Diagnose DIY NAS Boot Error

With the help of the folks on this forum, I put together a DIY NAS build. Unfortunately I’ve run into some issues trying to get the NAS to boot. I’ve built a DIY NAS with the intention of migrating data from my 3 node Proxmox cluster to the NAS. After putting it together and booting it up, I get the following errors:

PEI Intel Reference Code Execution 19

then a few seconds later

PEI Intel Reference Code Execution 0

I’ve moved the RAM around a few different configurations and tried booting with only a single stick. I also reset the CMOS jumper but the error still comes up on each boot. This is the NAS build:

Part Type
CPU Intel Core i3-9100
RAM Kingston KSM26ED8/16HD DDR4-2666 16GB ECC RAM
Motherboard ASRock Rack E3C246D4U2-2T
Power Supply Seasonic Focus 750W SPX-750
Boot Drive Western Digital NVME
Data Drives 8x HGST Ultrastar DC HC520 12TB

Any thoughts as to what could be causing this issue? Do I need to purchase a different type of RAM? Any assistance is appreciated.

I threw the parts into PC Parts Picker just for funsies. Is your BIOS version P2.10 or later? Earlier versions don’t support that CPU.

Well according to the sticker on the motherboard it shipped with version L2.02P, so my guess is that’s the issue. I’ll have to figure out how to upgrade the BIOS on this since it won’t boot.

TIL I learned a new way to use PCPartPicker. thanks!

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No worries! I built my NAS from scratch as well. It was also my first time ever building a PC. That site was an invaluable resource. It gave me the same warning about needing a BIOS update for my Mobo/CPU, but, thankfully, the ASRock Mobo I purchased shipped with the latest firmware.

One option is to install (if available) an older/supported CPU → flash the BIOS → then reinstall the i3-9100.

The other option (which it appears your motherboard does not support), is a built-in BIOS flash button. (Some ASUS boards, for example, have a button near a special USB port to flash the BIOS without the need to boot the system.)

You should be able to update the bios via the IPMI https://www.asrockrack.com/support/faq.asp#collapse7

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I ordered a cheap CPU/RAM combo that should let me boot to update the BIOS. Thanks!

This will work even if the server doesn’t POST?

Yes, you dont even need a CPU installed.

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I wasn’t able to figure out how to connect to the server when it’s plugged in directly to my laptop, however I was able to plugin the IPMI management port into my switch and access the server using the Asrock management app and web interface. It seems like kind of a common issue, but the BIOS version is not displayed in either the thick client or the web interface. I attempted to update the BIOS a few times in both places and the version number still doesn’t appear. I didn’t get any error messages, but from what I’ve read the BIOS version will only appear after successful POST. Since it still won’t POST, my guess is the BIOS flash failed. I was able to update the BMC version, however.

I did notice that if I leave it running, stuck on the “PEI Intel Reference Code Execution 19” it will eventually change to “No usable memory detected PEI Intel Reference Code Execution 53” and start beeping. I moved the RAM around and nothing changed. We’ll see what happens when the other CPU/RAM get here, thanks for your assistance so far!

The CPU/RAM combination I order arrived yesterday but unfortunately I’m seeing the same error message with them installed.

The ordered parts:
Intel i5-8400
Samsung M378A1K43CB2-CRC

I don’t see any compatibility issues with PCPartPicker. Am I missing something?

Where did you get the info from, that your CPU is supported by this board ?

It’s not the exact model, but PCPartPicker has the E3C246D4U2-2L2T. The CPU is also listed here on the E3C246D4U2-2L2T page for CPU compatibility: https://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=E3C246D4U2-2L2T#CPU.

Is there a difference to the E3C246D4U2-2T ? Because that one doesnt even have a cpu support list. Only says intel xeon e 2100/2200

Did you try flashing the BIOS again? Does it show now in the IPMI upper left corner ?

I’m sure there is some difference but there are 3 motherboards that share the same manual: https://download.asrock.com/Manual/E3C246D4U2-2T.pdf. I’ve reached out to ASRock support as well.

I did try another BIOS update but it’s the same story. It seems to complete successfully but the version is still not reflected in the web interface and it still boots with the same error message.

You may need to power cycle the board after updating, but otherwise this is totally flabbergasting. I’ve never heard of a C246 board which would not take Core 8000/9000 CPUs.

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I just came out of a very similar situation with my asrock rack board. I got the same error message during POST after an CPU upgrade. I received an inofficial BIOS from Asrock support that solved the problem.

And my new CPU was on the supported list aswell.

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I’ve power cycled it who knows how many times :weary:

Thanks for that, farout. Hopefully support will have something for me. Appreciate all the assistance!

Well, the worst possible outcome. CPU socket on the motherboard has bent pins which at least makes this make sense. Thanks for the help everyone!

At least it’s solved… I hope you can get a replacement. (eBay purchase?)