DIMM Replacement Policy

Replace a DIMM when one of the following events takes place:

The DIMM fails memory testing under BIOS due to Uncorrectable Memory Errors (UCEs).

UCEs occur and investigation shows that the errors originated from memory.

In addition, a DIMM should be replaced whenever more than 24 Correctable Errors (CEs) originate in 24 hours from a single DIMM and no other DIMM is showing further CEs.

If more than one DIMM has experienced multiple CEs, other possible causes of CEs have to be ruled out by a qualified Sun Support specialist before replacing any DIMMs.

Retain copies of the logs showing the memory errors per the above rules to send to Sun for verification prior to calling Sun.

How DIMM Errors Are Handled by the System

This section describes system behavior for the two types of DIMM errors: UCEs and CEs, and also describes BIOS DIMM error messages.

Uncorrectable DIMM Errors

For all operating systems (OS’s), the behavior is the same for UCEs:

1.When an UCE occurs, the memory controller causes an immediate reboot of the system.

2.During reboot, the BIOS checks the Machine Check registers and determines that the previous reboot was due to an UCE, then reports this in POST after the memtest stage:

A Hypertransport Sync Flood occurred on last boot

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

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Sun Microsystems X4440 manual Dimm Replacement Policy, How Dimm Errors Are Handled by the System, Uncorrectable Dimm Errors

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.