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?

[Vinky_99]

@apashi 

It looks like you've done a thorough job troubleshooting so far. The fact that the DHCP server allocates an IP address only after shutting down the server is interesting. Here are a few additional suggestions:

>> Check if your Microserver supports network boot (PXE). If it does, attempt to boot from the network to see if there's any response or if the server is recognized on the network.

>> If your Microserver has Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) or a similar remote management feature, try accessing it to see if you can get any information about the server's status or logs remotely.

>> Some motherboards have a BIOS recovery mode that allows you to flash the BIOS even without a functional display. Check the motherboard's manual to see if your Microserver has this feature.

>> Even if the CPU is soldered, check for any bent pins on the motherboard or any anomalies in the CPU socket.

>> Ensure all connections, including power connectors, are securely in place. Sometimes a loose connection may lead to such issues.

>> Some motherboards have a debug header that allows you to connect a USB debug adapter for troubleshooting. This might give you additional information about what's going wrong.

Given the extensive troubleshooting you've already done, it might be a complex issue that requires more specialized attention. If the server is still under warranty, contacting HPE support would be a good step. If not, a professional technician might be the best option to further diagnose and fix the problem.

Hope this helps!

[apashi]

Update: I bought a PCIe Graphic Card and tried it in N54L,surprisingly it worked.

So the conclusion is that the onboard GPU or onboard VGA connector is dead? Is there anything I can do to fix this?

With external GPU, I was able to install Open Media Vault, and use there server without monitor from now on.

[Vinky_99 · Accepted solution]

@apashi 

It's great that you were able to identify the issue by testing with a PCIe graphics card, and it's a positive outcome that you can now use the server with an external GPU.

If the onboard GPU or VGA connector is not functioning even after trying different troubleshooting steps, there is likely a hardware issue with that specific component. Unfortunately, in the case of onboard graphics failure, there are often limited user-serviceable options for repair. The GPU is typically integrated into the motherboard, and if it's malfunctioning, it may require professional repair or motherboard replacement.

Here are a few additional things you can try, though they might not guarantee a fix:

>> Check if there's a BIOS/UEFI update available for your Microserver. Sometimes, a firmware update can address certain hardware issues. However, proceed with caution, as a failed update could potentially render the motherboard unusable.

>> Try resetting the BIOS/UEFI settings to default. Sometimes, incorrect settings can cause display-related issues.

>> If the server is still under warranty, consider reaching out to the HPE support.

Since you've successfully installed an external GPU and can use the server without a monitor, you have a functional workaround. While the onboard GPU issue may remain unresolved, you can continue using the server with the external graphics card. If the server is out of warranty, the cost and effort of repairing the onboard GPU may outweigh the benefits, especially if the external GPU meets your needs.

Remember to keep regular backups of your important data, and if the server is part of a critical infrastructure, having a backup plan or redundant systems in place is always a good practice.

Good luck