Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThe IBM System x3650 M4’s onboard ServeRAID M5110e has several documented, distinct issues—not one general “M5110e problem.” If the controller disappears after a restart, IBM identifies a PSOC firmware fix and a temporary power-removal recovery. If it resets during heavy I/O, IBM gives a log-checking procedure and a system-board replacement threshold. CacheCade slowdown is a separate, firmware-specific issue affecting M5100 firmware 23.16.0-0018 and 23.16.0-0027.
First identify which M5110e problem you have
Before changing firmware or replacing hardware, record the machine type, exact message or symptom, IMM and RAID-controller firmware versions, whether a cache module is installed, and any recent hardware or firmware changes. IBM’s advisories cover different faults and call for different remedies.
| Symptom | Documented condition | IBM’s stated remedy or next step |
|---|---|---|
| Controller missing from UEFI or HII after restart; local disks inaccessible | System x3650 M4 type 7915 with affected IMM levels 4.56 (1AOO64S), 4.55 (1AOO64N), or 4.31 (1AOO58T) | Temporary recovery by removing AC power; update PSOC firmware to version 036 |
| Controller resets during heavy I/O | Online resets during virtual-disk consistency checks or hard-drive patrol reads | Inspect the MegaRAID firmware log and correlate any PMU fault; more than five unexplained resets per hour meets IBM’s system-board replacement threshold |
| CacheCade performance degradation | M5100 firmware 23.16.0-0018 or 23.16.0-0027 | Update to 23.22.0-0024; IBM also documents 23.12.0-0019 as a down-flash workaround |
| “Incompatible Secondary iButton present!” at POST | M5100 firmware 23.7.0-0029 and earlier | Contact IBM support; component replacement may be required |
If the M5110e disappears after a restart
IBM documents a restart fault on the System x3650 M4 type 7915 in which the onboard ServeRAID M5110e can disappear from UEFI or the HII utility, leaving local disks inaccessible. IBM lists IMM firmware levels 4.56 (1AOO64S), 4.55 (1AOO64N), and 4.31 (1AOO58T) as affected. The stated correction is PSOC firmware update version 036.
Temporary recovery
- Shut down the system and disconnect it from AC power.
- Wait approximately 15 minutes, until the cache-upgrade LED turns off.
- Reconnect power and restart the system.
IBM explains that the supercapacitor or CVPM can keep the PSOC in its hung state after restart; the condition clears when the capacitor discharges. The power-removal procedure is a temporary recovery, not the firmware correction.
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Plan the firmware update carefully
Arrange the PSOC firmware update to version 036 for the documented disappearance fault. Do not run the update from an operating system installed on drives attached to the M5110e: IBM explicitly warns against that update path. Confirm the target machine and package instructions before applying firmware.
If the controller resets during heavy I/O
IBM describes occasional online resets during virtual-disk consistency checks or hard-drive patrol reads. A reset normally takes seconds. IBM says data is retained in flash memory and off-loaded after the controller recovers; that statement describes this documented reset behavior, not a guarantee for every failure or system state.
Check the firmware log and reset frequency
- Inspect the MegaRAID firmware log with
MegaCLI -FwTermLog -Dsply -aALL. - Correlate the reset entries with any PMU fault codes rather than treating every reset as the same fault.
- On Linux, look for messages such as “Found firmware in FAULT state, will reset adapter” followed by reset-success messages.
- Count unexplained resets over an hour. IBM’s advisory says more than five unexplained resets per hour, without the listed PMU fault, indicates system-board replacement.
For that replacement case IBM lists FRU 00AM209 for Intel V2 CPU systems and FRU 00Y8457 for Intel CPU systems. Verify the system configuration and applicable FRU with IBM support before ordering or replacing a board.
If CacheCade is slower than expected
CacheCade slowdown is a separate performance defect, not evidence that the controller has disappeared or is resetting. IBM associates the degradation with M5100 firmware 23.16.0-0018 and 23.16.0-0027. The correction IBM specifies is firmware 23.22.0-0024. IBM also documents 23.12.0-0019 as a safe down-flash workaround where appropriate.
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- Product Type SAS Controller
- Form Factor Plug-in Card
- Product Line ServeRAID
Check the controller firmware version first, then select the correction or documented workaround that matches the controller and supported update path. IBM characterized the defect as having “no functional impact”; that statement concerns this CacheCade performance advisory and should not be read as describing the separate disappearance or reset faults.
If POST reports an incompatible secondary iButton
The message “Incompatible Secondary iButton present!” is not a generic disk or CacheCade warning in IBM’s advisory. It affects M5100 firmware 23.7.0-0029 and earlier. IBM directs affected users to support because component replacement may be necessary; do not assume a firmware change alone will resolve it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the remedy by symptom
The advisories describe different maintenance decisions. Use the symptom and version to avoid applying a CacheCade remedy to a controller-disappearance fault, or treating repeated hardware resets as a firmware-only issue.
Quick Recap
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- Internal Connectors: 2 x SFF-8087 mini-SAS
- Interface: PCI-Express 2.0 x8
- This RAID controller provides connectivity to internal direct-attach or expander-attached hard disk, solid-state, or self-encrypting drives.
- Missing after restart: use the documented AC-removal procedure for temporary recovery and arrange PSOC firmware version 036.
- Resets under load: inspect the firmware log and PMU fault codes; apply IBM’s board-replacement threshold only to unexplained resets.
- CacheCade degradation: check for M5100 firmware 23.16.0-0018 or 23.16.0-0027 and use IBM’s specified correction or down-flash path.
- iButton POST message: contact IBM support about possible component replacement.
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