The behavior of DIMM Single Bit Error and Multi-bit Error are the same before the system displays the 'System initializing memory' message - IBM System x3100 M5 (5457) and x3250 M5 (5458)

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H212712

Symptom

The behavior of Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM) Single Bit Errors (SBE) and Multi-bit Errors are the same before memory initiation. This situation is due to the fact that the chip set cannot determine the difference between these errors before memory initiation.

A Single Bit Error can be corrected after the system displays the message 'System initializing memory'.

If a user installs a DIMM with a Single Bit Error on the system and powers on the system, it displays a DIMM error and disables the DIMM.

Affected configurations

The system can be any of the following IBM servers:

• System x3100 M5, type 5457, any model
• System x3250 M5, type 5458, any model

This tip is not software specific.

This tip is not option specific.

Solution

No fix is planned. This is an Intel Haswell limitation.

Workaround

There is no workaround. If the Single Bit Error is detected in 'System initializing memory', this means that the DIMM has a physical defect, and changing the DIMM is recommended.

Additional information

Intel Haswell cannot determine the difference between a DIMM Single Bit Error and a DIMM Multi-bit Error in the beginning.

However, after the 'System initializing memory' message, the UEFI RAS code can process the errors, and separate a Single Bit Error from a Multi-bit Error.