Support for two DDR3 DIMMs per channel at 1333 MHz - IBM iDataPlex dx360 M2 server

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H196439

Symptom

After replacing a system system board in a system previously pre-configured (via special-bid) in manufacturing to support Two-DIMMs-Per-Channel (2DPC@1333), the system requires enabling the feature (by the user) before the system will operate at 1333 MHz; otherwise, the system will operate at 1066 MHz.

There is no system error, message, or event log for this behavior.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM servers:

• iDataPlex dx360 M2 Server, type 6380, any model
• iDataPlex dx360 M2 Server, type 7321, any model
• iDataPlex dx360 M2 Server, type 7323, any model

This tip is not software specific.
This tip is not option specific.

Workaround

There are four (4) requirements for the 2DPC@1333 feature to work:

1. Proper part number Dual In-Line Memory Modules (DIMMs) installed.
   
   
2. DIMMs installed in proper locations.
   
   
3. Proper system Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) code level installed.
   
   
4. Feature enabled.
   

If any DIMM is replaced, make sure that the replaced DIMM has the correct part number. The correct part number will be one of the following:

Refer to the Problem Determination Service Guide (PDSG) for memory DIMM population rules to ensure that the memory modules are installed correctly.

If the system system board was replaced, the IBM Servicer should make sure that the UEFI / BIOS is at version V1.04 (build TME132A) or higher.

Note: It is the responsibility of the user/customer to run the following Advanced System Utility (ASU) command following a system system board replacement, as it is not covered by normal IBM Service:

1. Run the following ASU tool command and syntax to enable the 2DPC@1333 feature:
   
   

   >> asu set UEFI.Plt2DPC1333Capable Enable Note: For 64-bit OS, use "asu64" in place of "asu".

   
   
2. Reboot the system.
   
   
3. Confirm that the memory subsystem is running at 1333 MHz using one of the following methods:
   
   1. Check System Summary on the monitor during Power On Self Test (POST).
      
      
   2. Press the F1 key to enter Setup, and then select System Information --> Memory Speed. The Memory speed should be 1333 MHz.
      
      
   3. Use the DMIDECODE command in the Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) Preboot utility.
      

If the requirements are not met, the system memory will run at 1066 MHz instead of 1333 MHz.

Additional information

A select number of systems are built and pre-configured at manufacturing sites to support the feature of 2DPC@1333 with 2DPC/1333 designated memory modules. When a defective system board is replaced in the field, the memory subsystem is not enabled to operate at 1333 MHz because of the factory setting on the original system board. The new system board must be configured using the ASU tool to enable the feature.