HP Microserver N54L - No Video

[apashi]

After seating for 1 year, my HP N54L Microserver is not showing anything over VGA connection.

I've tried a lot of things to make it work again, but with no success:
- changed PSU
- disconect all components
- removed RAM and tried in differents slot
- swaped the Battery
- Resest CMOS with jumper

I am out of ideas . . .

What shall I try next?

[support_s]

System recommended content:

1. HP ProLiant MicroServer User Guide

2. HPE ProLiant MicroServer G7 Server - Steps to Update the Serial Number

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Thank you for being a HPE valuable community member.

[apashi]

no help on the links . . . 

[TVVJ]

Hello,

Check the VGA cable and the VGA port on the system and check they are not damaged. Swap known working cable and monitor and see if it makes a difference.

Regards,

[apashi]

I already done this checks.

The VGA cable and monitor works perfect with my Microserver Gen8 machine. 

From what I see looking at the VGA port on the motherboard, everything look perfect, nothing to worry about. 

Any other idea to try?

[Kashyap02]

Hi, 

As you have tested and confirmed the VGA cable and monitor are working, the VGA port on the motherboard could be faulty. 
Request you to log a warranty case for the replacement. 

[apashi]

My machine is out of warranty!

So this is not an option for me!

Other idea?

[Vinky_99]

@apashi 

Good day!

I do see you've already gone through some troubleshooting steps to address the issue with your HP N54L Microserver. Since you've tried several hardware-related solutions, it might be worth exploring some additional steps to identify the problem:

>> Ensure that there are no error LEDs or beep codes indicating a specific hardware problem on the motherboard. Refer to the server's manual for details.

>> Make sure the CPU is properly seated in its socket.

>> Check the heatsink/fan assembly for any signs of damage or improper installation.

>> Connect only the essential components for booting: CPU, one stick of RAM, and the power supply. Remove any unnecessary peripherals, expansion cards, or external devices.

>> Use a different VGA cable and try a different monitor to rule out potential issues with the display hardware.

>> If possible, try breadboarding the system outside the case. Place the motherboard on a non-conductive surface and connect only the essential components. -- This helps eliminate the possibility of a short circuit caused by the case.

>> Plug the server into a different power outlet to ensure that the issue is not related to the power source.
Inspect the Motherboard for Physical Damage:

>> Carefully examine the motherboard for any visible signs of damage such as burnt areas, damaged capacitors, or loose components.

>> If you can access the BIOS/UEFI on your Microserver, check if there's a newer version available. Updating the BIOS/UEFI might resolve compatibility issues.

>> If you have a spare compatible graphics card, try installing it to see if the onboard VGA is the source of the problem.

>> If you still have the same issue. please contact the HPE support for further help.

I hope this info helps!

[apashi]

Thanks for you ideas. Let me reply one by one to them:

>> Ensure that there are no error LEDs or beep codes indicating a specific hardware problem on the motherboard. Refer to the server's manual for details. - DONE - no LED error code, the system have no speaker for beep error coding

>> Make sure the CPU is properly seated in its socket. - Not applicable - the CPU is sordered on the motherboard

>> Check the heatsink/fan assembly for any signs of damage or improper installation. - Checked - nothing seamns strange 

>> Connect only the essential components for booting: CPU, one stick of RAM, and the power supply. Remove any unnecessary peripherals, expansion cards, or external devices. - DONE - tried multiple config with my 2 RAM sticks, in different slots - nothing changed

>> Use a different VGA cable and try a different monitor to rule out potential issues with the display hardware. - DONE - cable and display checked with my HP Microserver Gen8 and I also checked with another display

>> If possible, try breadboarding the system outside the case. Place the motherboard on a non-conductive surface and connect only the essential components. -- This helps eliminate the possibility of a short circuit caused by the case. - DONE this as well - nothing changed 

>> Plug the server into a different power outlet to ensure that the issue is not related to the power source.
Inspect the Motherboard for Physical Damage - DONE this as well - nothing changed 

>> Carefully examine the motherboard for any visible signs of damage such as burnt areas, damaged capacitors, or loose components. - DONE - nothing seams suspicios 

>> If you can access the BIOS/UEFI on your Microserver, check if there's a newer version available. Updating the BIOS/UEFI might resolve compatibility issues. - Not applicable - I have no video output at all

>> If you have a spare compatible graphics card, try installing it to see if the onboard VGA is the source of the problem. - I need to try this - first I have to buy one . . .

>> If you still have the same issue. please contact the HPE support for further help. - That's what this forum topic is about

I also tried to run it with TrueNAS OS as I was using when the server worked, with ETH cable pluged in. My DHCP server doesn't alocate any IP Adress to it, until I Shut it Down. So only after I Shuting Down the server, DHCP Server allocate an IP Address.

I am open for other scenarios to test  . . . 

[apashi]

Any other ideas?

Is there anything Incan do to save my server?.

Or I just dump it in the trash bin?