Power-On Self-Test (POST)

The system BIOS provides a rudimentary power-on self-test. The basic devices required for the server to operate are checked, memory is tested, the LSI 1064 disk controller and attached disks are probed and enumerated, and the two Intel dual Gigabit Ethernet controllers are initialized.

The progress of the self-test is indicated by a series of POST codes. These codes are displayed at the bottom right corner of the system’s VGA screen (once the self-test has progressed far enough to initialize the system video). However, the codes are displayed as the self-test runs and scroll off of the screen too quickly to be read. An alternate method of displaying the POST codes is to redirect the output of the console to a serial port (see “Redirecting Console Output” on page 26).

How BIOS POST Memory Testing Works

The BIOS POST memory testing is performed as follows:

1.The first megabyte of DRAM is tested by the BIOS before the BIOS code is shadowed (that is, copied from ROM to DRAM).

2.Once executing out of DRAM, the BIOS performs a simple memory test (a write/read of every location with the pattern 55aa55aa).

Note – Enabling Quick Boot causes the BIOS to skip the memory test. See “Changing POST Options” on page 28 for more information.

Note – Because the server can contain up to 64 MB of memory (128 MB for the X4440), the memory test can take several minutes. You can cancel POST testing by pressing any key during POST.

3.The BIOS polls the memory controllers for both correctable and uncorrectable memory errors and logs those errors into the service processor.

Appendix A Event Logs and POST Codes

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Sun Microsystems X4140, X4240, X4440 manual Power-On Self-Test Post, How Bios Post Memory Testing Works
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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.
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