CPU Upgrade for Dell T420?

Question

Hello, I am looking to upgrade the Intel Xeon E5-2407 (V1) cpu in a Dell T420. Are the V2 and V3 versions of the E5-2400 series compatible? Or do I have to stick to V1? Thanks!

Dell-Martin S · Answer

Hi, to ensure your PowerEdge T420 recognizes both CPUs and the full 192GB of RAM, follow these steps:

1. Verify Hardware Installation

CPUs:
- Ensure both CPUs (E5-2470V2) are properly seated in their sockets (CPU1 and CPU2).
- Confirm that the heatsinks are correctly installed and making proper contact with the CPUs.
- Check for any bent pins in the CPU sockets.
RAM:
- Ensure all RAM modules are fully seated in their slots.
- The PowerEdge T420 requires RAM to be installed in a specific configuration for dual-CPU operation. Refer to the Dell documentation for the correct slot population.
- For dual-CPU operation, RAM must be evenly distributed between both CPUs (e.g., 96GB per CPU).

2. BIOS Settings

Access the BIOS:
- Restart the server and press F2 during boot to enter the BIOS setup.
Enable Multi-CPU Support:
- Navigate to Processor Settings and ensure both CPUs are detected and enabled.
- If only one CPU is detected, check the hardware installation again.
Memory Configuration:
- Go to Memory Settings and verify that all RAM modules are recognized.
- Ensure the memory mode is set to Optimizer Mode (or similar) for optimal performance.
Update BIOS:
- If issues persist, update the BIOS to the latest version from Dell's support site. Older BIOS versions may not fully support your hardware configuration.

3. Operating System (OS) Check

Windows:
- Open Task Manager > Performance tab. Check if both CPUs and the total RAM are listed.
- If not, the OS may not support the hardware or require a reinstall.
Linux:
- Run lscpu to check CPU detection and free -h or cat /proc/meminfo for RAM.
OS Limitations:
- Ensure your OS supports the amount of RAM installed (e.g., Windows Server editions have different RAM limits).

4. Additional Troubleshooting

Reseat Components:
- Power off the server, reseat the CPUs and RAM, and reboot.
Test Individual Components:
- Test each CPU and RAM bank individually to isolate any faulty hardware.
Check Dell Diagnostics:
- Run the Dell Diagnostics tool (available on the support site) to identify hardware issues.

Telis · Answer

Is the 2470v2 supported?  It isn't on your list but it is a 2400v2 series processor?

Dev Mgr · Answer

The 2470v2 is on that list; it is the first one in the list.

mvincent2k · Answer

I know this is an old thread but where did the CPU compatibility list come from? I cant find an updated one anywhere for the T420 or in the support docs/manuals etc.

With the latest BIOS upgrades for 2020 I was just told by a Dell customer service rep that the V3 are now supported on the T420 as well as possibly other variants. Looking to purchase the most powerful CPUs compatible since the customer cannot migrate yet.

I always like to confirm things in writing.....Can someone post a link to the updated list?

Thank you

DELL-Chris H · Answer

Mvincent2k,

There isn't a publicly facing list that is updated, other than parts listed for the server on the Dell page. The list that was supplied was an internal list.

Regarding the V3 processors, I am not seeing anything showing they're supported, regardless of BIOS level. I am also not showing there any listed parts for them beyond V2's. It appears the 2.4Ghz 25MB E5-2470V2 (part # RR182) is the fastest listed.

Let me know if this helps.

DELL-Chris H · Answer

Mvincent2k,

That is correct, that Hynix is the fastest quad ranked, it's part # JGGRT. There is another quad ranked 32GB dimm, but it is a low voltage 1333Mhz version, compared to JGGRT 1866Mhz.

Let me know if this helps.

mvincent2k · Answer

Thanks Chris, That confirms what I was seeing as well. Can you confirm the memory on the internal Dell list? I was also told that the following is the fastest compatible memory and is quad ranked: Hynix HMT84GL7AMR4C-RD 32GB 4Rx4 PC3-14900L Thanks

KASIPHAT · Answer

DELL-Chris H : I just upgrade (CPU: CPU1=E5-2470V2 and CPU2=E5-2470V2) and (RAM A=16GBx6=96GB and B=16GBx6=96GB) for my PowerEdge T420. But in the system setting find only CPU-1 and RAM-A. Help to recommend How can I do for My PowerEdge T420 can work with 2 CPU and 192 GB of RAM.

tonschk · Answer

@KASIPHAT​ I dont understand which is the problem, I have two T420, one with two E5-2470V2 and 192GB of RAM 16GB x12 modules and the other T420 using two E5-2450V2 also with 192GB of RAM 16GB x12 modules, both T420  therefore working fine with two CPU

Sycorexx · Answer

@DELL-Chris H ​ What I was looking for!

PowerEdge Hardware General

CPU Upgrade for Dell T420?

1. Verify Hardware Installation

2. BIOS Settings

3. Operating System (OS) Check

4. Additional Troubleshooting

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