Z6 G4 Pcie link down error on slot 0

[Thingie2]

I've recently tried installing a new GPU (RX550) into my machine (running unraid) to pass through to a media player VM (Libreelec).

I've since been getting Pcie link down errors, causing the machine to crash. From reading around this could be bad card seating, requirement for more power than the slot can provide, or incorrectly configured pcie versions/speed. However, the error says its on slot 0, but there isn't a slot 0 on this mahhine (slot 0 is referenced in the manual as a mechanical only slot), which doesn't make sense.

I've tried removing & reseating the new GPU a couple of times, but I'm still having issues. The same slot was working fine with a GT710 GPU in the same slot (but the 710 is a x8 card, the RX550 is a x16)

Any ideas on how to further diagnose/fix what's causing this error?

[BeemerBiker]

Seems like a problem with the card and unraid OS.  I have had several rx-550, they draw 50 watts through the PCIe slot.   Your Z6 G4 should have no  problem with that.

The RX-550 is Express Gen 3 x 8, that 710 is Gen  2 x 8.  I assume you program the slots for "auto" for the express speed.

Try another slot. Your system has open end sockets so the RX-550 can fit in any of them even if x16 mechanically..

There is a discussion at the unraid forum about link errors.  You might want to ask over there about the problem.  Have you tried both cards together to see if one fails and the other works?

[Thingie2]

Thanks for the response, I did consider posting on the Unraid forums, but I  thought due to the error, I was more likely to get more specirfic help with my HW here (as I was thinking it was an OS agnostic error). The main reason being the error was referring to slot 0, when there isn't a slot 0.

Yea, I didn't think power was a problem, although I do have a few other PCIE cards (a SATA expansion & a USB card), these should be pretty trivial in comparison & the RX550 shouldn't be much more than the GT710 I was using.

I've got the PCIE slot set to auto, I debated manually setting max as V3, but figured this wouldn't have an effect as the RX550 & mobo should support all the same versions anyway.

I'd forgotten all my PCIE slots were open ended, I'll try in another slot too & see if the problem persists.

I have been using the GT710 in the current slot (slot 2) for many months without issue with the VM (and after replacing it back again, it seems to be fine too), I've only had issues since installing the new GPU into the same slot (although I have also moved the other PCIE cards I have into other slots, to give the required space for the dual slots)

[Kalt]

Is it the 928-Fatal PCIe error?  I see these all the time on the Z6 G4 workstations straight from HP (OEM, no added hardware).

If you're still experiencing issues, I could provide some instructions for a remediation.

[Thingie2]

It doesn't seem to be a 928 error (or at least I cannot find this reference number in the logs.

Most error entries in the bios don't have a error number next to them, but here's a picture from the bios log:

I haven't been able to give it another go yet since the initial error, as I've been sticking with my existing GT710 for now

[BeemerBiker]

Google indicates this error is fairly common

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=pcie+surprise+link+down+error

Have you tried the graphics card in another slot?

Removed all other cards except the rx-550?

If your 710 worked fine and the 550 causes the link error you might want to try another graphics card.  The NVidia GTX-1060 is an excellent card and has a  6 pin power connector that matches your 1000 watt supply.  It take two slots.

There are single slot graphics cards available.  Here is a list of single slot cards.  I am not recommending the vendor, just the list that they provide for info.   https://www.newegg.com/p/pl?N=100007709+600419828