Issue with HPE ML30 Gen11 Server When Installing 4 Memory Modules

[dekart54]

Hello all!

We have an issue with the HPE ML30 Gen11 server when installing four 16 GB memory modules (all available DIMM slots are populated).
With this configuration:

• The server does not power on.
• There is no power indication on the motherboard.
• The power button is unresponsive and not illuminated.

Observed Behavior with Partial Memory Installation:

• When 1, 2, or 3 memory modules are installed (following HPE’s recommended DIMM population guidelines), the server boots up correctly.

• Specifically:

  • With modules installed in slots 2 and 4, the server powers on successfully.

  • When an additional module is added in slot 1 or 3 (total of 3 modules in slots 2, 4, and 1 or 3), the server also boots and detects 48 GB of RAM.

Additional Information:

• The server firmware was updated using the latest SPP version: 2025.03.00.00.

• All four memory modules are identical in model and specifications (photo attached).

• The server was originally delivered with two memory modules.

• We decided to increase the memory capacity by installing additional modules of the same model and specs.

Server

• PN: P65397-421
• CPU: Intel Xeon 2434.
• Power supply: 800W, installed in slot 1.

Additional diagnostics are scheduled for tomorrow, including:

1. Testing each memory module individually — booting the server with a single module in a supported slot.
2. Testing each DIMM slot — booting the server with a known working module in each of the four slots, one at a time.

Question:
What additional steps would you recommend for diagnosing and resolving this issue, beyond checking individual modules and DIMM slots?

[Moderator edit: Erased the confidential info.]

[shiva_jr]

Hi @dekart54 ,
1)    Try to drain the power (power flush) from the Server. 
2)   Install DIMMs from as per the population rules one by one and see the result.  Refer the document.
3)   Update the firmware of all system components including BIOS ROM.
4)   Check out any BIOS configuration may stopping to use all the 4 slots. 
Regards,
Shiva_jr
I hope this post helps you. If it does, please consider awarding Kudos and marking my post as an Accepted Solution.

[dekart54]

Hi @shiva_jr ,

1) I will do this when I'm on site.

2) I installed the DIMMs according to the population rules. As I wrote above, with four installed DIMMs, the server does not start; with other configurations, the server starts.

3) I updated the server firmware with SPP; unfortunately, the problem was not solved.

4) Could you please tell me how to check this?

Thank you!

[Sebasbin]

Hi,

Verify DIMM compatibility with the server and ensure the correct population configuration.
-Refer to the server QuickSpecs:-https://www.hpe.com/psnow/doc/a50007008enw.pdf?jumpid=in_pdp-psnow-qs
HPE ProLiant ML30 Gen11 Server User Guide-DIMM population information
https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=sd00003390en_us&page=GUID-BD6008D7-2D80-4802-909E-477A3295F88D.html&docLocale=en_US

Perform a full power cycle to reset the system.

Inspect DIMM slots for damage or bent pins.

Isolate components to test with fewer parts installed.

[support_s]

Hello,

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