Problems with DL380 Gen9 Smart Array

Question

I recently bought a ProLiant DL380 Gen9, i've had some trouble getting it up and running...I ran the ProLiant SPP ISO to uprade firmwares but felt the system became less stable as a result, at one point the system got stuck on the Windows loading screen, it seemed to cause the fans in the server spin up as fast as possible which as you can image was incredibly loud, after a long time i had no choice but to hard reset it, this is when the bigger problems started.

During post on the HP loading screen it said there was an error with Smart Array P440, it said something about cache being disabled and that it needed configuring, i re-configured the controller i even deleted the raid arrays and started again but now everytime i boot the system it says the same thing during post that the Array controller needs configuring.. i then get a warning in yellow saying there is errors, press F1 to continue or F2 to view them, pressing F2 takes me to 'Device Health Status' which shows:

Embedded : Smart Array P440ar Conteoller - Device configuration required, which then takes me to HP Smart Storage Administrator.

I can continue and everything works as normal... but how do i get rid of the error?

If i run diagnostic report on the controller i find only one CRITICAL error:
Box failure due to primary IO module

Solution

• What operating system are you using?

• Are there any warning lights on the exterior of the server chassis.

• Post the errors you received. The actual text, please.

• Contact the vendor you purchased from.

• Call HP for support.

I suspect cache module failure, but this machine has so many built-in health checks that you should not be in the dark about what's happening.

Can you boot into the Intelligent Provisioning screen (press F10 at boot) and see what the diagnostics say?

Comments

[Admin]

This video will help you to configure RAID/Array on HP G9 servers youtu.be/d-Xc5MVCjw0

[Goodbytes]

Windows Server 2012 R2 Data Centre, No all lights are green.. The error at post is: "Device configuration required", if I change something like the Read/Write Cache Ratio (i'm assuming this resets it) the error is different: 1797-Slot 0 Drive Array - Write-Back Cache Backup Previously Failed. Caching is disabled. Yes diagnostics only shows this error: "Box failure due to primary IO module". Thanks

[ewwhite]

Your cache module failed. Please contact HP or your vendor for a replacement.

[Goodbytes]

Thanks ewwhite.. I guess i'll call HP, is it normal for loss of power to completely kill the cache? it is brand new.

[Goodbytes]

Thanks, after 3 hours on the support call we couldn't shift the errors, got the cache functioning properly but it was locked on to 'device needs configuring' .. there is another controller on it's way to me.

[yagmoth555]

@upliftmike - glad to know you finally called for the warranty like i suggested. Hp warranty is not bad, dont fear to call as it happen DOA gear.

[Guest]

I will follow up on the topic of firmware bugs, this from HP website: Version:3.52 (30 Oct 2015) Fixes Erroneous Critical message displayed in ADU: “Box Failure Due To Primary Io Module” -- search for CP028710.zip firmware update.