Gathering Service Information

TABLE 1-1Troubleshooting Flowchart (Continued)

To perform this task	Refer to this section

View service processor logs and

sensor information...

...or view service processor logs and sensor information.

Run SunVTS diagnostics

“Using the ILOM Service Processor GUI to View System Information” on page 43

“Using IPMItool to View System Information” on page 55

“Diagnosing Server Problems With the Bootable Diagnostics CD” on page 8

The first step in determining the cause of a problem with the server is to gather information from the service-call paperwork or the onsite personnel. Use the following general guideline steps when you begin troubleshooting.

To gather service information:

1.Collect information about the following items:

■Events that occurred prior to the failure

■Whether any hardware or software was modified or installed

■Whether the server was recently installed or moved

■How long the server exhibited symptoms

■The duration or frequency of the problem

2.Document the server settings before you make any changes.

If possible, make one change at a time in order to isolate potential problems. In this way, you can maintain a controlled environment and reduce the scope of troubleshooting.

3.Take note of the results of any change that you make. Include any errors or informational messages.

4.Check for potential device conflicts before you add a new device.

5.Check for version dependencies, especially with third-party software.

2 Sun Fire X4140, X4240, and X4440 Servers Diagnostics Guide • August 2008

X4140, X4440, X4240 specifications

Sun Microsystems was a prominent player in the computing industry, known for its innovative and powerful server systems. Among its notable offerings were the Sun Fire X4240, X4440, and X4140 servers, which made significant inroads in the market for high-performance computing solutions.

The Sun Fire X4240 server was designed to meet the demands of data-intensive applications. It offered impressive scalability, supporting up to 64 GB of DDR2 memory across its eight memory slots. This server utilized AMD Opteron processors, which provided excellent performance thanks to their multi-core architecture. The X4240 also featured a flexible I/O architecture, allowing for various configurations tailored to specific workload requirements.

Next in line was the Sun Fire X4440, which expanded on the capabilities of the X4240. This server was particularly valuable for virtualization and consolidation tasks. It featured up to 128 GB of memory and supported more CPU options, with dual- and quad-core Opteron processors available. The X4440 also included a high-density design that enabled increased storage capacity, accommodating up to 12 SFF drives. This made it ideal for databases and enterprise applications needing fast access to large volumes of data.

Finally, the Sun Fire X4140 brought a balance of performance and efficiency. Like its counterparts, it supported AMD's Opteron processors, delivering robust processing power. The X4140 was designed for environments where space and power efficiency were critical. It was notable for its compact form factor, which allowed organizations to pack more servers into less physical space without sacrificing performance. The server architecture included advanced thermal management technologies, ensuring optimal airflow and cooling, which contributed to reliability in demanding environments.

In terms of connectivity, all three servers featured multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, offering redundant network connectivity essential for enterprise-level applications. The integrated management interfaces simplified server monitoring and maintenance, ensuring that IT administrators could efficiently manage their resources.

In summary, the Sun Fire X4240, X4440, and X4140 were pivotal servers from Sun Microsystems that provided robust performance, scalability, and efficiency. Their features made them suitable for a variety of workloads, from virtualization to data management, cementing their place in the server market during their era.

Sun Microsystems X4240, X4440, X4140 manual Gathering Service Information

Models: X4140 X4440 X4240

TABLE 1-1Troubleshooting Flowchart (Continued)