| Posted by MS-NetwiseHosting, 07-12-2013, 05:05 AM | | Hi there,
We are experiencing some issues with the RAM in a set of Dell C1100 servers we have here.
Firstly, I should note that we do run a number of these machine with perfect success at the moment, containing either single or dual L5520 processors and 16GB or 32GB RAM respectively - no issues here.
The problem is with the servers we have containing dual X5550 processors. These machines only seem to see some of the RAM, not the full 64GB as desired. One unit we have shows 36GB rather than 64GB, and another is showing 49GB rather than 64GB.
We took out some of the RAM in the server showing 36GB rather than 64GB, leaving just 24GB, which shows in BIOS at 12GB (half). With 48GB installed, it shows as 24GB (half again). We then added more RAM, taking it to 72GB, which shows as 49GB (not half) - there doesn't seem to be a clear pattern.
Can anyone recommend anything to check / do in rectifying this issue? We have tried adjusting the RAM mode from independent to mirrored etc, to no avail. To confirm, we are using an identical set of RAM modules, which are the same as those we use in other C1100's containing the L5520 processors without issue.
We have also filled all 18 memory slots during testing, which would (as far as I'm aware) eliminate any layout / pairing issues, as all banks contain RAM. This showed 49GB rather than 72GB.
In terms of BIOS - there is a setting for memory mode, for which we have tried all available options (Independent, Mirroring, one more which escapes me now) to no avail.
The strange thing is that the memory in these machines works just fine in any configuration with the L5520 processors, it's just these X5550's that seem to be causing an issue which I find odd.
During boot, there are a number of errors which seem to flash on the screen momentarily, which I have paused on and noted down below:
It then flashes up a message about NVRAM below before moving on very quickly - too quick to pause on that message.
Does this help at all?
I have tried to contact Dell Support, however as these machines are in fact CS24-TY's based upon the C1100, they are not being much help to me.
Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
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| Posted by MS-NetwiseHosting, 07-14-2013, 07:54 AM | | Anyone have any ideas at all? Help would be greatly appreciated on this.
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| Posted by MB-NetwiseHosting, 07-16-2013, 12:20 PM | | Hi All,
A quick update to this as my colleague Matt Seaton (original poster) is now on annual leave.
In short, post many hours of testing, we have discovered that two of the CPU socket pins are bent and consequently throwing the above errors.
You would expect better from out of the box servers! Thank you anyway one and all for your assistance.
All the best,
Matthew
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| Posted by GetDedicated, 07-16-2013, 01:51 PM | | It's good to see you guys got it resolved!
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| Posted by ironfist, 08-01-2013, 01:25 PM | | Could it perhaps be that the RAM modules are unbuffered? As far as I understand you need Registered modules to be able to pass 48 GB?
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| Posted by MB-NetwiseHosting, 08-01-2013, 01:26 PM | | Hi there,
No, it was a CPU/Motherboard issue - please see the reply two up from yours!
All the best,
Matthew
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| Posted by ironfist, 08-01-2013, 01:43 PM | | Thanks alot, Matthew!
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