Clive Bruton

Q: Xserve2,1 2x2.8 quad core - fans running full speed

I recently acquired an old Xserve (Xserve2,1 2x2.8 quad core), it ran ok the few times I tested it (just on a bench, booting it up to different drives/systems).

 

However, it now seems to have some serious problem that involves the fans coming on at full speed as soon as it is plugged in.

 

It doesn't get to the stage of being booted, as soon as it is plugged in the fans in the power supplies come on as normal (slowly). At this point all the lights are on for the ethernet ports on the rear (but there are no cables plugged in), the ethernet port indicators on the front are on and the lock indicator is on (but the machine is not locked). After a few seconds the power supply fans start running at full speed, then a few seconds later the main fan array starts running at full speed - sounds like a jet taking off!

 

The power button is unresponsive - the machine won't attempt to boot. The only way to stop it is to pull the power cables.

 

If I open the machine up and attach the power cables I can see that the red LEDs beside the RAM also all light up.

 

I tried pulling the RAM and re-seating it, but this had no effect.

Posted on Jan 1, 2016 10:37 AM

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Q: Xserve2,1 2x2.8 quad core - fans running full speed

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  • by MrHoffman,

    MrHoffman MrHoffman Jan 1, 2016 10:55 AM in response to Clive Bruton
    Level 6 (15,612 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 1, 2016 10:55 AM in response to Clive Bruton

    You may have found out why the box was surplussed.   It's throwing multiple faults.   I've posted links to the Xserve service documentation in an earlier thread — start there.   Also try to reset the PMU and replace the coin cell battery.   The DIY materials describe some of the troubleshooting involved, and swapping parts, and the coin cell.

  • by Clive Bruton,

    Clive Bruton Clive Bruton Jan 1, 2016 11:50 AM in response to MrHoffman
    Level 1 (18 points)
    Servers Enterprise
    Jan 1, 2016 11:50 AM in response to MrHoffman

    I’d previously tried to reset the PMU (unplug, hold power button for five seconds), but this makes no difference.

     

    Also tried swapping power supplies with other Xserves - no difference.

     

    Now I’ve tried changing the coin cell, no difference. The link you posted for this is for the Xserve1,1, this seems to be substantially different to the 2,1, but I found the 2,1 battery change guide here: Xserve 2008 battery change.

     

    The link you posted for the Xserve DIY manuals also seems to point only to the older Intel Xserve1,1. The way I found the 2008 models was to go here: Servers and enterprise, and then keep scrolling down…

     

    I have two other Xserves the same model sitting here, that seem to be running ok. Not sure I want to start swapping parts without a guess at where to start (ie a possible culprit), because that could end up a long couple of days for not much gain - it’s hardly worth the time for the value of these things today.

     

    Thanks for your help though, any other (simple) solutions gladly accepted.