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March 5th, 2025 00:22
Backplane 1 5v alarm
Server has been hapilly working for a couple of years, and then suddenly i was unable to access.
Rebooted, and strangely wasnt greeted with the usual roar - just a quiet fan noise, and then it died to silence.
Was showing all six of the diagnostic lights lit on the left ear.
Investigation of the logs in lifecycle shows that it died at 4am on the 27th Feb....with a Backplane 1 5v alarm. Followed by a PF fault failsafe alarm...
Currently, when i boot the system, I dont get the fans firing up - i just get a slightly quieter fire up, and then after about 30 seconds it seems like the whole system is shutting down.
Investigating, if i remove either of the power cables for BP1 then the system does fire up - however I dont get access to any drives. I do get the following (which i guess are to be expected??)
And i get the same errors no matter which cable is removed.
Any suggestions appreciated!!
Turbo71
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March 18th, 2025 08:30
Just wanted to circle back on this one. Backplane1 was indeed the issue - when replaced (using the same cables as the original) everything came back up as it was beforehand.
Many thanks to all for the comprehensive help and pointers - really appreciated.
Turbo71
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March 5th, 2025 00:28
Missed some vital info out of the above...
Server : R730xd - 12 bay 3/5" varient with 2x rear 2.5" drives
DELL-Young E
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March 5th, 2025 06:15
Hello, I'd ask you to reseat all the cables connected to the backplane first. Let us know how it goes.
Respectfully,
Turbo71
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March 5th, 2025 07:49
@DELL-Young E
Good Morning Sir,
Removed all cables and reseated as requested (Both ends) - No change - Server still doesnt boot and shuts down :(
Dell-Martin S
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March 5th, 2025 14:02
Hi,
Based on your description, here are the most likely culprits:
Faulty Backplane: The backplane itself is the most probable cause. A shorted capacitor, a failed voltage regulator, or other component failure on the backplane could be pulling down the 5V rail.
Short in a Connected Device: Less likely, but possible, a device connected to the backplane (like a hard drive) could be shorting and causing the 5V rail to collapse.
Power Supply Issue (Less Likely): While the error points to the backplane, a failing power supply could be struggling to provide stable 5V power, especially under load. However, the fact that removing power cables to BP1 changes the behavior suggests the issue is on the backplane or with something connected to it.
Faulty Cable: It's possible, but you've reseated them, so less likely.
Troubleshooting Steps (Beyond What You've Already Done)
Inspect the Backplane (Visually):
Power Down and Disconnect: Completely power down the server and disconnect all power cables.
Open the Case: Carefully open the server case and locate Backplane 1.
Visual Inspection: Look for any signs of damage:
Burnt components: Look for discoloration, scorching, or swelling on capacitors, chips, or connectors.
Physical damage: Check for cracks, broken connectors, or loose components.
Liquid residue: Look for signs of leaked electrolyte from capacitors.
Disconnect Devices from Backplane 1:
Power Down: Power down the server completely.
Disconnect Drives: Disconnect all hard drives and any other devices connected to Backplane 1.
Try to Boot: Attempt to boot the server without any devices connected to Backplane 1.
If it boots: This indicates a short in one of the devices you disconnected. Reconnect them one by one to identify the culprit.
If it still fails: The backplane itself is the likely issue.
Test the Power Supply (If Possible):
Ideally, use a power supply tester to check the 5V output of the power supply under load. This requires specialized equipment.
Alternative (Less Reliable): If you have a spare power supply that is compatible with your server, try swapping it in to see if the issue persists. Be very careful to ensure the replacement PSU is compatible.
Check for Firmware/Driver Issues (Less Likely, but Worth Considering):
Although it's less likely to cause a hard failure like this, outdated firmware or drivers can sometimes cause power-related issues. If you can get the system to POST even intermittently, try updating the backplane and power supply firmware.
Next Steps and Recommendations
Replace the Backplane: Given the "Backplane 1 5v alarm" and the troubleshooting steps, the most likely solution is to replace Backplane 1. You can usually find replacement backplanes online from server component vendors. Be sure to get the correct part number for your server model.
Consider Professional Repair: If you're not comfortable working with server hardware, or if you're unable to diagnose the problem further, consider contacting a qualified server repair technician. They will have the tools and expertise to diagnose and repair the issue.
Data Recovery: If the data on the drives is critical, and you suspect a drive might have contributed to the issue, consult with a data recovery specialist before attempting any further troubleshooting. They can advise you on the best course of action to preserve your data.
Turbo71
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March 6th, 2025 11:11
Thats awesome - thank you Martin!
Took a look at the backplane yesterday - no obvious damage. Removed it to inspect further and found several SM resistors on the drive side that seem to have burnt out. There also seems to be evidence of corrosion on the board in some spots.
Replacement tested BP ordered (along with associated cabling) and due to be here tomorrow - Will advise once it has been replaced.
Dell-Martin S
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March 6th, 2025 13:51
thanks, we would appreciate this.