IBM Support

Quad-Rank fully buffered DIMM support - Servers

Troubleshooting


Problem

The system reports a mismatched DIMM-pair and disables the DIMM-pair at POST when Quad-Rank Memory Fully Buffered DIMM is paired with non-Quad-Rank DIMM. Also, the system may not recognize the installed Quad-Rank DIMM if the BIOS is down level. The new Quad-Rank Fully Buffered DIMM Option and FRU part numbers are listed below: OPTION FRU DESCRIPTION 46C7418 46C7421 1 GB 1Rx8 DDR2-667 PC2-5300 555 FBDIMM with AMB+ version of Advanced Memory Buffer device. 46C7419 46C7422 2 GB 2Rx8 DDR2-667 PC2-5300 555 FBDIMM with AMB+ version of Advanced Memory Buffer device. 46C7420 46C7423 4 GB 4Rx8 DDR2-667 PC2-5300 555 FBDIMM with AMB+ version of Advanced Memory Buffer device. Note: Option number is for two-DIMM kit.

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H193428

Symptom

The system reports a mismatched DIMM-pair and disables the DIMM-pair at POST when Quad-Rank Memory Fully Buffered DIMM is paired with non-Quad-Rank DIMM. Also, the system may not recognize the installed Quad-Rank DIMM if the BIOS is down level.

The new Quad-Rank Fully Buffered DIMM option and replacement part numbers are listed below:

 
OPTION Replacement
part number
DESCRIPTION
Note: Option number is for two-DIMM kit.
46C7418 46C7421 1 GB 1Rx8 DDR2-667 PC2-5300 555 FBDIMM with AMB+ version of Advanced Memory Buffer device.
46C7419 46C7422 2 GB 2Rx8 DDR2-667 PC2-5300 555 FBDIMM with AMB+ version of Advanced Memory Buffer device.
46C7420 46C7423 4 GB 4Rx8 DDR2-667 PC2-5300 555 FBDIMM with AMB+ version of Advanced Memory Buffer device.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM servers:

  • BladeCenter HS21 XM, type 1915, any model
  • BladeCenter HS21 XM, type 7995, any model
  • BladeCenter HS21, type 1885, any model
  • BladeCenter HS21, type 8853, any model
  • System x3400, type 7973, any model
  • System x3400, type 7974, any model
  • System x3400, type 7975, any model
  • System x3400, type 7976, any model
  • System x3500, type 7977, any model
  • System x3550, type 1013, any model
  • System x3550, type 1913, any model
  • System x3550, type 7978, any model
  • System x3650, type 1914, any model

The following system BIOS level(s) are affected:

  - Listed below

This tip is not option specific.

This tip is not software specific.

Solution

Ensure that the affected DIMM pair(s) are using the same technology with matched option and/or replacement part numbers. The following BIOS versions are the minimum levels required to support Quad-Rank memory options:

 
MACHINE TYPE BUILD LEVEL RELEASE
8853, 1885 BCE136AUS v1.13
7995, 1915 MJE128AUS v1.10
7979, 1914 GGE139GUS v1.11
7978, 1913 GFE138AUS v1.11
7973, 7974 SPE165A v1.65
7975, 7976 SPE165A v1.65
7977 SPE165A v1.65

Additional information

Memory DIMMs within the same bank must be the same type, same speed, and same technology (same memory DIMM option number).

Memory DIMMs within different banks can be a different type and different technology, but must be the same speed.

Each memory DIMM speed is based on the rating shown on the IBM barcode label, not the supplier's label.

Document Location

Worldwide

Operating System

BladeCenter:Operating system independent / None

System x:Operating system independent / None

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Document Information

Modified date:
18 April 2023

UID

ibm1MIGR-5076388