Based on analysis of long term field reliability, Sun has determined that a limited subset of DIMMs shipped in 2001 and 2002 (less than one percent of the installed base) may begin to show reduced reliability after approximately two years of operation. This reliability issue manifests itself in the form of both UEs (Uncorrectable Errors) and CEs (Correctable Errors) originating from the DIMM. The reliability of these DIMMs is normal for approximately the first two years of use, after which they may start to degrade below the expected level.

This lower reliability is due to a specific component issue and not all supply is impacted. Sun understands the issue and will be replacing the components at risk.

This issue can occur with the following DIMM product releases:

• 501-5401 256MB
• 501-6175 256MB
• 501-5030 512MB
• 501-6174 512MB
• 501-6109 1GB
• 501-5031 1GB
• 501-6173 1GB

on the following platforms (in particular, systems that shipped between 01/01/01 through 12/31/02 are most likely to have the suspect DIMMs):

• Netra 20
• Sun Fire V480, V880, V1280
• Sunblade 1000, 2000
• Sun Fire 280R
• Sun Fire 3800, 4800, 4810, 6800
• Sun Fire 12K, 15K

The cause of the UEs and CEs originates from an issue with one of the devices on the DIMM. This device issue will cause the DIMM to lose synchronization, resulting in incorrect data being sent to the system. The normal error correcting code within Solaris, or ECC, per the designed behavior will flag the incorrect data as a UE or, less often, as a CE, and prevent the system from using the incorrect data; data integrity is maintained.

When affected by this issue the system will experience CE and UE DIMM errors.

Your Sun Services Representative has been provided procedures to identify impacted systems. If your system experiences a memory issue as described above, please check with your Services Team to determine if your systems are impacted.

This issue is being addressed with the implementation of a Field Change Order (FCO). If you are concerned that your operation may be affected by this issue, please contact your local Sun Services representative to discuss an action plan.

18-aug-2005:

• Update Resolution section

13-Sep-2005:

• Update Resolution section, re-release as Resolved

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