Document fins/I0661-1
FIN #: I0661-1
SYNOPSIS: Sun Blade 100 onboard graphics video display problem
DATE: Apr/09/01
KEYWORDS: Sun Blade 100 onboard graphics video display problem
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- Sun Proprietary/Confidential: Internal Use Only -
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FIELD INFORMATION NOTICE
(For Authorized Distribution by SunService)
SYNOPSIS: Sun Blade 100 onboard graphics video displays may remain
white and may not display console output.
TOP FIN/FCO REPORT: No
PRODUCT_REFERENCE: Sun Blade 100
PRODUCT CATEGORY:
PRODUCTS AFFECTED:
Mkt_ID Platform Model Description Serial Number
------ -------- ----- ----------- -------------
Systems Affected
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- A36 ALL Sun Blade 100 -
X-Options Affected
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A36UQE1Z9A-D256DF - - WS SB_100 X3Dlite 256/15GB/DVD -
A36UQE1Z9A-D512DF - - WS SB_100 X3Dlite 512/15GB/DVD -
A36UQE1Z9U-D256CZ - - WS SB_100 PGX64 256/15GB/CDROM -
A36UQE1Z9U-D128CZ - - WS SB_100 PGX64 128/15GB/CDROM -
A36UQE1Z9U-D128CZD - - WS SB_100 PGX64/128M/15GB/CD -
PART NUMBERS AFFECTED:
Part Number Description Model
----------- ----------- -----
F375-0096-04 ASSY OEM MB W/Tray -
REFERENCES:
BugId: 4416550 - PGX24+/PGX64: video not initialized properly
(white screen) on RageXL rev b41.
PatchId: 
111179 - Hardware/PROM: Blade 100 Flash PROM Update.
ECO: WO_19993
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:
On certain Sun Blade 100 systems the onboard graphics video display
remains white when the system is powered on and does not display any
console output. The system completes booting and function normally with
only white console output from the onboard video controller. One or
more power cycles are required for video to come back properly.
This problem has been seen in a small percentage of Sun Blade 100
systems running OBP version 4.0.41 or lower. It was isolated to be a
marginal condition occurring only on the latest version of the ATI
RageXL video controller, revision B41. (ASIC ID 27XX4752)
Certain ATI RageXL revision B41 ASIC's (ASIC ID 27XX4752) can
occasionally come up with the memory controller out of sync with the
rest of the core memory, resulting in the framebuffer displaying invalid
video, typically a pure white screen. The system is alive and well and
continues operating without problem, with the exception of no onboard
video output.
This problem is not seen with older revisions of the chip. For example,
B22 (ASIC ID 65XX4752) does not exhibit this problem.
To determine the ASIC version, run 'fbconfig' with the '-prconf' option
on the suspect card, typically m640 for onboard video. A list of available
framebuffers can be obtained by running 'fbconfig -list'.
# fbconfig -list
Device-Filename Specific Config Program
--------------- -----------------------
/dev/fbs/m640 SUNWm64_config
/dev/fbs/m641 SUNWm64_config
# fbconfig -dev m640 -prconf
--- Hardware Configuration for /dev/fbs/m640 ---
ASIC: version 0x67004752
or
ASIC: version 0x27004752
... <other device data > ...
The revision of the ASIC may also be obtained by visual inspection of
the chip on the motherboard when the case top has been removed. It is
located in the back left quadrant of the motherboard and is identified by
the text 'RAGE XL' on the ASIC. The next line down is the encoded part
number and the last few digits are the revision number, e.g. 'B22' or
'B41'.
OBP version 4.0.45 contains modifications to the Rage XL init sequence
to prevents this problem from happening. These modifications are available
in an OBP Flash update, Patch 111179. These were also implemented
in the -05 version of Sun Blade 100 motherboard p/n 375-0096.
IMPLEMENTATION:
---
| | MANDATORY (Fully Pro-Active)
---
---
| | CONTROLLED PRO-ACTIVE (per Sun Geo Plan)
---
---
| X | REACTIVE (As Required)
---
CORRECTIVE ACTION:
An Authorized Enterprise Field Service Representative may avoid the
above mentioned problems by following the recommendations as shown
below.
Update the Open Boot PROM firmware on Sun Blade 100 systems exhibiting
this problem by applying patch# 111179. The patch README contains
instructions for determining the current OBP firmware level.
COMMENTS:
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Implementation Footnote:
i) In case of MANDATORY FINs, Enterprise Services will attempt to
contact all affected customers to recommend implementation of
the FIN.
ii) For CONTROLLED PROACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services mission critical
support teams will recommend implementation of the FIN (to their
respective accounts), at the convenience of the customer.
iii) For REACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services will implement the FIN as the
need arises.
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