Dell PowerEdge: Resolve CPU 1 or 2 has

an internal error (CPU IERR) on Servers

Description

The CPU Internal Error (CPU IERR) or CPU Machine Check error is usually not an error of the
CPU itself, but an indication that the CPU has detected an error in the system, or received an
erroneous instruction from a system component. It is usually caused by a non-CPU event, such as a
firmware mismatch, a system BUS interruption or a memory read/write interruption. The error can
theoretically be caused by ANY system component, software or hardware.

This article contains the best practice on dealing with these errors and is valid for all PowerEdge
servers.

Warning: Do not remove CPU! CPU IERR errors are extremely rarely caused by a CPU
malfunction and the reference to the CPU is solely based on what module reported the error.
Despite what you may read on some troubleshooting websites or forums it is imperative that you do
not remove the CPU unless trained and equipped to do so.

Identifying a CPU IERR in the System Event Log

A CPU Internal Error will show in the System Event Log as "CPU 1 has an internal error (IERR)" or
"CPU 2 has an internal error (IERR)".
Figure 1: DSET showing CPU IERR

Resolving a CPU IERR

To resolve this error, please follow a structured plan of troubleshooting to determine which
component has caused the error and how to resolve it.

1. Check the System Event Logs(check below) for any other errors occurring around the same time
as the CPU IERR.

2. If any other errors are identified, resolve these errors first. How to resolve the errors would depend
on the error identified.

3. Update the BIOS and iDRAC firmware to the latest version.

- Update the BIOS or the iDRAC using the iDRAC interface.

4. Clear System Event log. i.e. in Open Manage Server Administrator or iDRAC (for both, open the
event log, scroll to the bottom and press clear log) Old CPU IERR errors will cause an alert after the
error has been resolved unless they are cleared from the System Event Log.

5. If no errors are found, or the CPU IERR returns, shut down the system, remove the power cable
and hold in the server power button for 20 seconds before plugging the power cable back and
turning the system on again. This process is known as a Flea Power Drain.

Operating System Issues

Some operating system events, can cause a CPU IERR to be recorded within the System Event
Log. These include the following:

 Fatal kernel errors,

 Third party program interactions,
 Runtime critical stops, or
 Resource overcommitment.

This is due to the CPU identifying the process as unrecognised and asserting the CPU IERR in
response.

If the CPU IERR has been caused by an operating system event the Operating System Event Log
should be checked and cross referenced with the Server System Event Log to identify the Operating
System event that has caused the CPU IERR. Once this operating system event has been identified,
the operating system provider should be contacted to assist with resolution.