Dell??? PowerEdge??? 2950 Systems

Hardware Owner???s Manual

w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m

Notes, Notices, and Cautions

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.

NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

____________________

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. ?? 2006 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, Inspiron, Dell Precision, Dimension, OptiPlex, Latitude, PowerEdge, PowerVault, PowerApp, PowerConnect, XPS, and Dell OpenManage are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Intel, Pentium, and Celeron are registered trademarks, and Xeon is a trademark of Intel Corporation; Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; EMC is a registered trademark of EMC Corporation.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

Model EMS01

January 2006

Contents

Contents 3

4 Contents

Contents 5

6 Contents

4 Troubleshooting Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Contents 7

8 Contents

Contents 9

10 Contents

About Your System

This section describes the physical, firmware, and software interface features that provide and ensure the essential functioning of your system. The physical connectors on your system???s front and back panels provide convenient connectivity and system expansion capability. The system firmware, applications, and operating systems monitor the system and component status and alert you when a problem arises. System conditions can be reported by any of the following:

???Front or back panel indicators

???System messages

???Warning messages

???Diagnostics messages

???Alert messages

This section describes each type of message, lists the possible causes, and provides steps to resolve any problems indicated by a message. The system indicators and features are illustrated in this section.

Other Information You May Need

CAUTION: The Product Information Guide provides important safety and regulatory information. Warranty information may be included within this document or as a separate document.

???The Rack Installation Guide or Rack Installation Instructions included with your rack solution describes how to install your system into a rack.

???The Getting Started Guide provides an overview of system features, setting up your system, and technical specifications.

???CDs included with your system provide documentation and tools for configuring and managing your system.

???Systems management software documentation describes the features, requirements, installation, and basic operation of the software.

???Operating system documentation describes how to install (if necessary), configure, and use the operating system software.

???Documentation for any components you purchased separately provides information to configure and install these options.

???Updates are sometimes included with the system to describe changes to the system, software, and/or documentation.

NOTE: Always check for updates on support.dell.com and read the updates first because they often supersede information in other documents.

???Release notes or readme files may be included to provide last-minute updates to the system or documentation or advanced technical reference material intended for experienced users or technicians.

Accessing System Features During Startup

Table 1-1 describes keystrokes that may be entered during startup to access system features. If your operating system begins to load before you enter the keystroke, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.

Table 1-1. Keystrokes for Accessing System Features

12 About Your System

Front-Panel Features and Indicators

Figure 1-1 shows the controls, indicators, and connectors located behind the optional rack bezel on the system's front panel.

Figure 1-1. Front-Panel Features and Indicators

When one of these buttons is pushed, the LCD panel on the front and the blue system status indicator on the back blink until one of the buttons is pushed again.

Table 1-2. Front-Panel LED Indicators, Buttons, and Connectors (continued)

14 About Your System

Hard-Drive Indicator Codes

The hard-drive carriers have two indicators???the drive-activity indicator and the drive-status indicator. See Figure 1-2. In RAID configurations, the drive-status indicator lights to indicate the status of the drive. In non-RAID configurations, only the drive-activity indicator lights; the drive-status indicator is off.

Figure 1-2. Hard-Drive Indicators

1

2

Table 1-3 lists the drive indicator patterns for RAID hard drives. Different patterns are displayed as drive events occur in the system. For example, if a hard drive fails, the "drive failed" pattern appears. After the drive is selected for removal, the "drive being prepared for removal" pattern appears, followed by the "drive ready for insertion or removal" pattern. After the replacement drive is installed, the "drive being prepared for operation" pattern appears, followed by the "drive online" pattern.

NOTE: For non-RAID configurations, only the drive-activity indicator is active. The drive-status indicator is off.

Table 1-3. Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns for RAID

16 About Your System

Back-Panel Features and Indicators

Figure 1-3 shows the controls, indicators, and connectors located on the system's back panel.

Figure 1-3. Back-Panel Features and Indicators

13remote access controller (optional)

3 left PCI riser (slot 3)

6 system status indicator

9 NIC1 connector

12 serial connector

Connecting External Devices

When connecting external devices to your system, follow these guidelines:

???Most devices must be connected to a specific connector and device drivers must be installed before the device operates properly. (Device drivers are normally included with your operating system software or with the device itself.) See the documentation that accompanied the device for specific installation and configuration instructions.

???Always attach external devices while your system and the device are turned off. Next, turn on any external devices before turning on the system (unless the documentation for the device specifies otherwise).

For information about individual connectors, see "Jumpers and Connectors" on page 135. For information about enabling, disabling, and configuring I/O ports and connectors, see "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

Power Indicator Codes

The power button on the front panel controls the power input to the system's power supplies. The power indicator lights green when the system is on.

The indicators on the redundant power supplies show whether power is present or whether a power fault has occurred (see Figure 1-4). Table 1-4 lists the power supply indicator codes.

1

2

3

18 About Your System

NIC Indicator Codes

Each NIC on the back panel has an indicator that provides information on network activity and link status. See Figure 1-5. Table 1-5 lists the NIC indicator codes.

Figure 1-5. NIC Indicators

LCD Status Messages

The system's control panel LCD provides status messages to signify when the system is operating correctly or when the system needs attention.

The LCD lights blue to indicate a normal operating condition, and lights amber to indicate an error condition. The LCD scrolls a message that includes a status code followed by descriptive text. Table 1-6 lists the LCD status messages that can occur and the probable cause for each message. The LCD messages refer to events recorded in the System Event Log (SEL). For information on the SEL and configuring system management settings, see the systems management software documentation.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

NOTE: If your system fails to boot, press the System ID button for at least five seconds until an error code appears on the LCD. Record the code, then see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages

20 About Your System

Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages (continued)

Ensure that your processors match and conform to the type described in the Microprocessor Technical Specifications outlined in your system???s Getting Started Guide.

Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages (continued)

E1620 PS # Input Range Power source for specified power supply is unavailable, or out of acceptable range.

Check the AC power source for the specified power supply. If problem persists, see "Troubleshooting Power Supplies" on page 118.

22 About Your System

Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages (continued)

Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages (continued)

Reseat the cable. If problem persists, replace cable. See "SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 69.

Reseat the cable. If problem persists, replace cable. See "SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 69.

24 About Your System

Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages (continued)

E2110 MBE Crd # DIMM ## & ##

Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages (continued)

26 About Your System

Table 1-6. LCD Status Messages (continued)

W1228 ROMB Batt < 24hr Warns predictively that the RAID battery has less than 24 hours of charge left.

Replace RAID battery. See "RAID Battery" on page 74.

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the "Glossary" on page 169.

Solving Problems Described by LCD Status Messages

The code and text on the LCD can often specify a very precise fault condition that is easily corrected. For example, if the code E1418 CPU_1_Presence appears, you know that a microprocessor is not installed in socket 1.

In contrast, you might be able to determine the problem if multiple related errors occur. For example, if you receive a series of messages indicating multiple voltage faults, you might determine that the problem is a failing power supply.

Removing LCD Status Messages

For faults associated with sensors, such as temperature, voltage, fans, and so on, the LCD message is automatically removed when that sensor returns to a normal state. For example, if temperature for a component goes out of range, the LCD displays the fault; when the temperature returns to the acceptable range, the message is removed from the LCD. For other faults, you must take action to remove the message from the display:

???Clear the SEL ??? You can perform this task remotely, but you will lose the event history for the system.

???Power cycle ??? Turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet; wait approximately ten seconds, reconnect the power cable, and restart the system.

Any of these actions will remove fault messages, and return the status indicators and LCD colors to the normal state. Messages will reappear under the following conditions:

???The sensor returns to a normal state but fails again, resulting in a new SEL entry.

???The system is reset and new error events are detected.

???A failure is recorded from another source that maps to the same display entry.

System Messages

System messages appear on the screen to notify you of a possible problem with the system. Table 1-3 lists the system messages that can occur and the probable cause and corrective action for each message.

NOTE: If you receive a system message that is not listed in Table 1-3, check the documentation for the application that is running when the message appears or the operating system's documentation for an explanation of the message and recommended action.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

Table 1-7. System Messages

28 About Your System

Table 1-7. System Messages (continued)

DIMMs should be installed in pairs. Pairs must be matched in size, speed, and technology.

Mismatched or unmatched DIMMs installed; faulty or improperly seated memory module(s). The system will operate in a degraded mode with reduced ECC protection. Only memory installed in channel 0 will be accessible.

Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size and that they are properly installed. See "System Memory" on page 89. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting System Memory" on page 120.

Dual-rank DIMM paired with Single-rank DIMM - The following DIMM/rank has been disabled by BIOS: DIMM x Rank y

Mismatched DIMMs installed; faulty memory module(s). The system has detected a dual-rank DIMM paired with a single-rank DIMM. The second rank of the dual-rank DIMM will be disabled.

Ensure that all pairs of memory modules are of the same type and size and that they are properly installed. See "System Memory" on page 89. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting System Memory" on page 120.

Run the System Setup program to correct the settings. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

Replace the diskette. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive" on page 121.

Reseat tape drive interface cable, or power cable. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive" on page 121.

Replace the diskette or tape. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive" on page 121.

Replace the diskette. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive" on page 121.

Table 1-7. System Messages (continued)

Error: Memory failure detected. Memory size reduced. Replace the faulty DIMM as soon as possible.

Ensure that the Remote Access Controller is properly installed. See "Installing a RAC Card" on page 80.

FBD training error: The following branch has been disabled: Branch x

The specified branch (channel pair) contains DIMMs that are incompatible with each other.

Ensure that only Dell-qualified memory is used. Dell recommends purchasing memory upgrade kits directly from www.dell.com or your Dell sales agent to ensure compatibility.

This message is usually followed by specific information. Note the information, and take the appropriate action to resolve the problem.

30 About Your System

Table 1-7. System Messages (continued)

Use a bootable diskette, CD, or hard drive. If the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive" on page 121, "Troubleshooting an Optical Drive" on page 123, and "Troubleshooting a Hard Drive" on page 124. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37 for information on setting the order of boot devices.

No boot sector on hard drive

Incorrect configuration settings in System Setup program, or no operating system on hard drive.

Check the hard-drive configuration settings in the System Setup program. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37. If necessary, install the operating system on your hard drive. See your operating system documentation.

Table 1-7. System Messages (continued)

Read fault

Requested sector not found

The operating system cannot read from the diskette or hard drive, the system could not find a particular sector on the disk, or the requested sector is defective.

Replace the diskette. Ensure that the diskette and hard drive cables are properly connected. See "Troubleshooting a USB Device" on page 115, or "Troubleshooting a Hard Drive" on page 124 for the appropriate drive(s) installed in your system.

32 About Your System

Table 1-7. System Messages (continued)

If memory has been added or removed, this message is informative and can be ignored. If memory has not been added or removed, check the SEL to determine if single-bit or multi-bit errors were detected and replace the faulty memory module. See "Troubleshooting System Memory" on page 120.

Check the Time and Date settings. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37. If the problem persists, replace the system battery. See "System Battery" on page 96.

Table 1-7. System Messages (continued)

Install a supported microprocessor or microprocessor combination. See "Processors" on page 93.

See the RAID controller documentation for information about installing or updating the RAID firmware.

Warning: The current memory configuration is not optimal. Dell recommends a population of 2, 4, or 8 DIMMs. DIMMs should be populated sequentially starting in slot 1.

System has detected a legal but non- optimal population of DIMMs (for example, 1 DIMM, 6 DIMMs,

4 DIMMs in slots 1, 2, 5, and 6, etc.). The system will run with all memory accessible but will experience sub- optimal performance.

Populate 2, 4, or 8 DIMMs sequentially beginning with slot 1. See "System Memory" on page 89.

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the "Glossary" on page 169.

34 About Your System

Warning Messages

A warning message alerts you to a possible problem and prompts you to respond before the system continues a task. For example, before you format a diskette, a message will warn you that you may lose all data on the diskette. Warning messages usually interrupt the task and require you to respond by typing y (yes) or n (no).

NOTE: Warning messages are generated by either the application or the operating system. For more information, see the documentation that accompanied the operating system or application.

Diagnostics Messages

When you run system diagnostics, an error message may result. Diagnostic error messages are not covered in this section. Record the message on a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist in "Getting Help" on page 147, and then follow the instructions in that section for obtaining technical assistance.

Alert Messages

Systems management software generates alert messages for your system. Alert messages include information, status, warning, and failure messages for drive, temperature, fan, and power conditions. For more information, see the systems management software documentation.

36 About Your System

Using the System Setup Program

After you set up your system, run the System Setup program to familiarize yourself with your system configuration and optional settings. Record the information for future reference.

You can use the System Setup program to:

???Change the system configuration stored in NVRAM after you add, change, or remove hardware

???Set or change user-selectable options???for example, the time or date

???Enable or disable integrated devices

???Correct discrepancies between the installed hardware and configuration settings

Entering the System Setup Program

1Turn on or restart your system.

2Press <F2> immediately after you see the following message:

<F2> = System Setup

If your operating system begins to load before you press <F2>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.

NOTE: To ensure an orderly system shutdown, see the documentation that accompanied your operating system.

Responding to Error Messages

You can enter the System Setup program by responding to certain error messages. If an error message appears while the system is booting, make a note of the message. Before entering the System Setup program, see "System Messages" on page 28 for an explanation of the message and suggestions for correcting errors.

NOTE: After installing a memory upgrade, it is normal for your system to send a message the first time you start your system.

Using the System Setup Program

Table 2-1 lists the keys that you use to view or change information on the System Setup program screens and to exit the program.

Table 2-1. System Setup Program Navigation Keys

NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart the system.

System Setup Options

Main Screen

When you enter the System Setup program, the main System Setup program screen appears (see Figure 2-1).

38 Using the System Setup Program

Figure 2-1. Main System Setup Program Screen

Table 2-2 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the main System Setup program screen.

NOTE: The options for the System Setup program change based on the system configuration.

NOTE: The System Setup program defaults are listed under their respective options, where applicable.

Table 2-2. System Setup Program Options

Table 2-2. System Setup Program Options (continued)

40 Using the System Setup Program

CPU Information Screen

Table 2-3 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the CPU Information screen.

Table 2-3. CPU Information Screen

Integrated Devices Screen

Table 2-4 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Integrated Devices screen.

Table 2-4. Integrated Devices Screen Options

Integrated SAS Controller Enables or disables the integrated SAS controller. (Enabled default)

Embedded SATA (Off Allows the integrated SATA controller to be set to Off or ATA Mode. default)

IDE CD-ROM Controller Enables the integrated IDE controller. When set to Auto, each channel of the (Auto default) integrated IDE controller is enabled if IDE devices are attached to the channel and

the external IDE controller is not detected.

NOTE: This CD-ROM option will not appear on this menu screen if your system does not include this optional device.

User Accessible USB Ports Enables or disables the system???s user accessible USB ports. Options are All Ports

(All Ports On default) On, Only Back Ports On, and All Ports Off.

42 Using the System Setup Program

Serial Communication Screen

Table 2-5 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the Serial Communication screen.

Table 2-5. Serial Communication Screen Options

System Security Screen

Table 2-6 lists the options and descriptions for the information fields that appear on the System Security screen.

Table 2-6. System Security Screen Options

Table 2-6. System Security Screen Options (continued)

Exit Screen

After you press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program, the Exit screen displays the following options:

???Save Changes and Exit

???Discard Changes and Exit

???Return to Setup

44 Using the System Setup Program

System and Setup Password Features

NOTICE: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system. If your data requires more security, use additional forms of protection, such as data encryption programs.

NOTICE: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if you leave the system running and unattended without having a system password assigned or if you leave your system unlocked so that someone can disable the password by changing a jumper setting.

Your system is shipped to you without the system password feature enabled. If system security is a concern, operate your system only with system password protection.

To change or delete an existing password, you must know the password (see "Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password" on page 47). If you forget your password, you cannot operate your system or change settings in the System Setup program until a trained service technician changes the password jumper setting to disable the passwords, and erases the existing passwords. This procedure is described in "Disabling a Forgotten Password" on page 144.

Using the System Password

After a system password is assigned, only those who know the password have full use of the system. When the System Password option is set to Enabled, the system prompts you for the system password after the system starts.

Assigning a System Password

Before you assign a system password, enter the System Setup program and check the System Password option.

When a system password is assigned, the setting shown for the System Password option is Enabled. If the setting shown for the Password Status is Unlocked, you can change the system password. If the Password Status option is Locked, you cannot change the system password. When the system password feature is disabled by a jumper setting, the system password is Disabled, and you cannot change or enter a new system password.

When a system password is not assigned and the password jumper on the system board is in the enabled (default) position, the setting shown for the System Password option is Not Enabled and the Password Status field is Unlocked. To assign a system password:

1Verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.

2Highlight the System Password option and press <Enter>.

3Type your new system password.

You can use up to 32 characters in your password.

As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.

The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.

NOTE: To escape from the field without assigning a system password, press <Enter> to move to another field, or press <Esc> at any time prior to completing step 5.

4Press <Enter>.

5To confirm your password, type it a second time and press <Enter>.

The setting shown for the System Password changes to Enabled. Exit the System Setup program and begin using your system.

6Either reboot your system now for your password protection to take effect or continue working.

NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until you reboot the system.

Using Your System Password to Secure Your System

NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password (see "Using the Setup Password" on page 47), the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password.

When the Password Status option is set to Unlocked, you have the option to leave the password security enabled or to disable the password security.

To leave the password security enabled:

1Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.

2Type your password and press <Enter>.

To disable the password security:

1Turn on or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>.

2Type your password and press <Ctrl><Enter>.

When the Password Status option is set to Locked whenever you turn on your system or reboot your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>, type your password and press <Enter> at the prompt.

After you type the correct system password and press <Enter>, your system operates as usual.

If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to re-enter your password. You have three attempts to enter the correct password. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an error message showing the number of unsuccessful attempts and that the system has halted and will shut down. This message can alert you to an unauthorized person attempting to use your system.

Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message continues to be displayed until the correct password is entered.

NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the System Password and Setup Password options to further protect your system from unauthorized changes.

46 Using the System Setup Program

Deleting or Changing an Existing System Password

1When prompted, press <Ctrl><Enter> to disable the existing system password. If you are asked to enter your setup password, contact your network administrator.

2Enter the System Setup program by pressing <F2> during POST.

3Select the System Security screen field to verify that the Password Status option is set to Unlocked.

4When prompted, type the system password.

5Confirm that Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password option.

If Not Enabled is displayed for the System Password option, the system password has been deleted. If Enabled is displayed for the System Password option, press the <Alt><b> key combination to restart the system, and then repeat steps 2 through 5.

Using the Setup Password

Assigning a Setup Password

You can assign (or change) a setup password only when the Setup Password option is set to Not Enabled. To assign a setup password, highlight the Setup Password option and press the <+> or <???> key. The system prompts you to enter and verify the password. If a character is illegal for password use, the system beeps.

NOTE: The setup password can be the same as the system password. If the two passwords are different, the setup password can be used as an alternate system password. However, the system password cannot be used in place of the setup password.

You can use up to 32 characters in your password.

As you press each character key (or the spacebar for a blank space), a placeholder appears in the field.

The password assignment is not case-sensitive. However, certain key combinations are not valid. If you enter one of these combinations, the system beeps. To erase a character when entering your password, press <Backspace> or the left-arrow key.

After you verify the password, the Setup Password setting changes to Enabled. The next time you enter the System Setup program, the system prompts you for the setup password.

A change to the Setup Password option becomes effective immediately (restarting the system is not required).

Operating With a Setup Password Enabled

If Setup Password is set to Enabled, you must enter the correct setup password before you can modify most of the System Setup options. When you start the System Setup program, the program prompts you to enter a password.

If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system lets you view, but not modify, the System Setup screens???with the following exception: If System Password is not set to Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can assign a system password (however, you cannot disable or change an existing system password).

NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the Setup Password option to protect the system password from unauthorized changes.

Deleting or Changing an Existing Setup Password

1Enter the System Setup program and select the System Security option.

2Highlight the Setup Password option, press <Enter> to access the setup password window, and press <Enter> twice to clear the existing setup password.

The setting changes to Not Enabled.

3If you want to assign a new setup password, perform the steps in "Assigning a Setup Password" on page 47.

Disabling a Forgotten Password

See "Disabling a Forgotten Password" on page 144.

Baseboard Management Controller Configuration

The Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) enables configuring, monitoring, and recovery of systems remotely. BMC provides the following features:

???Uses the system???s integrated NIC

???Fault logging and SNMP alerting

???Access to system event log and sensor status

???Control of system functions including power on and off

???Support is independent of the system???s power or operating state

???Provides text console redirection for system setup, text-based utilities, and operating system consoles

NOTE: To remotely access the BMC through the integrated NIC, you must connect the network connection to integrated NIC1.

For additional information on using BMC, see the documentation for the BMC and systems management applications.

48 Using the System Setup Program

Entering the BMC Setup Module

1Turn on or restart your system.

2Press <Ctrl-E> when prompted after POST.

If your operating system begins to load before you press <Crtl-E>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart your system and try again.

BMC Setup Module Options

For information about the BMC Setup Module options and how to configure the emergency management port (EMP), see the BMC User???s Guide.

50 Using the System Setup Program

Installing System Components

This section describes how to install the following system components:

???Hard drives

???Power supplies

???System fans

???Cooling shroud

???Fan brackets

???SAS controller daughter card

???RAID battery

???Expansion cards

???Expansion card cage

???RAC card

???Optical, diskette, and tape drives

???System memory

???Processors

???System battery

???Expansion-card riser boards

???Sideplane board

???SAS Backplane board

???Control panel assembly

???System board

Recommended Tools

You may need the following items to perform the procedures in this section:

???Key to the system keylock

???#1 and #2 Phillips screwdrivers

???T-10 Torx driver

???Wrist grounding strap

Inside the System

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

In Figure 3-1, the bezel and system cover are removed to provide an interior view of the system.

Figure 3-1. Inside the System

12 slimline optical drive (optional)

52 Installing System Components

The system board holds the system's control circuitry and other electronic components. Several hardware options, such as the microprocessors and memory, are installed directly on the system board. The expansion- card cage containing the left riser accommodates up to two full-length PCIe or PCI-X expansion cards, while the central riser accommodates one half-length PCIe expansion card.

The system provides space for an optional optical drive. The optical drive connects to the controllers on the system board through the sideplane board. For more information, see "Optical Drive" on page 81.

Depending on the hard drive configuration you ordered, an optional 3.5-inch diskette drive, and an optional tape drive may also be available for installation into a media bay. See Table 3-1 for configuration options.

Table 3-1. Hard Drive and Media Bay Configurations

The hard-drive bays provide space for up to eight 2.5-inch SAS drives or six 3.5-inch SAS or SATA hard drives. The hard drives connect to a RAID controller card through the SAS backplane board. For more information, see "Hard Drives" on page 55 and "SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 69.

During an installation or troubleshooting procedure, you may be required to change a jumper setting. For more information, see "System Board Jumpers" on page 135.

Front Bezel

A lock on the bezel restricts access to the power button, diskette drive, optical drive, and hard drive(s). A control panel LCD located on the front panel and accessible through the front bezel displays the system???s status.

Removing the Front Bezel

1Using the system key, unlock the bezel.

2Press the tab at the left end of the bezel.

3Rotate the left end of the bezel away from the system to release the right end of the bezel.

4Pull the bezel away from the system. See Figure 3-2.

Figure 3-2. Removing the Front Bezel

2

1

Replacing the Front Bezel

To replace the front bezel, perform the above steps in reverse.

Opening and Closing the System

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

Opening the System

To upgrade or troubleshoot the system, remove the system cover to gain access to internal components.

1Unless you are installing a hot-plug component such as a cooling fan or power supply, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and peripherals.

2To remove the system cover, turn the latch release lock counter-clockwise to the unlocked position. See Figure 3-3.

3Lift up on the latch on top of the system. See Figure 3-3.

4Grasp the cover on both sides and carefully lift the cover away from the system.

54 Installing System Components

Closing the System

1Lift up the latch on the cover.

2Place the cover on top of the system and offset the cover slightly back so that it clears the chassis J hooks and lays flush on the system chassis. See Figure 3-3.

3Push down the latch to lever the cover into the closed position.

4Rotate the latch release lock in a clockwise direction to secure the cover.

Figure 3-3. Removing the Cover

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Hard Drives

This subsection describes how to install and configure SAS or SATA hard drives in the system's internal hard-drive bays. Your system features up to six 3.5-inch hard drives, or eight 2.5-inch hard drives. All drives connect to the system board through one of three optional SAS backplane boards. See "SAS Backplane Board Connectors" on page 139 for information on these backplane options.

NOTE: Depending on the hard drive configuration you ordered, your hard drive(s) may come with a drive interposer that allows your SATA drive to attach to the SAS connector on the backplane.

Before You Begin

Hard drives are supplied in special hot-pluggable drive carriers that fit in the hard-drive bays. Depending on your configuration, you received one of the following two drive carrier types:

???SATA drive carrier ??? Usable only with a SATA hard drive.

???SATAu drive carrier ??? Usable with either a SAS hard drive or a SATA hard drive with a universal interposer card. The interposer card provides enhanced functionality that makes the SATA hard drive usable in some storage systems.

NOTICE: Before attempting to remove or install a drive while the system is running, see the documentation for the optional SAS RAID controller daughter card to ensure that the host adapter is configured correctly to support hot- plug drive removal and insertion.

NOTE: It is recommended that you use only drives that have been tested and approved for use with the SAS backplane board.

You may need to use different programs than those provided with the operating system to partition and format SAS or SATA hard drives.

NOTICE: Do not turn off or reboot your system while the drive is being formatted. Doing so can cause a drive failure.

When you format a high-capacity hard drive, allow enough time for the formatting to be completed. Long format times for these drives are normal. A 9-GB hard drive, for example, can take up to 2.5 hours to format.

Removing a Drive Blank

NOTICE: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive bays must have drive blanks installed. If you remove a hard-drive carrier from the system and do not reinstall it, you must replace the carrier with a drive blank.

The process for removing a drive blank depends on whether your system is configured with 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch hard drives.

For 3.5-inch hard drive configurations:

1Remove the front bezel, if attached. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

2Insert your finger under the shrouded end of the blank and press in on the latch to eject the blank outward from the bay.

3Pry the ends of the blank outward until the blank is free.

For 2.5-inch hard drive configurations, remove the blank as you would the 2.5-inch hard drive carrier:

1Remove the front bezel, if attached. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

2Open the drive blank release handle to release the blank. See Figure 3-4.

3Slide the drive blank out until it is free of the drive bay.

56 Installing System Components

Installing a Drive Blank

The process for installing a drive blank depends on whether your system is configured with 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch hard drives.

For 3.5-inch hard drive configurations, the drive blank is keyed to ensure correct insertion into the drive bay. To install a 3.5-inch drive blank, insert and rotate in the keyed side of the blank into the drive bay and press evenly on the other end of the blank until it is fully inserted and latched.

For 2.5-inch hard drive configurations, install the hard drive blank as a 2.5-inch hard drive carrier:

1Remove the front bezel, if attached. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

2Open the handle on the drive blank.

3Insert the drive blank into the drive bay until the blank is fully seated.

4Close the handle to lock the blank in place.

5Replace the front bezel, if it was removed in step 1.

Removing a Hot-Plug Hard Drive

1Remove the front bezel, if attached. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

2From the RAID management software, prepare the drive for removal and wait until the hard-drive indicators on the drive carrier signal that the drive can be removed safely. See your SAS RAID controller documentation for information about hot-plug drive removal.

If the drive has been online, the green activity/fault indicator will flash as the drive is powered down. When both drive indicators are off, the drive is ready for removal.

3Open the drive carrier release handle to release the drive. See Figure 3-4.

4Slide the hard drive out until it is free of the drive bay.

5If you do not replace the hard drive, insert a drive blank in the vacated drive bay. See "Installing a Drive Blank" on page 57.

NOTICE: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive bays must have drive blanks installed.

Installing a Hot-Plug Hard Drive

NOTICE: When installing a hard drive, ensure that the adjacent drives are fully installed. Inserting a hard-drive carrier and attempting to lock its handle next to a partially installed carrier can damage the partially installed carrier's shield spring and make it unusable.

NOTICE: Not all operating systems support hot-plug drive installation. See the documentation supplied with your operating system.

1Remove the front bezel, if attached. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

2If a drive blank is present in the bay, remove it. See "Removing a Drive Blank" on page 56.

3Install the hot-plug hard drive.

a Open the handle on the hard-drive carrier.

Figure 3-4. Installing a Hot-Plug Hard Drive

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bInsert the hard-drive carrier into the drive bay until the carrier contacts the backplane.

cClose the handle to lock the drive in place.

4 Replace the front bezel, if it was removed in step 1.

Replacing a Hard-Drive Carrier

Removing a Hard Drive From a Hard-Drive Carrier

1If you are removing a SATA hard drive from a SATAu drive carrier, remove the interposer card:

a Viewing the hard drive carrier from the rear, locate the release lever on the left end of the interposer card.

b Push the lever away from the carrier rail to release the left end of the card. c Rotate the left end away from the hard drive to release the connector.

d Pull the right end of the interposer card clear of the slots in the carrier rail.

2Remove the four screws from the slide rails on the hard-drive carrier and separate the hard drive from the carrier.

58 Installing System Components

Installing a SAS Hard Drive Into a SATAu Drive Carrier

NOTE: SAS hard drives must be installed only in SATAu drive carriers. The SATAu drive carrier is labeled "SATAu" and also has marks indicating the SAS and SATA mounting screws.

1Insert the SAS hard drive into the hard-drive carrier with the connector end of the drive at the rear. See Figure 3-5.

2Viewing the assembly as shown in Figure 3-5, align the bottom rear screw hole on the hard drive with the hole labeled "SAS" on the hard drive carrier.

When aligned correctly, the rear of the hard drive will be flush with the rear of the hard-drive carrier.

3Attach the four screws to secure the hard drive to the hard-drive carrier. See Figure 3-5.

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SATAu SAS

Installing a SATA Hard Drive Into a SATA Drive Carrier

NOTE: SATA hard drives that connect directly to the SAS backplane must be installed in SATA drive carriers (labeled "SATA"). Only SATA hard drives with interposer cards can be installed in SATAu drive carriers.

1Insert the SATA hard drive into the hard-drive carrier with the connector end of the drive at the rear. See Figure 3-6.

2Align the screw holes on the hard drive with the holes on the hard-drive carrier. See Figure 3-6.

3Attach the four screws to secure the hard drive to the hard-drive carrier. See Figure 3-6.

Figure 3-6. Installing a SATA Hard Drive Into a SATA Drive Carrier

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60 Installing System Components

Installing a SATA Hard Drive and Interposer Card Into a SATAu Hard-Drive Carrier

NOTE: When you install a SATA hard drive into a SATAu drive carrier, you must install an interposer card onto the back of the hard drive. The SATAu drive carrier is labeled "SATAu" and also has marks indicating the SAS and SATA mounting screws.

1Insert the SATA hard drive into the SATAu hard-drive carrier with the connector end of the drive at the rear. See Figure 3-7.

2Viewing the assembly as shown in Figure 3-7, align the bottom rear screw hole on the hard drive with the hole labeled "SATAu" on the hard drive carrier.

When aligned correctly, the rear of the interposer will be flush with the rear of the hard-drive carrier.

3Attach the four screws to secure the hard drive to the hard-drive carrier. See Figure 3-7.

4Attach the interposer card to the rear of the SATA hard drive:

a Angle the top of the interposer card into the inside top carrier rail so that the tabs on the interposer card bracket attach to the slots on the inside of the carrier rail. See Figure 3-7.

b Rotate the bottom end of the card toward the hard drive to seat the connector. See Figure 3-7.

c Push the bottom end of the card to the hard drive until the latch on the card bracket clicks into place.

Figure 3-7. Installing a SATA Hard Drive and Interposer Card Into a SATAu Drive Carrier

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Power Supplies

Your system supports one or two power supplies rated at an output of 750 W. If only one power supply is installed, it must be installed in the left power supply bay (1). If two power supplies are installed, the second power supply serves as a redundant, hot-plug power source.

NOTICE: To ensure proper system cooling, the power supply blank must be installed on the unoccupied power supply bay in a non-redundant configuration. See "Installing the Power Supply Blank" on page 65.

62 Installing System Components

Removing a Power Supply

NOTICE: The system requires one power supply for the system to operate normally. The system is in the redundant mode when two power supplies are installed and both power supplies are connected to an AC power source. Remove and replace only one power supply at a time in a system that is powered on. Operating the system with only one power supply installed and without a power supply blank installed for extended periods of time can cause the system to overheat.

NOTICE: If only one power supply is installed, it must be installed in the left power supply bay (1).

NOTICE: If you connect the system to a power source in the range of 120 to 220 VAC, and if two power supplies are installed, the second power supply serves as a redundant, hot-plug power source.

NOTE: On your rack system, you may have to unlatch and lift the cable management arm if it interferes with power supply removal. For information about the cable management arm, see the system???s Rack Installation Guide.

1If your system has a single power supply, turn off the system and all attached peripherals. For a redundant system, you can leave the system running and proceed to the next step.

2Disconnect the power cable from the power source.

3Disconnect the power cable from the power supply and remove the cable from the cable retention bracket.

4Release the locking tab on the left side of the power supply by pressing in toward the right, and rotate the power-supply handle up until the power supply is released from the chassis. See Figure 3-8.

5Pull the power supply straight out to clear the chassis.

Figure 3-8. Removing and Installing a Power Supply

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Replacing a Power Supply

1With the power-supply handle in the extended position, slide the new power supply into the chassis. See Figure 3-8.

2Rotate the handle down until it is completely flush with the power-supply faceplate and the orange snap engages. See Figure 3-8.

3Insert the power cable through the cable retention bracket, connect the power cable to the power supply, and plug the cable into a power outlet.

NOTE: After installing a new power supply, allow several seconds for the system to recognize the power supply and determine whether it is working properly. The power supply status indicator will turn green to signify that the power supply is functioning properly. See Figure 1-4.

Removing the Power Supply Blank

Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw on the left side of the blank, rotate the blank slightly to clear the bay, and remove from the chassis.

NOTICE: To ensure proper system cooling, the power supply blank must be installed on the unoccupied power supply bay in a non-redundant configuration. Remove the power supply blank only if you are installing a second power supply.

64 Installing System Components

Installing the Power Supply Blank

To install the power supply blank, insert the tab on the right edge of the blank into the slot in the power supply bay wall. Rotate the blank into the power supply bay and secure with the Phillips screw.

System Fans

The system includes four hot-pluggable cooling fans.

Removing a System Fan

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

NOTICE: The system fans are hot-pluggable. To maintain proper cooling while the system is on, replace only one fan at a time.

1 Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

CAUTION: Use caution when handling the fan until the fan blades stop spinning.

2 Raise the fan handle and pull the fan straight up from the fan cage to clear the chassis. See Figure 3-9.

Figure 3-9. Removing and Installing a Cooling Fan

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Replacing a Cooling Fan

1Ensure that the fan handle is upright and lower the fan into its fan cage until the fan is fully seated. Then lower the fan handle until it snaps into place. See Figure 3-9.

2Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

Cooling Shroud

The cooling shroud produces and directs airflow over the system memory modules.

CAUTION: The DIMMs are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been powered down. Allow the DIMMs to cool before handling them.

NOTICE: Never operate your system with the memory cooling shroud removed. Overheating of the system can develop quickly resulting in a shutdown of the system and the loss of data.

66 Installing System Components

Removing the Cooling Shroud

1The cooling shroud is secured with a latch at the end of the shroud. Release the latch by pulling it towards the outside wall of the chassis. See Figure 3-10.

2Rotate the shroud upward and toward the front of the system on its hinges, and then lift the shroud out of the system.

Figure 3-10. Removing and Installing the Cooling Shroud

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Installing the Cooling Shroud

1Align the hinges on the shroud pivots located on either end of the fan bracket. See Figure 3-10.

2Slowly lower the shroud straight down into the system until the fan connector engages and the latches snap into place.

Fan Brackets

Removing the Fan Bracket

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Remove the cooling shroud. See "Removing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

4Remove the SAS controller daughter card. See "Removing a SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 74

5Remove the fans from the fan bracket. See "Removing a System Fan" on page 65.

6Remove the fan bracket from the system:

a Press down on the release latch on the left side of the fan bracket. See Figure 3-11.

If the bracket does not disengage completely, push down slightly on the bracket when releasing the latch.

bRotate the left side of the bracket upward, releasing the plastic clip from its slot in the power supply cage.

cDraw the bracket out of the system.

68 Installing System Components

Figure 3-11. Removing and Installing the Fan Bracket

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Replacing the Fan Bracket

1Insert the two tabs on the right side of the fan bracket into the two slots on the system board tray.

2Gently rotate the left end of the fan bracket downward into the system until the release latch and plastic clip fully engage.

3Reinstall the SAS controller daughter card. See "Installing a SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 70.

4Replace the fans in the fan bracket. See "Replacing a Cooling Fan" on page 66.

5Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

6Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

SAS Controller Daughter Card

Your system includes a dedicated slot on the sideplane for a SAS controller daughter card. The SAS controller daughter card provides the SAS storage subsystem for your system???s internal hard drives. The optional SAS RAID controller daughter card allows you to set up any internal hard drives in a RAID

configuration. Although the cabling for the two types of daughter cards is different (the SAS controller daughter card has only one connector, while the SAS RAID controller daughter card has two), both cards install into the sideplane as described below. The SAS RAID controller daughter card is shown in Figure 3-12.

Installing a SAS Controller Daughter Card

NOTICE: Do not press on the RAID card DIMM while installing the RAID card into the sideplane board.

NOTE: If you are installing a replacement RAID card, do not remove the plastic cover protecting the card until after installation of the card is complete.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Disconnect the control panel cable from the sideplane board. See "Removing the Control Panel Assembly" on page 105.

4Hold the SAS daughter card by its edges with the card connector facing the sideplane board.

5Aligning the chassis slots on the SAS daughter card tray with the corresponding hooks on the chassis, insert the card connector into the SAS daughter card connector on the sideplane board. See

Figure 3-12.

Ensure that the card is aligned with the mid-section standoff on the SAS controller daughter card and fully seat the card in the sideplane board.

70 Installing System Components

Figure 3-12. Installing a SAS Controller Daughter Card

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7SAS controller daughter card tray

SAS connectors 0 and 1 (for 6 chassis slots (2) RAID card only) out to

backplane SAS_A or SAS_B (for RAID card only) connector

6Attach any cables from the SAS controller daughter card to the backplane, referring to Figure 3-13, Figure 3-14, Figure 3-15, or Figure 3-16 for the cabling guidelines for your system???s card and backplane configuration.

SAS and SAS RAID Controller Daughter Card Cabling Guidelines

Figure 3-13. SAS Controller Daughter Card Cabling With all Backplanes

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Figure 3-14. SAS RAID Controller Daughter Card Cabling With 3.5-inch x6 Backplane

72 Installing System Components

Removing a SAS Controller Daughter Card

1Disconnect any battery connectors if applicable.

2Disconnect the control panel cable. See "Removing the Control Panel Assembly" on page 105

3Disconnect any SAS cables from the card.

4Gently press down on the release tab while sliding the SAS controller daughter card in its tray away from the sideplane connector, freeing the chassis slots on the tray from the chassis hooks, and lifting the card from the system. See Figure 3-12.

RAID Battery

Installing a RAID Battery

1Insert the RAID battery into the battery carrier. See Figure 3-17.

2Locate the battery bay to the right of the SAS daughter card on top of the hard drive bays.

3Insert the battery carrier and RAID battery into the chassis battery carrier slots and connect the battery cable to the storage daughter card, ensuring that the battery carrier is aligned and fully seated in the slots.

74 Installing System Components

Figure 3-17. Installing a RAID Battery

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4SAS RAID controller daughter card battery

Removing a RAID Battery

1Disconnect the cable between the RAID battery and the SAS RAID controller daughter card. See Figure 3-17.

2Press down and to the left on the battery carrier to disengage the carrier from the chassis battery carrier slots.

3Gently pulling back the two guides holding the RAID battery into the battery carrier, draw out the RAID battery from the battery carrier.

Configuring the Boot Device

NOTE: System boot is not supported from an external device attached to a SAS or SCSI adapter. See support.dell.com for the latest support information about booting from external devices.

If you plan to boot the system from a hard drive, the drive must be attached to the primary (or boot) controller. The device that the system boots from is determined by the boot order specified in the System Setup program.

The System Setup program provides options that the system uses to scan for installed boot devices. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37 for information about the System Setup program.

Expansion Cards

The system is available with either a PCI-X or a PCI Express (PCIe) left riser board option. The PCI-X left riser board provides two PCI-X 64-bit/133-MHz expansion slots, while the PCIe left riser board provides one PCIe x8-lane expansion slot and one PCIe x4-lane expansion slot. The half-height center riser board provided with both PCI-X and PCIe left riser board options features one PCIe x8-lane expansion slot. The three expansion card slots are on separate buses.

Expansion Card Installation Guidelines

To identify expansion slots, see "Expansion-Card Riser-Board Components and PCI Buses" on page 142.

NOTE: The expansion-card slots are not hot-pluggable.

NOTE: Although the PCIe x4-lane expansion slot on the PCIe left riser option is physically a PCIe x8 connector, it functions only as a PCIe x4-lane slot.

NOTE: Slot 1 on the central riser supports half-length expansion cards only. Slots 2 and 3 on the left riser support full-length expansion cards.

NOTE: Your system supports up to two RAID expansion cards to manage external storage.

Installing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

NOTE: The procedure for installing expansion cards into the left and central risers is the same except that there is no card guide for cards installing into the central riser, and only half-height cards are supported on the central riser. Full-length expansion card installation is illustrated in Figure 3-18.

1Unpack the expansion card and prepare it for installation.

For instructions, see the documentation accompanying the card.

2Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

76 Installing System Components

4Open the expansion-card guide latch and remove the filler bracket. See Figure 3-18.

5Install the expansion card:

a If the expansion card is full length, align its front edge with the front card guide. See Figure 3-18.

b Position the expansion card so that the card-edge connector aligns with the expansion-card connector on the expansion-card riser board.

c Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the PCI card connector until the card is fully seated. d When the card is seated in the connector, close the expansion-card latch. See Figure 3-18.

Figure 3-18. Installing an Expansion Card

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6Connect any expansion-card cables for the new card.

See the documentation that came with the card for information about its cable connections.

7Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

Removing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Disconnect all expansion-card cables.

4Release the expansion card:

a Open the expansion-card latch. See Figure 3-18.

b Grasp the expansion card by its top corners, and carefully remove it from the expansion-card connector.

5If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty expansion slot opening and close the expansion-card latch.

NOTE: You must install a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

6Reconnect all expansion-card cables.

7Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

Expansion-Card Cage

Removing the Expansion-Card Cage

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

NOTE: You must remove all expansion cards from the expansion-card cage before removing the expansion-card cage from the system.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Disconnect all expansion-card cables.

4Remove any expansion cards from the expansion-card cage. See "Removing an Expansion Card" on page 78.

5Press the two blue release latches on the expansion-card cage. See Figure 3-19.

78 Installing System Components

Figure 3-19. Installing and Removing the Expansion-Card Cage

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6 Lift the cage straight up to clear the chassis. See Figure 3-19.

Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Align the guides on each end of the expansion-card cage with the pins on the system board, and lower the cage. See Figure 3-19.

2Install any expansion cards.

3Reconnect all expansion-card cables.

4Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

Installing a RAC Card

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

The optional Remote Access Controller (RAC) provides a set of advanced features for managing the server remotely. The following procedure describes the steps for installing the optional RAC card.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Remove the plastic filler plug from the system back panel. See Figure 3-20.

4Remove the central riser board. See "Removing the Central Riser Board" on page 100.

5Angle the RAC card so that its NIC connector inserts through the back-panel RAC card opening, and then straighten the card.

Figure 3-20. Installing a RAC Card

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80 Installing System Components

6Align the front edge of the RAC card with the two front plastic retention standoffs adjacent to the RAC system board connector, and press down the side of the card until it is fully seated. See Figure 3-20.

When the front of the card is fully seated, the plastic standoff snaps over the edge of the card.

7Connect the two short ribbon cables to the RAC card and the system board. See Figure 6-2 for the connector locations

NOTICE: Be careful when attaching cables to the system board that you do not damage the surrounding system board components.

aConnect one cable to connector 1 on the RAC card and to RAC_CONN1 on the system board.

bConnect the second cable to connector 2 on the RAC card and to RAC_CONN2 on the system board. Reinstall the central riser board. See "Installing the Central Riser Board" on page 100.

NOTICE: When detaching the RAC cables from the system board, squeeze the metal ends of the cable connectors and gently work the connector out of the socket. Do not pull on the cable to unseat the connector. Doing so can damage the cable.

8Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

9Reconnect the system and peripherals to their power sources, and turn them on. See the RAC card documentation for information on configuring and using the RAC card.

Optical Drive

An optional slimline optical drive is mounted on a tray that slides in the front panel and connects to the controllers on the system board through the SAS backplane board.

Removing the Optical Drive

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

2Remove the bezel. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

3Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54

4Disconnect the optical drive cable from the back of the drive.

5To remove the optical drive, press down and forward on the blue tray release tab and slide the drive tray out of the system. See Figure 3-21.

Figure 3-21. Removing and Installing the Optical Drive Tray

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Installing the Optical Drive

1Align the optical drive tray with its opening in the front panel.

The optical drive opening is above the hard-drive slots on the far right, or the flex bay, depending on your system???s drive configuration (the hard-drives slots are identified by labels on the front panel of the system).

2Slide in the drive tray until the tray snaps into place. See Figure 3-21.

3Connect the optical drive cable to the connector on the back of the drive.

4Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

5Replace the bezel. See "Replacing the Front Bezel" on page 54.

6Reconnect your system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn on the system.

82 Installing System Components

Diskette Drive

Removing the Diskette Drive From the System

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Remove the front bezel, if attached. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

3Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

4If your system configuration includes a tape backup device installed in the optional media bay, remove the tape backup device???s strain relief bracket. See "Removing and Replacing the Tape Drive Cable Retention Bracket" on page 88.

5Disconnect the cable from the back of the diskette drive.

6Release the diskette drive carrier from its slot in the media bay:

a Gently squeeze down on the plastic tabs on the side of the carrier while pushing toward the front of the system until you feel the carrier sliding freely forward.

b Slide the carrier forward and out of the chassis. See Figure 3-23.

Figure 3-22. Installing and Removing the Diskette Drive From the System

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Installing the Diskette Drive Into the System

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Remove the front bezel, if attached. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

3Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

4Install the diskette drive carrier into the system:

a Align the slots on the bottom of the diskette drive carrier with the drive bay rails in the media bay.

b Push the carrier toward the system front plate until the plastic latch on the carrier locks into position.

5Attach one end of the ribbon cable to the floppy connector (FLOPPY) on the system board and the other end to the connector on the rear of the diskette drive. See Figure 6-2 for the location of the floppy cable connector on the system board.

6Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

84 Installing System Components

7Replace the front bezel if removed in step 2. See "Replacing the Front Bezel" on page 54.

8Reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets.

Removing the Diskette Drive From the Drive Carrier

1Remove the diskette drive from the system. See "Removing the Diskette Drive From the System" on page 83.

2Gently draw one side of the carrier away from the diskette drive until the drive pops from the tray. See Figure 3-23.

Figure 3-23. Installing and Removing the Diskette Drive Into and From the Drive Carrier

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Installing the Diskette Drive Into the Drive Carrier

1Align the back of the diskette drive with the back of the carrier.

2Add the shim to the drive.

3Gently push the drive into the carrier until it pops in securely. See Figure 3-23.

SCSI Tape Drive

This section describes how to configure and install an internal SCSI tape drive.

NOTE: Installing a SCSI tape drive requires an optional SCSI controller card.

Removing and Installing an Internal SCSI Tape Drive

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Remove the tape drive carrier from the media bay by squeezing the release tabs on either side of the carrier down and forward, sliding the carrier gently from the bay. See Figure 3-24.

Figure 3-24. Removing and Installing the Tape Drive Carrier

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3Remove the four screws affixing the tape drive blank to the rails, and set the rails aside for installation onto the drive. See Figure 3-25.

86 Installing System Components

4Prepare the tape drive for installation.

Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface on the back of the system, unpack the drive (and controller card, if applicable), and compare the jumper and switch settings with those in the drive documentation.

5Aligning the four holes on the tape drive with the four screw holes on the tape drive rails, affix the rails to the drive.

6Insert the tape drive along the rails in the media bay. See Figure 3-25.

Figure 3-25. Removing and Installing an Internal SCSI Tape Drive

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7Route the tape drive's SCSI interface cable through the tape drive cable retention bracket and connect it to the connector on the SCSI controller card. See "Removing and Replacing the Tape Drive Cable Retention Bracket" on page 88.

8Connect the tape drive power cable to the tape drive power connector on the backplane. See Figure 6-4 or Figure 6-5 for the connector location.

9Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

10Perform a tape backup and verification test with the drive as instructed in the software documentation that came with the drive.

Removing and Replacing the Tape Drive Cable Retention Bracket

The optional tape drive available with the 3.5" x4 and 2.5" x8 backplane configurations connects to the system board through an expansion card plugged into one of the PCI expansion card slots. The tape drive cable is routed along the right side of the chassis and behind the tape drive cable retention bracket.

To remove the tape drive cable retention bracket, gently draw the blue release latch toward the center of the system while sliding the cable retention bracket toward the front of the system and disengaging the bracket from the chassis wall. See Figure 3-26.

To replace the bracket, align the bracket clips with their slots on the chassis wall, then slide the bracket toward the back of the system until all the clips and the blue release latch are fully engaged.

Figure 3-26. Installing and Removing the Tape Drive Cable Retention Bracket

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88 Installing System Components

System Memory

You can upgrade your system memory to a maximum of 32 GB by installing 533MHz or 667MHz fully buffered (FB) DDR II memory modules in sets of 256-MB, 512-MB, 1-GB, 2-GB, or 4-GB. The eight memory sockets are located on the system board under the cooling shroud adjacent to the power supply bays. See Figure 6-2. You can purchase memory upgrade kits from Dell.

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the system during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new memory modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new memory modules from Dell. Use only 533 MHz or 667 MHz DDR II FB-DIMMs.

The memory module sockets are divided into two equal branches (0 and 1). Each branch consists of two channels:

???Channel 0 and channel 1 are in branch 0.

???Channel 2 and channel 3 are in branch 1.

Each channel consists of two DIMM sockets:

???Channel 0 contains DIMM_1, DIMM_5.

???Channel 1 contains DIMM _2, DIMM_6.

???Channel 2 contains DIMM_3, DIMM_7.

???Channel 3 contains DIMM _4, DIMM _8.

The first DIMM socket of each channel has white release tabs.

General Memory Module Installation Guidelines

To ensure optimal performance of your system, observe the following guidelines when configuring your system memory.

???Use only qualified Fully-Buffered DIMMs (FBDs). FBDs can be either single-ranked or dual-ranked. FBDs marked with a 1R are single-ranked and modules marked with a 2R are dual-ranked.

???A minimum of two identical FBDs must installed.

???DIMM sockets must be populated by lowest number first.

???FBDs must be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology, and the total number of FBDs in the configuration must total two, four, or eight. For best system performance, all four, or eight FBDs should be identical memory size, speed, and technology.

???Memory sparing and memory mirroring require eight FBDs, and all FBDs must be of identical memory size, speed, and technology.

???Memory sparing and memory mirroring cannot be implemented at the same time.

Non-Optimal Memory Configurations

System performance can be affected if your memory configuration does not conform to the preceding installation guidelines. Your system may issue an error message during startup stating that your memory configuration is non-optimal.

Memory Sparing Support

The system supports memory sparing if eight identical memory modules are installed in the system. The memory sparing feature must be enabled in the System Setup program and can be used only if memory mirroring is not enabled.

Memory sparing allocates four ranks of DIMM memory to the spare bank. These four ranks consist of the first rank of memory in DIMM sockets 1 through 4. For single-rank DIMMs, the entire capacity of the four DIMMs is allocated to sparing whereas for dual-rank DIMMs, only half of the four-DIMM capacity is allocated to sparing. Table 3-2 shows how memory sparing splits the available and spared memory in each of the single- and dual-ranked memory module combinations.

Table 3-2. Memory Sparing Configurations

Memory Mirroring Support

The system supports memory mirroring if eight identical memory modules are installed in the system. Mirroring must be enabled in the System Setup program and can be used only if memory sparing is not enabled. In a mirrored configuration, the total available system memory is one-half of the total installed memory.

Installing Memory Modules

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Remove the memory cooling shroud. See "Removing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

90 Installing System Components

NOTICE: Never remove the memory cooling shroud without first powering down the system. Overheating of the system can develop quickly resulting in a shutdown of the system and the loss of data.

4 Locate the memory module sockets on the system board. See Figure 6-2.

CAUTION: The DIMMs are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been powered down. Allow time for the DIMMs to cool before handling them. Handle the DIMMs by the card edges and avoid touching the DIMM components.

5Press the ejectors on the memory module socket down and out, as shown in Figure 3-27, to allow the memory module to be inserted into the socket.

Figure 3-27. Installing and Removing a Memory Module

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6Align the memory module's edge connector with the alignment key on the memory module socket, and insert the memory module in the socket.

NOTE: The memory module socket has an alignment key that allows you to install the memory module in the socket in only one way.

7Press down on the memory module with your thumbs while pulling up on the ejectors with your index fingers to lock the memory module into the socket.

When the memory module is properly seated in the socket, the ejectors on the memory module socket align with the ejectors on the other sockets that have memory modules installed.

8Repeat step 3 through step 7 of this procedure to install the remaining memory modules.

9 Replace the memory cooling shroud. See "Installing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

NOTICE: Never operate your system with the memory cooling shroud removed. Overheating of the system can develop quickly resulting in a shutdown of the system and the loss of data.

10Close the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

11(Optional) Enter the System Setup program, and check the System Memory setting on the main System Setup screen. See "Entering the System Setup Program" on page 37.

The system should have already changed the value to reflect the newly installed memory.

12If the value is incorrect, one or more of the memory modules may not be installed properly. Repeat step 2 through step 11 of this procedure, checking to ensure that the memory modules are firmly seated in their sockets.

13Run the system memory test in the system diagnostics. See "Running the System Diagnostics" on page 132.

Removing Memory Modules

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Remove the memory cooling shroud. See "Removing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

NOTICE: Never remove the memory cooling shroud without first powering down the system. Overheating of the system can develop quickly resulting in a shutdown of the system and the loss of data.

4 Locate the memory module sockets on the system board. See Figure 6-2.

CAUTION: The DIMMs are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been powered down. Allow the DIMMs to cool before handling them. Handle the DIMMs by the card edges, and avoid touching the DIMM components.

5Press down and out on the ejectors on each end of the socket until the memory module pops out of the socket. See Figure 3-27.

6Replace the memory cooling shroud. See "Installing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

NOTICE: Never operate your system with the memory cooling shroud removed. Overheating of the system can develop quickly resulting in a shutdown of the system and the loss of data.

7 Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

92 Installing System Components

Activating the Integrated NIC TOE

To add TCP/IP Offload Engine (TOE) functionality to the system???s integrated NIC, install the TOE NIC hardware key in the TOE_KEY socket on the system board (see Figure 6-2.)

Processors

You can upgrade your processor(s) to take advantage of future options in speed and functionality. Each processor and its associated internal cache memory are contained in a land grid array (LGA) package that is installed in a ZIF socket on the system board.

Removing a Processor

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Prior to upgrading your system, download the latest system BIOS version on support.dell.com.

2Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

4Remove the fans. See "Removing a System Fan" on page 65

5Remove the fan bracket. See "Removing the Fan Bracket" on page 68.

NOTICE: When you remove the heat sink, the possibility exists that the processor might adhere to the heat sink and be removed from the socket. It is recommended that you remove the heat sink while the processor is still warm.

NOTICE: Never remove the heat sink from a processor unless you intend to remove the processor. The heat sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.

6Press the blue tab on the end of one of the heat-sink retention levers to disengage the lever, then lift the lever 90 degrees. See Figure 3-28.

Figure 3-28. Installing and Removing the Heat Sink

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7Wait 30 seconds for the heat sink to loosen from the processor.

8Open the other heat sink retention lever.

9If the heat sink has not separated from the processor, carefully rotate the heat sink in a clockwise, then counterclockwise direction until it releases from the processor. Do not pry the heat sink from the processor.

10Lift the heat sink off of the processor and set the heat sink aside.

11Pull the socket-release lever 90 degrees upward until the processor is released from the socket. See Figure 3-29.

12Rotate the processor shield upward and out of the way.

94 Installing System Components

Figure 3-29. Installing and Removing a Processor

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13Lift the processor out of the socket and leave the release lever up so that the socket is ready for the new processor.

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins on the ZIF socket when removing the processor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the system board.

Installing a Processor

1Unpack the new processor.

2Align the processor with the socket keys on the ZIF socket. See Figure 3-29.

3Install the processor in the socket.

NOTICE: Positioning the processor incorrectly can permanently damage the system board or the processor when you turn it on. When placing the processor in the socket, be careful not to bend the pins in the socket.

aIf the release lever on the processor socket is not positioned all the way up, move it to that position.

bWith the processor and the socket keys aligned, set the processor lightly in the socket.

NOTICE: Do not use force to seat the processor. When the processor is positioned correctly, it engages easily into the socket.

cClose the processor shield. See Figure 3-29.

dWhen the processor is fully seated in the socket, rotate the socket release lever back down until it snaps into place, securing the processor. See Figure 3-29.

4 Install the heat sink.

NOTE: If you did not receive a replacement heat sink, use the heat sink that you removed in step 10.

aIf you receive a heat sink and pre-applied thermal grease with your processor kit, remove the protective sheet from the thermal grease layer on top of the heat sink.

If you did not receive a replacement heat sink with your processor kit, do the following:

???Using a clean lint-free cloth, remove the existing thermal grease from the heat sink you removed in step 10.

???Open the grease packet included with your processor kit and apply thermal grease evenly to the top of the processor.

bPlace the heat sink on the processor. See Figure 3-28.

cClose one of the two heat sink retention levers until it locks. See Figure 3-28.

dRepeat for the other heat sink retention lever.

5Reinstall the fan bracket. See "Replacing the Fan Bracket" on page 69.

6Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

As the system boots, it detects the presence of the new processor and automatically changes the system configuration information in the System Setup program.

7Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program, and check that the processor information matches the new system configuration. See "Entering the System Setup Program" on page 37.

8Run the system diagnostics to verify that the new processor operates correctly.

See "Running the System Diagnostics" on page 132 for information about running the diagnostics.

System Battery

The system battery is a 3.0-volt (V), coin-cell battery.

Replacing the System Battery

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions. See your System Information Guide for additional information.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54

96 Installing System Components

3Locate the battery socket. See "System Board Connectors" on page 137.

NOTICE: If you pry the battery out of its socket with a blunt object, be careful not to touch the system board with the object. Ensure that the object is inserted between the battery and the socket before you attempt to pry out the battery. Otherwise, you may damage the system board by prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the system board.

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while installing or removing a battery.

4Remove the system battery.

a Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the connector.

b While supporting the battery connector, press the battery toward the positive side of the connector and pry it up out of the securing tabs at the negative side of the connector.

Figure 3-30. Replacing the System Battery

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NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while installing or removing a battery.

5Install the new system battery.

a Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the connector.

b Hold the battery with the "+" facing up, and slide it under the securing tabs at the positive side of the connector.

c Press the battery straight down into the connector until it snaps into place.

6Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

7Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

8Enter the System Setup program to confirm that the battery is operating properly. See "Entering the System Setup Program" on page 37.

9Enter the correct time and date in the System Setup program's Time and Date fields.

10Exit the System Setup program.

11To test the newly installed battery, turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet for at least an hour.

12After an hour, reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn it on.

13Enter the System Setup program and if the time and date are still incorrect, see "Getting Help" on page 147 for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

Expansion-Card Riser Boards

Removing the Left Expansion-Card Riser Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Remove any expansion cards from the left riser expansion-card slots. See "Removing an Expansion Card" on page 78.

4Remove the expansion-card cage. See "Removing the Expansion-Card Cage" on page 78.

5Remove the expansion-card riser board:

a Pull the expansion-card riser release pin. See Figure 3-31.

b While pulling the release pin, slide the riser board away from the expansion card openings. c Lift the riser board from the six securing tabs.

98 Installing System Components

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Installing the Left Riser Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Place the riser board in the expansion-card cage so that the six securing tabs are fully inserted in the six securing slots on the riser board. See Figure 3-31.

2Slide the riser board toward the expansion card openings until you feel the riser-board release pin snap into place.

3Replace the expansion-card cage. See "Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage" on page 79.

4Install all expansion cards in the expansion-card slots. See "Installing an Expansion Card" on page 76.

5Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

Removing the Central Riser Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Press the blue release tab in the center of the central riser to release the board from the system board socket while easing both ends of the riser upward.

2Lift the central riser board from the two guide pins on either end, and draw the riser away from the system board.

Figure 3-32. Replacing the Central Riser Board

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Installing the Central Riser Board

1Fitting the two guides over the guide pins on the system board, gently lower the central riser board until the board connector is firmly seated into the system board socket. See Figure 3-32.

100 Installing System Components

Sideplane Board

Removing the Sideplane Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3Remove the SAS controller daughter card. See "Removing a SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 74.

4Remove any cables from the sideplane board.

5Pressing inward on the sideplane release tabs, lift the sideplane up and away from the system. See Figure 3-33

Figure 3-33. Sideplane Removal and Installation

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Installing the Sideplane Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Align the two guides on the sideplane board with the two pins on the SAS backplane board, and gently lower the sideplane so that the sideplane connector is fully seated into the SAS backplane board connector. See Figure 3-33.

3Reattach any cables to the sideplane board.

4If applicable, replace the storage controller daughter card. See "Installing a SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 70.

5Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

102 Installing System Components

SAS Backplane Board

Removing the SAS Backplane Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

3If applicable, disconnect the optical drive from the SAS backplane board. See "Removing the Optical Drive" on page 81.

4If applicable, disconnect the diskette drive. See "Removing the Diskette Drive From the System" on page 83.

5If applicable, disconnect the tape drive. See "Removing and Installing an Internal SCSI Tape Drive" on page 86.

6Remove the hard drives. See "Removing a Hot-Plug Hard Drive" on page 57.

NOTE: To properly reinstall the hard drives, ensure that you record which hard drive you remove from which bay.

7Disconnect the SAS cable(s) and control panel cable from the backplane connectors. See "SAS and SAS RAID Controller Daughter Card Cabling Guidelines" on page 72 and "Removing the Control Panel Assembly" on page 105.

8If applicable, remove the storage controller daughter card. See "Removing a SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 74.

9Remove the cooling shroud. See "Removing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

10Remove the fans. See "Removing a System Fan" on page 65

11Remove the fan bracket. See "Removing the Fan Bracket" on page 68.

12Remove the SAS backplane board:

a Pull the SAS-backplane board release pin. See Figure 3-34.

b While pulling the release pin, tilt the backplane board toward the back of the system.

c Lift the backplane board from its securing tabs and remove the backplane board from the chassis.

Figure 3-34. SAS Backplane Board Removal

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Installing the SAS Backplane Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Place the SAS backplane board so that the securing tabs on the drive cage are fully inserted into the securing slots on the backplane board. See Figure 3-34.

2Pull the SAS-backplane board release pin. See Figure 3-34.

3While pulling the release pin, tilt the SAS-backplane board toward the front of the system until it stops, then release the release pin and ensure that it snaps into place.

4Replace the fan bracket. See "Replacing the Fan Bracket" on page 69.

5Replace the fans. See "Replacing a Cooling Fan" on page 66.

6Replace the cooling shroud. See "Installing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

104 Installing System Components

7Reinstall the SAS controller daughter card. See "Installing a SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 70.

8Reattach the SAS controller daughter card cables and the control panel cable. See "SAS and SAS RAID Controller Daughter Card Cabling Guidelines" on page 72.

9Reinstall the hard drives. See "Installing a Hot-Plug Hard Drive" on page 57.

NOTE: Reinstall the hard drives in the same drive bays from which they were removed.

10If applicable, reconnect the internal tape drive. See "Removing and Installing an Internal SCSI Tape Drive" on page 86.

11If applicable, reconnect the diskette drive. See "Installing the Diskette Drive Into the System" on page 84.

12If applicable, reconnect the optical drive. See "Installing the Optical Drive" on page 82.

13Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

Control Panel Assembly (Service-only Procedure)

NOTE: The control panel assembly consists of two separate modules???the display module and the control panel circuit board. Use the following instructions to remove and install either module.

Removing the Control Panel Assembly

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1If applicable, remove the bezel. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

2Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and peripherals.

3Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

4Disconnect the control panel cable at back of the control panel board. See Figure 3-35.

NOTICE: Do not pull on the cable to unseat the connector. Doing so can damage the cable.

aSqueeze the metal tabs on the ends of the cable connector.

bGently work the connector out of the socket.

5Disconnect the display module cable from the control panel board. See Figure 3-35.

6Remove the three screws that secure the control panel board to the system chassis and remove the board. See Figure 3-35.

7Remove the display module:

a Insert the end of paper clip into the hole on the right side of the display module and gently pry off the label.

bUsing a T10 Torx driver, remove the two screws that secure the display module to the system chassis.

cRemove the display module from the chassis cutout.

Figure 3-35. Control Panel Removal

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7control-panel circuit board securing screws (3)

Installing the Control Panel Assembly

1Insert the display module into the chassis cutout and secure with the two Torx screws.

2Affix the display module label to the display module.

3Install the control panel board in the system chassis and secure with the three Phillips screws. See Figure 3-35.

106 Installing System Components

4Connect the display module cable to the control panel board. See Figure 3-35.

5Connect the control panel cable to the control panel board. See Figure 3-35.

6Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

7Reconnect the system to the power source and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

8If applicable, install the bezel.

System Board (Service-only Procedure)

Removing the System Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See"Opening the System" on page 54

3If applicable, remove any expansion cards. See "Installing an Expansion Card" on page 77

4Remove the expansion-card cage. See "Removing the Expansion-Card Cage" on page 78

5Remove the cooling shroud. See "Removing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

6Remove the fans. See "Removing a System Fan" on page 65.

7Remove the fan bracket. See "Removing the Fan Bracket" on page 68

8If applicable, remove the RAC card. See "Installing a RAC Card" on page 80

CAUTION: The DIMMs are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been powered down. Allow time for the DIMMs to cool before handling them. Handle the DIMMs by the card edges and avoid touching the DIMM components.

9 Remove the memory modules. See "Removing Memory Modules" on page 92.

NOTE: While removing the memory modules, record the memory module socket locations to ensure proper installation.

10Remove the heatsink(s) and microprocessor(s). See "Removing a Processor" on page 93.

11Remove the TOE key, if present. See Figure 6-2 for the location of the TOE key.

12Remove the sideplane. See "Removing the Sideplane Board" on page 101.

13Remove the SAS backplane. See "Removing the SAS Backplane Board" on page 103.

14Remove the system board:

a Pull the system-board tray riser release pin. See Figure 3-36.

b While pulling the release pin, slide the system-board tray toward the front of the chassis. c Lift up the system-board tray and remove it from the chassis.

Figure 3-36. System Board Removal

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Installing the System Board

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Lower the system-board tray until the tray sits flat on the bottom of the chassis.

2Ensure that all 17 system-board securing tabs are fully inserted into the 17 system-board securing slots. See Figure 3-36.

3Slide the system-board tray toward the back of the chassis until it locks into position.

4Replace the SAS backplane. See "Installing the SAS Backplane Board" on page 104.

108 Installing System Components

5Replace the sideplane. See "Installing the Sideplane Board" on page 102

6Reinstall the TOE key, if applicable. See Figure 6-2 for the TOE key???s location.

7Replace the heatsink(s) and microprocessor(s). See "Installing a Processor" on page 95.

8Replace the memory modules. See "Installing Memory Modules" on page 90.

9If applicable, replace the RAC card. See "Installing a RAC Card" on page 80.

10Replace the fan bracket. See "Replacing the Fan Bracket" on page 69.

11Replace the fans. See "Replacing a Cooling Fan" on page 66.

12Replace the cooling shroud. See "Installing the Cooling Shroud" on page 67.

13Replace the expansion-card cage. See "Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage" on page 79.

14If applicable, replace any expansion cards. See "Installing an Expansion Card" on page 76.

15Close the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

110 Installing System Components

Troubleshooting Your System

Safety First???For You and Your System

To perform certain procedures in this document, you must remove the system cover and work inside the system. While working inside the system, do not attempt to service the system except as explained in this guide and elsewhere in your system documentation.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

Start-Up Routine

Look and listen during the system's start-up routine for the indications described in Table 1-1.

Table 4-1. Start-Up Routine Indications

Checking the Equipment

This section provides troubleshooting procedures for external devices attached to the system, such as the monitor, keyboard, or mouse. Before you perform any of the procedures, see "Troubleshooting External Connections" on page 112.

Troubleshooting IRQ Assignment Conflicts

Most PCI devices can share an IRQ with another device, but they cannot use an IRQ simultaneously. To avoid this type of conflict, see the documentation for each PCI device for specific IRQ requirements. Table 4-2 lists the IRQ assignments.

Table 4-2. IRQ Assignment Defaults

Troubleshooting External Connections

Loose or improperly connected cables are the most likely source of problems for the system, monitor, and other peripherals (such as a printer, keyboard, mouse, or other external device). Ensure that all external cables are securely attached to the external connectors on your system. See "Front-Panel Features and Indicators" on page 13 and "Back-Panel Features and Indicators" on page 17 for the front- and back-panel connectors on your system.

112 Troubleshooting Your System

Troubleshooting the Video Subsystem

Problem

???Monitor is not working properly.

???Video memory is faulty.

Action

1Check the system and power connections to the monitor.

2Determine whether the system has an expansion card with a video output connector.

In this system configuration, the monitor cable should normally be connected to the connector on the expansion card, not to the system???s integrated video connector.

To verify that the monitor is connected to the correct video connector, turn off the system and wait for 1 minute, then connect the monitor to the other video connector and turn the system on again.

3Determine whether the system has monitors attached to both the front and rear video connectors.

The system supports only one monitor attached to either the front or rear video connector. When a monitor is connected to the front panel, the back-panel video, and PS/2 keyboard and mouse connectors are disabled.

If two monitors are attached to the system, disconnect one monitor. If the problem is not resolved, continue to the next step.

4Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131. If the tests run successfully, the problem is not related to video hardware.

If the tests fail, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting the Keyboard

Problem

???System message indicates a problem with the keyboard

???Keyboard is not functioning properly

Action

1Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the USB ports are enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

2Examine the keyboard and its cable for signs of damage.

3Swap the faulty keyboard with a working keyboard.

If the problem is resolved, replace the faulty keyboard. See "Getting Help" on page 147.

4Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131. If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting the Mouse

Problem

???System message indicates a problem with the mouse.

???Mouse is not functioning properly.

Action

1Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131. If the test fails, continue to the next step.

2Examine the mouse and its cable for signs of damage. If the mouse is not damaged, go to step 4.

If the mouse is damaged, continue to the next step.

3Swap the faulty mouse with a working mouse.

If the problem is resolved, replace the faulty mouse. See "Getting Help" on page 147.

4Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the USB port is enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting Basic I/O Functions

Problem

???Error message indicates a problem with a serial port.

???Device connected to a serial port is not operating properly.

Action

1Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the serial port is enabled, and the serial port/COM ports are configured appropriately for any applications you are using. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

2If the problem is confined to a particular application, see the application documentation for specific port configuration requirements that the program may require.

3Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

If the tests run successfully but the problem persists, see "Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device" on page 115.

114 Troubleshooting Your System

Troubleshooting a Serial I/O Device

Problem

???Device connected to the serial port is not operating properly.

Action

1Turn off the system and any peripheral devices connected to the serial port.

2Swap the serial interface cable with a working cable, and turn on the system and the serial device. If the problem is resolved, replace the interface cable.

3Turn off the system and the serial device, and swap the device with a comparable device.

4Turn on the system and the serial device.

If the problem is resolved, replace the serial device. See "Getting Help" on page 147. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting a USB Device

Problem

???System message indicates a problem with a USB device.

???Device connected to a USB port is not operating properly.

Action

1Enter the System Setup program, and ensure that the USB ports are enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

2Turn off the system and any USB devices.

3Disconnect the USB devices, and connect the malfunctioning device to the other USB connector.

4Turn on the system and the reconnected device.

If the problem is resolved, the USB connector might be defective. See "Getting Help" on page 147.

5If possible, swap the interface cable with a working cable.

If the problem is resolved, replace the interface cable. See "Getting Help" on page 147.

6Turn off the system and the USB device, and swap the device with a comparable device.

7Turn on the system and the USB device.

If the problem is resolved, replace the USB device. See "Getting Help" on page 147. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting a NIC

Problem

???NIC cannot communicate with network.

Action

1Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Running the System Diagnostics" on page 132.

2Check the appropriate indicator on the NIC connector. See "NIC Indicator Codes" on page 19.

???If the link indicator does not light, check all cable connections.

???If the activity indicator does not light, the network driver files might be damaged or missing. Remove and reinstall the drivers if applicable. See the NIC's documentation.

???Change the autonegotiation setting, if possible.

???Use another connector on the switch or hub.

If you are using a NIC card instead of an integrated NIC, see the documentation for the NIC card.

3Ensure that the appropriate drivers are installed and the protocols are bound. See the NIC's documentation.

4Enter the System Setup program and confirm that the NICs are enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

5Ensure that the NICs, hubs, and switches on the network are all set to the same data transmission speed. See the network equipment documentation.

6Ensure that all network cables are of the proper type and do not exceed the maximum length. See Network Cable Requirements in your Getting Started Guide.

Troubleshooting a Wet System

Problem

???Liquid spilled on the system.

???Excessive humidity.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

116 Troubleshooting Your System

3Remove all expansion cards installed in the system. See "Removing an Expansion Card" on page 78.

4Let the system dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours.

5Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

6Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. If the system does not start properly, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

7If the system starts properly, shut down the system and reinstall all of the expansion cards that you removed. See "Installing an Expansion Card" on page 76.

8Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131. If the tests fail, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting a Damaged System

Problem

???System was dropped or damaged.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

2Ensure that the following components are properly installed:

???Expansion cards and risers

???Power supplies

???Fans

???Processors and heat sinks

???Memory modules

???Drive-carrier connections to the SAS backplane board, if applicable

3Ensure that all cables are properly connected.

4Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

5Run the system board tests in the system diagnostics. See "Running the System Diagnostics" on page 132.

If the tests fail, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting the System Battery

Problem

???System message indicates a problem with the battery.

???System Setup program loses system configuration information.

???System date and time do not remain current.

NOTE: If the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the NVRAM may lose its system configuration information. This situation is caused by a defective battery.

Action

1Re-enter the time and date through the System Setup program. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

2Turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet for at least one hour.

3Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system.

4Enter the System Setup program.

If the date and time are not correct in the System Setup program, replace the battery. See "System Battery" on page 96.

If the problem is not resolved by replacing the battery, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

NOTE: Some software may cause the system time to speed up or slow down. If the system seems to operate normally except for the time kept in the System Setup program, the problem may be caused by software rather than by a defective battery.

Troubleshooting Power Supplies

Problem

???System-status indicators are amber.

???Power-supply fault indicators are amber.

???Front-panel status LCD indicates a problem with the power supplies.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Run the appropriate online diagnostics test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

2Locate the faulty power supply.

The power supply's fault indicator is lit. See "Power Indicator Codes" on page 18.

118 Troubleshooting Your System

NOTICE: You can hot-plug the power supplies. One power supply must be installed for the system to operate. The system is in the redundant mode when two power supplies are installed. Remove and install only one power supply at a time in a system that is powered on. Operating the system for extended periods of time with only one power supply installed, without a power supply blank installed, can cause the system to overheat.

Remove the faulty power supply. See "Removing a Power Supply" on page 63.

3Ensure that the power supply is properly installed by removing and reinstalling it. See "Replacing a Power Supply" on page 64.

NOTE: After installing a power supply, allow several seconds for the system to recognize the power supply and to determine if it is working properly. The power indicator turns green to signify that the power supply is functioning properly. See "Power Indicator Codes" on page 18.

4Check the indicators to see if the problem is resolved. If not, remove the faulty power supply. See "Removing a Power Supply" on page 63.

5Install a new power supply. See "Replacing a Power Supply" on page 64. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting System Cooling Problems

Problem

???Systems management software issues a fan-related error message.

Action

Ensure that none of the following conditions exist:

???Ambient temperature is too high.

???External airflow is obstructed.

???Cables inside the system obstruct airflow.

???An individual cooling fan has failed. See "Troubleshooting a Fan" on page 119.

Troubleshooting a Fan

Problem

???System-status indicator is amber.

???Systems management software issues a fan-related error message.

???Front panel LCD indicates a problem with the fan.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Run the appropriate diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

2Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

CAUTION: The cooling fans are hot-pluggable. To maintain proper cooling while the system is on, only replace one fan at a time.

3Locate the faulty fan indicated by the LCD display or diagnostic software. For the identification number of each fan, see Figure 3-9.

4Ensure that the faulty fan's power cable is firmly attached to the fan power connector. See "System Fans" on page 65.

NOTE: Wait 30 seconds for the system to recognize the fan and determine whether it is working properly.

5If the problem is not resolved, install a new fan. See "System Fans" on page 65.

If the replacement fan is working properly, close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

If the replacement fan does not operate, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting System Memory

Problem

???Faulty memory module.

???Faulty system board.

???Front-panel status LCD indicates a problem with system memory.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

2Turn on the system and attached peripherals.

If an error message does not appear, continue to the next step. If an error messages appears, go to step 11.

120 Troubleshooting Your System

3Enter the System Setup program and check the system memory setting. See "Entering the System Setup Program" on page 37.

If the amount of memory installed matches the system memory setting, go to step 11.

4Remove the bezel. See "Front Bezel" on page 53.

5Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

6Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

7Reseat the memory modules in their sockets. See "Installing Memory Modules" on page 90.

8Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

9Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

10Enter the System Setup program and check the system memory setting. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

If the amount of memory installed does not match the system memory setting, then perform the following steps:

aTurn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

bOpen the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

NOTE: Several configurations for memory modules exist; see "General Memory Module Installation Guidelines" on page 89.

cSwap the memory module in socket 1 with another of the same capacity. See "Installing Memory Modules" on page 90.

dClose the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

eReconnect the system to its electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

fAs the system boots, observe the monitor screen and the indicators on the keyboard.

11Perform the following steps:

a Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet. b Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

c Perform step c through step f in step 10 for each memory module installed. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting a Diskette Drive

Problem

???Error message indicates a diskette drive problem.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Enter the System Setup program and verify that the diskette drive is configured correctly. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

2Open or remove the bezel. See "Front Bezel" on page 53.

3Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

4Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

5Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

6Ensure that the diskette drive interface cable is securely connected to the diskette drive and the system board.

7Ensure that a power cable is properly connected to the drive.

8Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

9Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

10Run the appropriate online diagnostic test to see whether the diskette drive works correctly.

11Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

12Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

13Remove all expansion cards installed in the system. See "Removing an Expansion Card" on page 78.

14Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

15Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

16Run the appropriate online diagnostic test to see whether the diskette drive works correctly.

If the tests run successfully, an expansion card may be conflicting with the diskette drive logic, or an expansion card may be faulty. Continue to the next step.

If the tests fail, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

17Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

18Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

19Reinstall one of the expansion cards you removed in step 13. See "Installing an Expansion Card" on page 76.

20Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

21Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

22Run the appropriate online diagnostic test to see whether the diskette drive works correctly.

122 Troubleshooting Your System

23Repeat step 17 through step 23 until all expansion cards are reinstalled or one of the expansion cards causes the tests to fail.

If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting an Optical Drive

Problem

???System cannot read data from a CD or DVD in an optical drive.

???Optical drive indicator does not blink during boot.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Try using a different CD or DVD that you know works properly.

2Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the drive???s IDE controller is enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

3Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

4Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

5Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

6Ensure that the interface cable is securely connected to the optical drive and to the sideplane.

7Ensure that a power cable is properly connected to the drive.

8Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

9Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. If the problem is not resolved, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting an External SCSI Tape Drive

Problem

???Defective tape drive

???Defective tape cartridge

???Missing or corrupted tape-backup software or tape drive device driver

???Defective SCSI controller

Action

1Remove the tape cartridge you were using when the problem occurred, and replace it with a tape cartridge that you know works.

2Ensure that the SCSI device drivers for the tape drive are installed and are configured correctly. See "Removing and Installing an Internal SCSI Tape Drive" on page 86.

3Reinstall the tape-backup software as instructed in the tape-backup software documentation.

4Ensure that the tape drive???s interface/DC power cable is connected to the tape drive and SCSI controller card.

5Verify that the tape drive is configured for a unique SCSI ID number and that the tape drive is terminated or not terminated, based on the interface cable used to connect the drive.

See the documentation for the tape drive for instructions on selecting the SCSI ID number and enabling or disabling termination.

6Run the appropriate online diagnostics tests. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

7Open or remove the bezel. See "Front Bezel" on page 53.

8Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

9Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

10Ensure that the SCSI controller card is firmly seated in its connector. See "Installing an Expansion Card" on page 76.

11Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

12Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system, including attached peripherals.

13If the problem is not resolved, see the documentation for the tape drive for additional troubleshooting instructions.

14If you cannot resolve the problem, see "Getting Help" on page 147 for information on obtaining technical assistance.

Troubleshooting a Hard Drive

Problem

???Device driver error.

???One or more hard drives not recognized by the system.

124 Troubleshooting Your System

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

NOTICE: This troubleshooting procedure can destroy data stored on the hard drive. Before you proceed, back up all files on the hard drive.

1Run the appropriate online diagnostics test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131. Depending on the results of the diagnostics test, proceed as needed through the following steps.

2Remove the bezel. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

3If you are experiencing problems with multiple hard drives, skip to step 8. For a problem with a single hard drive, continue to the next step.

4Turn off your system, reseat the hard drive, and restart the system.

5If your system has a SAS RAID controller daughter card, perform the following steps.

aRestart the system and press <Ctrl><R> to enter the host adapter configuration utility program.

See the documentation supplied with the host adapter for information about the configuration utility.

bEnsure that the hard drive has been configured correctly for the RAID.

cExit the configuration utility and allow the system to boot to the operating system.

6Ensure that the required device drivers for your controller daughter card are installed and are configured correctly. See the operating system documentation for more information.

NOTICE: Do not perform the following step if you have a SAS RAID controller daughter card.

7If you have the non-RAID SAS controller daughter card, remove the hard drive and swap its drive bay location with another hard drive that is functioning properly.

If the problem is resolved, reinstall the hard drive in the original bay. See "Installing a Hot-Plug Hard Drive" on page 57.

If the hard drive functions properly in the original bay, the drive carrier could have intermittent problems. Replace the hard-drive carrier. See "Getting Help" on page 147.

If the hard drive functioned properly in another bay but does not function in the original bay, the SAS backplane has a defective connector. See "Getting Help" on page 147.

8Check the cable connections inside the system:

a Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

b Open the system. See "Opening the System" on page 54.

cVerify that the cable connections between SAS backplane(s) and the SAS daughter card are correct. See "Installing a SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 70.

dVerify that the SAS cables are securely seated in their connectors.

eVerify that the power connectors on the SAS backplane(s) are securely seated in their connectors.

fClose the system. See "Closing the System" on page 55.

gReconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting a SAS or SAS RAID Controller Daughter Card

NOTE: When troubleshooting a SAS or SAS RAID controller daughter card, also see the documentation for your operating system and the controller daughter card.

Problem

???Error message indicates a problem with the SAS or SAS RAID controller daughter card.

???SAS or SAS RAID controller daughter card performs incorrectly or not at all.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

2Enter the System Setup program and ensure that the SAS or SAS RAID controller daughter card is enabled. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

3Restart the system and press the applicable key sequence to enter the configuration utility program:

???<Ctrl><C> for a SAS controller

???<Ctrl><R> for a SAS RAID controller

See the controller's documentation for information about configuration settings.

4Check the configuration settings, make any necessary corrections, and restart the system. If the problem is not resolved, continue to the next step.

5Remove the bezel. See "Removing the Front Bezel" on page 53.

6Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

7Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

8Ensure that the controller card is firmly seated in its connector. See "SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 69.

126 Troubleshooting Your System

9If you have a SAS RAID controller daughter card, ensure that the following RAID components are properly installed and connected:

???Memory module

???Battery

10Verify that the cable connections between the SAS backplane(s) and the SAS controller daughter card are correct. See "Installing a SAS Controller Daughter Card" on page 70.

11Ensure that the cables are firmly connected to the SAS controller daughter card and the SAS backplane board.

12Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

13Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. If the problem persists, proceed as follows:

???If you have a SAS controller daughter card, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

???If you have a SAS RAID controller daughter card, replace the SAS RAID daughter card battery. See "Installing a RAID Battery" on page 74. If replacing the battery does not solve the problem, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

NOTE: When troubleshooting an expansion card, see the documentation for your operating system and the expansion card.

Problem

???Error message indicates a problem with an expansion card.

???Expansion card performs incorrectly or not at all.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Run the appropriate online diagnostic test. See "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37.

2Open or remove the bezel. See "Front Bezel" on page 53.

3Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

4Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

5Ensure that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector. See"Installing an Expansion Card" on page 76.

6Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

7Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. If the problem persists, go to the next step.

8Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

9Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

10Remove all expansion cards installed in the system. See "Removing an Expansion Card" on page 78.

11Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

12Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

13Run the appropriate online diagnostic test.

If the tests fail, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

14For each expansion card you removed in step 10, perform the following steps:

a Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. b Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

c Reinstall one of the expansion cards.

d Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54. e Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

If the tests fail, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

Troubleshooting the Microprocessors

Problem

???Error message indicates a processor problem.

???Front-panel status LCD indicates a problem with the processors or system board.

???A heat sink is not installed for each processor.

Action

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

1Run the appropriate online diagnostics test. See "Using Server Administrator Diagnostics" on page 131.

2Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

4Ensure that each processor and heat sink are properly installed. See "Processors" on page 93.

5Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

128 Troubleshooting Your System

6Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

7Run the appropriate online diagnostic test.

If the tests fail or the problem persists, continue to the next step.

8Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

9Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

10Remove processor 2, leaving only processor 1 installed. See "Processors" on page 93. To locate the processors, see Figure 6-2.

If only one processor is installed, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

11Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

12Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

13Run the appropriate online diagnostic test.

If the tests complete successfully, go to step 19.

14Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

15Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

16Replace processor 1 with another processor of the same capacity. See "Processors" on page 93.

17Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

18Run the appropriate online diagnostic test.

If the tests complete successfully, replace processor 1. See "Getting Help" on page 147.

19Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

20Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

21Reinstall the processors that you removed in step 10. See "Processors" on page 93.

22Close the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

23Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals. If the problem persists, see "Getting Help" on page 147.

130 Troubleshooting Your System

Running the System Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your system, run the diagnostics before calling for technical assistance. The purpose of the diagnostics is to test your system's hardware without requiring additional equipment or risking data loss. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, service and support personnel can use diagnostics test results to help you solve the problem.

Using Server Administrator Diagnostics

To assess a system problem, first use the online Server Administrator diagnostics. If you are unable to identify the problem, then use the system diagnostics.

To access the online diagnostics, log into the Server Administrator home page, and then click the Diagnostics tab. For information about using diagnostics, see the online help. For additional information, see the Server Administrator User's Guide.

System Diagnostics Features

The system diagnostics provides a series of menus and options for particular device groups or devices. The system diagnostics menus and options allow you to:

???Run tests individually or collectively.

???Control the sequence of tests.

???Repeat tests.

???Display, print, or save test results.

???Temporarily suspend testing if an error is detected or terminate testing when a user-defined error limit is reached.

???View help messages that briefly describe each test and its parameters.

???View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully.

???View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing.

When to Use the System Diagnostics

If a major component or device in the system does not operate properly, component failure may be indicated. As long as the microprocessor and the system's input/output devices (monitor, keyboard, and diskette drive) are functioning, you can use the system diagnostics to help identify the problem.

Running the System Diagnostics

The system diagnostics is run from the utility partition on your hard drive.

NOTICE: Use the system diagnostics to test only your system. Using this program with other systems may cause invalid results or error messages. In addition, use only the program that came with your system (or an updated version of that program).

1As the system boots, press <F10> during POST.

2From the utility partition main menu, select Run System Diagnostics, or select Run Memory Diagnostics if you are troubleshooting memory.

When you start the system diagnostics, a message is displayed stating that the diagnostics are initializing. Next, the Diagnostics menu appears. The menu allows you to run all or specific diagnostics tests or to exit the system diagnostics.

NOTE: Before you read the rest of this section, start the system diagnostics so that you can see the utility on your screen.

System Diagnostics Testing Options

Click the testing option in the Main Menu window. Table 5-1 provides a brief explanation of testing options.

Table 5-1. System Diagnostics Testing Options

Using the Custom Test Options

When you select Custom Test in the Main Menu window, the Customize window appears and allows you to select the device(s) to be tested, select specific options for testing, and view the test results.

Selecting Devices for Testing

The left side of the Customize window lists devices that can be tested. Devices are grouped by device type or by module, depending on the option you select. Click the (+) next to a device or module to view its components. Click (+) on any component to view the tests that are available. Clicking a device, rather than its components, selects all of the components of the device for testing.

132 Running the System Diagnostics

Selecting Diagnostics Options

Use the Diagnostics Options area to select how you want to test a device. You can set the following options:

???Non-Interactive Tests Only ??? When checked, runs only tests that require no user intervention.

???Quick Tests Only ??? When checked, runs only the quick tests on the device. Extended tests will not run when you select this option.

???Show Ending Timestamp ??? When checked, time stamps the test log.

???Test Iterations ??? Selects the number of times the test is run.

???Log output file pathname ??? When checked, enables you to specify where the test log file is saved.

Viewing Information and Results

The tabs in the Customize window provide information about the test and the test results. The following tabs are available:

???Results ??? Displays the test that ran and the result.

???Errors ??? Displays any errors that occurred during the test.

???Help ??? Displays information about the currently selected device, component, or test.

???Configuration ??? Displays basic configuration information about the currently selected device.

???Parameters ??? If applicable, displays parameters that you can set for the test.

134 Running the System Diagnostics

Jumpers and Connectors

This section provides specific information about the system jumpers and describes the connectors on the various boards in the system.

System Board Jumpers

Figure 6-1 shows the location of the configuration jumpers on the system board. Table 6-1 lists the jumper settings.

NOTE: To access the jumpers, remove the cooling shroud by lifting the release latch and sliding the shroud towards the front of the system. See Figure 3-10.

NOTE: Lift up the memory module airflow shroud for easy access to the jumpers.

Figure 6-1. System Board Jumpers

Table 6-1. System Board Jumper Settings

The configuration settings are cleared at the next system boot. (If the configuration settings become corrupted to the point where the system will not boot, install the jumper and boot the system. Remove the jumper before restoring the configuration information.)

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see the "Glossary" on page 169.

136 Jumpers and Connectors

System Board Connectors

See Figure 6-2 and Table 6-2 for the location and description of system board connectors.

Figure 6-2. System Board Connectors

21

20

19

5

6

7

12

13

Table 6-2. System Board Connectors

138 Jumpers and Connectors

SAS Backplane Board Connectors

Figure 6-3, Figure 6-4, and Figure 6-5 show the location of the connectors on the three SAS backplane board options.

Figure 6-3. SAS Backplane Board Components: 3.5-inch x6 Option

10

Figure 6-4. SAS Backplane Board Components: 3.5-inch x4 Option

1

4

7backplane power (J_BP_PWR)

140 Jumpers and Connectors

Figure 6-5. SAS Backplane Board Components: 2.5-inch x8 Option

3

4

5

front

Sideplane Board Connectors

See Figure 6-6 for the location and description of connectors on the sideplane board.

5

Expansion-Card Riser-Board Components and PCI Buses

Figure 6-7, Figure 6-8, and Figure 6-9 show the components on the optional PCI-X/PCIe expansion-card riser boards, including the expansion-card slots and buses.

142 Jumpers and Connectors

Figure 6-7. Optional PCIe Left Expansion-Card Riser Board Components

3

4

Figure 6-9. Optional PCIe Expansion-Card Central Riser Board Components

1

2

Disabling a Forgotten Password

The system's software security features include a system password and a setup password, which are discussed in detail in "Using the System Setup Program" on page 37. The password jumper enables these password features or disables them and clears any password(s) currently in use.

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your Product Information Guide.

1Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

3Lift up the memory module shroud.

4Remove the jumper plug from the password jumper.

See Figure 6-1 to locate the password jumper (labeled "PWRD_EN") on the system board.

5Close the system.

6Reconnect your system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn on the system.

The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the system boots with the password jumper plug removed. However, before you assign a new system and/or setup password, you must install the jumper plug.

NOTE: If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the jumper plug still removed, the system disables the new password(s) the next time it boots.

7Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

144 Jumpers and Connectors

8Open the system. See "Opening and Closing the System" on page 54.

9Install the jumper plug on the password jumper.

10Lower the memory module shroud.

11Close the system.

12Reconnect your system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn on the system.

13Assign a new system and/or setup password.

To assign a new password using the System Setup program, see "Assigning a System Password" on page 45.

146 Jumpers and Connectors

Getting Help

Technical Assistance

If you need assistance with a technical problem, perform the following steps:

1Complete the procedures in "Troubleshooting Your System" on page 111.

2Run the system diagnostics and record any information provided.

3Make a copy of the Diagnostics Checklist, and fill it out.

4Use Dell's extensive suite of online services available at Dell Support at support.dell.com for help with installation and troubleshooting procedures.

For more information, see "Online Services" on page 147.

5If the preceding steps have not resolved the problem, call Dell for technical assistance.

NOTE: Call technical support from a phone near or at the system so that technical support can assist you with any necessary procedures.

NOTE: Dell???s Express Service Code system may not be available in all countries.

When prompted by Dell's automated telephone system, enter your Express Service Code to route the call directly to the proper support personnel. If you do not have an Express Service Code, open the Dell Accessories folder, double-click the Express Service Code icon, and follow the directions.

For instructions on using the technical support service, see "Technical Support Service" on page 148 and "Before You Call" on page 150.

NOTE: Some of the following services are not always available in all locations outside the continental U.S. Call your local Dell representative for information on availability.

Online Services

You can access Dell Support at support.dell.com. Select your region on the WELCOME TO DELL SUPPORT page, and fill in the requested details to access help tools and information.

You can contact Dell electronically using the following addresses:

???World Wide Web www.dell.com/

www.dell.com/ap/ (Asian/Pacific countries only) www.dell.com/jp (Japan only)

www.euro.dell.com (Europe only)

www.dell.com/la (Latin American countries)

www.dell.ca (Canada only)

???Anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) ftp.dell.com/

Log in as user:anonymous, and use your e-mail address as your password.

???Electronic Support Service support@us.dell.com

apsupport@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) support.jp.dell.com (Japan only) support.euro.dell.com (Europe only)

???Electronic Quote Service

apmarketing@dell.com (Asian/Pacific countries only) sales_canada@dell.com (Canada only)

AutoTech Service

Dell's automated technical support service???AutoTech???provides recorded answers to the questions most frequently asked by Dell customers about their portable and desktop computer systems.

When you call AutoTech, use your touch-tone telephone to select the subjects that correspond to your questions.

The AutoTech service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also access this service through the technical support service. See the contact information for your region.

Automated Order-Status Service

To check on the status of any Dell??? products that you have ordered, you can go to support.dell.com, or you can call the automated order-status service. A recording prompts you for the information needed to locate and report on your order. See the contact information for your region.

Technical Support Service

Dell's technical support service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer your questions about Dell hardware. Our technical support staff use computer-based diagnostics to provide fast, accurate answers.

To contact Dell's technical support service, see "Before You Call" on page 150 and then see the contact information for your region.

148 Getting Help

Dell Enterprise Training and Certification

Dell Enterprise Training and Certification is available; see www.dell.com/training for more information. This service may not be offered in all locations.

Problems With Your Order

If you have a problem with your order, such as missing parts, wrong parts, or incorrect billing, contact Dell for customer assistance. Have your invoice or packing slip available when you call. See the contact information for your region.

Product Information

If you need information about additional products available from Dell, or if you would like to place an order, visit the Dell website at www.dell.com. For the telephone number to call to speak to a sales specialist, see the contact information for your region.

Returning Items for Warranty Repair or Credit

Prepare all items being returned, whether for repair or credit, as follows:

1Call Dell to obtain a Return Material Authorization Number, and write it clearly and prominently on the outside of the box.

For the telephone number to call, see the contact information for your region.

2Include a copy of the invoice and a letter describing the reason for the return.

3Include a copy of any diagnostic information (including the Diagnostics Checklist) indicating the tests you have run and any error messages reported by the system diagnostics.

4Include any accessories that belong with the item(s) being returned (such as power cables, media such as CDs and diskettes, and guides) if the return is for credit.

5Pack the equipment to be returned in the original (or equivalent) packing materials.

You are responsible for paying shipping expenses. You are also responsible for insuring any product returned, and you assume the risk of loss during shipment to Dell. Collect-on-delivery (C.O.D.) packages are not accepted.

Returns that are missing any of the preceding requirements will be refused at our receiving dock and returned to you.

Before You Call

NOTE: Have your Express Service Code ready when you call. The code helps Dell's automated-support telephone system direct your call more efficiently.

Remember to fill out the Diagnostics Checklist. If possible, turn on your system before you call Dell for technical assistance and call from a telephone at or near the computer. You may be asked to type some commands at the keyboard, relay detailed information during operations, or try other troubleshooting steps possible only at the computer system itself. Ensure that the system documentation is available.

CAUTION: Before servicing any components inside your computer, see your Product Information Guide for important safety information.

150 Getting Help

Diagnostics Checklist

Name:

Date:

Address:

Phone number:

Service Tag (bar code on the back of the computer):

Express Service Code:

Return Material Authorization Number (if provided by Dell support technician):

Operating system and version:

Peripherals:

Expansion cards:

Are you connected to a network? Yes No

Network, version, and network card:

Programs and versions:

See your operating system documentation to determine the contents of the system???s start-up files. If possible, print each file. Otherwise, record the contents of each file before calling Dell.

Description of problem and troubleshooting procedures you performed:

Contacting Dell

To contact Dell electronically, you can access the following websites:

???www.dell.com

???support.dell.com (support)

For specific web addresses for your country, find the appropriate country section in the table below.

NOTE: Toll-free numbers are for use within the country for which they are listed.

NOTE: In certain countries, support specific to Dell XPS??? portable computers is available at a separate telephone number listed for participating countries. If you do not see a telephone number listed that is specific for XPS portable computers, you may contact Dell through the support number listed and your call will be routed appropriately.

When you need to contact Dell, use the electronic addresses, telephone numbers, and codes provided in the following table. If you need assistance in determining which codes to use, contact a local or an international operator.

152 Getting Help

154 Getting Help

156 Getting Help

158 Getting Help

160 Getting Help

162 Getting Help

164 Getting Help

166 Getting Help

168 Getting Help

Glossary

This section defines or identifies technical terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used in your system documents.

A ??? Ampere(s).

AC ??? Alternating current.

ACPI ??? Advanced Configuration and Power Interface. A standard interface for enabling the operating system to direct configuration and power management.

ambient temperature ??? The temperature of the area or room where the system is located.

ANSI ??? American National Standards Institute. The primary organization for developing technology standards in the U.S.

application ??? Software designed to help you perform a specific task or series of tasks. Applications run from the operating system.

ASCII ??? American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

asset tag ??? An individual code assigned to a system, usually by an administrator, for security or tracking purposes.

backup ??? A copy of a program or data file. As a precaution, back up your system???s hard drive on a regular basis. Before making a change to the configuration of your system, back up important start-up files from your operating system.

backup battery ??? A battery that maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when the system is turned off.

beep code ??? A diagnostic message in the form of a pattern of beeps from your system???s speaker. For example, one beep, followed by a second beep, and then a burst of three beeps is beep code 1-1-3.

BIOS ??? Basic input/output system. Your system???s BIOS contains programs stored on a flash memory chip. The BIOS controls the following:

???Communications between the processor and peripheral devices

???Miscellaneous functions, such as system messages

bit ??? The smallest unit of information interpreted by your system.

blade ??? A module that contains a processor, memory, and a hard drive. The modules are mounted into a chassis that includes power supplies and fans.

BMC ??? Baseboard management controller.

boot routine ??? A program that clears all memory, initializes devices, and loads the operating system when you start your system. Unless the operating system fails to respond, you can reboot (also called warm boot) your system by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><Del>. Otherwise, you must restart the system by pressing the reset button or by turning the system off and then back on.

bootable diskette ??? A diskette that is used to start your system if the system will not boot from the hard drive.

BTU ??? British thermal unit.

bus ??? An information pathway between the components of a system. Your system contains an expansion bus that allows the processor to communicate with controllers for the peripheral devices connected to the system. Your system also contains an address bus and a data bus for communications between the processor and RAM.

C ??? Celsius.

cache ??? A fast storage area that keeps a copy of data or instructions for quick data retrieval. When a program makes a request to a disk drive for data that is in the cache, the disk-cache utility can retrieve the data from RAM faster than from the disk drive.

CD ??? Compact disc. CD drives use optical technology to read data from CDs.

Glossary 169

cm ??? Centimeter(s).

cmos ??? Complementary metal-oxide semiconductor.

component ??? As they relate to DMI, components include operating systems, computer systems, expansion cards, and peripherals that are compatible with DMI. Each component is made up of groups and attributes that are defined as relevant to that component.

COMn ??? The device names for the serial ports on your system.

control panel ??? The part of the system that contains indicators and controls, such as the power button and power indicator.

controller ??? A chip that controls the transfer of data between the processor and memory or between the processor and a peripheral.

conventional memory ??? The first 640 KB of RAM. Conventional memory is found in all systems. Unless they are specially designed, MS-DOS?? programs are limited to running in conventional memory.

coprocessor ??? A chip that relieves the system???s processor of specific processing tasks. A math coprocessor, for example, handles numeric processing.

CPU ??? Central processing unit. See processor.

DC ??? Direct current.

DDR ??? Double-data rate. A technology in memory modules that potentially doubles the output.

device driver ??? A program that allows the operating system or some other program to interface correctly with a peripheral. Some device drivers???such as network drivers???must be loaded from the config.sys file or as memory-resident programs (usually, from the autoexec.bat file). Others must load when you start the program for which they were designed.

DHCP ??? Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A method of automatically assigning an IP address to a client system.

diagnostics ??? A comprehensive set of tests for your system.

DIMM ??? Dual in-line memory module. See also memory module.

DIN ??? Deutsche Industrie Norm.

directory ??? Directories help keep related files organized on a disk in a hierarchical, ???inverted tree??? structure. Each disk has a ???root??? directory. Additional directories that branch off the root directory are called subdirectories. Subdirectories may contain additional directories branching off them.

DMA ??? Direct memory access. A DMA channel allows certain types of data transfer between RAM and a device to bypass the processor.

DMI ??? Desktop Management Interface. DMI enables the management of your system???s software and hardware by collecting information about the system???s components, such as the operating system, memory, peripherals, expansion cards, and asset tag.

DNS ??? Domain Name System. A method of translating Internet domain names, such as www.dell.com, into IP addresses, such as 143.166.83.200.

DRAM ??? Dynamic random-access memory. A system???s RAM is usually made up entirely of DRAM chips.

DVD ??? Digital versatile disc.

ECC ??? Error checking and correction.

EEPROM ??? Electronically erasable programmable read- only memory.

EMC ??? Electromagnetic compatibility.

EMI ??? Electromagnetic interference.

ERA ??? Embedded remote access. ERA allows you to perform remote, or "out-of-band," server management on your network server using a remote access controller.

ESD ??? Electrostatic discharge.

ESM ??? Embedded server management.

expansion bus ??? Your system contains an expansion bus that allows the processor to communicate with controllers for peripherals, such as NICs.

expansion card ??? An add-in card, such as a NIC or SCSI adapter, that plugs into an expansion-card connector on the system board. An expansion card adds some specialized function to the system by providing an interface between the expansion bus and a peripheral.

170 Glossary

expansion-card connector ??? A connector on the system board or riser board for plugging in an expansion card.

F ??? Fahrenheit.

FAT ??? File allocation table. The file system structure used by MS-DOS to organize and keep track of file storage. The Microsoft?? Windows?? operating systems can optionally use a FAT file system structure.

flash memory ??? A type of EEPROM chip that can be reprogrammed from a utility on diskette while still installed in a system; most EEPROM chips can only be rewritten with special programming equipment.

format ??? To prepare a hard drive or diskette for storing files. An unconditional format deletes all data stored on the disk.

FSB ??? Front-side bus. The FSB is the data path and physical interface between the processor and the main memory (RAM).

ft ??? Feet.

FTP ??? File transfer protocol.

g ??? Gram(s).

G ??? Gravities.

Gb ??? Gigabit(s); 1024 megabits or 1,073,741,824 bits.

GB ??? Gigabyte(s); 1024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes. However, when referring to hard-drive capacity, the term is usually rounded to 1,000,000,000 bytes.

graphics mode ??? A video mode that can be defined as x horizontal by y vertical pixels by z colors.

group ??? As it relates to DMI, a group is a data structure that defines common information, or attributes, about a manageable component.

guarding ??? A type of data redundancy in which a set of physical drives stores data and an additional drive stores parity data. See also mirroring, striping, and RAID.

h ??? Hexadecimal. A base-16 numbering system, often used in programming to identify addresses in the system???s RAM and I/O memory addresses for devices. In text, hexadecimal numbers are often followed by h.

headless system ??? A system or device that functions without having a keyboard, mouse, or monitor attached. Normally, headless systems are managed over a network using an Internet browser.

host adapter ??? A host adapter implements communication between the system???s bus and the controller for a peripheral device. (Hard-drive controller subsystems include integrated host adapter circuitry.) To add a SCSI expansion bus to your system, you must install or connect the appropriate host adapter.

Hz ??? Hertz.

I/O ??? Input/output. A keyboard is an input device, and a monitor is an output device. In general, I/O activity can be differentiated from computational activity.

ID ??? Identification.

IDE ??? Integrated drive electronics. A standard interface between the system board and storage devices.

integrated mirroring ??? Provides simultaneous physical mirroring of two drives. Integrated mirroring functionality is provided by the system???s hardware. See also mirroring.

internal processor cache ??? An instruction and data cache built into the processor.

IP ??? Internet Protocol.

IPX ??? Internet package exchange.

IRQ ??? Interrupt request. A signal that data is about to be sent to or received by a peripheral device travels by an IRQ line to the processor. Each peripheral connection must be assigned an IRQ number. Two devices can share the same IRQ assignment, but you cannot operate both devices simultaneously.

jumper ??? Small blocks on a circuit board with two or more pins emerging from them. Plastic plugs containing a wire fit down over the pins. The wire connects the pins and creates a circuit, providing a simple and reversible method of changing the circuitry in a board.

K ??? Kilo-; 1000.

Kb ??? Kilobit(s); 1024 bits.

Glossary 171

KB ??? Kilobyte(s); 1024 bytes.

Kbps ??? Kilobit(s) per second.

KBps ??? Kilobyte(s) per second.

key combination ??? A command requiring you to press multiple keys at the same time (for example, <Ctrl><Alt><Del>).

kg ??? Kilogram(s); 1000 grams.

kHz ??? Kilohertz.

KMM ??? Keyboard/monitor/mouse.

KVM ??? Keyboard/video/mouse. KVM refers to a switch that allows selection of the system from which the video is displayed and for which the keyboard and mouse are used.

LAN ??? Local area network. A LAN is usually confined to the same building or a few nearby buildings, with all equipment linked by wiring dedicated specifically to the LAN.

lb ??? Pound(s).

LCD ??? Liquid crystal display.

LED ??? Light-emitting diode. An electronic device that lights up when a current is passed through it.

LGA???Land grid array. A type of processor socket. Unlike the PGA, the LGA interface has no pins on the chip; instead, the chip has pads that contact pins on the system board.

Linux ??? A UNIX-like operating system that runs on a variety of hardware systems. Linux is open source software, which is freely available; however, the full distribution of Linux along with technical support and training are available for a fee from vendors such as Red Hat Software.

local bus ??? On a system with local-bus expansion capability, certain peripheral devices (such as the video adapter circuitry) can be designed to run much faster than they would with a traditional expansion bus. See also bus.

LVD ??? Low voltage differential.

m ??? Meter(s).

mA ??? Milliampere(s).

MAC address ??? Media Access Control address. Your system???s unique hardware number on a network.

mAh ??? Milliampere-hour(s).

Mb ??? Megabit(s); 1,048,576 bits.

MB ??? Megabyte(s); 1,048,576 bytes. However, when referring to hard-drive capacity, the term is often rounded to mean 1,000,000 bytes.

Mbps ??? Megabits per second.

MBps ??? Megabytes per second.

MBR ??? Master boot record.

memory address ??? A specific location, usually expressed as a hexadecimal number, in the system???s RAM.

memory module ??? A small circuit board containing DRAM chips that connects to the system board.

memory ??? An area in your system that stores basic system data. A system can contain several different forms of memory, such as integrated memory (ROM and RAM) and add-in memory modules (DIMMs).

MHz ??? Megahertz.

mirroring ??? A type of data redundancy in which a set of physical drives stores data and one or more sets of additional drives stores duplicate copies of the data. Mirroring functionality is provided by software. See also guarding, integrated mirroring, striping, and RAID.

mm ??? Millimeter(s).

ms ??? Millisecond(s).

MS-DOS?? ??? Microsoft Disk Operating System.

NAS ??? Network Attached Storage. NAS is one of the concepts used for implementing shared storage on a network. NAS systems have their own operating systems, integrated hardware, and software that are optimized to serve specific storage needs.

NIC ??? Network interface controller. A device that is installed or integrated in a system to allow connection to a network.

NMI ??? Nonmaskable interrupt. A device sends an NMI to signal the processor about hardware errors.

ns ??? Nanosecond(s).

172 Glossary

NTFS ??? The NT File System option in the Windows 2000 operating system.

NVRAM ??? Nonvolatile random-access memory. Memory that does not lose its contents when you turn off your system. NVRAM is used for maintaining the date, time, and system configuration information.

parity ??? Redundant information that is associated with a block of data.

partition ??? You can divide a hard drive into multiple physical sections called partitions with the fdisk command. Each partition can contain multiple logical drives. You must format each logical drive with the format command.

PCI ??? Peripheral Component Interconnect. A standard for local-bus implementation.

PDU ??? Power distribution unit. A power source with multiple power outlets that provides electrical power to servers and storage systems in a rack.

peripheral ??? An internal or external device, such as a diskette drive or keyboard, connected to a system.

PGA ??? Pin grid array. A type of processor socket that allows you to remove the processor chip.

pixel ??? A single point on a video display. Pixels are arranged in rows and columns to create an image. A video resolution, such as 640 x 480, is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down.

POST ??? Power-on self-test. Before the operating system loads when you turn on your system, the POST tests various system components such as RAM and hard drives.

processor ??? The primary computational chip inside the system that controls the interpretation and execution of arithmetic and logic functions. Software written for one processor must usually be revised to run on another processor. CPU is a synonym for processor.

protected mode ??? An operating mode that allows operating systems to implement:

???A memory address space of 16 MB to 4 GB

???Multitasking

???Virtual memory, a method for increasing addressable memory by using the hard drive

The Windows 2000 and UNIX 32-bit operating systems run in protected mode. MS-DOS cannot run in protected mode.

PS/2 ??? Personal System/2.

PXE ??? Preboot eXecution Environment. A way of booting a system via a LAN (without a hard drive or bootable diskette).

RAC ??? Remote access controller.

RAID ??? Redundant array of independent disks. A method of providing data redundancy. Some common implementations of RAID include RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, and RAID 50. See also guarding, mirroring, and striping.

RAM ??? Random-access memory. The system???s primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you turn off your system.

RAS ??? Remote Access Service. This service allows users running the Windows operating system to remotely access a network from their system using a modem.

readme file ??? A text file, usually shipped with software or hardware, that contains information supplementing or updating the product???s documentation.

read-only file ??? A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting.

ROM ??? Read-only memory. Your system contains some programs essential to its operation in ROM code. A ROM chip retains its contents even after you turn off your system. Examples of code in ROM include the program that initiates your system???s boot routine and the POST.

Glossary 173

ROMB ??? RAID on motherboard.

rpm ??? Revolutions per minute.

RTC ??? Real-time clock.

SAS ??? Serial-attached SCSI.

SATA ??? Serial Advanced Technology Attachment. A standard interface between the system board and storage devices.

SCSI ??? Small computer system interface. An I/O bus interface with faster data transmission rates than standard ports.

SDRAM ??? Synchronous dynamic random-access memory.

sec ??? Second(s).

serial port ??? An I/O port used most often to connect a modem to your system. You can usually identify a serial port on your system by its 9-pin connector.

service tag ??? A bar code label on the system used to identify it when you call Dell for technical support.

simple disk volume ??? The volume of free space on a single dynamic, physical disk.

SMART ??? Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology. Allows hard drives to report errors and failures to the system BIOS and then display an error message on the screen.

SMP ??? Symmetric multiprocessing. Used to describe a system that has two or more processors connected via a high-bandwidth link and managed by an operating system, where each processor has equal access to I/O devices.

SNMP ??? Simple Network Management Protocol. A standard interface that allows a network manager to remotely monitor and manage workstations.

spanning ??? Spanning, or concatenating, disk volumes combines unallocated space from multiple disks into one logical volume, allowing more efficient use of all the space and all drive letters on a multiple-disk system.

striping ??? Disk striping writes data across three or more disks in an array, but only uses a portion of the space on each disk. The amount of space used by a "stripe" is the same on each disk used. A virtual disk may use several stripes on the same set of disks in an array. See also guarding, mirroring, and RAID.

SVGA ??? Super video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

system board ??? As the main circuit board, the system board usually contains most of your system???s integral components, such as the processor, RAM, controllers for peripherals, and various ROM chips.

system configuration information ??? Data stored in memory that tells a system what hardware is installed and how the system should be configured for operation.

system diskette ??? See bootable diskette.

system memory ??? See RAM.

System Setup program ??? A BIOS-based program that allows you to configure your system???s hardware and customize the system???s operation by setting features such as password protection. Because the System Setup program is stored in NVRAM, any settings remain in effect until you change them again.

system.ini file ??? A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the system.ini file to determine a variety of options for the Windows operating environment. Among other things, the system.ini file records which video, mouse, and keyboard drivers are installed for Windows.

TCP/IP ??? Transmission Control Protocol/Internet

Protocol.

termination ??? Some devices (such as the last device at each end of a SCSI cable) must be terminated to prevent reflections and spurious signals in the cable. When such devices are connected in a series, you may need to enable or disable the termination on these devices by changing jumper or switch settings on the devices or by changing settings in the configuration software for the devices.

174 Glossary

UNIX ??? Universal Internet Exchange. UNIX, the precursor to Linux, is an operating system written in the C programming language.

uplink port ??? A port on a network hub or switch used to connect to other hubs or switches without requiring a crossover cable.

UPS ??? Uninterruptible power supply. A battery-powered unit that automatically supplies power to your system in the event of an electrical failure.

USB ??? Universal Serial Bus. A USB connector provides a single connection point for multiple USB-compliant devices, such as mice and keyboards. USB devices can be connected and disconnected while the system is running.

utility ??? A program used to manage system resources??? memory, disk drives, or printers, for example.

UTP ??? Unshielded twisted pair. A type of wiring used to connect systems in a business or home to a telephone line.

V ??? Volt(s).

VAC ??? Volt(s) alternating current.

VDC ??? Volt(s) direct current.

VGA ??? Video graphics array. VGA and SVGA are video standards for video adapters with greater resolution and color display capabilities than previous standards.

video adapter ??? The logical circuitry that provides (in combination with the monitor) your system???s video capabilities. A video adapter may be integrated into the system board or may be an expansion card that plugs into an expansion slot.

video driver ??? A program that allows graphics-mode application programs and operating systems to display at a chosen resolution with the desired number of colors. Video drivers may need to match the video adapter installed in the system.

video memory ??? Most VGA and SVGA video adapters include memory chips in addition to your system???s RAM. The amount of video memory installed primarily influences the number of colors that a program can display (with the appropriate video drivers and monitor capabilities).

video resolution ??? Video resolution (800 x 600, for example) is expressed as the number of pixels across by the number of pixels up and down. To display a program at a specific graphics resolution, you must install the appropriate video drivers and your monitor must support the resolution.

W ??? Watt(s).

WH ??? Watt-hour(s).

win.ini file ??? A start-up file for the Windows operating system. When you start Windows, it consults the win.ini file to determine a variety of options for the Windows operating environment. The win.ini file also usually includes sections that contain optional settings for Windows application programs that are installed on the hard drive.

Windows 2000 ??? An integrated and complete Microsoft Windows operating system that does not require MS-DOS and that provides advanced operating system performance, improved ease of use, enhanced workgroup functionality, and simplified file management and browsing.

Windows Powered ??? A Windows operating system designed for use on NAS systems. For NAS systems, the Windows Powered operating system is dedicated to file service for network clients.

Windows Server 2003 ??? A set of Microsoft software technologies that enable software integration through the use of XML Web services. XML Web services are small reusable applications written in XML that allow data to be communicated between otherwise unconnected sources.

XML ??? Extensible Markup Language. XML is a way to create common information formats and to share both the format and the data on the World Wide Web, intranets, and elsewhere.

ZIF ??? Zero insertion force.

Glossary 175

176 Glossary

Index 177

178 Index

Index 179

180 Index

Index 181

182 Index