What is the NAND used for in the HPE ProLiant DL360p Gen8?
I have a server with the error: 'iLO Self-Test reports a problem with: Embedded Flash/SD-CARD' ' Embedded media manager failed initialization '
HPE advises the following: https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c04996097
I've now reached the step of all steps, replace the system board. But I'm wondering what the impact would be if I would not replace the board. I do not use the SD-CARD. I'm not sure what the NAND actually is used for and what it stores, and further more what do I risk if I do not resolve this issue?
I believe it might be loss of logs from the iLO and perhaps even loss of settings from the iLO?
Edit, it is now months later, servers still out of warranty, even found more similar issues with NAND which all fit under this HPE Advisory umbrella. Using the RESTful Interface Tool solves annoying problems with hands on support for the AC power removal part. But sadly I still can't fix all issues. While I've seen some information, in this thread, online and the like. I can't find any conclusive information from HPE what the impact is for NAND issues like this.
Solution 1:
There isn't too much you can do about this.
Please run the normal firmware updates on the host either via Intelligent Provisioning or the HP SPP bootable DVD.
But since Gen8 systems are end-of-life, there isn't much incentive for HPE to deal with this issue. I've seen this in about 5% of Gen8 servers still in the field.
This should not impact the usability of the server, though.
Solution 2:
There is actually a procedure described by HP to correct the problem with the embedded NAND Flash. We had the same problem and the procedure described in the advisory has corrected the error. After the NAND flash format our server needed a power off and a disconnect from the main power supply. After the following boot the iLO Health was o.k.
Advisory: (Revision) HPE Integrated Lights-Out 4 (iLO 4) - How to Format the NAND Used to Store AHS logs, OneView Profiles, and Intelligent Provisioning
Solution 3:
The NAND is used for:
- Active Health System - User's Guide page 79
- Intelligent Provisioning - User's Guide page 80
- Possibly Insight Diagnostics.
Solution 4:
From the HP doc "NAND Usage in Gen8 Through Gen10 Plus HPE Servers":
A NAND with too many worn out cells is considered worn out. A worn out NAND in an HPE server can lead to the following:
- Inability to manage the server with HPE OneView.
- Inability to download the AHS log.
- Sluggish iLO GUI interaction.
- POST errors during system boot.
- Inability to use Intelligent Provisioning to configure the server or deploy an operating system.
- Timeout of remote commands to iLO (impacting automation developed by customers).
A worn out NAND will not normally impact a server in production, except for servers managed by HPE OneView. If the NAND is worn and the server is already under HPE OneView management there will not be an immediate impact. There may be errors and the profile cannot be modified. In addition, the server cannot be brought under HPE OneView management and a server profile cannot be applied.
Source: "NAND Usage in Gen8 Through Gen10 Plus HPE Servers" https://psnow.ext.hpe.com/doc/a00060052en_us