HP ProLiant Gen8 Troubleshooting Guide Volume I: Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting preparation 16
locate the server user guide or maintenance and service guide on the HP website
(http://www.hp.com/go/hpsc).
• Never touch the contacts in the processor socket. THE PINS ON THE SYSTEM BOARD ARE VERY FRAGILE
AND EASILY DAMAGED. If the contacts inside the processor socket are damaged, you must replace the
system board.
• Some processor models require the use of a processor installation tool, and specific steps are
documented to ensure that you do not damage the processor or processor socket on the system board.
For server models that have pins inside the processor socket, remember that THE PINS ON THE SYSTEM
BOARD ARE VERY FRAGILE AND EASILY DAMAGED. If you damage the socket, you must replace the
system board.
• Always complete all other troubleshooting procedures before removing or replacing a processor.
Breaking the server down to the minimum hardware
configuration
During the troubleshooting process, you may be asked to break the server down to the minimum hardware
configuration. A minimum configuration consists of only the components needed to boot the server and
successfully pass POST.
When requested to break the server down to the minimum configuration, uninstall the following components,
if installed:
• All additional DIMMs
Leave only the minimum required to boot the server—either one DIMM or a pair of DIMMs. For more
information, see the memory guidelines in the server user guide.
• All additional cooling fans, if applicable
For the minimum fan configuration, see the server user guide.
• All additional power supplies, if applicable (leave one installed)
• All hard drives
• All optical drives (DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, and so forth)
• All optional mezzanine cards
• All expansion boards
Before removing the components, be sure to determine the minimum configuration for each component and
follow all guidelines in the server user guide.
Always use the recommended minimum configuration above before removing any processors. If you are
unable to isolate the issue with the configuration above, you will then remove all but one of the processors.
CAUTION: Before removing or replacing any processors, be sure to follow the guidelines
provided in "Performing processor procedures in the troubleshooting process (on page 15)."
Failure to follow the recommended guidelines can cause damage to the system board, requiring
replacement of the system board.