Can't boot - "Waiting for BMC Initializing..."

popstr wrote: Ok, so now I have replaced my 16 GB memory module with two 8 GB modules and everything works fine. Thank you very much for your support!

Great, I'm glad it was only a memory problem.

I know that is frustrating, but the memory controller that is part of the CPU only supports certain memory module configurations. That is something we usually don't consider, and it can be difficult to find the specs of the memory modules we want to use.

This is from the Intel Datasheet for the C2000 SoC Processor family, the specs for supported memory configurations:




You can get this document from Intel, here:

https://www-ssl.intel.com/content/www/us/en/processors/atom/atom-c2000-microserver-datasheet.html

The specifications describe the types of memory chips that are supported, and how they must be configured on the DIMM circuit board. If the 16GB memory you have matches these specifications, then your board would need a BIOS update to allow them to work.

These specs also say that memory Channel 0 must be used if you use only one DIMM/stick of memory, and that Channel 0 must always be populated with memory.

True, currently my bios is at 1.2 im Lucky the bios chip is easy replaceable. I currently have no older cpus to upgraden my bios with so when I have the chip with the 2.1 bios from techsupport I will report back to Let you know if it worked.

Jousmar wrote: So I Just got an email from the asrock techsupport. They told me its likely that the current bios on the board does not support E5-2630 v4 cpus. They will send me a new chip with updated bios so I can check this. Fingers crossed this will work :)

The E5-2630 v4 CPU is not included in your board's CPU Support List, but I don't know why it should not be. There are other E5-2600 v4 processors that are not in the CPU support list too.

BIOS version 2.10 is needed for the other E5-2600 v4 processors, which is the latest version, released in 3/2016.

The BIOS download information seems to say 2.10 will support your processor, but there is no method of updating the BIOS without an operating CPU in the board.

http://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=EPC612D4U-2T8R#Download

Your board might not have the 2.10 BIOS in it now. The BIOS chip usually has a sticker with the BIOS version number on it.

I have tried getting into the BIOS by pressing F2, Delete and all the other F keys, but nothing happens.

popstr wrote: Thank you for your answer. The "Waiting for BMC Initializing" message is the very first message that appears on screen, which means I am not able to get into the BIOS. Sometimes the boot stops at a message saying "System Initializing...", also the very first text appearing. I have not installed an OS yet (that would require a booting computer), but I have put freenas on a usb key that is connected to the computer. I am not sure what you mean by "the BMC and IPMI seem to not be configured". What configuration are you referring to? I can't reach the BIOS, but I did access the IPMI. I have not been able to find the option "Wait for BMC" or any other configuration option related to BMC.

I've never used one of these boards, so I'm trying to understand them myself.

Your 16GB Crucial memory is not in the Memory QVL list, although I am not sure that is the problem.

The BMC and IPMI are standard features on ASRock server boards, their configuration options are all in the BIOS, your board's manual describes BMC configuration, and there is a separate IPMI configuration document in the Manual link too.

I did not realize you seem to be stuck in the BMC initialization screen. I see a code of 04 on the right, which is probably a POST code, meaning that POST test failed. The BMC initialization never ending is just a side affect of POST failing. You cannot get into the BIOS if POST fails.

The 04 POST code is a memory problem, which could be incompatible memory. One memory DIMM should be used in the A1 slot.

If you press the F2 or Del keys to enter the BIOS when the PC starts, as we do with any PC, that does nothing for you? The BMC initialization should not stop you from using the BIOS, but a failed POST will.

The BMC starts at the the same time as the BIOS starts, according to the manual. I can't find anything in the manual about BMC Initialization interrupting POST or the ability to use the BIOS.

The blinking green LED is the BMC Heartbeat LED, which seems to be normal.

Jousmar, do you see a code on the right side of the same screen? If so, what is it?