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Memory problems

  • Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem is solved.
  • See Parts listing, IBM System x3530 M4 Type 7160 to check if a component is a consumable, structural, or FRU part.
  • If an action step is preceded by (Trained technician only), that step must be performed only by a trained technician.
SymptomAction
The amount of system memory that is displayed is less than the amount of installed physical memory.
Note
If you change memory, you must update the memory configuration in the Setup utility.
  1. Make sure that:
    • No error LEDs are lit on the operator information panel, on the memory tray, or on the MAX5 memory expansion module.
    • Memory mirroring does not account for the discrepancy.
    • The memory modules are seated correctly (see Removing a memory module and Replacing a memory module).
    • You have installed the correct type of memory.
    • If you changed the memory, you updated the memory configuration in the Setup utility.
    • All banks of memory are enabled. The server might have automatically disabled a memory bank when it detected a problem, or a memory bank might have been manually disabled.
  2. Check the POST event log:
    • If a DIMM was disabled by a systems-management interrupt (SMI), replace the DIMM.
    • If a DIMM was disabled by the user or by POST, run the Setup utility and enable the DIMM.
  3. Run memory diagnostics (see Running the DSA Preboot diagnostic programs).
  4. Make sure that there is no memory mismatch when the server is at the minimum memory configuration ( see Installing a memory module for information about DIMM rules and population sequence).
  5. Reseat the DIMM.
  6. Restart the server.
Multiple rows of DIMMs in a branch are identified as failing.
  1. Reseat the DIMMs; then, restart the server.
  2. Remove the lowest-numbered DIMM pair of those that are identified and replace it with an identical pair of known good DIMMs; then, restart the server. Repeat as necessary. If the failures continue after all identified pairs are replaced, go to step 4.
  3. Return the removed DIMMs, one pair at a time, to their original connectors, restarting the server after each pair, until a pair fails. Replace each DIMM in the failed pair with an identical known good DIMM, restarting the server after each DIMM. Replace the failed DIMM. Repeat step 3 until you have tested all removed DIMMs.
  4. Replace the lowest-numbered DIMM pair of those identified; then, restart the server. Repeat as necessary.
  5. (Trained technician only) Replace the system board.