Field Notice: FN74146 - Limited Number of Cisco Catalyst Routers Can Experience Memory Failures - Hardware Upgrade Available

A limited number of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) components in Cisco Catalyst routers that are shipped from Cisco are impacted by a known issue in the memory supplier's manufacturing process. This issue can result in a higher rate of failure.

Note: The following product identifiers (PIDs) were added in Revision 2.0 of this field notice:

• C8300-1N1S-4T2X
• C8300-1N1S-6T
• C8300-2N2S-4T2X
• C8300-2N2S-6T
• C8500-12X
• VG450-144FXS/K9
• VG450-72FXS/K9

In this case, a manufacturing deviation in specific DRAM components was contained to a specific date range. Since the discovery of this deviation, additional limits have been imposed on the manufacturing process to help prevent future components from experiencing this process variation.

Cisco recommends replacement of the affected DRAM in order to avoid potential device failure. For information about requesting a replacement, see the Upgrade Program Information section of this field notice after validating the serial number(s) of the affected units as described in the How to Identify Affected Products section of this field notice.

Important notes for replacement orders:

• The replacement orders are proactive replacements and do not adhere to normal service-level agreements or service contracts. Furthermore, some countries have strict importation regulations. For these reasons, extended lead time may occur for these replacements.
• The replacement devices will not ship with any accessories or modular parts such as cables, rack mounts, power supplies, network modules, or fans, just like any regular Return Material Authorization (RMA). All non-faulty components will need to be swapped from the old device to the replacement device.

Cisco provides the Serial Number Validation Tool to verify whether a device and/or DIMM memory module is impacted by this issue.

1. Locate the serial number of your device and enter it in the Serial Number Validation Tool. If the serial number is affected, continue to the next step. If it is not affected, your device is not impacted by the issue described in this field notice.
2. See the hardware installation guide of your device for instructions on how to remove the DIMM memory module from your device. Remove the module and enter the DIMM serial number in the Serial Number Validation Tool. If the serial number is not affected, your DIMM is not impacted by this issue or was previously replaced.
3. If your DIMM memory module is affected, see the Upgrade Program Information section for instructions.

Important: See the Upgrade Program Information section of this field notice to place an order for your replacement parts first. Once you are ready to return your affected units, use the following link to raise a return-only RMA: Support Case Manager (cisco.com)

To initiate a return RMA, use the following steps:

1. Select Return of Defective Asset.
2. Select Return Queries for the Request Type.
3. Select New Services Return – RMA Needed for the Sub-Request Type.
4. In the Additional Request Details field, enter the following information and submit the return-only RMA request:
   
   TAC SR number: (not mandatory)
   Customer CCO ID: 
   Contract Number: (not mandatory)
   Part ID(s): 
   Serial Number: 
   Company Name: 
   Country: 
   Street Address: 
   State/Province: 
   Zip/Postal Code: 
   City: 
   On-site Contact Name: 
   On-site Contact Phone number: 
   On-site Contact E-mail: 
   Reason for RMA Creation: FN# FN74146
   Bill to ID: (not mandatory)