HP ProLiant BL280c G6 User Manual

HP ProLiant BL280c G6 Server Blade

Part Number: 514028-002

User Guide

Abstract

This document describes installation, administration, and troubleshooting for this server blade. This document is for the person who installs, administers, and troubleshoots servers and storage systems. HP assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and trained in recognizing hazards in products with hazardous energy levels.

March 2011 Edition: 2

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Windows XP, and Windows Server are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Intel and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

AMD Athlon is a trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Java is a US trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Contents

Component identification ............................................................................................................... 6

Front panel components ............................................................................................................................. 6

Front panel LEDs and buttons ...................................................................................................................... 7

System board components .......................................................................................................................... 8

Mezzanine connector definitions ....................................................................................................... 8

DIMM slot locations ......................................................................................................................... 9

Hard drive connector identification .................................................................................................... 9

System maintenance switch ............................................................................................................... 9

HP c-Class Blade SUV Cable..................................................................................................................... 10

Operations ................................................................................................................................. 11

Power up the server blade ........................................................................................................................ 11

Power down the server blade .................................................................................................................... 11

Remove the server blade .......................................................................................................................... 12

Remove the access panel.......................................................................................................................... 13

Install the access panel............................................................................................................................. 13

Remove the air baffle ............................................................................................................................... 13

Install the air baffle .................................................................................................................................. 13

Setup ......................................................................................................................................... 15

Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 15

Installing an HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosure ........................................................................................... 15

Installing server blade options ................................................................................................................... 15

Installing interconnect modules .................................................................................................................. 15

Interconnect bay numbering and device mapping .............................................................................. 16

Connecting to the network ........................................................................................................................ 17

Installing a server blade ........................................................................................................................... 18

Completing the configuration .................................................................................................................... 19

Hardware options installation ....................................................................................................... 20

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 20

Hard drive option .................................................................................................................................... 20

Processor option ...................................................................................................................................... 22

Memory options ...................................................................................................................................... 27

Memory subsystem architecture ....................................................................................................... 28

Single-, dual-, and quad-rank DIMMs ............................................................................................... 28

DIMM identification ....................................................................................................................... 28

Memory configurations ................................................................................................................... 29

General DIMM slot population guidelines ......................................................................................... 31

Configuring the air baffle for DIMM installation ................................................................................. 33

Installing a DIMM .......................................................................................................................... 35

Mezzanine card option ............................................................................................................................ 36

HP Smart Array P712m Controller option ................................................................................................... 37

HP Trusted Platform Module option ............................................................................................................ 43

Installing the Trusted Platform Module board ..................................................................................... 44

Retaining the recovery key/password .............................................................................................. 45

Enabling the Trusted Platform Module ............................................................................................... 45

Contents 3

Cabling ..................................................................................................................................... 47

SATA hard drive cabling .......................................................................................................................... 47

Optional SAS hard drive cabling .............................................................................................................. 47

Using the HP c-Class Blade SUV Cable ...................................................................................................... 48

Connecting locally to a server blade with video and USB devices .................................................................. 48

Accessing a server blade with local KVM ......................................................................................... 48

Accessing a server blade with local media devices ............................................................................ 49

Software and configuration utilities ............................................................................................... 51

Server blade deployment tools .................................................................................................................. 51

Software drivers and additional components ..................................................................................... 51

HP BladeSystem c-Class Advanced management ............................................................................... 51

Network-based PXE deployment ...................................................................................................... 52

Deployment methods ...................................................................................................................... 54

Configuration tools .................................................................................................................................. 57

SmartStart software ........................................................................................................................ 57

HP ROM-Based Setup Utility ............................................................................................................ 58

Array Configuration Utility .............................................................................................................. 60

Option ROM Configuration for Arrays ............................................................................................. 61

Re-entering the server serial number and product ID ........................................................................... 61

Management tools ................................................................................................................................... 62

Automatic Server Recovery ............................................................................................................. 62

ROMPaq utility .............................................................................................................................. 62

Integrated Lights-Out 2 technology ................................................................................................... 62

Erase Utility .................................................................................................................................. 63

Redundant ROM support ................................................................................................................ 63

USB support and functionality ......................................................................................................... 63

Internal SD support ........................................................................................................................ 64

Diagnostic tools ...................................................................................................................................... 64

HP Insight Diagnostics .................................................................................................................... 64

HP Insight Diagnostics survey functionality ........................................................................................ 64

Integrated Management Log ........................................................................................................... 65

Remote support and analysis tools ............................................................................................................. 65

HP Insight Remote Support software ................................................................................................. 65

Keeping the system current ....................................................................................................................... 66

Drivers ......................................................................................................................................... 66

ProLiant Support Packs ................................................................................................................... 66

Operating System Version Support .................................................................................................. 66

HP Smart Update Manager ............................................................................................................. 66

Change control and proactive notification ........................................................................................ 67

Care Pack .................................................................................................................................... 67

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 68

Troubleshooting resources ........................................................................................................................ 68

Pre-diagnostic steps ................................................................................................................................. 68

Important safety information ............................................................................................................ 68

Symptom information ..................................................................................................................... 70

Prepare the server for diagnosis ...................................................................................................... 70

Loose connections ................................................................................................................................... 72

Service notifications ................................................................................................................................. 72

Server health LEDs ................................................................................................................................... 72

Troubleshooting flowcharts ....................................................................................................................... 72

Start diagnosis flowchart ................................................................................................................ 73

General diagnosis flowchart ........................................................................................................... 74

Contents 4

Server blade power-on problems flowchart ....................................................................................... 76

POST problems flowchart ............................................................................................................... 78

OS boot problems flowchart ........................................................................................................... 80

Server fault indications flowchart ..................................................................................................... 82

POST error messages and beep codes ....................................................................................................... 84

Battery replacement .................................................................................................................... 86

Regulatory compliance notices ..................................................................................................... 87

Regulatory compliance identification numbers ............................................................................................. 87

Federal Communications Commission notice ............................................................................................... 87

FCC rating label ............................................................................................................................ 87

Class A equipment......................................................................................................................... 87

Class B equipment ......................................................................................................................... 87

Declaration of conformity for products marked with the FCC logo, United States only ....................................... 88

Modifications .......................................................................................................................................... 88

Cables ................................................................................................................................................... 88

Canadian notice (Avis Canadien) .............................................................................................................. 88

European Union regulatory notice ............................................................................................................. 89

Disposal of waste equipment by users in private households in the European Union ......................................... 89

Japanese notice ...................................................................................................................................... 90

BSMI notice ............................................................................................................................................ 90

Korean notice ......................................................................................................................................... 90

Chinese notice ........................................................................................................................................ 91

Laser compliance .................................................................................................................................... 91

Battery replacement notice ........................................................................................................................ 91

Taiwan battery recycling notice ................................................................................................................. 92

Electrostatic discharge ................................................................................................................. 93

Preventing electrostatic discharge .............................................................................................................. 93

Grounding methods to prevent electrostatic discharge .................................................................................. 93

Specifications ............................................................................................................................. 94

Environmental specifications ..................................................................................................................... 94

Server blade specifications ....................................................................................................................... 94

Technical support ........................................................................................................................ 95

Before you contact HP .............................................................................................................................. 95

HP contact information ............................................................................................................................. 95

Customer Self Repair ............................................................................................................................... 95

Acronyms and abbreviations ...................................................................................................... 103

Index ....................................................................................................................................... 105

Contents 5

Component identification

HP c-Class Blade SUV Cable connector

Front panel components

Item Description

1 2 3 4

Serial label pull tab

Release button Server blade release lever

Component identification 6

Front panel LEDs and buttons

Power On/Standby

Green = On

Item Description Status

UID LED Blue = Identified

Blue flashing = Active remote management Off = No active remote management

Health LED Green = Normal

Amber flashing = Degraded condition Red flashing = Critical condition

NIC 1 LED Green = Network linked

Green flashing = Network activity Off = No link or activity

NIC 2 LED Green = Network linked

Green flashing = Network activity Off = No link or activity

Hard drive activity LED Green = Activity

Off = No activity

button and system power LED

Amber = Standby (auxiliary power available) Off = Off

Component identification 7

System board components

Item Description

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

The symbols correspond to the symbols located on the interconnect bays. For more information, see the HP ProLiant BL280c G6 Server Blade Installation Instructions that ship with the server blade.

Processor 1 DIMMs (6) Processor 2 DIMMs (6) SATA connector 2 SATA connector 1 Hard drive power connectors (2) USB connector SD card slot System maintenance switch Mezzanine connector 2 (Type I or II) Enclosure connector System board thumbscrew System battery Mezzanine connector 1 (Type I) Embedded NICs (2) TPM connector Processor socket 2 (with blank) Processor socket 1 (populated)

Mezzanine connector definitions

A PCIe x8 mezzanine connector supports x16 cards at up to x8 speeds.

Item PCIe

Mezzanine connector 1 Mezzanine connector 2

x8, Type I mezzanine card only x8, Type 1 or II mezzanine card

Component identification 8

DIMM slot locations

DIMM slots are numbered sequentially (1 through 6) for each processor. The supported AMP modes use the letter assignments for population guidelines.

Hard drive connector identification

Item Description Connector color

1 2

SATA connector 2 Black SATA connector 1 White

Hard drive power connector Black

System maintenance switch

Position Default Function

Off Off = iLO 2 security is enabled.

Off Off = System configuration can be

On = iLO 2 security is disabled.

changed. On = System configuration is locked.

Component identification 9

Position Default Function

S3 S4 S5

S7 S8 S9 S10

Off Reserved Off Reserved Off Off = Power-on password is enabled.

On = Power-on password is disabled.

Off Off = No function

On = Clear NVRAM

— Reserved — Reserved — Reserved — Reserved

When the system maintenance switch position 6 is set to the On position, the system is prepared to erase all system configuration settings from both CMOS and NVRAM.

CAUTION: Clearing CMOS and/or NVRAM deletes configuration information. Be sure to

properly configure the server or data loss could occur.

HP c-Class Blade SUV Cable

Item Connector Description

2 3 4

Server blade For connecting to the SUV connector on the

server blade front panel Video For connecting a video monitor USB For connecting up to two USB devices Serial For trained personnel to connect a null modem

serial cable and perform advanced diagnostic

procedures

Component identification 10

Operations

Power up the server blade

The Onboard Administrator initiates an automatic power-up sequence when the server blade is installed. If the default setting is changed, use one of the following methods to power up the server blade:

• Use a virtual power button selection through iLO 2.

• Press and release the Power On/Standby button.

When the server blade goes from the standby mode to the full power mode, the system power LED changes from amber to green.

For more information about the Onboard Administrator, see the enclosure setup and installation guide on the HP website (http://www.hp.com/support).

For more information about iLO 2, see "Integrated Lights-Out 2 technology (on page 62)."

Power down the server blade

Before powering down the server blade for any upgrade or maintenance procedures, perform a backup of critical server data and programs.

Depending on the Onboard Administrator configuration, use one of the following methods to power down the server blade:

• Use a virtual power button selection through iLO 2.

This method initiates a controlled remote shutdown of applications and the OS before the server blade enters standby mode.

• Press and release the Power On/Standby button.

This method initiates a controlled shutdown of applications and the OS before the server blade enters standby mode.

• Press and hold the Power On/Standby button for more than 4 seconds to force the server blade to enter

standby mode.

This method forces the server blade to enter standby mode without properly exiting applications and the OS. It provides an emergency shutdown method if an application stops responding.

• Execute one of the following commands using the Onboard Administrator CLI:

poweroff server [bay number]

poweroff server [bay number] force

The first command initiates a controlled shutdown of applications and the OS before the server blade enters standby mode. The second form of the command forces the server blade to enter standby mode without exiting applications and the OS. This emergency method forces a shutdown if an application stops responding.

• Use the Onboard Administrator GUI to initiate a shutdown:

Operations 11

a. Select the Enclosure Information tab, and then select the Overall checkbox in the Device Bays item. b. Initiate a shutdown from the Virtual Power menu:

— Select Momentary Press to initiate a controlled shutdown of applications and the OS. — Select Press and Hold to initiate an emergency shutdown of applications and the OS.

IMPORTANT: When the server blade is in standby mode, auxiliary power is still being provided.

To remove all power from the server blade, remove the server blade from the enclosure.

After initiating a virtual power down command, be sure that the server blade is in standby mode by observing that the system power LED is amber.

Remove the server blade

CAUTION: Do not use the server blade release lever to lift or carry the server blade. Always

support the weight of the server blade by handling the chassis directly. Improper use can damage

To remove the component:

1. Identify the proper server blade.

2. Power down the server blade (on page 11).

3. Remove the server blade.

the release lever and the server blade.

4. Place the server blade on a flat, level work surface.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury from hot surfaces, allow the drives and the

internal system components to cool before touching them.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to electrical components, properly ground the server blade

before beginning any installation procedure. Improper grounding can cause ESD.

Operations 12

Remove the access panel

To remove the component:

1. Power down the server blade (on page 11).

2. Remove the server blade (on page 12).

3. Press the access panel release button.

4. Slide the access panel towards the rear of the server blade, and then lift to remove the panel.

Install the access panel

1. Place the access panel on top of the server blade.

2. Slide the access panel forward until it clicks into place.

Remove the air baffle

1. Power down the server blade (on page 11).

2. Remove the server blade (on page 12).

3. Remove the access panel (on page 13).

4. If installed, disconnect the hard drive power and data cables from the system board ("Hard drive

connector identification" on page 9).

5. Remove the air baffle.

Install the air baffle

IMPORTANT: To maintain proper airflow and prevent thermal damage, always install the air

baffle.

Operations 13

1. Install the air baffle.

2. If removed, connect the hard drive power and data cables to the system board ("Hard drive connector

identification" on page 9).

3. Install the access panel (on page 13).

4. Install the server blade ("Installing a server blade" on page 18).

Operations 14

Setup

Overview

Installation of a server blade requires the following steps:

1. Install and configure an HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosure.

2. Install any server blade options.

3. Install interconnect modules in the enclosure.

4. Connect the interconnect modules to the network.

5. Install a server blade.

6. Complete the server blade configuration.

For definitions of the acronyms used in this document, refer to "Acronyms and abbreviations" in the server blade user guide.

Installing an HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosure

Before performing any server blade-specific procedures, install an HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosure.

The most current documentation for server blades and other HP BladeSystem components is available at the HP website (http://www.hp.com/go/bladesystem/documentation).

Documentation is also available in the following locations:

• Documentation CD that ships with the enclosure

• HP Business Support Center website (http://www.hp.com/support)

Installing server blade options

Before installing and initializing the server blade, install any server blade options, such as an additional processor, hard drive, or mezzanine card.

Installing interconnect modules

For specific steps to install interconnect modules, see the documentation that ships with the interconnect module.

Setup 15

Interconnect bay numbering and device mapping

• HP BladeSystem c7000 Enclosure

To support network connections for specific signals, install an interconnect module in the bay corresponding to the embedded NIC or mezzanine signals.

Server blade signal Interconnect bay Interconnect bay labels

NIC 1 (Embedded)

NIC 2 (Embedded)

Mezzanine 1

Mezzanine 2

3 and 4

5 and 6

7 and 8

For detailed port mapping information, see the HP BladeSystem enclosure installation poster or the HP BladeSystem enclosure setup and installation guide on the HP website (http://www.hp.com/go/bladesystem/documentation).

Setup 16

• HP BladeSystem c3000 Enclosure and Tower Enclosure

•

Server blade signal Interconnect bay

NICs 1, 2 (embedded) Mezzanine 1 Mezzanine 2

•

Connecting to the network

To connect the HP BladeSystem to a network, each enclosure must be configured with network interconnect devices to manage signals between the server blades and the external network.

number

1 2 3,4

Interconnect bay label

Notes

— Four port cards connect to bay 2

Four port cards Ports 1 and 3 connect to bay 3 Ports 2 and 4 connect to bay 4

Setup 17

Two types of interconnect modules are available for HP BladeSystem c-Class enclosures: Pass-thru modules and switch modules. For more information about interconnect module options, see the HP website (http://www.hp.com/go/bladesystem/interconnects).

Installing a server blade

CAUTION: To prevent improper cooling and thermal damage, do not operate the enclosure

1. Remove the device bay blank.

2. Remove the enclosure connector cover.

unless all bays are populated with a component or a blank.

Setup 18

3. Prepare the server blade for installation.

4. Install the server blade.

Completing the configuration

To complete the server blade and HP BladeSystem configuration, see the overview card that ships with the enclosure.

Setup 19

Hardware options installation

Introduction

If more than one option is being installed, read the installation instructions for all the hardware options and identify similar steps to streamline the installation process.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury from hot surfaces, allow the drives and the

Hard drive option

internal system components to cool before touching them.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to electrical components, properly ground the server before

beginning any installation procedure. Improper grounding can cause electrostatic discharge.

The HP ProLiant BL280c G6 Server Blade supports midline SATA hard drives and 9.5-mm SATA hard drives. SAS hard drives are supported when the HP Smart Array P712m Controller option is installed. The HP Smart Array P712m Controller option does not support hard drive activity LEDs when installed in the HP ProLiant BL280c G6 Server Blade.

For information on supported hard drive options and controller options, see the server blade QuickSpecs on the HP website (http://www.hp.com).

CAUTION: Failure to follow the hard drive installation guidelines can cause hardware damage.

Always observe the installation guidelines:

• Always install a spacer when installing a 9.5-mm SATA hard drive.

• Be sure to use the proper screws when installing the hard drive:

o When installing a 9.5-mm SATA hard drive and a hard drive spacer, install the long hard drive

screws that are stored on the hard drive spacer.

o When installing a midline SATA hard drive or a SAS hard drive, install the standard hard drive

screws that ship with the server blade.

To install the component:

1. Power down the server blade (on page 11).

2. Remove the server blade (on page 12).

3. Remove the access panel (on page 13).

4. Remove the air baffle.

5. Install the hard drives.

CAUTION: When installing midline SATA hard drives in the server blade, always install the

standard hard drive screws provided with the server blade. Installing the long hard drive screws located on the hard drive spacer can damage the hard drive.

Hardware options installation 20

o Install the midline SATA hard drives. Secure the hard drives to the air baffle with the standard hard

drive screws.

o Install the 9.5-mm SATA hard drives and hard drive spacers. Secure the hard drives and spacers to

the air baffle with the long hard drive screws. The long hard drive screws are stored on the hard drive spacer.

6. Connect hard drive cable 1 to hard drive 1.

7. Connect hard drive cable 2 to hard drive 2.

Hardware options installation 21

8. Route the cables through the air baffle.

9. Install the air baffle (on page 13).

10. Connect hard drive data cable 1 to SATA connector 1 on the system board.

11. Connect hard drive data cable 2 to SATA connector 2 on the system board.

12. Connect the hard drive power cables to the hard drive power connectors on the system board. The

power cables can connect to either of the hard drive power connectors on the system board.

13. Install the access panel (on page 13).

14. Install the server blade ("Installing a server blade" on page 18).

Processor option

WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury from hot surfaces, allow the drives and the

internal system components to cool before touching them.

Hardware options installation 22

CAUTION: To prevent possible server blade malfunction and damage to the equipment,

Processor socket 1 must always be populated. If processor socket 1 is empty, the

multiprocessor configurations must contain processors with the same part number.

CAUTION: To prevent possible server blade overheating, always populate processor socket 2

with a processor and a heatsink or a processor socket cover and a heatsink blank.

CAUTION: The heatsink thermal interface media is not reusable and must be replaced if the

heatsink is removed from the processor after it has been installed.

IMPORTANT: When installing the heatsink, align the guide pins on the processor retention

bracket with the alignment holes in the heatsink.

IMPORTANT:

server blade does not power up.

IMPORTANT: When installing a processor with a faster speed or adding an additional

processor, update the system ROM before installing the processor.

To install the component:

1. Update the system ROM.

Locate and download the latest ROM version from the HP website (http://www.hp.com/support). Follow the instructions on the website to update the system ROM.

2. Power down the server blade (on page 11).

3. Remove the server blade (on page 12).

4. Remove the access panel (on page 13).

5. If installed, disconnect the hard drive power and data cables from the system board ("Hard drive

connector identification" on page 9).

6. Remove the air baffle.

CAUTION: Failure to completely open the processor locking lever prevents the processor from

seating during installation, leading to hardware damage.

Hardware options installation 23

7. Open the processor locking lever and the processor socket retaining bracket. Do not remove the

processor socket cover.

IMPORTANT: Be sure the processor remains inside the processor installation tool.

8. If the processor has separated from the installation tool, carefully re-insert the processor in the tool.

Handle the processor by the edges only, and do not touch the bottom of the processor, especially the contact area.

Hardware options installation 24

9. Align the processor installation tool with the socket, and then install the processor. THE PINS ON THE

SYSTEM BOARD ARE VERY FRAGILE AND EASILY DAMAGED.

CAUTION: THE PINS ON THE SYSTEM BOARD ARE VERY FRAGILE AND EASILY DAMAGED. To

avoid damage to the system board:

• Never install or remove a processor without using the processor installation tool.

• Do not touch the processor socket contacts.

• Do not tilt or slide the processor when lowering the processor into the socket.

Hardware options installation 25

10. Press the tabs on the processor installation tool to separate it from the processor, and then remove the

Be sure to close the processor socket retaining bracket before closing the processor

locking lever. The lever should close without resistance. Forcing the lever closed can damage the

tool.

11. Close the processor socket retaining bracket and the processor locking lever. The processor socket

cover is automatically ejected. Remove the cover.

CAUTION:

processor and socket, requiring system board replacement.

Hardware options installation 26

12. Remove the thermal interface protective cover from the heatsink.

13. Align and install the heatsink. Alternate tightening the screws until the heatsink is seated properly.

14. Install the air baffle (on page 13).

15. If removed, connect the hard drive power and data cables to the system board ("Hard drive connector

identification" on page 9).

16. Install the access panel (on page 13).

Memory options

IMPORTANT: This server blade does not support mixing RDIMMs and UDIMMs. Attempting to

mix these two types causes the server to halt during BIOS initialization.

Hardware options installation 27

The memory subsystem in this server blade can support RDIMMs or UDIMMs. Both types are referred to as DIMMs when the information applies to both types. When specified as RDIMM or UDIMM, the information applies to that type only. All memory installed in the server blade must be the same type.

The server blade supports the following DIMM speeds:

• Single- and dual-rank PC3-10600 (DDR-1333) DIMMs operating at 1333 and 1066 MHz

• Quad-rank PC3-8500 (DDR-1067) DIMMs operating at 1066 MHz

Depending on the processor model, the number of DIMMs installed, and whether UDIMMs or RDIMMs are installed, the memory clock speed may be reduced to 1066 or 800 MHz. For more information on the effect of DIMM slot population, see "General DIMM slot population guidelines (on page 31)."

Memory subsystem architecture

The memory subsystem in this server blade is divided into channels. Each processor supports three channels, and each channel supports two DIMM slots, as shown in the following table.

Channel Slot Slot number

D A

E B

F C

1 2

3 4

5 6

This multi-channel architecture provides enhanced performance in Advanced ECC mode. This architecture also enables the Mirrored Memory and Lockstep memory modes. This server blade supports both Registered PC3 DIMMs (RDIMMs) and Unbuffered DIMMs (UDIMMs).

DIMM slots in this server are identified by number and by letter. Letters identify the slots to populate for specific AMP modes. Slot numbers are reported by ROM messages during boot and for error reporting.

Single-, dual-, and quad-rank DIMMs

To understand and configure memory protection modes properly, an understanding of single-, dual-, and quad-rank DIMMs is helpful. Some DIMM configuration requirements are based on these classifications.

A single-rank DIMM has one set of memory chips that is accessed while writing to or reading from the memory. A dual-rank DIMM is similar to having two single-rank DIMMs on the same module, with only one rank accessible at a time. A quad-rank DIMM is, effectively, two dual-rank DIMMs on the same module. Only one rank is accessible at a time. The server blade memory control subsystem selects the proper rank within the DIMM when writing to or reading from the DIMM.

Dual- and quad-rank DIMMs provide the greatest capacity with the existing memory technology. For example, if current DRAM technology supports 2-GB single-rank DIMMs, a dual-rank DIMM would be 4-GB, and a quad-rank DIMM would be 8-GB.

DIMM identification

IMPORTANT: This server blade does not support mixing RDIMMs and UDIMMs. Attempting to

mix these two types causes the server to halt during BIOS initialization.

Hardware options installation 28

The memory subsystem may be populated with either RDIMMs or UDIMMs, but mixing the two types is not supported. To determine DIMM characteristics, use the label attached to the DIMM and the following illustration and table.

Item Description Definition

1 2

For the latest supported memory information, see the QuickSpecs on the HP website (http://www.hp.com).

Size — Rank 1R = Single-rank

2R = Dual-rank 4R = Quad-rank

Data width x4 = 4-bit

x8 = 8-bit

Memory speed 10600 = 1333-MHz

8500 = 1066-MHz

DIMM type R = RDIMM (registered)

E = UDIMM (unbuffered with ECC)

Memory configurations

To optimize server blade availability, the server blade supports the following AMP modes:

• Advanced ECC—provides the greatest memory capacity for a given DIMM size, while providing up to

4-bit error correction. This mode is the default option for this server blade.

• Mirrored Memory—provides maximum protection against failed DIMMs. Uncorrectable errors in one

channel are corrected by the mirror channel.

• Lockstep—provides enhanced protection while making all installed memory available to the operating

system. The server blade can continue to function if a single- or multi-bit memory failure within a single DRAM device occurs.

Advanced Memory Protection options are configured in RBSU. If the requested AMP mode is not supported by the installed DIMM configuration, the server blade boots in Advanced ECC mode. For more information, see "HP ROM-Based Setup Utility (on page 58)."

Hardware options installation 29

For the latest memory configuration information, see the QuickSpecs on the HP website (http://www.hp.com).

RDIMM maximum memory configurations

The following table lists the maximum memory configuration possible with 8-GB RDIMMs.

Rank Single-processor Dual-processor

Single-rank Dual-rank Quad-rank

48 GB 96 GB 48 GB 96 GB 32 GB 64 GB

UDIMM maximum memory configurations

The server blade supports a maximum of 12 GB with one processor and 24 GB with two processors using 2-GB single- or dual-rank UDIMMs.

Advanced ECC memory configuration

Advanced ECC memory is the default memory protection mode for this server blade. Standard ECC can correct single-bit memory errors and detect multi-bit memory errors. When multi-bit errors are detected using Standard ECC, the error is signaled to the server blade and causes the server blade to halt.

Advanced ECC protects the server blade against some multi-bit memory errors. Advanced ECC can correct both single-bit memory errors and 4-bit memory errors if all failed bits are on the same DRAM device on the DIMM.

Advanced ECC provides additional protection over Standard ECC because it is possible to correct certain memory errors that would otherwise be uncorrected and result in a server blade failure. The server blade provides notification that correctable error events have exceeded a pre-defined threshold rate.

Mirrored memory configuration

Mirroring provides protection against uncorrected memory errors that would otherwise result in server blade downtime. Mirroring is performed at the channel level. Channels 1 and 2 are used; channel 3 is not populated.

Data is written to both memory channels. Data is read from one of the two memory channels. If an uncorrectable error is detected in the active memory channel, data is retrieved from the mirror channel. This channel becomes the new active channel, and the system disables the channel with the failed DIMM.

Lockstep memory configuration

Lockstep mode provides protection against multi-bit memory errors that occur on the same DRAM device. Lockstep mode can correct any single DRAM device failure on x4 and x8 DIMM types. The DIMMs in each channel must have identical HP part numbers.

Lockstep mode uses channel 1 and channel 2. Channel 3 is not populated. Because channel 3 cannot be populated when using Lockstep mode, the maximum memory capacity is lower than Advanced ECC mode.

Memory performance with Advanced ECC is also slightly higher.

Hardware options installation 30

+ 78 hidden pages

HP ProLiant BL280c G6 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual