Hardware Failure

Nvidia (Mellanox) SN3700 won't boot at all: Diagnose & Fix

Q: Where can I find the Nvidia (Mellanox) official documentation?

https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/ — search the product family + feature name.

By Sai Kiran Pandrala · reviewed by Sai Kiran Pandrala, Editor Last verified: 2026-05-30

⚡ At a glance

Vendor	Nvidia (Mellanox)
Operating system	Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC
Category	Hardware Failure
Skill level	Intermediate to advanced
DIY-able?	Yes with CLI access; some scenarios need Nvidia Enterprise Support + RMA.

Treat this like a flight checklist. `nv show system` and `nv show platform environment` on Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC returns the data you need for a Nvidia (Mellanox) Nvidia Enterprise Support case, if you have that saved before the box dies completely, your support call is 20 minutes shorter.

I have seen SN3700 units that looked dead at the LED panel but were actually fine: the front panel had failed, not the data plane. Always verify with CLI before declaring time of death.

What follows is the recovery playbook, not the marketing version. Some steps assume a spare unit or a console cable; if you do not have them, the diagnostic section is still useful for the Nvidia Enterprise Support case.

What this guide covers

Diagnose and recover from won't boot at all on a Nvidia (Mellanox) SN3700.

Step-by-step

Confirm power: PSU LED is green? Cable seated? Wall outlet live?
Try a known-good power cable + outlet.
If the device has multiple PSUs, try with only one PSU at a time.
Connect the console cable and watch for ANY output during power-on.
If completely dark (no LEDs, no console), suspect the PSU or motherboard.
Confirm warranty status, open a Nvidia Enterprise Support case, prepare for an RMA.

CLI / commands

# Verify hardware state
nv show system
nv show platform inventory
nv show platform environment

# Collect for Nvidia Enterprise Support
cl-support (Cumulus) / show techsupport (SONiC)

When to RMA

Repeated failure after re-seat and power-cycle
Visible burn, scorching, or physical damage
POST or memory diagnostic failure
Hardware crashinfo without a software workaround

Frequently asked questions

Will this work on my specific Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC version?

The procedure reflects current Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC behaviour. Older releases may need minor syntax adjustments, use the CLI help (? or tab-completion) to verify.

Should I open a Nvidia Enterprise Support case immediately?

Open one if you suspect hardware failure or the symptom persists after a maintenance-window reload. Make sure your support entitlement is active first.

Where can I find the Nvidia (Mellanox) official documentation?

https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/. search the product family + feature name.

Is this procedure safe in production?

Test in a lab or maintenance window first. Capture pre-change state so you can roll back.

All Nvidia (Mellanox) fix guides → /nvidia/
All vendor guides → /vendors/

Related guides worth a look while you sort this one out:

References

Nvidia (Mellanox) support portal: https://enterprise-support.nvidia.com/
Nvidia (Mellanox) knowledge base: https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/
Nvidia (Mellanox) security advisories: https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/security/
Open a case: https://enterprise-support.nvidia.com/s/createcase

Reference material, not professional advice. Validate against your specific Cumulus Linux / NVOS / SONiC version and test in a non-production environment before applying.

What changed recently?

Fault diagnosis on a Nvidia device goes faster when you map the symptom to a recent change:

Did firmware update in the last 7 days?
Did the network (router, ISP, VPN) change?
Was the device moved physically?
Did paired devices (phone, hub, app) update?
Were any accessories swapped in or out?

The answer narrows the root cause to a manageable subset.

Before you start

A few things to confirm so the Nvidia device fix goes cleanly:

Latest firmware downloaded if you're going to update.
Warranty + support contract status checked, opening sealed parts may void it.
Backup of current configuration (where applicable) taken.
Spare parts on hand if you anticipate replacement.
Adequate workspace, lighting, and time: rushing causes regressions.

How to confirm it's actually fixed

On a Nvidia device, the test is rarely "reboot and see". Use this list:

Active reproduction: trigger the original failure path on purpose.
Indirect reproduction: do an activity that would expose the same subsystem.
Status indicator review: every LED / display / app status should be green.
24-hour soak: leave the device under normal load overnight; check the next morning.
Telemetry check: review the device or app's diagnostic log for new error entries.

Escalation guide

For a Nvidia device, the right escalation depends on impact:

Cosmetic / minor: log a ticket via the Nvidia app or web portal. Response 1-3 business days.
Mid-impact: phone support. Have your serial number ready.
Critical (production down, safety issue): in-person dealer / TAC visit. Bring proof of purchase.
Out of warranty: third-party repair shop with manufacturer-certified technicians.