The original post: /r/homelab by /u/Phycoforce on 2024-11-06 10:15:33.

Hi,

I’m posting this in hopes someone has a potential idea on what direction I should take next in troubleshooting this.

System Setup:

  1. M720q System
  2. WIFI Card Removed
  3. NVME installed the machine
  4. 9500T system
  5. Default 65W power brick

New Items:

  1. BA7H70 REV: 1.2 Riser card (x16)
  2. DELL X710-DA2 (Updated to latest firmware)

Problem:

I am experiencing an issue where when I try to plug in a X710-DA2 into my riser then the M720Q, the machine will not reach the BIOS screen no matter how much time is given.

Troubleshooting steps:

  1. Updated the BIOS
  2. Tried the X710-DA2 with and without any SFP+ modules connected to it
  3. Tried a different X710-DA2 and different riser.
  4. Tried the riser with a Dell PERC H200 (This causes a successful full boot, which I feel rules out the riser cards themselves)
  5. Forcing the PCI express mode in BIOS.
  6. If the left module is populated, I get an LED indication from both the card and the switch it is connected too. No IP address is given. The right slot does not light up at all if used. Still can’t boot past BIOS with this.

What has worked is the following:

Turn on M720Q with the X710-DA2 not plugged in.

  1. Turn off the device once the BIOS screen is reached
  2. Do not disconnect the power adapter, and plug in the PCI riser with the X710-DA2.
  3. Power on device

When these steps are followed, the device will boot past BIOS into the operating system, and it will get a valid IP address, is connectable, and performs as expected in the OS with ASPM enabled. I can also notice the X710-DA2 BIOS settings in the M720Q bios. These settings however sit under the ATA Drive Settings section of the BIOS.

I’m currently in the position to believe that the cold boot process isn’t working correctly with the card plugged in, perhaps something in the PCIE enumeration step or link training step.

I have posted this question also in tthe M720Q serverthehome reference post. Posting it here for visability. Not successfully been able to attempt the SMBUS Pins / PRSNT pin exercise, either to not do it correctly, or it not being the issue.

Some direction would be useful if at all possible.

Thanks!