Problem Determination Tips - IBM System x3650 Type 7979 Problem Determination And Service Manual

The following minimum configuration is required for the server to start:
v One microprocessor
v Two 512 MB DIMMs
v One power supply
v Power backplane
v Power cord
v ServeRAID SAS controller
4. Turn on the server. If the problem remains, suspect the following components in
If the problem is solved when you remove an adapter from the server but the
problem recurs when you reinstall the same adapter, suspect the adapter; if the
problem recurs when you replace the adapter with a different one, suspect the riser
card.
If you suspect a networking problem and the server passes all the system tests,
suspect a network cabling problem that is external to the server.

Problem determination tips

Due to the variety of hardware and software combinations that can be encountered,
use the following information to assist you in problem determination. If possible,
have this information available when requesting assistance from Service Support
and Engineering functions.
v Machine type and model
v Microprocessor or hard disk upgrades
v Failure symptom
v Diagnostics version
v Hardware configuration
v Operating system software
Note: To eliminate confusion, identical systems are considered identical only if
they:
1. Are the exact machine type and models
2. Have the same BIOS level
3. Have the same adapters/attachments in the same locations
4. Have the same address jumpers/terminators/cabling
5. Have the same software versions and levels
the following order:
a. Power backplane
b. System board
– Do diagnostics fail?
– What, when, where, single, or multiple systems?
– Is the failure repeatable?
– Has this configuration ever worked?
– If it has been working, what changes were made prior to it failing?
– Is this the original reported failure?
– Type and version level
– Print (print screen) configuration currently in use
– BIOS level
– Type and version level
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Chapter 2. Diagnostics