P420 - Cache Status: Permanently Disabled

[projektilski]

Hi everyone,

I bought a used HPE P420 + 1GB FBWC with battery included for use in non-HPE server. The battery was defective upon arrival and the cache was disabled. I received a new battery which is fine now (charged and in OK status) but the cache is still disabled.

Cache Status: Permanently Disabled
Cache Status Details: Cache disabled; backup to flash memory failed
Cache Disable Reason: Permanent disable condition. The posted write cache has been disabled because the backup operation failed in a flash-backed write cache

Advanced diagnostic show this also:

Cache Disable Code:  Permanent Disable Flashlight Backup Operation Failed (0x001b)

Seller did send a new cache module but the error remained. I tried to disconnect all drives, reboot, shutdown and reconnect drives but it didn't help.

I have 6x4TB SATA drives in RAID5 configuration which works fine (but without cache enabled). 
Is it possible that the card is defective or I have bad luck and the second cache module is also defective?

[support_s]

System recommended content:

1. HP ProLiant DL380 Gen9 Server - Smart Array Controller Cache is Permanently Disabled

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[projektilski]

I don't think this is the problem. The cache module is slot-in on the controller itself and it is properly installed and recognized. 

Also, the firmware of the controller is 8.32 (I think it is the latest available)

[Suman_1978]

Hi,

8.32 is the latest FW available.
See if the below articles resolve the issue.
https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=mmr_kc-0103215
https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=emr_na-c05302924

Thanks

[projektilski]

Hi,

Thanks for trying to help. I already tried disconnecting the drives and letting the controller post and then reconnecting the drives. That did not help.  I also found on multiple sites this proposed solution and many users reported that this does not work on all controllers including p420.

The second article refers to updating the firmware to 6.60 but I'm already on the latest firmware.

[Sebasbin]

Hi,

You can update the smart array controller firmware to the latest version and verify 
Latest version 8.32
https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/swd/detail?swItemId=MTX_71b2939cd1d84aada5afece82b#tab-history

If issue persist ,you many need to replace the smart array controller as well

[projektilski]

Hi, as already stated firmware is 8.32
So there is a possibility that the cache module is ok, but the controller is defective?

[projektilski]

Hi,

I received another card with a cache module but even though it didn't flash yellow on the cache module it had a new problem, it wouldn't continue booting after card initialization. I took the cache module from the old card and put it in this card and finally I have a functioning card with cache enabled

So yes, both the card and module can be defective when this error is received.