How to Isolate and Correct Persistent DIMM Errors

This task provides instructions for troubleshooting DIMM errors when the problem persists after swapping the faulty DIMMs as described in How to Isolate and Replace Faulty DIMM Pairs.

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Caution - Before handling components, attach an antistatic wrist strap to a chassis ground (any unpainted metal surface). The system’s printed circuit boards and hard drives contain components that are extremely sensitive to static electricity.

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Before You Begin

This task requires:

• Assistance of Oracle service personnel

• Access to Oracle ILOM

• The ability to remove a CMOD from the server

1. If you have not already done so, shut down the system to standby power mode, remove the CMOD, and remove the cover of the CMOD.

   Refer to Adding, Removing, and Installing a CMOD (CRU) in Sun Server X2-8 (formerly Sun Fire X4800 M2) Service Manual.

2. Exchange the DIMM pairs between the two CPU slots. Ensure that they are inserted correctly with the ejector latches secured.

   For example, if the faulty pair is DIMM 0 and DIMM 4 on CPU 0:

   1. Remove the DIMMs from CPU0, slots 0 and 4.
   2. Remove the DIMMs from CPU1, slots 0 and 4.
   3. Install the DIMMs from CPU0 into slots 0 and 4 on CPU1.
   4. Install the DIMMs from CPU1 into slots 0 and 4 on CPU0.
3. Power on the server.
4. Run the test that reported the error again.

   • If the error follows the DIMMs, replace them.

   • If the error remains in the same location, continue.

5. Remove both CPUs.

   Refer to Replacing a CPU and Heatsink Assembly (FRU) in Sun Server X2-8 (formerly Sun Fire X4800 M2) Service Manual.

6. Reinstall each CPUs into the opposite slot.

   In other words, switch the positions of the two CPUs.

7. Power on the server.
8. Run the test that reported the original error again.
9. Review the test results.

   • If the error continues to appear in the same DIMM slot, most likely there is an issue with the DIMM slot. Return the board to the Support Center for replacement.

   • If the error follows the CPU, replace the CPU and confirm that the memory error does not return.

See Also

• How to Detect DIMM Errors Using BIOS POST and the Oracle ILOM SEL

• How to Detect DIMM Errors Using the CE Log

• DIMM Hardware