HPE MicroServer Gen10 Server POST failure with specific Seagate Exos 14TB drive

[gianlucaf]

Hello everyone, I need some advice.

I'm new to the HPE ecosystem. I purchased an HPE MicroServer Gen 10 X3418 server and added a PCI card to mount an M.2 SSD. I use this system for home automation (running Proxmox with various LXC containers and VM), but I also wanted to use it as my home NAS.

I initially installed two 500GB hard drives for testing, and everything worked fine. Obviously, 500GB isn't enough space, so I purchased two used 14TB Seagate Exos drives.

Here's where the problem begins: when I install one of these drives, the system won't complete POST (Power-On Self-Test). I've tried various combinations with 1-4 drives, and whenever I insert this particular drive, the system refuses to start.

I noticed that this problematic drive had different (older) firmware compared to the working 14TB drive, so I tried updating it to the same version "SN03", but this didn't solve the issue.

Both drives are 100% functional - I've verified this using HD Sentinel Pro. I've read that others have experienced similar issues, and I understand I'm in somewhat risky territory here. What I don't understand is how the same model of drive, even with older firmware, can completely block the system from booting.

So my question is: what would you recommend? Should I look for another 14TB drive?"

[support_s]

System recommended content:

1. HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 User Guide

2. HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Maintenance and Service Guide

Please click on "Thumbs Up/Kudo" icon to give a "Kudo".

Thank you for being a HPE valuable community member.

[Moderator edit: Updated the working links. You may also refer to https://support.hpe.com/]

[gianlucaf]

a small update, I tried to connect the disk via a USB case and it was not recognized, (on another PC with win10 no problem) then I tried to connect it to another mini PC with Proxmox and the disk was recognized, I performed a "wipe disk" and the disk via USB was also seen by the HPE server. Inserting it into the sata slot, however, continues to give the same problem.

[Tam92]

Hello,

Microserver Gen10 support the maximum drive capacity of 4TB.

You can refer to the below quickspecs for more information on the supported drives.

https://www.hpe.com/psnow/doc/a00008701enw

Also make sure you go for HPE drives as the third party drives are not tested with this product.

Thanks,
TAM

[support_s]

Hello,

Let us know if you were able to resolve the issue.

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[gianlucaf]

It seems to be a problem of sectors 512E/4KN

sdc - 14TB disk is ok

sdd - 14TB disk that creates problems (now on USB case)

theoretically I should be able to solve it by converting the disk with the SeaChest tool. I have to study the command string to give carefully.

[gianlucaf · Accepted solution]

I solved the issue by connecting the drive to the SATA port on the motherboard. The drive is recognized without any problems.

In the photo it is connected temporarily, I then inserted everything into the slot along with the others, removing a connector first. It is not perfect but at least it works. As soon as I can I will change the disk.

[Sunitha_Mod]

Hello @gianlucaf,

That's Great! 

We are glad to know you were able to figure it out and we appreciate you for keeping us updated.