UCS C220 M5SX Tesla T4 - vKVM Blank

[andy-lee]

Hello, Experts.

We are attempting to reach the console of a UCS C220 M5SX that operates a Nvidia T4 PCIe 16GB 70W GPU. The vKVM console window opens as expected, but the display is blank. What configuration/settings/drivers/etc. should be in place in order to view the console?

The server is a standalone Windows 2016 without any Cisco utilities installed. Firmware is dated from original installation (2021).

BMC 4.1(3b)
BIOS C220M5.4.1.3e.0.1210201720

Thanks in advance.

[AshSe]

Hello @andy-lee 

A blank vKVM console on a UCS C220 M5SX with a T4 GPU, running Windows Server 2016, is a fairly common issue. Here's a breakdown of the likely causes and how to troubleshoot them, given your standalone Windows environment and older firmware:

Understanding the Problem

The core issue is that the vKVM is likely trying to display the console output from the primarygraphics adapter. In many cases, especially with a dedicated GPU like the T4, the system may be defaulting to the T4 for display output, but the vKVM is not configured to access it directly. This is further complicated by the older firmware.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here's a systematic approach to resolving the blank vKVM console:

1. BIOS Settings (Most Likely Culprit):

   1. Access the BIOS: Reboot the server and press the appropriate key (usually F2) to enter the BIOS setup.
   2. Locate Graphics/Display Settings: Look for settings related to "Primary Display," "Initial Display Output," "Graphics Adapter Priority," or similar terms. The exact wording varies by BIOS version.
   3. Change the Primary Display: The key is to force the system to use the onboard(integrated) graphics adapter as the primary display during boot. Options might include:
      1. "Onboard"
      2. "iGFX"
      3. "Integrated Graphics"
      4. "VGA"
      5. "Auto" (try not using Auto initially; explicitly select the onboard graphics)
   4. Save and Exit: Save the BIOS changes and allow the server to reboot.
   5. Test the vKVM: After the reboot, try accessing the vKVM console again. If this was the problem, you should now see the console output.

2. BMC Firmware Update (Highly Recommended):

   1. Why Update? Older BMC firmware can have bugs or lack features that improve vKVM compatibility, especially with newer GPUs. Updating the BMC is a crucial step for overall system stability and management.
   2. Download the Latest Firmware: Go to the Cisco website and download the latest BMC firmware for your UCS C220 M5SX. Make sure you download the correct firmware for your specific model.
   3. Update the BMC: Use the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) web interface (accessible via a web browser using the BMC's IP address) to upload and install the firmware. Refer to the Cisco documentation for detailed instructions. This usually involves navigating to the firmware update section within the CIMC.
   4. BIOS Update: While you're at it, check for a newer BIOS version as well and update that if available. Update the BIOS after updating the BMC.

3. Windows Driver Considerations (Less Likely Initially, but Important):

   1. Onboard Graphics Driver: Ensure that the driver for the onboard graphics adapter is installed correctly in Windows. If you've just changed the BIOS to use the onboard graphics, Windows might not have the correct driver loaded. You may need to download and install the driver from the motherboard manufacturer's website (or the Cisco website for your server model).
   2. Nvidia T4 Driver: Make sure the Nvidia T4 driver is installed correctly. However, the T4 driver is not directly related to the vKVM console display issue if the BIOS is configured to use the onboard graphics as the primary display. The T4 driver is important for applications within Windows that will use the GPU.

4. vKVM Settings (Less Likely, but Check):

   1. Java Version: The vKVM often relies on Java. Ensure you have a compatible version of Java installed on the machine you're using to access the vKVM. Older versions of Java can cause issues. Try updating to the latest Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
   2. Browser Compatibility: Try a different web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Edge). Some browsers may have compatibility issues with the vKVM.
   3. Security Settings: Check your browser's security settings. The vKVM might require certain security permissions to function correctly. You might need to add the BMC's IP address to the list of trusted sites.

5. IPMItool (Advanced - If You Have Access):

   1. If you have access to a system where you can run IPMItool, you might be able to use it to force the system to use the onboard graphics. However, this is more complex and requires familiarity with IPMItool commands. I would recommend trying the BIOS settings first.

Order of Operations

1. BIOS Settings: Try changing the primary display in the BIOS first. This is the most common solution.
2. BMC Firmware Update: If the BIOS change doesn't work, update the BMC firmware. This is crucial for overall system health and vKVM compatibility.
3. Windows Drivers: Check the onboard graphics driver in Windows.
4. vKVM Settings: Verify Java and browser compatibility.

Important Considerations

1. Cisco Documentation: Refer to the official Cisco documentation for your UCS C220 M5SX server. The documentation will provide detailed information about BIOS settings, firmware updates, and vKVM configuration.
2. Backup: Before making any changes to the BIOS or updating firmware, back up your system configuration.
3. Maintenance Window: Schedule a maintenance window for these changes, as they will require a server reboot.

By systematically working through these steps, you should be able to resolve the blank vKVM console issue and gain access to your server's console. 

Hope This Helps!!!

AshSe

Community Etiquette: 

1. Insert photos/images inline - don't attach.

2. Always mark helpful and correct answers, it helps others find what they need.

3. For a prompt reply, kindly tag @name. An email will be automatically sent to the member.