IBM eServer 336 memory problem

[TomazBAD]

Hi
I have eServer 336 8837 and i have memory problem with it.
Well let me tell you my problem.
My server support 16Gb ram on 8 slots.
And with 2Gb ram on one slot max. So i have buy more then 8GB ram.
But when i install in slot 8GB ram (4x2GB) then my server work as it should.
When i add 2 more i mean in slot 5 and 6 then my server wont start.
But i use all the same memory and i tested it. I never before have IBM server
so please i need help what to do. And how to install all 16GB memory.
I am thinking that in system board must be some kind of jumper or something, but
i cannot find it.

http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-57157

Please help me
Thank you in advanced.

 

[goombawaho]

You are positive that all memory is the same (speed and ECC vs. non-ECC). It says the following for RAM specs:
Type: 2-way interleaved PC3200, 400 MHz, ECC DDR II SDRAM, registered DIMMs only

I would make sure they are all ECC and registered DIMMs.

Second thought - Is there a BIOS update. Newer BIOS often include support for more memory or larger DIMMs.

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.

 

[rclarke250]

And the memory must have chipkill. The only memory supported for this machine by IBM in 2GB dimms is 39M5815 IBM memory. They do not support 3rd party memory, that doesn't mean it won't work, just that IBM will not support it. It is also possible that a slot on the board is bad. There is LPD, light path diagnostics on this board, when it doesn't start, are any of the LEDs on the board lit?

 

[goombawaho]

Crucial says, regarding chipkill (believe them or not).
"The parts we currently offer do not support chipkill. However, these parts are fully compatible with this server.Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.Installed in pairs of modules."

http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/IBM-...-server+xSeries+336+(Type+8837)-upgrades.html

Yes, it would be best if the memory were 100% alike - all ECC and chipkill variety.

IBM memory

http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?lndocid=migr-56197

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.

 

[TomazBAD]

Wow thank you so much guys.
But i look all this and all this is good.
I think as i read now my bios is really old
and i think i will change it first then see how will work.
Because all memory are the same and 4 pair work only 6 pair
dont work and its always the same wich memory i add in.
But alaways i use EEC and reg. one with the same speed and
the same memory.

I will be post when i change bios.
Tnx again

 

[rclarke250]

The chipkill is more for the extra memory configurations that can be run on this server. It's so the server can turn off memory that has an issue, and then turn on memory that is sitting there to be allocated in case there is a failure. You can also run memory mirroring, think of it as raid 1 for ram.

 

[TomazBAD]

Yes i total understund you.
Thank you for your help, but i dont have any
led wich is showing that any memory stick is broke,
because i test all before, but now all togethere.
My problem is that when i install all 3 or 4 pair
(they are totaly the same and IBM one) my server
only make noise 3 times (3 times bip) and then ventilators
run and monitor is black and no error message and nothing on
monitor.
If you mybe know where i can get new version of BIOS and some
tutorial i will be so happy.
Thank you so much

 

[goombawaho]

http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entr...nd=5350884&productContext=-1078210456#5350898

"Living tomorrow is everyone's sorrow.
Modern man's daydreams have turned into nightmares.

 

[TomazBAD]

Awsome
Thank you.