Dell PowerEdge R330, Dell PERC H730 Adapter, L2/L3 Cache error was detected on the RAID controller
The Dell PERC H730 Adapter, a 12 Gbit/s SAS controller, in a Dell PowerEdge R330 server, complained about “L2/L3 Cache error was detected on the RAID controller.” This server was using BIOS 2.16.0 in UEFI mode and the SAS controller ran firmware version 25.5.0.0018. Entering X to accept the current predicament went nowhere and nothing else could be done using a keyboard alone.
The solution was:
- Turn off the server.
- Remove the lid.
- Remove the two Phillips screws holding the H730 Adapter in place.
- Disconnect the H730 Adapter from its PCIe socket.
- Turn on the server.
- Enter System Settings, by pressing F2 when indicated.
- Select BIOS boot firmware.
- Save the settings.
- Turn off the server.
- Reconnect the H730 Adapter.
- Replace the two Phillips screws previously removed.
- Replace the lid.
- Turn on the server.
- When indicated, hit X on the keyboard to accept the “L2/L3 Cache error.”
- Enter System Settings, by pressing F2 when indicated.
- Select UEFI boot firmware.
- Save the settings.
- Reboot the server.
The remaining question is why this SAS controller experienced an “L2/L3 Cache error” in the first place. A cosmic ray, perhaps?
The boot firmware got upgraded to 2.17.0 and the SAS controller to firmware version 25.5.9.0001.