HP150 G2 memory upgrade problem

[robyhp]

Hi,
we have a Proliant 150 ML G2 server with 1GB
(2x512 ECC-Registered DIMMs) and we want to upgrade the memory to 3 GB. According to Proliant manual the motherboard supports 1, 2 or 4 DIMMs (even of different capacity).

We bought 2 x 1 GB DIMM (also ECC-Registered DIMM), so we should have a total of 3 GB: unfortunately placing all the 4 DIMMs
(starting at DIMM slot 1 with the bigger capacity DIMM) results in an unbootable server (after powering on we can hear a beep but
no boot is presented on the screen).

Using any DIMM alone (one at a time) give the expected capacity (e.g. 1 x 512 MB - the server boot with 512 MB, etc.), so I can say all the DIMMs are operational.

We tried some combination but without success, and we ended up using 1 GB DIMM in slot 1 and 1GB DIMM in slot 3 for a total of 2 GB.
But still we are missing 1 GB we bought.

Have anyone experienced any of this problems ?
Maybe I missing some point here ...

thanks in advance
Roberto

[TTr]

> We tried some combination but without success, and we ended up using 1 GB DIMM in slot 1 and 1GB DIMM in slot 3 for a total of 2 GB

Are the new DIMMs from HP and do they have the speed that the server requires? If the pairs are of different speeds
that may be the problem.

Accrding to the service manual, the pairs should be slots 1,2 and slots 3,4. Did you try
slot1 1GB
slot2 1GB
slot3 512MB
slot4 512MB.

You probably did but just in case. Other than that, do a visual inspection of the slots to see if there is anything wrong in the socket tiny contacts that might cause a short when you plugin a DIMM.

[marcus1234]

hmm rob ensure as advisd all dims are genuine hp
unfortunately many out their are counterfit

configuration supported is as such click on the tab memory

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12092_na/12092_na.html

this guide can be used to spot fake memory
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c00691020〈=en&cc=us&taskId=101&prodSeriesId=428936

[robyhp]

I Mark and TTr thanks for the answers;
In the previous days I was again on site to our customer and I did some troubleshooting (even I am not an HW specialist) and here are my reply to yours:

1) DIMMs are from HP and are from the same speed; here I describe part of the labels:
#1
PC2700R-25331-J0 1GB DDR 333 CL2.5 ECC Reg. P/N 331562-051

#2
PC2700R-25550-D0 1024MB DDR 333 CL2.5 ECC Reg. P/N 361022-145

#3
PC2700R-25330-C0 512MB DDR 333 CL2.5 ECC Reg. P/N 331561-041

#4
PC2700R-25330-C0 512MB DDR 333 CL2.5 ECC Reg. P/N 331561-041

and seem to be original HP (e.g. looking at security label changing color ink, label layout etc.);

2) the combination tried was
dimm1 - 1GB
dimm2 - 1GB
dimm3 - 512MB
dimm4 - 512MB

because it is the one suggested by manual; also tried almost other possible combinations, but none is working showing 3GB total RAM (when I say "not working" I mean the server does not boot at all or if it boots it shows less memory than expected);
as said every singular DIMM is working alone on the server;

3) the 512 pairs were the oldest (they came with the server) then the 2 1GB were bought (with 2 order in 2 different time).

4) I discover also:
4.1) the 512 dimms are working almost in every position:
dimm1 512
dimm2 512
dimm3 -
dimm4 -

and
dimm1 512
dimm2 -
dimm3 512
dimm4 -

4.2) the 1GB dimms are working in only one precise position (and only in a spec. order):
dimm1 1GB
dimm2 -
dimm3 1GB
dimm4 -

I suppose the problem is between the 1GB pairs (they do not have the same S/N), but I am not sure;
any help is appreciated ...

thanks in advance,
Roberto

[robyhp]

Sorry in the prev. email there is an error;
here is the correct label of one 1GB DIMM:
#2
PC2700R-25330-D0 1024MB DDR 333 CL2.5 ECC Reg. P/N 361022-145

(and NOT 25550)

Thanks
Roberto

[TTr]

Do you have 2 CPUs in this server and have you tried the following?
slot1 1GB
slot2 512MB
slot3 1GB
slot4 512MB

It is contrary to HP's recommendation but then again so is having the 2 1GB DIMMs in slots 1 and 3.

http://bizsupport2.austin.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00267894/c00267894.pdf

[robyhp]

Hi,
yes I tried
1 GB
512 MB
1 GB
512 MB

the server boots but no 3GB RAM showed (if I wrote my notes well the server shows only 1 GB); actually I did not remember if I tried to exchange the 2 1GB dimms (but I do not know if it is significant at all);

thanks
Roberto