Bluefield 3 DPU not found in the server

Infrastructure & Networking BlueField
1

Hi.

I obtained BlueField 3 DPU Storage controller (B3220SH-FHHL) and installed into my office server.
But “lspci” command doesn’t show the installed DPU.
I checked BIOS settings, and found that the device is not detected at all (PCIe slots exposes “N/A”).

Below are methods I’ve tried based on the “nvidia-bluefield-3-dpu-controller-user-manual”:

  1. I rebooted the server number of times (both cold and warm reboot).
  2. I tried with other PCIe slots available but still didn’t work, even in other machines.
  3. I updated my motherboard BIOS with newest version available. My motherboard is “Gigabyte z390 Gaming SLI”

I’m using Ubuntu 20.04 and my current motherboard supports PCIe gen 3.0 x16, which might not incur any compatibility issues based on my understanding over the user manual.
I did not installed SW-related things (DOCA, firmware. etc.), since lspci not capturing the device at all might not be the reason from SW.
I also properly plugged 8-pin ATX cable to the DPU. I also connected LAN cable to 1GbE RJ45 port and checked green LED of the port blinking. Furthermore, I checked that PCIe slot itself is functioning well with other PCIe device. The device was detected properly with “lspci” command.

May I get help or advices in this context? I am willing to provide any other information if needed.

2

Hi, I faced the same issue, did you solve it?

3

Have you tried to get on Ubuntu 22 ? Also, if the deviced is not even detected in the BIOS, that could be a MB issue…

5

Hi, this issue is still not resolved.
I may provide an update whenever the isseus is resolved.

6

Hi, thank you for your assistance. I have tested with multiple servers including Ubuntu 22.04, but the device is not detected in the BIOS.
May I ask more details about what exactly “MB issue” means?

7

Hi, if your DPU isn’t recognized on this MotherBoard (MB), I can only suggest you to try it on a different motherboard.
The MB issue that I was reffering to could be a PCIe slot malfunction or a damage on the slot, but I assume that you tried the DPU on other PCIe slots on the motherboard you have.
Try changing the motherboard for another one, test if the DPU is seen with lspci on a more recent motherboard maybe ? Or buy a small server, like a HP DL20 or a DELL equivalent, plenty of those on the IT aftermarket (ebay, …), they’ll have more chance to “support” the DPU