Impact

Contributing Factors

Symptoms

There has been several incidents of customers attempting to use unapproved
DIMMs in Sun/Oracle systems.  While in some instances these DIMMs don't
cause any problems, in others they have been known to cause system failures.
Under no condition should service be provided to handle such DIMMs. 

Here is a list of known unapproved/counterfeit DIMMs:

The 501-6109-03 and 501-7386-03 1GB DIMM part numbers are not valid part numbers.

Although they might load into Sun/Oracle systems, they must not be installed by Oracle Service
Personnel or Partners in the Sun Fire E20K, E25K, F12K, F15K, 3800, 4800, 4810, 6800, E2900,
E4900, E6900, V1280, Netra 1280, Netra 20, Sun Blade 1000, 2000, Sun Fire 280R, V480, V490,
V880 and V890 systems.

In addition to the above part numbers, 2GB NGDIMM part number 501-6242 with SPD rev 1.14 is
also invalid. This part has a label on the DIMM that states the vendor is "Samsung" but the prtfru
shows the following:

    Date   = Mon Nov  5 05:29:30 MET 2001
    Vendor = Micron Technology

Sample photos of part number with SPD rev 1.14 are attached to this document.

DIMMs with Micron Module Serial Number D22F72C8 are unapproved DIMMs.
This is a repeated manufacturing serial number and does not have a
programmed Sun part number.

   /SPD_FBDIMM_R/SPD_Module_Serial_Number: D22F72C8

Additional clue:

   o The DIMMs do not have the the Sun_SPD_DIMMR programmed, which is
     typically if the DIMMs were integrated in the field.

FAQ:

1Q: What should I do if I find a 501-6109-03 or 501-7386-03 part numbers or
    501-6242 with SPD ver 1.14 in a Sun/Oracle system?
1A: Inform customers that these parts are not valid Sun/Oracle parts and report
    incident with all relevant details to [email protected] for
    further direction.

2Q: Will these memory DIMMs damage the Sun/Oracle systems?
2A: We are not aware of any damage to systems being caused by the use of these
    unapproved DIMMs.

3Q: Can I order FRU DIMMs to replace unapproved DIMMs?
3A: No, do not order Sun/Oracle DIMMs to replace these DIMMs. Ask the customer to
    work with the DIMM supplier to replace these DIMMs.  Do not attempt to contact
    the supplier yourself for any reason.

Note: If a customer insists on replacing the DIMMs through Sun/Oracle, send an email
      to the [email protected] alias to request further direction.

4Q: What should I do if I find I am being requested to install unapproved DIMMs
    into a system?
4A: Do not install the DIMMs. Inform customers that these parts are not valid
    Sun/Oracle parts and report incident, with all relevant details, to
    [email protected] for further direction.

5Q:  What should I do if I suspect other DIMMs not to be valid parts but are not
     listed is this document?
5A: You should send the details to [email protected] and someone
    from that team will get back to you.

Root Cause

Corrective Action

For information about FAB documents, its release processes, implementation strategies and billing information, go to the following URL:

• http://my.oracle.com/site/cs/17516/17518/17988/24503/index.html

In addition to the above you may email:

• [email protected]

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