FixIT: IBM Power Error Code B150B10C

At CentricsIT, we are your IT experts. When any IT maintenance issue arises in your data center we are here to help. If there is an error code you can’t fix, let us assist you in our monthly FixIT column. This month, we’re covering the IBM error: B150B10C.

Platform: IBM Power

Procedure: Memory upgrade; adding 2 – EM4D feature memory kits to 2 – EM 4B existing memory kits

System: 8202-E4D

Error: B150B10C Explanation
An error occurred when creating a group object.

Response
If this is a tracking event, no service actions are required. Otherwise, use the FRU and procedure callouts detailed with the SRC to determine service actions. When following the rules of memory placement, the first two sets of DIMMs would be placed into slot 1 and 3, then 6 and 8. Open and available slots on the memory riser card install 2 – EM4D memory kits into slots 2 and 4, then 5 and 7, per placement rules. Table 4. Memory module balancing for the 8202-E4C, 8202-E4D, 8205-E6C, or 8205-E6D.

Error: B150B10C via HMC occurs on power-on, eliminating manageability of server. To begin correcting this error, first, verify through the ASM System Service Aids, Error/Event Logs option. The Server error log below is calling for replacement of ALL memory DIMM kits.

It is highly unlikely that every DIMM would be defunct, especially since the original 2 – EM4B kits were functional before the upgrade procedure. Checking within the System Configuration menus and selecting the Processor Deconfiguration option will allow you to see all processors are configured and available. But checking the Memory Deconfiguration option shows there is 0GB available RAM. All DIMM sets have deconfigured. By selecting and continuing, you see:

• 2 – EM4D (2 x 32GB) DIMM kits in slots 1 and 3, 6 and 8
• 2 – EM4B (2 x 8GB) DIMM kits in slots 2 and 4, 5 and 7

Although this would appear to be following the memory placement rules, there are additional “notes” that must also be adhered to.

Memory module balancing for the 8202-E4C, 8202-E4D, 8205-E6C, or 8205-E6D

Plug the memory modules into the slots shown in the following table and Figure 12 below.

Notes:

• Memory module quads installed on the same processor module or memory card can be of different sizes. For example, one quad of 4 GB DIMMs can be on the same memory riser as one quad of 8 GB DIMMs.
• Each DIMM within a DIMM pair must be equivalent and each DIMM within a DIMM quad must be equivalent.
• Each memory feature consists of one pair of DIMMs. Each processor module can have between 2 and 16 DIMMs, installed in pairs of two.
• When two processors are installed, alternate the installation of memory modules between memory cards on the first processor module and the second processor module.

Table 4. Memory module balancing for the 8202-E4C, 8202-E4D, 8205-E6C, or 8205-E6D.

One processor module and one memory card, or two processor modules and one memory card (8202-E4C,8202-E4D, 8205-E6C, or 8205-E6D).

• Plug the first pair of memory modules into slot 1 (P1-C18-C1) and slot 3 (P1-C18-C3).
• Plug the second pair of memory modules into slot 6 (P1-C18-C8) and slot 8 (P1-C18-C10).
• Plug the next pair of memory modules into slot 2 (P1-C18-C2) and slot 4 (P1-C18-C4).
• Plug the last pair of memory modules into slot 5 (P1-C18-C7) and slot 7 (P1-C18-C9).

Notes:

• Each DIMM within a DIMM pair must be equivalent.
• Memory modules at slots 5, 6, 7, and 8 must be identical.
• Memory modules at slots 1, 2, 3, and 4 must be identical; however, they can be different from the four memory modules at slots 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Change the DIMM positioning to:

• 2 – EM4B (2 x 8GB) DIMM kits in slots 1 and 2, 3 and 4
• 2 – EM4D (2 x 32GB) DIMM kits in slots 5 and 6, 7 and 8

The upgrade should now be successfully accomplished and all RAM is now available. If you have any further questions about this error, contact our dedicated IT support staff by calling us toll free at 1 (877) 531-7466. CentricsIT offers data center services including data center hardware maintenance and support, and we can help you get the most out of your data center, regardless of its size.

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