IBM System x3950 User manual

IBM System x3950 Ty pe 8878
and System x3950 ETy pe 8879
Problem Determination and Service Guide


IBM System x3950 Ty pe 8878
and System x3950 ETy p e 8879
Problem Determination and Service Guide


Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, read the general information in Appendix B, “Notices,” on page
163.
The most recent version of this document is available at http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/xseries/index.html.
13th Edition (November 2006)
©Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2006. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights –Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.

Contents
Safety ............................ vii
Guidelines for trained service technicians ............... viii
Inspecting for unsafe conditions ................. viii
Guidelines for servicing electrical equipment ............. viii
Safety statements ........................x
Chapter 1. Introduction ......................1
Related documentation ......................1
Notices and statements in this document ................2
Features and specifications .....................3
Server controls, LEDs, and connectors ................4
Front view ..........................4
Rear view ..........................6
Internal LEDs, connectors, and jumpers ................8
I/O board internal connectors and jumpers ..............8
Memory-card connectors.....................9
Memory-card LEDs .......................9
Microprocessor-board connectors and LEDs .............10
PCI-X board connectors ....................10
PCI-X board LEDs ......................11
SAS-backplane connectors ...................11
Chapter 2. Diagnostics .....................13
Diagnostic tools ........................13
POST ............................13
POST beep codes ......................14
Error logs ..........................19
POST error codes.......................21
Checkout procedure .......................35
About the checkout procedure ..................35
Performing the checkout procedure ................36
Checkpoint codes (trained service technicians only) ...........36
Troubleshooting tables ......................37
CD or DVD drive problems ...................37
General problems .......................38
Hard disk drive problems ....................38
Intermittent problems......................39
Keyboard, mouse, or pointing-device problems ............39
USB keyboard, mouse, or pointing-device problems ..........40
Memory problems .......................42
Microprocessor problems ....................43
Monitor problems .......................44
Optional-device problems ....................46
Power problems .......................47
Serial port problems ......................48
ServerGuide problems .....................49
Software problems ......................49
Universal Serial Bus (USB) port problems ..............50
Video problems........................50
Light path diagnostics ......................50
Remind button ........................52
Light path diagnostic LEDs ...................53
Power-supply LEDs .......................58
©Copyright IBM Corp. 2006 iii

Diagnostic programs, messages, and error codes ............60
Running the diagnostic programs .................60
Diagnostic text messages ....................61
Viewing the test log ......................61
Diagnostic error codes .....................61
Real Time Diagnostics ......................78
Recovering from aBIOS update failure ................78
System-error log messages ....................80
POST and SMI error messages...................92
Solving SCSI problems ..................... 104
Solving power problems ..................... 105
Solving Ethernet controller problems ................ 105
Solving undetermined problems .................. 106
Calling IBM for service ..................... 107
Chapter 3. Parts listing, Type 8878 and 8879 ............ 109
Server replaceable units ..................... 111
Power cords .........................113
Chapter 4. Removing and replacing server components ........117
Installation guidelines ......................117
System reliability guidelines ...................118
Working inside the server with the power on.............119
Handling static-sensitive devices .................119
Returning adevice or component.................119
Connecting the cables...................... 120
Removing and replacing Tier 1CRUs ................ 121
Adapter .......................... 121
DVD drive ......................... 122
Hot-swap fan ........................ 123
Hot-swap power supply .................... 124
Memory card and memory module (DIMM) ............. 126
Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine .............. 129
ServeRAID-8i adapter ..................... 130
Top cover and bezel ..................... 131
Removing and replacing Tier 2CRUs ................ 132
Battery .......................... 132
I/O board ......................... 133
Operator information panel assembly ............... 135
PCI-X adapter guide ..................... 136
Power-supply structure .................... 137
SAS backplane ....................... 138
Removing and replacing FRUs .................. 139
Front-panel assembly ..................... 139
Microprocessor tray and microprocessor .............. 140
PCI-X board assembly .................... 145
PCI-X switch card assembly .................. 146
Power backplane ...................... 147
Scalability cartridge assembly .................. 149
Chapter 5. Configuration information and instructions ........ 151
Updating the firmware ...................... 151
Configuring the server ...................... 151
Using the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD........... 151
Using the UpdateXpress program ................ 152
Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program ............ 152
iv IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 EType 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Installing and using the baseboard management controller utility programs 158
Using the SAS/SATA Configuration Utility program .......... 158
Configuring the Ethernet controller ................ 158
Using the PXE boot agent utility program.............. 159
Using the ServeRAID configuration programs ............ 159
Using the Scalable Partition Web Interface ............. 159
Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance .......... 161
Before you call ........................ 161
Using the documentation ..................... 161
Getting help and information from the World Wide Web ......... 162
Software service and support ................... 162
Hardware service and support ................... 162
IBM Taiwan product service .................... 162
Appendix B. Notices ...................... 163
Trademarks.......................... 163
Important notes ........................ 164
Product recycling and disposal .................. 165
Battery return program ..................... 166
Electronic emission notices .................... 167
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) statement ........ 167
Industry Canada Class Aemission compliance statement ........ 167
Australia and New Zealand Class Astatement ............ 167
United Kingdom telecommunications safety requirement ........ 167
European Union EMC Directive conformance statement ........ 168
Taiwanese Class Awarning statement ............... 168
Chinese Class Awarning statement ................ 168
Japanese Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) statement 168
Index ............................ 169
Contents v

vi IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 EType 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Safety
Before installing this product, read the Safety Information.
Antes de instalar este produto, leia as Informações de Segurança.
Pred instalací tohoto produktu si prectete prírucku bezpecnostních instrukcí.
Læs sikkerhedsforskrifterne, før du installerer dette produkt.
Lees voordat udit product installeert eerst de veiligheidsvoorschriften.
Ennen kuin asennat tämän tuotteen, lue turvaohjeet kohdasta Safety Information.
Avant d’installer ce produit, lisez les consignes de sécurité.
Vor der Installation dieses Produkts die Sicherheitshinweise lesen.
Prima di installare questo prodotto, leggere le Informazioni sulla Sicurezza.
Les sikkerhetsinformasjonen (Safety Information) før du installerer dette produktet.
Antes de instalar este produto, leia as Informações sobre Segurança.
Antes de instalar este producto, lea la información de seguridad.
Läs säkerhetsinformationen innan du installerar den här produkten.
©Copyright IBM Corp. 2006 vii

Guidelines for trained service technicians
This section contains information for trained service technicians.
Inspecting for unsafe conditions
Use the information in this section to help you identify potential unsafe conditions in
an IBM product that you are working on. Each IBM product, as it was designed and
manufactured, has required safety items to protect users and service technicians
from injury. The information in this section addresses only those items. Use good
judgment to identify potential unsafe conditions that might be caused by non-IBM
alterations or attachment of non-IBM features or options that are not addressed in
this section. If you identify an unsafe condition, you must determine how serious the
hazard is and whether you must correct the problem before you work on the
product.
Consider the following conditions and the safety hazards that they present:
vElectrical hazards, especially primary power. Primary voltage on the frame can
cause serious or fatal electrical shock.
vExplosive hazards, such as adamaged CRT face or abulging capacitor.
vMechanical hazards, such as loose or missing hardware.
To inspect the product for potential unsafe conditions, complete the following steps:
1. Make sure that the power is off and the power cord is disconnected.
2. Make sure that the exterior cover is not damaged, loose, or broken, and
observe any sharp edges.
3. Check the power cord:
vMake sure that the third-wire ground connector is in good condition. Use a
meter to measure third-wire ground continuity for 0.1 ohm or less between
the external ground pin and the frame ground.
vMake sure that the power cord is the correct type, as specified in “Power
cords” on page 113.
vMake sure that the insulation is not frayed or worn.
4. Remove the cover.
5. Check for any obvious non-IBM alterations. Use good judgment as to the safety
of any non-IBM alterations.
6. Check inside the server for any obvious unsafe conditions, such as metal filings,
contamination, water or other liquid, or signs of fire or smoke damage.
7. Check for worn, frayed, or pinched cables.
8. Make sure that the power-supply cover fasteners (screws or rivets) have not
been removed or tampered with.
Guidelines for servicing electrical equipment
Observe the following guidelines when servicing electrical equipment:
vCheck the area for electrical hazards such as moist floors, nongrounded power
extension cords, power surges, and missing safety grounds.
vUse only approved tools and test equipment. Some hand tools have handles that
are covered with asoft material that does not provide insulation from live
electrical currents.
vRegularly inspect and maintain your electrical hand tools for safe operational
condition. Do not use worn or broken tools or testers.
viii IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 EType 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide

vDo not touch the reflective surface of adental mirror to alive electrical circuit.
The surface is conductive and can cause personal injury or equipment damage if
it touches alive electrical circuit.
vSome rubber floor mats contain small conductive fibers to decrease electrostatic
discharge. Do not use this type of mat to protect yourself from electrical shock.
vDo not work alone under hazardous conditions or near equipment that has
hazardous voltages.
vLocate the emergency power-off (EPO) switch, disconnecting switch, or electrical
outlet so that you can turn off the power quickly in the event of an electrical
accident.
vDisconnect all power before you perform amechanical inspection, work near
power supplies, or remove or install main units.
vBefore you work on the equipment, disconnect the power cord. If you cannot
disconnect the power cord, have the customer power-off the wall box that
supplies power to the equipment and lock the wall box in the off position.
vNever assume that power has been disconnected from acircuit. Check it to
make sure that it has been disconnected.
vIf you have to work on equipment that has exposed electrical circuits, observe
the following precautions:
–Make sure that another person who is familiar with the power-off controls is
near you and is available to turn off the power if necessary.
–When you are working with powered-on electrical equipment, use only one
hand. Keep the other hand in your pocket or behind your back to avoid
creating acomplete circuit that could cause an electrical shock.
–When using atester, set the controls correctly and use the approved probe
leads and accessories for that tester.
–Stand on asuitable rubber mat to insulate you from grounds such as metal
floor strips and equipment frames.
v
Use extreme care when measuring high voltages.
vTo ensure proper grounding of components such as power supplies, pumps,
blowers, fans, and motor generators, do not service these components outside of
their normal operating locations.
vIf an electrical accident occurs, use caution, turn off the power, and send another
person to get medical aid.
Safety ix

Safety statements
Important:
Each caution and danger statement in this documentation begins with anumber.
This number is used to cross reference an English-language caution or danger
statement with translated versions of the caution or danger statement in the Safety
Information document.
For example, if acaution statement begins with anumber 1, translations for that
caution statement appear in the Safety Information document under statement 1.
Be sure to read all caution and danger statements in this documentation before
performing the instructions. Read any additional safety information that comes with
your server or optional device before you install the device.
xIBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 EType 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Statement 1:
DANGER
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication cables is
hazardous.
To avoid ashock hazard:
vDo not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation,
maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical
storm.
vConnect all power cords to aproperly wired and grounded electrical
outlet.
vConnect to properly wired outlets any equipment that will be attached to
this product.
vWhen possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect signal
cables.
vNever turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire, water, or
structural damage.
vDisconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems,
networks, and modems before you open the device covers, unless
instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration procedures.
vConnect and disconnect cables as described in the following table when
installing, moving, or opening covers on this product or attached
devices.
To Connect: To Disconnect:
1. Turn everything OFF.
2. First, attach all cables to devices.
3. Attach signal cables to connectors.
4. Attach power cords to outlet.
5. Turn device ON.
1. Turn everything OFF.
2. First, remove power cords from outlet.
3. Remove signal cables from connectors.
4. Remove all cables from devices.
Safety xi

Statement 2:
CAUTION:
When replacing the lithium battery, use only IBM Part Number 33F8354 or an
equivalent type battery recommended by the manufacturer. If your system has
amodule containing alithium battery, replace it only with the same module
type made by the same manufacturer. The battery contains lithium and can
explode if not properly used, handled, or disposed of.
Do not:
vThrow or immerse into water
vHeat to more than 100°C (212°F)
vRepair or disassemble
Dispose of the battery as required by local ordinances or regulations.
Statement 3:
CAUTION:
When laser products (such as CD-ROMs, DVD drives, fiber optic devices, or
transmitters) are installed, note the following:
vDo not remove the covers. Removing the covers of the laser product could
result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation. There are no serviceable
parts inside the device.
vUse of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein might result in hazardous radiation exposure.
DANGER
Some laser products contain an embedded Class 3A or Class 3B laser
diode. Note the following.
Laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view directly
with optical instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the beam.
xii IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 EType 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Statement 4:
≥18 kg (39.7 lb) ≥32 kg (70.5 lb) ≥55 kg (121.2 lb)
CAUTION:
Use safe practices when lifting.
Statement 5:
CAUTION:
The power control button on the device and the power switch on the power
supply do not turn off the electrical current supplied to the device. The device
also might have more than one power cord. To remove all electrical current
from the device, ensure that all power cords are disconnected from the power
source.
1
2
Safety xiii

Statement 8:
CAUTION:
Never remove the cover on apower supply or any part that has the following
label attached.
Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present inside any
component that has this label attached. There are no serviceable parts inside
these components. If you suspect aproblem with one of these parts, contact
aservice technician.
Statement 26:
CAUTION:
Do not place any object weighing more than 82 kg (180 lb) on top of
rack-mounted devices.
>82 kg (180 lb)
xiv IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 EType 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Chapter 1. Introduction
This Problem Determination and Service Guide contains information to help you
solve problems that might occur in your IBM®System x3950 Type 8878 and System
x3950 EType 8879 server. It describes the diagnostic tools that come with the
server, error codes and suggested actions, and instructions for replacing failing
components.
Replaceable components are of three types:
vTier 1customer replaceable unit (CRU): Replacement of Tier 1CRUs is your
responsibility. If IBM installs aTier 1CRU at your request, you will be charged for
the installation.
vTier 2customer replaceable unit: You may install aTier 2CRU yourself or
request IBM to install it, at no additional charge, under the type of warranty
service that is designated for your server.
vField replaceable unit (FRU): FRUs must be installed only by trained service
technicians.
For information about the terms of the warranty and getting service and assistance,
see the Warranty and Support Information document.
Related documentation
In addition to this document, the following documentation also comes with the
server:
vInstallation Guide
This printed document contains instructions for setting up the server and basic
instructions for installing some optional devices.
vUser’s Guide
This document is in Portable Document Format (PDF) on the IBM System x™
Documentation CD. It provides general information about the server, including
information about features, and how to configure the server. It also contains
detailed instructions for installing, removing, and connecting optional devices that
the server supports.
vRack Installation Instructions
This printed document contains instructions for installing the server in arack.
vSafety Information
This document is in PDF on the IBM System xDocumentation CD. It contains
translated caution and danger statements. Each caution and danger statement
that appears in the documentation has anumber that you can use to locate the
corresponding statement in your language in the Safety Information document.
vWarranty and Support Information
This document is in PDF on the IBM System xDocumentation CD. It contains
information about the terms of the warranty and getting service and assistance.
Depending on the server model, additional documentation might be included on the
IBM System xDocumentation CD.
The System xand xSeries®Tools Center is an online information center that
contains information about tools for updating, managing, and deploying firmware,
©Copyright IBM Corp. 2006 1

device drivers, and operating systems. The System xand xSeries Tools Center is at
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/toolsctr/v1r0/index.jsp.
The server might have features that are not described in the documentation that
comes with the server. The documentation might be updated occasionally to include
information about those features, or technical updates might be available to provide
additional information that is not included in the server documentation. These
updates are available from the IBM Web site. To check for updated documentation
and technical updates, complete the following steps.
Note: Changes are made periodically to the IBM Web site. The actual procedure
might vary slightly from what is described in this document.
1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/xseries/index.html
2. From the Hardware list, select System x3950 or System x3950 Eand click
Go.
3. Click the Install and use tab.
4. Click Product documentation.
Notices and statements in this document
The caution and danger statements that appear in this document are also in the
multilingual Safety Information document, which is on the IBM System x
Documentation CD. Each statement is numbered for reference to the corresponding
statement in the Safety Information document.
The following notices and statements are used in this document:
vNote: These notices provide important tips, guidance, or advice.
vImportant: These notices provide information or advice that might help you avoid
inconvenient or problem situations.
vAttention: These notices indicate potential damage to programs, devices, or
data. An attention notice is placed just before the instruction or situation in which
damage could occur.
vCaution: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially hazardous
to you. Acaution statement is placed just before the description of apotentially
hazardous procedure step or situation.
vDanger: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially lethal or
extremely hazardous to you. Adanger statement is placed just before the
description of apotentially lethal or extremely hazardous procedure step or
situation.
2IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 EType 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Features and specifications
The following information is asummary of the features and specifications of the
server. Depending on the server model, some features might not be available, or
some specifications might not apply.
Table 1. Features and specifications
Microprocessor (not standard on
System x3950 Emodels):
vIntel®Xeon™MP
v1MB (minimum) Level-2 cache
v4MB or 8MB Level-3 cache
v667 MHz front-side bus (FSB)
vSupport for up to four microprocessors
Note: Use the Configuration/Setup Utility
program to determine the type and speed
of the microprocessors.
Memory (not standard on System x3950
Emodels):
vMinimum: 2GB depending on server
model, expandable to 64 GB
vType: 333 MHz, registered, ECC,
PC2-3200 double data rate (DDR) II,
SDRAM
vSizes: 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB in pairs
vConnectors: Two-way interleaved, four
dual inline memory module (DIMM)
connectors per memory card
vMaximum: Four memory cards, each
card containing two pairs of PC2-3200
DDRII DIMMs
Drives:
vSlim DVD-ROM: IDE
vSerial Attached SCSI (SAS) hard disk
drives
Expansion bays:
vSix SAS, 2.5-inch bays
vOne 12.7-mm removable-media drive
bay (DVD drive installed, standard on
some models only)
Expansion slots:
Six PCI-X 2.0 hot-plug 266 MHz/64-bit
slots
Upgradeable microcode:
System BIOS, diagnostics, service
processor, BMC, and SAS microcode
Power supply:
vStandard: Two dual-rated power
supplies
–1300 watts at 220 Vac input
–650 watts at 110 Vac input
vHot-swappable at 220 Vac only
Size:
v3U
vHeight: 128.35 mm (5.05 in.)
vDepth: 715 mm (28.15 in.)
vWidth: 440 mm (17.32 in.)
vWeight: approximately 38.5 kg (85 lb)
when fully configured or 31.75 kg (70
lb) minimum
Integrated functions:
vBaseboard management controller
vIBM EXA-32 Chipset with integrated
memory and I/O controller
vService processor support for Remote
Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine
vLight path diagnostics
vThree Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports
(2.0)
–Two on rear of server
–One on front of server
v
Broadcom 5704C dual 10/100/1000
Gigabit Ethernet controllers
vATI 7000-M video
–16 MB video memory
–SVGA compatible
vMouse connector
vKeyboard connector
vSerial connector
vSMP Expansion Ports
Acoustical noise emissions:
vSound power, idle: 6.6 bel declared
vSound power, operating: 6.6 bel
declared
Environment:
vAir temperature:
–Server on:
-10° to 35°C (50° to 95°F); altitude:
0to 914 m(3000 ft). If the server
has adual-core microprocessor, at
maximum power reduce the 35°C
by 1°C per 300 mabove sea level,
or the microprocessor might throttle
to remain within the internal thermal
specifications.
-10 to 32°C (50° to 90°F); altitude:
914 mto 2133 m(7000 ft).
–Server off: 10° to 43°C (50.0° to
109.4°F); maximum altitude: 2133 m
(6998.0 ft)
vHumidity:
–Server on: 8% to 80%
–Server off: 8% to 80%
Heat output:
Approximate heat output in British thermal
units (Btu) per hour:
vMinimum configuration: 1364 Btu (400
watts) per hour
vMaximum configuration: 5780 Btu (1700
watts) per hour
Electrical input:
vSine-wave input (50-60 Hz) required
vInput voltage low range:
–Minimum: 100 Vac
–Maximum: 127 Vac
vInput voltage high range:
–Minimum: 200 Vac
–Maximum: 240 Vac
v
Approximate input kilovolt-amperes (kVA):
–Minimum: 0.40 kVA
–Maximum: 1.6 kVA
Scalability support:
Maximum configuration:
vEight nodes
v32-way operation
v128 DIMMs
v48 SAS hard disk drives
v48 PCI-X adapters
Chapter 1. Introduction 3

Server controls, LEDs, and connectors
This section describes the controls, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and connectors on
the front and rear of the server.
Front view
The following illustration shows the controls, LEDs, and connectors on the front of
the server.
Note: The illustrations in this document show the System x3950 server, unless
otherwise noted.
Operator information
panel
DVD drive activity LED
Hard disk drive
activity LED
Hard disk drive
status LED
DVD-eject button
Electrostatic-discharge
connector
Hard disk drive status LED: If aServeRAID-8i adapter is installed, when this LED
is lit it indicates that the associated hard disk drive has failed. If the LED flashes
slowly (one flash per second), the drive is being rebuilt. If the LED flashes rapidly
(three flashes per second), the controller is identifying the drive.
Hard disk drive activity LED: On some server models, each hot-swap hard disk
drive has an activity LED. When this LED is flashing, it indicates that the drive is in
use.
Operator information panel: This panel contains controls and LEDs. The following
illustration shows the controls and LEDs on the operator information panel.
Power-control button
Power-on LED
USB connector
Hard disk drive activity LED
Information LED
System-error LED
Locator LED
Release latch
The following controls, connectors, and LEDs are on the operator information panel:
vUSB connector: Connect aUSB device to this connector.
vPower-control button: Press this button to turn the server on and off manually.
Apower-control-button shield comes with the server.
vInformation LED: When this LED is lit, it indicates that there is asuboptimal
condition in the server and that light path diagnostics will light an additional LED
to help isolate the condition. If the LOG LED on the light path diagnostics panel
4IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 EType 8879: Problem Determination and Service Guide