL380 Gen 9 (system BIOS P89 v2.74 (07/21/2019) - the server is out of warranty - cant download the latest BIOS update, I'm planning to replace server in 2024 - need the box running until the replacement server is purchased)

Smart Array P440ar Controller firmware version 7.0

Smart Storage battery model 727258-B21 / spare part 871264-01

Running VMware 6.5 Update 3 (build 20502893)

I was originally running a very old firmware version on the Smart Array P440ar Controller (unaware of the problem with the old firmware where this version would permanently disable the cache on the controller if the smart storage battery failed to hold a charge).

I replaced Smart Array P440ar Controller (the replacement was already upgraded to firmware version 7.0) and I replaced the Smart Storage battery.

The behaviour I am seeing now is, when the server is cold booted, the cache enables.  Then approximately 2 hours later the cache is degraged (ilo 4 version 2.82 reports the cache is degraded).  I cold boot the server and the same behaviour - cache is okay for about 2 hours (checked from ilo) and then ilo reports the cache is degraded.  

One of the many HPE public forms suggested trying a newer version of the Smart Storage battery (spare part 878643-001).    There is a lot of chatter on these forums about this behaviour with Smart Array P440ar Controller firmware 7.0.   What is the the fix?

Thanks,

Michael

[MichaelHum]

...sorry...forget to state the obvious...

What prompted me to replace the raid controller cache module and storage battery was... the storage battery failed-cache module reported as disabled.  I replaced the storage battery..ilo reported the battery - "okay" after the replacement, the cache module was still disabled.

Checked HPE site.  Found the threads about the older versions of the controller firmware where a failed storage battery would permanently disable the raid controller cache module..   This prompted me to replace the raid controller.  The raid controller firmware on the replacement controller was  version 7.0

Behaviour now is... the cache module shows functioning in ilo for about 2 hours (from a cold server boot).  After about 2 hours, the cache module shows degraded again.  Rebooting the server restores the cache module for about 2 hours.

[Sham82]

Hello Michael,

Yes, the New Battery is -  878643-001

Please let us know , when the issue happens

• Do you get any POST error when you reboot the server?
• Is the Cache Module Temporary or Permanently Disabled?
• Would you be able to generate and share the ADU report and AHS logs of the server at the time of the issue occurrence?
• What is the Status of Cache Module in SSA (Smart Storage Administrator)

Also please make sure that the power cable between the FBWC module and the PCI Riser is connected properly.

Try replacing that cable as well.

Regards.

HPE

[MichaelHum]

@Sham82 

Hi,

I replaced the storage battery with another one, (the storage battery is labelled replace with HP spare part 878643-001 and a manufacture date of 2023/01.    The Smart Array P440ar Controller's cache module status is now showing "OK".   Its been over 8 hours, and that status continues to show "OK".   The problem is resolved.

In ILO (version 2.82), the battery shows, part # 727258-B21, spare 750450-001, firmware 1.1

It looks like the first replacement storage battery I used, was "bad". 

Question:  this new storage battery is labelled 878643-001, but in ILO it shows part # 727258-B21, spare 750450-001 

For my future reference, do i order part #878643-001 or part#750450-001

[Sham82 · Accepted solution]

Hello Michael,

You can Order - 878643-001 

Please find below document for your reference.

Document - Notice: HPE Smart Storage Battery - A New Version of the Smart Storage Battery Has Been Released For Use in HPE Gen9 and Gen10 Series Servers | HPE Support

Regards

HPE