Standalone Diagnostic Operation

Use standalone diagnostics to test the system when the online diagnostics are not installed and as a method of testing the disk drives that cannot be tested by the online diagnostics.

Note: No error log analysis is done by the standalone diagnostics. The CD-ROM drive and the SCSI controller that controls it cannot be tested by the standalone diagnostics. Standalone diagnostics:

vAre resident on CD-ROM or a Network Installation Management (NIM) server

vProvide a method to test the system when the online diagnostics are not installed or cannot be loaded from the disk drive

vAllow testing of the disk drives and other resources that cannot be tested by the online diagnostics

vDo not have access to the AIX configuration data

vDo not have access to the AIX error log

vDo not allow for running of error log analysis

Performing Slow Boot

To fully analyze all of the available information, perform the following steps before doing a hardware repair or replacement:

1.Record the 8-character error code (and location code if present) in the operator panel or that was reported by the customer.

2.Do a slow-mode boot in service mode. This boot can be specified using the System Power Control Menu on the service processor main menu. (A fast-mode boot skips much of the built-in diagnostic testing.) A slow-mode boot may yield a new

8-character error code on the operator panel and new errors in the service processor error log. If a new error code is reported, use this code to continue problem analysis.

Partitioned System Considerations for Standalone Diagnostics

To run standalone diagnostics on a full system partition, you must reboot the entire system. However, for a partition in a partitioned system, you can boot standalone diagnostics either in a given partition or on the entire system (which is the same procedure as a full system partition). For a partitioned system, before running standalone diagnostics on a given partition, the user must move the device from the existing location where standalone diagnostics is booted (the CD-ROM drive or the network adapter connected to the NIM server, in the case of NIM boot of standalone diagnostics), to the partition that will run standalone diagnostics. Devices on a partitioned system are moved on an I/O-slot basis.

If the CD-ROM drive is moved from one partition to another, all SCSI devices on the same SCSI adapter card to which the CD-ROM drive is attached must be moved to the same partition. It is recommended that you attach few SCSI devices to the same SCSI controller card to prevent moving them, along with the CD-ROM drive, between

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IBM pSeries690 manual Standalone Diagnostic Operation, Performing Slow Boot

pSeries690 specifications

The IBM pSeries690, also known as the IBM eServer p690, is a high-performance server within IBM's line of Power Systems, designed primarily for enterprise-level workloads. Launched in the early 2000s, it distinguished itself as one of IBM's flagship offerings, aimed at delivering exceptional scalability, reliability, and processing power.

At the heart of the pSeries690 is the IBM POWER4 processor, a revolutionary architecture that significantly enhanced processing capabilities. The system supports multiple processor configurations, allowing businesses to customize performance based on their specific applications. Each pSeries690 can be configured with up to 32 POWER4 processors, providing a maximum processing power that is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, complex databases, and large-scale transaction processing.

One of the standout features of the pSeries690 is its ability to handle massive amounts of memory — up to 1TB of total RAM. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that run memory-intensive applications or require high availability for critical tasks. The server’s advanced memory architecture contributes to faster data access and improved overall system performance.

Additionally, the IBM pSeries690 employs the innovative AIX operating system, which is tailored for high performance and reliability. AIX comes equipped with features such as dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR), allowing resources to be allocated flexibly and efficiently across different workloads. This technology supports virtualization, enabling multiple operating environments to run concurrently on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization.

The pSeries690 also includes robust fault tolerance and reliability features. Redundant components, hot-swappable parts, and advanced error detection mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses.

Networking capabilities of the pSeries690 are enhanced by support for high-speed connections, including Gigabit Ethernet and the ability to integrate with various network topologies. This versatility facilitates seamless connectivity in complex IT environments.

In conclusion, the IBM pSeries690 remains a powerful and reliable choice for enterprises seeking to manage and optimize their most demanding workloads. Its combination of cutting-edge processing capabilities, expansive memory support, and robust virtualization features makes it a significant player in the realm of enterprise computing. As businesses continue to evolve, the core strengths of the pSeries690, especially in terms of scalability and reliability, ensure that it continues to meet the needs of demanding applications.