r630 won't boot. Idrac has two errors logged

Is it possible for these to be other things or does it only indicate the CPU?  Unfortunately the server is at a datacenter and I am paying by the hour for remote hands. I'd like to be as efficient/time aware with my instructions to them as I can be.

Hi,

I understand the identification of the cause need to be swift. Most likely would be the CPU or the CPU socket which may lead to mainboard replacement. But the error indicates CPU 2, hence will need to troubleshooting on CPU first. The steps in my previous reply would be the easier to identify the root cause. I'm leaning towards a faulty processor, but that's just an assumption. 

Before you send someone, in iDRAC, is both CPUs detected? Is the server's hardware firmware up to date? Is there a repetitive error of CPU 2? Have you tried clearing the logs to monitor the issue (export the logs before clearing)? 

Idrac just shows question marks next to all hardware...I assume because the server is off. There is only the two errors provided originally. They were only logged once each, strangely 11 minutes apart. I haven't gotten any more logging since those two.

Thank you for the help. I appreciate it.

Also may I ask, if I change the CPU with a new one, do I have to reconfigure anything or should the system just work as before? I am running dual CPUS (CPU E5-2660 v3), can I upgrade just the broken one to something faster? How about upgrading both of them to some thing faster..perhaps a v4 cpu?

I appreciate your help.

Hi,

The mainboard should be in a fail-safe state, which might need a manual hands on intervene if iDRAC cannot communicate with the components of the mainboard. You can upgrade the server's CPU, you should refer to the table provided in the guide: https://i.dell.com/sites/doccontent/shared-content/data-sheets/en/documents/dell-poweredge-r630-technical-guide-v1-6.pdf

The guide did not list V4 processors, but the server can support V4 processors. I can list some for you with the part numbers, but I would like to advice you to check with us if the processor model that you have in mind is supported just to be sure. 

2D0F5 Intel, 3.0GHz, 30MB, FSB 9600MHz, 160W, Xeon E5-2687WV4, Broadwell
57HWC Intel, 3.1GHz, 25MB, FSB 8000MHz, 165W, Xeon E5-2689V4, Broadwell
KV7W3 Intel, 2.2GHz, 50MB, FSB 9600MHz, 135W, Xeon E5-2698V4, Broadwell

I was considering dual Xeon E5-2690 v4. 

Do you have any information available about the post change configuration.  If I swap in new CPUS will everything run as before or do things need to be reconfigured?

For the most part there isn't much you would need to do. Now the suggestions I would make is to update the R630s BIOS, iDrac, Perc, etc before upgrading the CPU's, as this ensures it has the latest fixes and support for all the supported processors. Also, one thing you would need to do after the upgrade is if you are using OpenManage Enterprise or iDRAC, after upgrading the CPUs you would want to refresh the inventory to reflect the new CPUs.

Let me know if this helps.

Ok, makes sense. May I ask for you to confirm that the Xeon E5-2690 v4 is compatible?

I can confirm it is supported, the kit for the processor is listed as part number DDT41 under the R630. The part number for the bare processor is PF31J, but I would suggest going with the kit. 

May I ask what is included in the kit? I wasn't aware this was offered and a google search did not include any information.

It looks like it includes the processor, a chem pad, and thermal grease. Sometimes they will include a heatsink if one is needed, but it doesn't look to be included in this kit. 

Can I please ask one last question. Can you confirm the heatsinks that I am currently using with the Intel XEON E5-2660 v3 will work with the Xeon E5-2690? 

Thank you for your help.