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Installing System Options

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 1750 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

  Installing Expansion Cards

  Installing Memory Modules

  Installing Microprocessors

  Installing a ROMB Card

  Removing and Replacing System Fans

  Removing and Replacing Power Supplies

  Replacing the System Battery


This section describes how to install the following options:

This section also includes instructions for replacing system fans and power supplies, as well as the system battery.


Installing Expansion Cards

Up to two half-length, PCI-X expansion cards can be installed in the system, one on each side of the riser board assembly. See Figure 6-1. The riser board assembly consists of two riser boards permanently attached to each other with plastic standoffs. It plugs into twin riser connectors on the system board and is considered an extension of the system board. See Figure A-3.

The PCI slot locations are marked on the system board as PCI 1 and PCI 2. The PCI 1 connector on the riser board assembly is higher than the PCI 2 connector, because the PCI 1 card installs above the optional ROMB card.

Two different PCI card configurations are available:

Figure 6-1. 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 covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

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

  1. Remove the filler bracket from the expansion slot.

Figure 6-2. Installing an Expansion Card

  1. Slide the plastic expansion-card latch in the chassis wall up to the release position.

  2. Install the new expansion card:

    1. Lower the card into the system.

    1. Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector on the riser board. Press in until the card is fully seated, ensuring that the card's filler bracket also fits correctly into the expansion-slot opening. See Figure 6-2.

  3. When the card is seated in the connector, press the expansion-card latch down firmly.

  4. 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 covers. See "Closing the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  2. 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 covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Disconnect any cables connected to the card.

  4. Slide the plastic expansion-card latch in the chassis wall up to the release position. 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. Press the expansion-card latch down firmly.

  2. Close the system covers. See "Closing the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.


Installing Memory Modules

The four memory module sockets on the system board can accommodate from 256 MB to 8 GB of registered DDR SDRAM. See Figure 5-1.

Memory Module Upgrade Kits

The system is upgradable to 8 GB by installing combinations of 128-, 256-, 512-MB, 1-GB, or 2-GB registered memory modules. You can purchase memory upgrade kits as needed.

NOTE: The memory modules must be rated for 266-MHz operation.

Memory Module Installation Guidelines

Starting with the socket closest to the edge of the system board, the memory module sockets are labeled DIMM_1A and DIMM_1B (bank 1) and DIMM_2A and DIMM_2B (bank 2). See Figure 6-3. When you install memory modules, follow these guidelines:

Figure 6-3. Memory Module Sockets

Table 6-1 illustrates several sample memory configurations based on these guidelines.

Table 6-1. Sample Memory Configurations 

 

BANK1

BANK2

Total Desired Memory

DIMM_1A

DIMM_1B

DIMM_2A

DIMM_2B

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

8 GB

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

Performing a Memory Module Upgrade

To perform a memory module 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 covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

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

Figure 6-3 identifies the memory module banks on the system board and shows the order of the socket designations.

  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 covers. See "Closing the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. 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 step 1 through step 6, 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. To open the memory module socket, press down and outward on the socket latches. See Figure 6-4.

Figure 6-4. 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 straight down into the socket. See Figure 6-4.

The module and the socket are keyed to prevent misalignment.

  1. Press down on the memory module with your thumbs until the latches snap up around the module, securing it. See Figure 6-4.

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

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

  2. Perform step 4 through step 8 of "Performing a Memory Module Upgrade."

Removing Memory Modules

To remove a memory module, press down and outward on the socket latches on each end of the socket until the memory module pops out of the socket. See Figure 6-5.

Figure 6-5. Removing Memory Modules


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.
CAUTION: Ensure that you install only microprocessors purchased from Dell and intended for this system. Using a different microprocessor could cause data loss, system damage, or personal injury.

Each microprocessor and its associated level 2 (L2) cache memory are contained in an FC-PGA2 package that is installed in a ZIF socket on the system board. 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:

The following subsections describes how to remove and install a microprocessor in either the primary or secondary microprocessor connector.

Removing a Microprocessor

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

  2. Open the system covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. To remove the two retention clips that secure the heat sink to the microprocessor socket at both ends, press down firmly on the release tab of each retention clip until it disengages from the socket. See Figure 6-6.

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 6-6. Retention Clip

  1. Remove the heat sink.

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when removing the microprocessor. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor.
  1. Remove the microprocessor from the socket by pulling the socket release lever straight up until the processor is released, and then lift the processor out of the socket. See Figure 6-7.

If you are installing a new microprocessor, leave the release lever up so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.

Figure 6-7. Removing the Microprocessor

Installing a Microprocessor

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

  2. Open the system covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

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

If any of the pins on the microprocessor appear bent, see "Getting Help."

NOTICE: Identifying the pin-1 corners is critical to positioning the processor correctly.
  1. Identify the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor, indicated by a tiny gold triangle on the top of the microprocessor. See Figure 6-8.

Figure 6-8. Pin-1 Identification

NOTICE: Positioning the microprocessor incorrectly can permanently damage the processor and the system when you turn on the system.
  1. Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor with the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor socket, which is also identified by a small triangle. See Figure 6-9.

Figure 6-9. Installing the Microprocessor

  1. Install the microprocessor in the socket. See Figure 6-9.

    1. If the release lever on the microprocessor socket is not all the way up, move it to that position now. See Figure 6-9.

NOTICE: When placing the microprocessor in the socket, be sure that all of the pins on the processor go into the corresponding holes of the socket. Be careful not to bend the pins.
    1. With the pin-1 corners of the processor and socket aligned, set the processor 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, you do not need to use force (which could bend the pins if the microprocessor is misaligned). When the microprocessor is positioned correctly, it should drop down into the socket with minimal pressure.

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

  1. Place the new heat sink on top of the microprocessor. See Figure 6-10.

  2. Replace the two retention clips:

    1. Orient the retention clips. The clips are designed in pairs so that each clip fits only one end of the socket; when installed, the clips face opposite ways.

      • For processor 1, the outer retention clip's release tab faces the back of the system; the inner retention clip faces the opposite way.

      • For processor 2, the outer retention clip's release tab faces the front of the system; the inner retention clip faces the opposite way.

    1. Hook the end of the clip that is opposite the release tab over the retaining tab on the edge of the socket.

    2. Press the clip down so that the hole in the middle of the clip engages the tab in the side of the socket.

    3. Continue pressing down on the release tab while pressing in on the free end of the clip until the end of the clip snaps over the tab on the corner of the socket. See Figure 6-10.

Figure 6-10. Installing the Heat Sink

  1. Close the system covers. See "Closing the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  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: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
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.
  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Locate the ROMB card connector on the system board. See Figure A-3.

  4. If a PCI card is installed over the ROMB card connector, remove it. See "Removing an Expansion Card."

  5. Position the ROMB card with the notch in its plastic cover facing the redundant power supply bay, and align the edges of the card with the four plastic standoffs on the system board.

  6. Press down on the three "bulls eyes" on the ROMB card cover until the four plastic standoffs snap over the edge of the card. See Figure 6-11.

Figure 6-11. Installing the ROMB Card and Backup Battery

  1. Install the ROMB backup battery:

    1. Position the battery board as shown in Figure 6-11, and press it down into the two standoffs until it snaps into place.

    1. Plug the battery cable into the RAID BATTERY connector on the system board.

  2. If you removed a PCI card in step 4, replace it. See "Installing an Expansion Card."

  3. Close the system covers. See "Closing the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

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

  5. 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.

  6. Install the RAID software. See the ROMB card software documentation for more information.

Removing 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: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
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.
  1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. If a PCI card is installed over the ROMB card, remove the PCI card. See "Removing an Expansion Card."

  4. Pull the ROMB card up out of the four standoffs. See Figure 6-11.

  5. Disconnect the ROMB backup battery from the backup battery connector, and pull the battery assembly up out of the two standoffs. See Figure 6-11.

  6. Close the system covers. See "Closing the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."


Removing and Replacing System Fans

The five system-board cooling fans and two power-supply cooling fans must be installed and operational at all times. See Figure 6-12. A blinking amber LED next to a fan power connector indicates a faulty fan that needs to be replaced.

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
NOTICE: The fans are hot-pluggable. If a fan fails, replace it as soon as possible. Operating the system with a failed fan may cause the system to overheat and lock up.
  1. Open the system covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  2. Locate the faulty cooling fan(s) with the blinking amber LEDs.

  3. Before replacing a fan, check the fan's power cable connection to verify that a loose connection is not the problem. If the problem is not resolved, continue with this procedure.

Figure 6-12. Cooling Fan

  1. Disconnect the fan power cable from the system board or control panel board.

  2. Lift the defective fan straight up out of the power-supply bay or fan bracket. See Figure 6-12.

  3. Insert the new fan straight down into the power-supply bay or fan bracket. The fans are keyed for correct orientation:

  4. Connect the fan power cable to the associated power connector on the system board or control panel board.

  5. If the replacement fan does not operate, the control panel, control panel cable, or system board is faulty. See "Getting Help."

NOTE: After installing a new fan, allow up to 30 seconds for the system to recognize the fan and determine whether it is working properly.

Removing and Replacing Power Supplies

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
CAUTION: The connectors on the PDB contain high voltage. Do not remove the metal cover from the PDB or touch the connectors on the PDB or power supply.
NOTICE: The power supplies are hot-pluggable. Remove and replace only one power supply at a time.

Removing a Power Supply

  1. Open the system covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  2. Identify the failed supply using the red fault indicator on the top of the supply. See Figure 2-5 in "Indicators, Messages, and Codes."

CAUTION: Disconnect the AC cord for the failed power supply before removing the power supply.
  1. Disconnect the AC cord for the power supply. To identify the correct power connector, see Figure 2-4 in "Indicators, Messages, and Codes."

  2. Grasp the power supply handle and slide the power supply away from the power distribution board approximately 0.75 inch (2 cm), and then lift the power supply out of the chassis. See Figure 6-13.

Figure 6-13. Removing a Power Supply

Installing a Power Supply

  1. To install the replacement power supply, align the stud on the side of the power supply with the corresponding notch in the chassis wall, and then lower the power supply into the chassis. See Figure 6-13.

  2. Slide the power supply toward the PDB until the power supply connector is fully seated in the PDB connector.


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 re-enter 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: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System 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.
  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 covers. See "Opening the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while installing or removing a battery.
  1. Remove the system battery. See Figure A-3 for the battery connector location.

    1. Support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the connector. See Figure 6-14.

    1. 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 6-14. Installing the System Battery

NOTICE: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while installing or removing a battery.
  1. Install the new system battery. See Figure 6-14.

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

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

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

  2. Close the system covers. See "Closing the System Covers" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

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

  4. Enter the System Setup program to confirm that the battery is operating properly. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide.

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

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

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

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

  9. Enter the System Setup program and if the time and date are still incorrect, see "Getting Help."


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