Cache Module Status (Failed) on ProLiant DL380p Gen9 Server

[Jerick]

I got a problem with "HP Smart Array P440ar Controller" of ProLiant DL380p Gen9 Server.

Devices status appeared Degraded on Smart Storage Battery and Storage.

May I know how to solve the issue?

[vijay9]

Hi Jerick

I hope this is DL380 Gen9 server, Cache module status failed 

Please find the below article for the reported issue. 

https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05302924

Regards,

Vijay 

[z7x]

Hi,

I have the same problem and Smart Array P440ar Controller is already at the 7.00 firmware version.

I'd appreciate a piece of advice on this. Thanks

[MichaelHum]

Hi,

What was the final solution? I too am experiencing the same type error.

- current configuration:

Proliant DL380 Gen 9 (system BIOS P89 v2.74 (07/21/2019) - the server is out of warranty - cant download the last BIOS updated, 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 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One of the many HPE public forms suggested trying a newer version of the Smart Storage battery (spare part 878643-001).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

[Sunitha_Mod]

@MichaelHum 

Hello Michael, 

Thank you for posting! Since you have posted in an old topic and there is no response yet, I would recommend you create a new topic using the create "New Discussion" button, so the experts can check and guide you further. 

[MichaelHum]

Hi Sunitha,

I'll start a new post for this topic.  Thanks!

Michael

[z7x]

I replaced the battery 878643-001, and all returned to normal. I replaced the battery twice. The first one was either faulty or counterfeit, but the second one was fine.

[MichaelHum]

Hi z7x,

I'm going give that a try (I just ordered a new battery - replacement part # 878643-001).

Thanks for the reply and suggestion.  Most appreciated.

Michael

[MichaelHum]

For anyone following this thread...

Looks like the first battery I used was "bad".  The second battery fixed my problem.  The Cache is now okay and battery status is okay.

[HayatuddeenKT]

Hello,

if i understand you that if i am facing a problem of drive array controller failure and i find out its cache module failure, i can replace the battery and my hp proliant server dl380p gen 8 will work simlessly?

[MichaelHum]

Hi,

If the raid battery on the raid controller is dead, you can replace the raid battery and you will not loose your raid configuration.  Its seemless.  I ran into 2 different scenerios.  One was the "normal" raid battery no longer able to hold a charge...ie the raid battery was dead, causing the cache to be disabled.  The fix was to replace raid battery.   Once the raid battery was replaced (and charged), the cache module renabled.  That was on a DL360.

The second problem i encountered was a DEAD cache module (even after replacing the battery, the cache module was still disabled).   Replacing the DEAD cache module with a new one will be seemless.  I experienced this on a HP DL380 gen 9 server with a Smart Array P440ar.   I replaced the DEAD cache module on the Smart Array P440ar and installed a new raid battery.  And when I powered up the server, I had to change the boot order back to boot the Smart Arry P440ar "first".  Be sure you have the latest firmware on the Array controller (especially the P440ar model).  There is a defect in an early version of that firmware... and when the raid controller battery dies...it permanently disables the cache module.  This is why I had to replace the cache module in my HP DL380 gen 9 server. with the P440ar.. a "bug" in the raid controller firmware.  

Good luck.

Michael