Host rebooted due to "memory page retirement requested by platform firmware"

Products

• VMware vCenter Server
• VMware Cloud Foundation
• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

• vobd.log contains similar message:

vobd[#####]:  [pageretireCorrelator] 13047316447541us: [esx.problem.pageretire.platform.retire.request] Memory page retirement requested by platform firmware. FRU ID: unknown. Refer to System Hardware Log: A2

vobd[#####]:  [UserLevelCorrelator] 136173091us: [vob.user.host.poweroff.reason.unavailable] The host is being powered off. The poweroff was not the result of a kernel error, deliberate reboot, or shut down. This could indicate a hardware issue. Hardware may reboot abruptly due to power outages, faulty components, and heating issues. To investigate further, engage the hardware vendor.

• vmksummary.log does not display:

Host is rebooting

• hostd.log does not display:

The host is being rebooted through the Direct Console User Interface (DCUI)

 

Environment

vCenter: 8.0

ESXi: 8.0.3

VCF: 5, 5.0.0.1

Cause

Physical degradation of a memory DIMM leading to excessive ECC correctable errors exceeding the firmware's threshold for safe operation.

Resolution

• Engage the hardware vendor to review the physical memory subsystem.

1. 1. Provide the vendor with the specific System Hardware Log# from the vobd.log "Memory page retirement" message, e.g. A2

   2. Request a mapping of the "Unknown FRU" to a physical DIMM slot

   3. Replace the identified faulty DIMM module.