Question IBM XSeries 342: All memory faults during startup
Question IBM XSeries 342: All memory faults during startup
I own three very similar IBM xSeries 342 rack servers. Their CMOS batteries have failed, so I've replaced them and reconfigured all DIMMs, PCI cards, and VRMs. All three now show the MEM error and the lights for each of the four RAM slots when powered on. I've tried swapping DIMMs and using only two at a time, but nothing works. Anyone know what could be wrong? These were reliable workhorses that shouldn't fail after years of use. Now I'm considering taking them apart to salvage usable parts.
Problem Solved!
At one point, a technician experimented with the memory in these systems and failed to restore them properly!
The MB has 4 DIMM slots, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 4.
The correct method is:
First fill Slots 1 and 4
Then fill Slots 2 and 3
Each memory in Slots 1 & 4 must be identical in size and timing
Each memory in Slots 2 & 3 must also be identical in size and timing
The pair from 1 to 4 doesn't need to match the pair from 2 to 3.