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Installing System Board Options

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1650 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

  Installing Expansion Cards

  Installing Memory

  Installing Microprocessors

  Installing a ROMB Card

  Replacing the System Battery


This section describes how to install expansion cards, memory modules, a microprocessor, or a ROMB card. This section also includes instructions for replacing the system battery. Use Figure 6-1 to locate the system board features. Table 6-1 describes the system board connectors and sockets.

Table 6-1. System Board Connectors and Sockets

Connector or Socket

Description

BACKPLANE

SCSI backplane board connector

BANKn_DIMM_x

Memory module sockets

BATTERY

System battery connector

CDROM

CD drive connector

EMBEDDED_REMOTE_
ASSISTANT

Connector for optional server management card (when available)

ERA_NIC

server management port connector (when available)

ETHERNET_USBn

USB (top) and NIC connectors

FANn

Cooling fan power connectors

FLOPPY

Diskette drive connector

FRONT PANEL

System control panel connector

IDE

IDE drive connector

IDE_POWER

IDE drive power connector

KYBD_MOUSE

Mouse (top) and keyboard connectors

POWER

Power connector

PROCESSOR n

Microprocessor sockets

RAID

Socket for optional ROMB card

REAR_ID

cable management arm system status connector

RISER

PCI riser board connector

SCSI_B

External SCSI connector

NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Figure 6-1. System Board Connectors and Sockets

Installing Expansion Cards

Expansion cards are installed on the system's riser board (see Figure 6-2). The riser board plugs into the RISER connector on the system board (see Figure 6-1) and is considered an extension of the system board.

Your system is available with two different riser board configurations (see Figure 6-2):

You can install only half-length PCI cards in the lower expansion slot (PCI2). You can install a full-length expansion card in the upper expansion slot (PCI1) unless you have installed an optional server management card. In this case, neither slot will accommodate full-length cards.

Figure 6-2. Riser-Board Expansion-Card Connectors

Installing an Expansion Card

To install an expansion card, perform the following steps.

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

  2. Prepare the expansion card for installation, and open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").

See the documentation that came with the expansion card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing the card for your system.

  1. Remove the expansion-card latch by loosening the captive thumbscrew and removing the latch (see Figure 6-3).

Figure 6-3. Installing an Expansion Card

  1. Remove the filler bracket from the expansion slot.

  2. Install the new expansion card:

    1. Lower the card into the system.

If the card is a full-length card, you may need to guide the front edge of the card into the full-length card support bracket (see Figure 6-3).

    1. Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector on the riser board until the card is fully seated.

  1. When the card is seated in the connector, replace and secure the expansion-card latch.

  2. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

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

  1. Close the system doors, reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

Removing an Expansion Card

To remove an expansion card, perform the following steps.

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").

  3. Disconnect any cables connected to the card.

  4. Remove the expansion-card latch by loosening the captive thumbscrew and removing the latch (see Figure 6-2).

  5. Grasp the expansion card by its edges, and remove it from the expansion-card connector.

  6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty card-slot opening.

NOTE: Installing a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot is necessary 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.
  1. Replace and secure the expansion-card latch.

  2. Close the system doors, reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

Installing Memory

The four memory module sockets on the system board (see Figure 6-1) can accommodate from 256 MB to 4 GB of registered synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM).

Memory Upgrade Kits

The system is upgradable to 4 GB by installing combinations of 128-, 256-, 512-MB, or 1-GB registered memory modules. You can purchase memory upgrade kits as needed.

NOTE: The memory modules must be PC-133 compliant.

Memory Module Installation Guidelines

Starting with the socket farthest from the system power supply bay, the memory module sockets are labeled BANK1_DIMM_A, BANK1_DIMM_B, BANK2_DIMM_A, and BANK2_DIMM_B (see Figure 6-4). When you install memory modules, follow these guidelines:

Figure 6-4. Memory Module Sockets

Table 6-2 illustrates several sample memory configurations based on these guidelines.

Table 6-2. Sample Memory Module Configurations 

 

BANK1

BANK2

Total Desired Memory

DIMM_A

DIMM_B

DIMM_A

DIMM_B

256 MB

128 MB

128 MB

none

none

512 MB

256 MB

256 MB

none

none

1 GB

256 MB

256 MB

256 MB

256 MB

4 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

Performing a Memory Upgrade

To perform a memory upgrade to the system board, perform the following steps.

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
  1. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").

  2. Locate the memory module sockets in which you will install or replace memory modules.

Figure 6-1 shows the general location of the memory module sockets on the system board. Figure 6-4 shows the order of the memory module sockets.

  1. Install or replace the memory modules as necessary to reach the desired memory total (see "Installing Memory Modules" or "Removing Memory Modules").

  2. Close the system doors, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system.

After the system completes the POST routine, it runs a memory test. The system detects that the new memory does not match the system configuration information and displays an error message.

  1. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program, and check the System Memory setting on the System Setup screens.

The system should have already changed the value in the System Memory setting to reflect the newly installed memory.

  1. If the System Memory value is incorrect, one or more of the memory modules may not be installed properly. Repeat steps 1 through 5, checking to make sure that the memory modules are firmly seated in their sockets.

  2. Run the system memory test in the system diagnostics.

Installing Memory Modules

To install a memory module, perform the following steps:

  1. Press down and outward on the ejectors on the memory module socket, as shown in Figure 6-5, to allow the memory module to be inserted into the socket.

Figure 6-5. Installing a Memory Module

  1. Align the memory module's edge connector with the slot in the center of the memory module socket, and insert the memory module into the socket (see Figure 6-5).

The memory module socket has two alignment keys that allow the memory module to be installed in the socket in only one way.

  1. Press 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 (see Figure 6-5).

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

  1. Repeat steps 1 through 3 of this procedure to install the remaining memory modules.

  2. Perform steps 4 through 7 of "Performing a Memory Upgrade."

Removing Memory Modules

To remove a memory module, press down and outward on the ejectors on each end of the socket until the memory module pops out of the socket (see Figure 6-6).

Figure 6-6. Removing a Memory Module

Installing Microprocessors

To take advantage of future options in speed and functionality, you can add a second microprocessor or replace either the primary or secondary microprocessor.

NOTICE: The second microprocessor must be of the same type and speed as the first microprocessor.

Each microprocessor and its associated level 2 (L2) cache memory are contained in a FC-PGA2 package that is installed in a ZIF socket on the system board. The following subsection describes how to install or replace the microprocessor in either the primary or secondary microprocessor connector.

Adding or Replacing a Microprocessor

In addition to the ZIF socket for the primary microprocessor on the system board, there is a second ZIF socket to accommodate a secondary microprocessor. The secondary microprocessor must have the same operating frequency and cache size as the primary microprocessor.

The following items are included in the microprocessor upgrade kit:

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its electrical outlet. For more information, see "Safety First— For You and Your System" in "Checking Inside the System."
  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Troubleshooting Your the System").

  3. To remove the retention clip that secures the heat sink to the microprocessor socket, press down firmly on the tab on the retention clip, and then remove the clip from the heat sink (see Figure 6-7).

NOTICE: Never remove the heat sink from a microprocessor unless you intend to remove the microprocessor. The heat sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.
CAUTION: The microprocessor chip and heat sink can become extremely hot. Be sure that the microprocessor has had sufficient time to cool before handling.

Figure 6-7. Retention Clip

  1. Remove the heat sink.

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when removing the microprocessor chip. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor chip.
  1. Remove the microprocessor chip from the socket by pulling the socket release lever straight up until the chip is released (see Figure 6-8) and then lift the chip out of the socket.

Leave the release lever up so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.

Figure 6-8. Removing the Microprocessor

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when unpacking the microprocessor chip. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor chip.
  1. Unpack the new microprocessor.

If any of the pins on the microprocessor appear bent, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

NOTICE: Identifying the pin-1 corners is critical to positioning the chip correctly.
  1. Identify the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor by turning the chip over and locating the tiny gold triangle that extends from one corner of the large central rectangular area. The gold triangle points toward pin 1, which is also uniquely identified by a triangular pad.

  2. Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor chip (see Figure 6-9) with the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor socket.

Figure 6-9. Pin-1 Identification

NOTICE: Positioning the microprocessor incorrectly can permanently damage the chip and the system when you turn on the system.
  1. Install the microprocessor chip in the socket (see Figure 6-10).

    1. If the release lever on the microprocessor socket is not all the way up, move it to that position now.

NOTICE: When placing the microprocessor chip in the socket, be sure that all of the pins on the chip go into the corresponding holes of the socket. Be careful not to bend the pins.
    1. With the pin-1 corners of the chip and socket aligned, set the chip lightly in the socket and make sure that all pins are matched with the correct holes in the socket.

Because the system uses a ZIF microprocessor socket, there is no need to use force (which could bend the pins if the chip is misaligned). When the chip is positioned correctly, it should drop down into the socket with minimal pressure.

    1. When the chip is fully seated in the socket, rotate the socket release lever back down until it snaps into place, securing the chip.

Figure 6-10. Installing the Microprocessor Chip

  1. Place the new heat sink on top of the microprocessor chip (see Figure 6-11).

  2. Replace the retention clip:

    1. Orient the clip so that the release tab is facing the back of the system.

    1. Hook the unfolded end of the clip over the tab on the edge of the socket facing the front of the system.

    2. Press down on the release tab on the free end of the clip to snap the clip over the tab on the socket (see Figure 6-11).

Figure 6-11. Installing the Heat Sink

  1. Close the system doors.

  2. Reconnect your system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

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

  1. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program, and check that the microprocessor categories match the new system configuration (see the system's User's Guide for instructions).

  2. Run the system diagnostics to verify that the new microprocessor is operating correctly.

See "Running the System Diagnostics" for information on running the diagnostics and troubleshooting any problems that may occur.

Installing a ROMB Card

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
CAUTION: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.
NOTICE: To avoid possible data loss, back up all data on the hard drives before changing the mode of operation of the integrated SCSI controller from SCSI to RAID.
NOTE: The ROMB card supports only SCSI drives connected to the SCSI backplane. The ROMB card does not support external SCSI drives or internal IDE drives.
  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

  3. Locate the ROMB card connector on the system board (see Figure 6-1).

  4. Align the edges of the ROMB card with the three plastic standoffs on the system board (see Figure 6-12) and install the card.

When the card is fully seated, the three plastic standoffs will snap over the edge of the card.

Figure 6-12. Installing the ROMB Card

  1. Secure the ROMB card with the thumbscrew (see Figure 6-12).

  2. Check that the ROMB back-up battery (see Figure 6-12) is connected to the ROMB card.

  3. If necessary, connect the ROMB battery cable.

  4. Close the system covers.

  5. Reconnect the system and peripherals to their power sources, and turn them on.

  6. Enter the System Setup program and verify that the setting for the SCSI controller has changed to reflect the presence of the RAID hardware (see "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide).

  7. Install the RAID software (see the ROMB card software documentation for more information).

Replacing the System Battery

The system battery is a 3.0-V, coin-cell battery that maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when you turn off the system. The operating life of the battery ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on how you use the system (for example, if you keep the system on most of the time, the battery gets little use and thus lasts longer). You may need to replace the battery if an incorrect time or date is displayed during the boot routine.

You can operate the system without a battery; however, the system configuration information maintained by the battery in NVRAM is erased each time you remove power from the system. Therefore, you must reenter the system configuration information and reset the options each time the system boots until you replace the battery.

To replace the battery, perform the following steps.

CAUTION: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its power source. See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.
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.
  1. Enter the System Setup program and, if possible, make a printed copy of the System Setup screens (see "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide).

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

  3. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Troubleshooting Your System").

  4. Remove the system battery (see Figure 6-1 for its location).

You can pry the system battery out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object such as a plastic screwdriver.

  1. Install the new system battery with the side labeled "+" facing up (see Figure 6-13).

Figure 6-13. Installing the System Battery

  1. Close the system doors.

  2. Reconnect the system and any attached peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.

  3. Enter the System Setup program to confirm that the battery is operating properly (see "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide).

  4. Enter the correct time and date in the System Setup program's Time and Date settings.

  5. Re-enter any system configuration information that is no longer displayed on the System Setup screens, and then exit the System Setup program.

  6. To test the newly installed battery, power down and disconnect the system from its electrical source for at least an hour.

  7. After an hour, connect the system to its electrical source and turn on the power.

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

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