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September 29th, 2023 14:39
PowerEdge R420 with the strangest error....
Hi experts!
I have an old R420 server that I am trying to breathe some life into, to use as a testserver.
It was stripped for CPU and MEM years ago, and now I have installed "new" CPU's and Memory.
When I power up the server...everything seems normal. "all green" and the iDRAC7 gets an IP from DHCP.
I can login to the iDRAC and everything seems fine.
So to the strange stuff;
1. I cannot get any console output - external screen is blank. I have tested the VGA output in the back, and in the front. I have also tested 3 different old monitors. And the same goes for the IDRAC's Virtual Console...it just outputs "no signal" I have also tried to insert a VGA card in the PCI slot...same result..no output
I have upgraded the iDRAC to the latest (2.65.65.65) (and some older versjons just to test)
The BIOS is v. 1.3.5 and the strange thing here is when I go to the "Update and rollback" in IDRAC, uploads a newer BIOS, everything seems to work, but nothings really happening...Cannot upgrade...have tested several versions.
And to the last strange thing....The hardware/Memory page in the IDRAC is showing that DIMM slot A1, A2, B1 and B3 are populated with 4GB DIMMs, when the reality is that the server are stocked with 4 x 16GB DIMMs...And it even reports 4x4GB when the server is powered on WITHOUT any DIMMs inserted.... (the CPUs are reported correctly)
Have also tested to switch CPUs, re-seated the iDRAC card, reset CMOS with the dip switch on the mobo, and removed battery.
So...now Im out of ideas here....anyone???? defective motherboard?
DELL-Chris H
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September 29th, 2023 18:55
Franki1980i,
Based on what you are stating, the first thing I would look at is the compatibility of the CPU and dimms installed. Would you confirm the part numbers of each so I can verify if they are compatible with the R420?
If they turn out to be supported I would try taking the server to its minimum to post configuration, which is removing everything from the server, internally and externally, but the following;
•System Board
•CPU1 with heat sink (minimum for troubleshooting)
•Single DIMM configuration with DIMM in socket A1
•Control Panel with cable (to power system on)
•Expansion Riser
• PSU (and for redundant PSU also the PDB/PIB)
If you do that and the server posts with video then you would want to power down and individually add the removed parts back until the issue reappears, identifying the culprit.
Now if it still doesn't post with video under the minimum to post configuration, then you will need to look at one or more of the devices in the minimum to post list as the cause.
Let me know if this helps, and what you see.
franki1980i
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October 1st, 2023 13:26
Hi Chris. Thanks for your answer.
The CPUs installed are 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2450L. If I try to power it up with just one CPU installed it errors with somtehing about the riser/risercable. I think thats because I have a "2 CPU riser installed"
And about the memory, I have tested several DIMMS, among these:
Crucial MT36KSF1G72PDZ - 8GB 4Rx8 PC3L-8500R
Crucial MT36KSF1G72PDZ - 8GB 2Rx4 PC3L-10600R
SKHynix HMT42GR7AFR4A - 2Rx4 PC3L 10600R
And I have tried to take the server to its minimum.
The funny thing is that iDRAC is reporting 4 x 4GB, no matter what DIMM config the machine has. Even without ANY DIMMs....