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How to Analyze Memory Errors on x86 or x64 Servers Using HERD (Doc ID 1019683.1)

Last updated on JANUARY 30, 2022

Applies to:

Sun Blade X6240 Server Module - Version Not Applicable to Not Applicable [Release N/A]
Sun Fire X2100 Server - Version Not Applicable to Not Applicable [Release N/A]
Sun Fire X2200 M2 Server - Version Not Applicable to Not Applicable [Release N/A]
Sun Fire X4100 M2 Server - Version Not Applicable to Not Applicable [Release N/A]
Sun Fire X4100 Server - Version Not Applicable to Not Applicable [Release N/A]
Red Hat Enterprise Linux Advanced Server x86-64 (AMD Opteron Architecture)
Microsoft Windows (32-bit)
Microsoft Windows x64 (64-bit)
All Platforms

Goal

Memory errors on x86_64 (x64) systems running Linux or Windows will give rise to Machine Check Exceptions (MCE). This document will tell you how to analyze these MCEs using HERD.

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Symptoms:

  • Silent Northbridge MCE
  • Panic
  • Performance Reduction
  • Memory Capacity Reduction
  • Reset

Purpose/Scope:

This document describes which troubleshooting steps to take when trying to resolve memory errors on x64 systems running the Linux and Windows operating systems. A memory error will give rise to a machine check exception (MCE).

In the case of correctable memory errors, the MCE will be reported on the console and in the system log files /var/log/messages on Linux and the Event Log on Windows.

In the case of an uncorrectable memory error, the platform will reset, and a MCE entry may appear in the system log file /var/log/messages after a reboot occurs.

The presence of this log entry is not always guaranteed as the severity of the platform crash dictates the platforms ability to report errors.

Solution

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