Xserve G4 L3 cache failure

[m_emelchenkov]

Hi!

I have Xserve G4 slot-loading (https://everymac.com/systems/apple/xserve/specs/xserve_g4_1.33.html). I've noticed that Diagnostics tab of System Information shows L3 cache failure. I reset NVRAM, ran Apple Service Diagnostics and it shows L3 cache 0 bytes. I physically removed the CPU and looked at two Samsung memory chips there — it is GBA soldered. What to do, how to enable L3 cache again? Is it a software restriction (if yes, then where to enable)? But I think it is a hardware failure, who and how fixed it? It it enough to re-solder two memory BGA chips, or need chips replacement, or something else?

 

[m_emelchenkov]

Here an ASD screenshots.

 

[m_emelchenkov]

All other ASD tests passed too.

 

[Bolle]

Cache failures seem often to be CPU related, so swapping the cache chips itself is probably not going to help you.

I have been testing a few CPU modules that reported L3 cache failure and the L3 started to work again after swapping the CPU.

As MDD/XServe modules are cheap and easily available it is not worth it to even attempt this repair as you would need another CPU card as donor anyways.

 

[m_emelchenkov]

@Bolle, thanks for info! You saved me time and money for BGA reball.

 

[AlpineRaven]

What Bolle said above.. I am also looking for xserve dual 1.3ghz too

Cheers

AP