Memory Reference Code Not Cleared for AP's Resulting in False SPX86-8001-ME Population Errors

Asset ID:	1-72-1557029.1
Update Date:	2016-11-15
Keywords:

Solution Type Problem Resolution Sure

Solution 1557029.1 : Memory Reference Code Not Cleared for AP's Resulting in False SPX86-8001-ME Population Errors

Applies to:

Sun Fire X4270 M2 Server - Version Not Applicable and later
Sun Fire X4170 Server - Version Not Applicable and later
Oracle Exalogic Elastic Cloud X2-2 Hardware - Version All Versions and later
Exalogic Elastic Cloud X3-2 Hardware - Version All Versions and later
Sun Blade X6270 Server Module - Version Not Applicable and later
Information in this document applies to any platform.

Symptoms

The Intel microprocessor supports logging of errors using the MCA (machine check architecture).

MCA will indite memory error if an error occurs and report the errors to iLOM for diagnosis output.

There is an issue with early platform firmware that results in false SPX86-8001-ME errors being reported by iLOM under certain conditions.

The conditions are as follows:

The platform tests Intel CPU's during POST (Power On Self Test) and reports any errors found to iLOM. However during this time, only the BSP (Boot Strap Processor) is active.

All other processors (AP's - Auxiliary Processors) are run through a series of tests but the test execution is stored in a special scratchpad area for reporting later in the boot cycle.

BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) typically reads and clears this scratchpad area to diagnose issues.

The condition that results in a possible SPX86-8001-ME is seen when a platform is reset during initialisation which does not allow for the scratchpad area to be cleared by BIOS and reports the scratchpad test execution as real errors on the next platform power-on.

On the next power-on BIOS will check the MC registers (Memory reference Code) and send the error information to iLOM if the MC registers were set.

iLOM will then report the error as a population violation.

The scratchpad was not cleared correctly so the error is reported falsely.

Error signature with iLOM Fault Diagnostics / ASR:

Fault class : fault.memory.intel.dimm.none

FRU : /SYS/MB
(Part Number: 111-1234-01)
(Serial Number: SOMESERNU)

Description : Memory DIMMs are not populated.

Response : BIOS forwards error telemetry to the SP for diagnosis and logging in ILOM event log.

Impact : The entire memory subsystem is unusable and there is no video output.

Action : The administrator should review the ILOM event log for additional information pertaining to this diagnosis. Please refer to the Details section of the Knowledge Article for additional information. Product Manufacturer = ORACLE CORPORATION

Changes

Platform reset / rebooted

Cause

System scratchpad not cleared

Solution

Platform firmware was updated to resolve this issue however, since there are multiple platforms involved, the minimum firmware for each platform is being described here.

Please clear this error as detailed below then update your platform with the following firmware version or higher.

set /SYS/MB/PX/DX clear_fault_action=true

(where PX/DX represents the processor/DIMM your error appeared on e.g. P0/D8)

Then install the following version of firmware or above if another is available.

This was the latest version available during the writing of this document:

Sun Fire X4170 <Patch: 16838772> - ILOM 3.0.16.15.c, BIOS 07.06.03.07 (SW 2.6.3)

Sun Fire X4270 <Patch: 16838826> - ILOM 3.0.16.15.c, BIOS 07.06.03.07 (SW 2.6.3)

Sun Fire X4275 <Patch: 16838852> - ILOM 3.0.16.15.c, BIOS 07.06.03.07 (SW 2.6.3)

Sun Fire X4470 <Patch: 16405063> - ILOM 3.0.16.13.b, BIOS 09.05.02.00 (SW 1.5)

Sun Fire X4170 M2 <Patch: 16832629> - ILOM 3.1.2.20.a, BIOS 08.14.01.03 (SW 1.7.1)

Sun Fire X4270 M2 <Patch: 16832680> - ILOM 3.1.2.20.a, BIOS 08.14.01.03 (SW 1.7.1)

Sun Fire X4470 M2 (X2-4) <Patch: 16404931> - ILOM: 3.1.2.24.b, BIOS 16.04.02.00 (SW 1.4)

Sun Blade X6270 Server Module <Patch: 15944807> - ILOM 3.0.16.17a, BIOS 07.07.01.03 (SW 2.5.1)

Sun Blade X6270 M2 Server Module <Patch: 14568638> - ILOM 3.0.16.11h, BIOS 08.07.03.06 (SW 1.4.1)

For Oracle EXALOGIC X2-2 and Oracle EXALOGIC X3-2, your platform bundle will include the required firmware to resolve this issue.

Consult your platform service manual for full instructions on the firmware update procedure.

See also <Document: 1557001.1> Memory Reference Code Not Cleared for AP's Resulting in False SPX86-8001-U5 UE Error.

Bug References:

<Bug: 15772044>

<Bug: 15770526> (Duplicate)

See also SPX86-8001-ME - Memory DIMMs are not Populated <Document: 1021412.1>

Product Issues Pages:

Sun Fire X4170 X4270 X4275 Current Product Issues <Document: 1345581.1>

Sun Fire X4170 M2, X4270 M2 Current Product Issues <Document:1345623.1>

Oracle EXALOGIC Current Product Issues X2-2 , X3-2 <Document:1360310.1>

Sun Blade X6270 Server Module Current Product Issues <Document:1363764.1>

Sun Blade X6275 M2 (Varu+) Server Module Current Product Issues <Document:1363762.1>

Sun Netra X6270 M2 Server Module Current Product Issues <Document:1363768.1>

References

<NOTE:1557001.1> - Memory Reference Code Not Cleared for Auxiliary Processors Resulting in False SPX86-8001-U5 UE Error
<BUG:15772044> - SUNBT7144259 EXALOGIC: ILOM REPORTING BAD MEMORY DIMMS
<BUG:15770526> - SUNBT7142212 LYNX+ EXHIBITING FALSE UE FAULTS ON SYSTEM INITIALIZATION WITH LATE

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