RAID problems - 4e/Di controller

Question

Hi there.

I have a Dell PE 6850 server with PERC 4e/Di RAID Controller.

The issue that i have is when i create RAID 5. I am doing a basic config, Initializing and saving settings.

Right after that, i am doing a reboot and boot from ESXi installation CD ( i know that versions 4.1, 4.0, 3.5 are supported ) Installation begins but its freezing on 19%. I waited four hours without progress.

Then I rebooted the server and i got the error : "Memory/Battery problems were detected. The adapter has recovered, but cached data was lost. Press any key to continue."

The battery is brand new, so i dont think that it is causing the problem.

Is the problem caused by the memory ? Also i know that Maximum supported memory for this RAID controller is 256mb. Would it be possible to put 512 instead ?

Any help/comments are appreciated.

Krasimir

DELL-Geoff P · Answer

Here is how you can determine if the memory is causing the problem:

1. Power down the server, pull the power cord and drain the power off the board by holding in the power button.

2. Open the case, disconnect the battery from the Perc controller.

3. Pull the memory DIMM off the controller.

4. Pull all your memory from the server, then put the RAID DIMM in slot 1. Power up the server, and use our diagnostics to test the memory: http://ftp.dell.com/diags/DELL_32-BIT-DIAGNOSTICS_5154-1_R302859.exe download this to your PC and create a bootable CD or floppy. Run MpMemory

If it passes, then your RAID DIMM is fine. Put the DIMM back in the Perc controller, and then hook up the battery. Reinsert all your memory and then put the power cord back on and power up the server.

5. If the error persists, you may have a bad controller.

Regards,

KMinev · Answer

I have a Riser for the memory. I should put it into Slot 1A, correct ? i did it, but the result is beeping only without booting. I read somewhere that the server cannot run with one memoery only.

Also another thing that i noticed is, that there is a blinking lamp on the motherboard, near the DIMM slot for the RAID memory. It states R2F1 DS2F1 ( i can take a picture of it too )

Krasimir

KMinev · Answer

Thank you for your prompt reply, Geoff!

I tried this, but the server wont start with only 1 memory into it. it keeps beeping and i cannot see anything on the Display.

Now i will try to put all ram inside and do the tests.

Thank you, again!

Krasimir

KMinev · Answer

Its not on every boot. When i do a factory reset on the RAID controller, during the next boot i dont get this message. So i am able to configure RAID and then i am doing a reboot, and begin with the installation. Then it held on 19% and when i reboot i have this message. I have already replaced the battery.

The LCD is with dead pixels and its almost impossible to understand anything from it. But its Orange, not blue.

theflash1932 · Answer

Are you getting the memory/battery message on EVERY boot?  Is the status LCD amber with a ROMB Battery code, or is it blue?  If blue and you are getting the memory/battery message on every boot, then you need to replace the RAID memory.  I have never seen/heard anyone upgrading the PERC 4 memory beyond 256MB ... RAID controllers are VERY picky about their memory (timing, layout, etc.), so I wouldn't recommend even trying (unless you have time and money on your hands and a desire to try).  I have heard of people 'upgrading' a PERC 5 to 512MB, but it still only uses 256MB for cache ... no reason to go through the hassle.

KMinev · Answer

Okay.

Quick update for everyone - the problem was in the memory. I have replaced it and now i am running successfully ESXi.

Thank you everyone. We can mark this topic as closed and keep it for further review if needed.

Cheers!

PowerEdge HDD/SCSI/RAID

RAID problems - 4e/Di controller

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