The ServeRAID-8k and ServeRAID-8k-l RAID enabler modules have a
very low failure rate
The ServeRAID-8k and ServeRAID-8k-l are basically RAID enabler modules and
not RAID controllers. The actual RAID controller is integrated on the system board
of the server, near where the enabler module is connected. The ServeRAID-8k-l
comes standard in systems and enables only RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 10 but
has no memory cache. Upgrading to the ServeRAID-8k enables all RAID levels that
are supported by the integrated controller in the system and provides the
transportable battery backup (TBBU) memory cache of 256 MB. The ServeRAID-8k
has a battery connection and PIC code, which manages the battery charging circuit.
The ServeRAID-8k and ServeRAID-8k-l are modified memory modules and have a
very low failure rate, although they seem to be the most identified component when
there are problems. These modules are just one small part of the controller
subsystem and do not typically change the behavior of the controller when they are
replaced, except as specifically outlined in an IBM RETAIN tip.
If a RAID issue occurs, be sure to perform the following problem determination
tasks before any warranty actions:
1. Check the cable connections on the backplanes and system boards.
2. Perform any required ServeRAID BIOS, firmware, and device-driver updates.
3. Perform any hard disk drive firmware updates.
4. Perform a zero-mode flash update if a blinkLED error or a kernel panic occurs.
5. Review any RETAIN tips for known issues and solutions (some known issues
are in the following list).
6. Evaluate whether an AMSU update might apply to the system and perform the
update, if needed.
For more information, see the following RETAIN tips.
Controller kernel error code (57) posts intermittently
https://www-304.ibm.com/systems/support/supportsite.wss/
docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5073936&brandind=5000008
(Type 5073936 in the Search field at http://www.ibm.com.)
Stalls or unexpectedly reboots with 8k and SATA drives
https://www-304.ibm.com/systems/support/supportsite.wss/
docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5071075&brandind=5000008
(Type 5071075 in the Search field at http://www.ibm.com.)
TBBU in recovery mode message after flashing ServeRAID code
https://www-304.ibm.com/systems/support/supportsite.wss/
docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5076156&brandind=5000008
(Type 5076156 in the Search field at http://www.ibm.com.)
Potential data corruption issue with ServeRAID controllers
https://www-304.ibm.com/systems/support/supportsite.wss/
docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5075192&brandind=5000008
(Type 5075192 in the Search field at http://www.ibm.com.)
Chapter 1. ServeRAID-8 series best practices and maintenance information 23
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