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Asset ID: 1-71-1488511.1
Update Date:2012-09-10
Keywords:

Solution Type  Technical Instruction Sure

Solution  1488511.1 :   How to Remove and Replace a Sun Ultra 25/Ultra 45 Workstation Memory Dimm:ATR:1488511.1:1  


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In this Document
Goal
Fix
 OpenBoot PROM Memory Message


Applies to:

Sun Ultra 25 Workstation - Version Not Applicable to Not Applicable [Release N/A]
Sun Ultra 45 Workstation - Version Not Applicable and later
Information in this document applies to any platform.

Goal

 Sun Ultra 25/Ultra 45 Workstation - How to Remove and Replace a Sun Ultra 25 Workstation Memory Dimm

Fix

 DISPATCH INSTRUCTIONS
   WHAT SKILLS DOES THE FIELD ENGINEER/ADMINISTRATOR NEED?:

Sun Ultra 25/Ultra 45 Workstation product training is desirable but not required, as the part is a CRU

   TIME ESTIMATE: 60 mins

   TASK COMPLEXITY: 1

FIELD ENGINEER/ADMINISTRATOR INSTRUCTIONS:
   PROBLEM OVERVIEW: Faulty Memory Dimm

   WHAT STATE SHOULD THE SYSTEM BE IN TO BE READY TO PERFORM THE RESOLUTION ACTIVITY?:

A data backup is not a pre-requisite but is a wise precaution.
The customer should conduct an orderly software system shutdown.


   WHAT ACTION DOES THE FIELD ENGINEER/ADMINISTRATOR NEED TO TAKE?:

DIMM Configuration Rules

Caution - DIMM memory is installed in pairs. If you replace a single DIMM, the new DIMM must be identical to the DIMM that you removed.

Caution - Handle the DIMMs along the outside edges. Do no thandle the DIMM along the gold contact edge. Do not touch DIMM components or other metal parts. Always wear an antistatic wrist strap when handling DIMMs.

Sun Ultra 45 or Ultra 25 workstation memory is installed as matched pairs of DDR-1 SDRAM 266-MHz DIMMs. Within a matched pair, DIMMs must be identical. They must be from the same manufacturer with the same type and number of memory devices, the same amount of memory per device, and the same memory speed.

 - The Sun Ultra 45 or Ultra 25 workstation requires a minimum of two matching DIMMs installed in CPU0

 - DIMM connectors on the motherboard are color-coded blue and black. Beginning with CPU0, install DIMMS in pairs, either in the blue or in the black connectors.

 - If you have four DIMMS and two CPUs, install two DIMMs for CPU0 and two for CPU1 for optimum performance

When the workstation boots, the OpenBoot PROM checks for compatible memory modules.

Before replacing Sun Ultra 45 and Ultra 25 memory, verify that the latest versions of OpenBoot PROM, system firmware, and recommended system patches are installed on your system.

Note - The Ultra 25 workstation has one CPU (CPU0) and one bank of four DIMM slots on the motherboard.

OpenBoot PROM Memory Message

During workstation startup, OpenBoot PROM checks for DIMM type and DIMM manufacturer. TABLE 3-1 shows some checks and the actions taken by the OpenBoot PROM.

 

 TABLE 3-1  OpenBoot PROM Memory Checks and Actions

Check

Message

Action Taken by System

Wrong DIMM type

NOTICE - CPUx Banky DIMMs are incorrect type.

A message is displayed and the workstation powers off.

DIMMs in a pair have different architecture

NOTICE - CPUx Banky DIMMs have different architectures and will not be used.

Workstation does not use dissimilar DIMMs. A message is displayed and the workstation continues to boot; the workstation attempts to use the DIMM pair.

DIMMs in a pair are from different manufacturers

NOTICE - CPUx Banky DIMMs are from different vendors.

Workstation uses DIMMs from different manufacturers. A message is displayed and the workstation continues to boot.


Note - If you only have one DIMM pair installed and those DIMMs have different architectures, the OpenBoot PROM displays a message, and powers off.

Each CPU has four memory slots. The two blue slots make up physical bank 0 and the two black slots make up physical bank 1.

If a problem is found, OpenBoot PROM references memory by bank, for example:


NOTICE - CPU0 Bank 0 DIMMS are from different vendors.

The preceding message means that each of the two DIMMs in the bank 0 slots comes from a different manufacturer. The workstation still attempts to use the DIMMs.


NOTICE - CPU0 Bank 1 DIMMs have different architectures and will not be used.

This message means that each of the two DIMMs in the black slots has a different internal memory layout. The workstation does not use the DIMMs.

The workstation must have at least one functional pair of DIMMs to display a message. A workstation with more than one pair of DIMMs might display more than one message.

Removing a Memory Dimm

1. Power off the system and attach an antistatic wrist strap. Open and position the chassis, and remove the access panel.

2. Identify the DIMM that requires replacing.

3. Release the DIMM by simultaneously pressing down on both ejector levers at the ends of the DIMM slot.

4. Lift the DIMM straight out of the DIMM slot.

Caution - Do not lift the DIMM out of the DIMM slot at an angle. This can damage the edge connector for the DIMM or the DIMM slot.

5. Set the DIMM aside on an antistatic mat.

6. Repeat Step 2 through Step 5 until you have removed all relevant DIMMs.


Installing a Memory Dimm

Caution - If you are installing additional memory, remember that DIMMs must be installed in matched pairs of DIMMs.  The workstation requires a minimum of one pair of matching DIMMs.

The minimum OpenBoot Prom level for the Sun Ultra 45 or Ultra 25 workstations is OpenBoot 4.21.x.

Caution - Use proper ESD grounding techniques when handling components. Wear an antistatic wrist strap and use an antistatic mat. Store ESD-sensitive components in antistatic bags before placing them on any surface.

Caution - Do not remove any DIMM from its antistatic package until you are ready to install it.

1. Power off the system, attach an antistatic wrist strap, open and position the chassis, and remove the access panel.

2. Remove the new DIMM from its antistatic container.

3. Review the recommended DIMM installation and configurations before installing the DIMM.(see DIMM Configuration Rules above)

Caution - If you replace a single DIMM, the replacement DIMM must be identical to the DIMM that you removed.

4. Align the DIMM notch to the DIMM connector key.

5. Using both thumbs, press the DIMM straight down into the DIMM connector slot until both ejector levers close.

 - The DIMM is seated when you hear a click and the ejector levers are in the vertical position.

6. Repeat Step 4 through Step 5 until all DIMMs are installed.

7. Verify that all DIMM ejector levers are upright, seated, and tight.

8. Reassemble the workstation, power on the system, and verify the DIMM installation.

OBTAIN CUSTOMER ACCEPTANCE

   WHAT ACTION DOES THE FIELD ENGINEER/ADMINISTRATOR NEED TO TAKE TO RETURN THE SYSTEM TO AN OPERATIONAL STATE?:

Restart software applications per applicable administration guides to resume system operation.

PARTS NOTE:

https://support.oracle.com/handbook_private/Systems/Ultra25/components.html

https://support.oracle.com/handbook_private/Systems/Ultra45/components.html


REFERENCE INFORMATION:

Please refer to the Sun Ultra 25/Ultra 45 Workstation Service and Diagnostics Manual: http://docs.oracle.com/cd/E19127-01/ultra25.ws/819-1892-12/819-1892-12.pdf


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