1 Rookie
•
5 Posts
0
152
April 14th, 2025 22:52
T420 PowerEdge "VLT0204 Main board voltage outside of range"
Hi Team,
I've run into issues booting the system after converting my stock config T420 over to dual redundant 1100W power supplies (replacing the single 550W unit) after making the following additions:
Memory: 64gb (4x16gb) > 192gb (12x16gb)
CPU: 2x Xeon 2420v2 > 2x Xeon 2470v2
GPU: No graphics accelerator > Nvidia GTX Titan X 12gb
Power button is pushed and the system powers up for a split second then shuts off and the error code displayed is "VLT0204 Main board voltage outside of range". The power distribution board, power supply backplane and both PSUs are all second hand parts but the part numbers are correct (KK3YX and K501P). Here's the testing I've done so far chronologically:
- Removed all memory DIMMs except for the base 64gb config, power on, shuts off immediately
- then removed GPU, power on, shuts off immediately
- then removed second CPU, power on, shuts off immediately
- swapped the slots each PSU was fitted to, power on, shuts off immediately
- tried each of the PSUs one at a time in either slot, each time power on, shuts off immediately (both PSUs indicating solid green light)
At this point to me it seems the only possibilities remaining are that either the power distrubution board or the PSU backplane might be DOA. Before I condemn either of them, which traces or connectors/pins would you have me check with a multimeter to confirm either part are working? And are there any other checks to perform to diag the issue?
Dell-Martin S
Moderator
•
3.5K Posts
0
April 16th, 2025 13:35
Hi,
Since you've already tried various configurations and the issue persists, it does seem to point towards a faulty power distribution board (PDB) or PSU backplane.
Before condemning either, you can try the following:
Visual Inspection: Carefully examine the PDB and backplane for any signs of physical damage, such as bulging capacitors, burnt components, or damaged traces.
Check Connections: Ensure all connections between the PSUs, backplane, PDB, and motherboard are secure and properly seated. Reseat them to be sure.
Multimeter Tests: Since you have a multimeter, you can check the following:
DELL-Joey C
Moderator
•
4K Posts
0
April 15th, 2025 07:18
Hi,
Troubleshooting for this issue might be tough, since the PDB, PIB and PSU are second hand. I can only find DPN# K501P, KK3YX doesn't seem to exist. Can you double-check, picture if possible.
For this troubleshooting, we will not use the GPU, until we know the root cause of the issue.
Can you remove all memory except A1, and use the existing single Xeon 2420v2 together with a redundant PSU in slot 1, check the issue persist.
Have you tried installing back all the previous components that was working in the server?
Are you able to access iDRAC? Can you let us know the memory technical information.
Have you tried replacing the CMOS battery?
Can you try removing all USB devices that is connected to the server and check the issue.
We need to know if the components cause the mainboard to malfunction.
JSHome
1 Rookie
•
5 Posts
0
April 16th, 2025 12:47
@DELL-Joey C Thanks Joey!
Link to the items for reference: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/156782072514
I have indeed replaced the CMOS battery just to be sure. The system was fully functional in its stock configuration with the 550w PSU and single 2420v2. Prior to installing the power distribution kit for the dual redundant PSUs, with the 550w still installed I added a second 2420v2 to the other socket and attempted a boot. The machine would POST but gave a warning saying both sockets occupied may exceed that PSUs output.
Truth told, I have never used and am not familiar with iDRAC at all. All I can say about the memory is that all the stock and extra sticks I added are 16GB 2RX4 PC3L-12800R-11-13-E2 DIMMs.
I've now tested it in the current configuration as required but unfortunately the result and error remain:
- GPU removed
- 1x 2420v2 CPU installed
- 1x 16gb memory channel installed
- 1x PSU installed slot 1 (tried both in same slot but same result)
JSHome
1 Rookie
•
5 Posts
0
May 26th, 2025 11:56
@Dell-Martin S Thanks Martin.
Quick update to close the ticket, after some testing and replacing the Power Distribution Board (DPN: KK3YX) the system boots just fine. May have been a DOA cap on the board, kept the old one for parts and further testing. Thanks again for the assistance guys!