Video problem with Linux on DL380

I don't know if this is a problem specific for Proliants, so maybe this
is slightly off topic, but I hope someone has encountered the same issue
before and has a solution:

I have an old DL380 (R1) running CentOS 4, a RHEL clone. I never got the
builtin NIC to work, so last weekend I fitted an Intel Gbit card.
However, the box reported a "101-I/O Error" during POST. I swapped the
Intel for an old, trustworthy 3C590 and the 101 was gone again.

However, since then Linux (even the install CD) hangs upon first
initialising the (onboard) VGA, an ATI Rage IIc. The card had worked
perfectly before, and it still delivers graphics when booting
smartstart.

I have flushed the complete configuration, and yes, I ran smartstart
hardware configuration after each modification. Somehow it appears as if
the onboard VGA were severely misconfigured?

As always, all hints welcome.

cheers
Heimo

--
You never ask questions when God's on your side.

"Heimo Hetl" wrote
I don't know if this is a problem specific for Proliants, so maybe this
is slightly off topic,

Not at all - 100% on topic for this ng.

I have an old DL380 (R1) running CentOS 4, a RHEL clone. I never got the
builtin NIC to work, so last weekend I fitted an Intel Gbit card.
However, the box reported a "101-I/O Error" during POST. I swapped the
Intel for an old, trustworthy 3C590 and the 101 was gone again.

However, since then Linux (even the install CD) hangs upon first
initialising the (onboard) VGA, an ATI Rage IIc. The card had worked
perfectly before, and it still delivers graphics when booting
smartstart.

I have flushed the complete configuration, and yes, I ran smartstart
hardware configuration after each modification. Somehow it appears as if
the onboard VGA were severely misconfigured?

Hmm. Sounds like a possible HW issue with the systemboard. 2 things I would
consider:
- Boot to a SmartStart 5.50 CD (downloadable iso from HP) and run a HW
diagnostic test
- Install Windows, or another _supported_ OS and see if that works 100%. A
SmartStart assisted install of say Windows 2000 server should work
perfectly, so if it does not, this would again point to haedware.

The NIC issue could be a symptom of a defective systemboard as well.

Certainly, install a properly supported and documented OS on there (so not
CentOS) and see what happens.


As always, all hints welcome.

cheers
Heimo

--
You never ask questions when God's on your side.