HPE DL380 Gen10 memory

[dekart54]

Hello!

We have a ProLiant DL380 Gen10 server with 2 Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 5115 CPU @ 2.40GHz.

Product ID - 868705-B21

We want to expand the RAM of the server with 12 of these RAMs:
P00930-B21
HPE 64GB (1x64GB) Dual Rank x4 DDR4-2933 CAS-21-21-21-21 Registered Smart Memory Kit

However, after installing them on the server we got errors.

When trying to boot with only the new RAMs the server will not start up.

What can be the problem?

[support_s]

System recommended content:

1. HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Server - Product Information Reference | HPE DDR4 Memory

2. HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus Server - Option Parts | Memory

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[shiva_jr]

Hi @dekart54 ,
1)      There may be speed incompatibility of DIMM with Processor.
     The processor Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 5115 CPU @ 2.40GHz supports the maximum DIMM speed of 2400 MT/s. But you have installed the DIMM with speed of 2933 MT/s.  Please refer the document. and quickspecs (page no. 10 and 76)
     The Memory  HPE 64GB (1x64GB) Dual Rank x4 DDR4-2933 CAS-21-21-21-21 Registered Smart Memory Kit (P00930-B21) will support the Second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors support DDR4-2933 DIMMs. Refer this document. For list of 2nd generation processors, please refer this link.
    As a conclusion, Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 5115 CPU is the 1st gen processor and supports maximum speed of 2400 MT/s, so you need to install the DIMMs of speed 2400 MT/s. Refer this document for list of supporting DIMMs.  But amazingly I did not get any supported DIMM with speed 2400 MT/s listed in DL380 Gen10 Server quickspec. 

2) I have observed that the issue persists only for processor 2.
   Please try these steps-
   a) Check out whether compatible processor and DIMMs are installed for Processor 2 slots.  Note, you cannot install processor of slot 1 to slot 2.
   b) Remove Processor 2 and its related channel DIMMs. will it work well.

Regards,
Shiva_jr

[dekart54]

Hello

The problem is observed in all RAM slots where new RAM is installed and on both processors, the screenshot does not capture the full message.

The HPE DL380 Gen10 user manual states that:
"DIMM processor compatibility.
The installed processor determines the type of DIMM supported in the server:
First-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors support DDR4-2666 DIMMs.

Second-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors support DDR4-2933 DIMMs.

Mixing of DIMM types is not supported. Install only supported DDR4-2666 or DDR4-2933 DIMMs in the server.

We have 4 32GB RAM modules with part number 850881-001(SPS-DIMM 32GB PC4-2666V-R 2Gx4) and the server works fine with them.

When running with both old and new RAM, the server will start but will fail at the slots where the new RAM modules are installed. When running with new RAM only, the host does not boot.

If there is an incompatibility when mixing old and new RAM, why does the host fail to boot when running only new RAM?

I also checked the HPE Server Options Compatibillity Tool, with our processor (Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 5115 CPU) it is possible to select HPE 64GB (1x64GB) Dual Rank x4 DDR4-2933 CAS-21-21-21-21-21 Registered Smart Memory Kit (P00930-B21).
Does this mean that this RAM is compatible with our CPU?

Best regards

[TVVJ]

Hello,

From what you have stated, it appears that you are attempting to mix and use DDR4-2666 and DDR4-2933. Such a configuration is not supported. 

Install the memory type that which is installed for processor 1. 

Both, DDR4-2666 and DDR4-2933 can be installed in the server, but do not mix them.

If you could ensure that the memory part number is the same for all installed DIMMs, then it should be helpful.

Regards,

[shiva_jr]

Hi @dekart54 ,
    Here is my suggestion-

1) If there is an incompatibility when mixing old and new RAM, why does the host fail to boot when running only new RAM?
    * The RAM with different part numbers should  not be mixed, even as one part number DIMMS with Proc1 and other part number DIMMs for Proc2.
    * I assume, old RAM is of speed 2400MT/s.  It is supported as per the HPE document. But New RAM of Speed 2933 is not supported for this processor.
2) I also checked the HPE Server Options Compatibillity Tool, with our processor (Intel(R) Xeon(R) Gold 5115 CPU) it is possible to select HPE 64GB (1x64GB) Dual Rank x4 DDR4-2933 CAS-21-21-21-21-21 Registered Smart Memory Kit (P00930-B21).
     * As I checked and understood, the DDR4-2944 DIMMs are not supported by Gold 5115. Please share the document, if available.
3) Does this mean that this RAM is compatible with our CPU?
     * Yes, I believe, old RAM is compatible but new RAM is incompatible.
I hope, my post clarifies you, if yes, please give 'Kudos' and mark my post as 'Accepted solution'

Regards,
Shiva_jr

[support_s]

Hello,

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