Installing System Options: Dell™ PowerEdge™ 8450 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

Overview • Expansion Cards • PCI Hot Plug Utility • Removing an Expansion Card • Installing an Expansion Card • Adding Memory • Upgrading the Microprocessors or Installing an Additional Microprocessor • Upgrading or Adding Cache Coherency Filters • Replacing the Battery

Overview

This section describes how to install the following system options:

• Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion cards
• Memory upgrades
• Cache coherency filters
• Microprocessor upgrades

This section also includes instructions for replacing the system battery.
 

WARNING: The power supplies in this computer system produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the computer cover and access any of the components inside the computer.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, a trained service technician must disconnect the power supply cable before servicing the system. For more information, refer to Safety First—For You and Your Computer.

Use Figure 1 to locate the input/output (I/O) board features mentioned in this section and elsewhere.

Figure 1. I/O Board Features

Expansion Cards

Figure 2. PCI Expansion-Card Connectors

Choosing an Expansion Card Connector

The system incorporates four separate PCI buses:

• Bus A (connectors 1 and 2) and bus B (connectors 3 through 6) operate at a bus speed of 33 megahertz (MHz).
• Bus C (connectors 7 and 8) and bus D (connectors 9 and 10) operate at a bus speed of 66 MHz or 33 MHz.

Refer to the following guidelines when adding an expansion card:

• If your system contains a combination of 33-MHz and 66-MHz expansion cards, install the 33-MHz cards in connectors 1 through 6 and the 66-MHz cards in connectors 7 through 10. (Installing a 33-MHz card in one of the 66-MHz–capable bus connectors will cause both connectors on that bus to operate at 33 MHz.)
• If your system only contains 33-MHz expansion cards, distribute the cards across all four PCI buses.
• Install a Dell PowerEdge Expandable RAID Controller 2 SCSI host adapter card in connector 1.
• Install a Dell Remote Assistant Card (DRAC), version 2.0, in connector 2.
• Install a 66-MHz QLogic host bus adapter card in connectors 7 through 10.

PCI Hot Plug Utility

Before replacing a PCI expansion card in your system, you must use the PCI Hot Plug Utility to power down the expansion-card connector used by the expansion card. This subsection describes how to install and run the utility.  

CAUTION: This utility supports hot replacement of expansion cards only. To avoid damaging the system or the expansion card, do not attempt to add a new expansion card using the PCI Hot Plug Utility.

Installing the PCI Hot Plug Utility

NOTE: Before installing the utility, make sure that you have installed Microsoft® Windows NT®  Server 4.0 and Windows NT Service Pack 3.0 or later.

To install the PCI Hot Plug Utility, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button and click Run.
2. The PCI Hot Plug Utility may be located on the Dell Server Assistant CD or on a separate diskette provided with the system. Insert the CD or diskette.
3. Type the appropriate drive letter of the CD-ROM drive or diskette drive, followed by setup.exe, and press <Enter>.
4. When the setup program dialog box appears, press <Enter> to run the installation program.

Running the PCI Hot Plug Utility

To run the PCI Hot Plug Utility, perform the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, and select the PCI Hot Plug Utility.
2. The utility displays data for each of the PCI expansion slots in the system, including the status of the expansion slots and the expansion cards installed.
3. To add or restore power to a particular expansion slot, highlight the appropriate slot and click Power.

PCI Expansion-Slot Indicators

Table 1. PCI Expansion-Slot Indicator Patterns

Removing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.

1. Remove the PCI-card access door.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the system or the expansion card, you must power down the expansion slot by using the PCI Hot Plug Utility (hot replacement only), or by shutting down the system, before you remove the expansion card.

2. If you are replacing an existing expansion card, power down the expansion slot by running the PCI Hot Plug Utility.
   When the green indicator light adjacent to the expansion slot is off, the card may be safely removed.
3. Disconnect any cables attached to the expansion card you want to remove.
   Be sure to record the location of each cable before you disconnect it.
4. The bracket on the expansion card is secured by a plastic latch (see Figure 3). Press and hold the clip on the back of the system while pressing the release tab on the latch inside the system; then rotate the latch away from the expansion-card bracket.

Figure 3. Expansion-Card Latches

5. If the expansion card is a full-length card, release the card's inner end by opening the tab on the plastic card guide (see Figure 3).
6. Grasp the expansion card by its top corners, and carefully remove it from the expansion-card connector.
7. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty card-slot opening.

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 computer and help to maintain proper cooling and airflow inside the computer.

8. Replace the PCI-card access door.

Installing an Expansion Card

To install an expansion card, perform the following steps.
 

	CAUTION: To avoid damaging the system or the expansion card, you must power down the expansion slot by using the PCI Hot Plug Utility (hot replacement only), or by shutting down the system, before you install the expansion card.
	CAUTION: This utility supports hot replacement of expansion cards only. Hot addition of new expansion cards is not currently supported.

CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.

1. If you are adding a new expansion card (rather than replacing a previously-installed card), shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
2. Prepare the expansion card for installation, and remove the PCI-card access door.
   See the documentation that came with the expansion card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing the card for the system.
3. Select an expansion slot.
4. If you are replacing an existing expansion card with an identical card, power down the expansion slot by running the PCI Hot Plug Utility.
   When the green power indicator light adjacent to the expansion slot is off, the card may be safely installed.
5. Open the plastic expansion-card latch and remove the expansion-slot filler bracket:
   
1. Press and hold the plastic tab on the outside of the system chassis.
2. Press the release tab on the latch inside the system chassis (step 1 in Figure 3).
3. Open the expansion-card latch (step 2 in Figure 3) and remove the filler bracket.
6. Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector on the chassis.
7. When the card is firmly seated in the connector and the card-mounting bracket is aligned with the brackets on either side of it, close the expansion-card latch.
8. If the expansion card is a full-length card, secure the inner end of the card by closing the plastic latch on the card guide over the top edge of the card (see step 3 in Figure 3).
9. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
   See the documentation that came with the card for information about cable connections.
10. If you have replaced a PCI expansion card, run the PCI Hot Plug Utility to restore power to the expansion slot.
11. Replace the PCI-card access door.
12. If you have installed a new PCI expansion card, reconnect the computer and peripherals to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

Adding Memory

Figure 4. Memory Board

Memory Upgrade Kits

You can upgrade system memory to 32 GB by installing combinations of 128-, 256-, and 512-megabyte (MB) registered SDRAM DIMMs or, when available, 1-GB registered DIMMs. Memory upgrade kits can be purchased from Dell as needed.
 

NOTE: The DIMMs must be rated to run at 100 megahertz (MHz) or faster.

DIMM Installation Guidelines

The DIMM sockets are labeled "J1" through "J16." When you install DIMMs, refer to the following guidelines:

• To support 2:1 interleaving, you must configure the system with two memory boards containing identical DIMM configurations.
• You must install DIMMs in pairs—one DIMM per memory board.
• You may mix different sizes of DIMMs within a memory board.
• For best performance, install DIMMs sequentially beginning with DIMM socket "J1."

Performing a Memory Upgrade

To upgrade the system memory, perform the following steps. 

CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.

1. Shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
2. Remove the front bezel.
3. To remove the memory board cover, loosen the four captive thumbscrews securing the memory board cover to the front of the system chassis, then pull the cover directly away from the system. (See Figure 5).

4. Rotate the two memory-board retention levers outward about 90 degrees to release the memory board (see Figure 5). Supporting the board by its edges, slide the memory board out from the system, and place it component-side up on an antistatic surface.
5. Locate the DIMM sockets into which you want to install or replace DIMMs.
   Figure 4 shows the location of the DIMM sockets on the memory board.
6. Install or replace the remaining DIMMs to reach the desired memory total.
   Follow the instructions in Installing DIMMs or Removing DIMMs, as appropriate.
7. Align the left and right edges of the memory board with the guides in the system and slide the memory board back into the system until the retention levers on the board contact the chassis.
8. Lock the memory board into place by rotating the retention levers inward until the levers are parallel with the outer edge of the memory board.
9. Replace the memory board cover and secure it with the four screws.
10. Replace the front bezel.
11. Reconnect the computer and peripherals to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
12. Run the System Memory test in the Dell Diagnostics.

Installing DIMMs

To install a DIMM, perform the following steps:

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

Figure 6. Installing a DIMM

 

1	DIMM socket ejectors (2)
2	Alignment keys (2)

2. Align the DIMM's edge connector with the slot in the center of the DIMM socket, and insert the DIMM in the socket (see step 1 in Figure 6 ).
   The DIMM socket has two alignment keys that allow the DIMM to be installed in the socket in only one way.
3. Press down on the DIMM with your thumbs while pulling up on the ejectors with your index fingers to lock the DIMM into the socket (see step 2 in Figure 6 ). When the DIMM is properly seated in the socket, the ejectors on the DIMM socket should align with the ejectors on the other sockets with DIMMs installed.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to install the remaining DIMMs.
5. Continue with step 6 of Performing a Memory Upgrade.

Removing DIMMs

Figure 7. Removing a DIMM

Upgrading the Microprocessors or Installing an Additional Microprocessor

CAUTION: If you are adding a microprocessor to your system, you must order an upgrade kit from Dell. The upgrade kit contains the correct version of microprocessor for your system.

Each microprocessor is contained within a single-edge contact (SEC) cartridge and heat sink assembly. The microprocessor assemblies are installed on two microprocessor boards which accommodate four microprocessors each. Any unused microprocessor connectors must contain a terminator card.

Microprocessor Installation Guidelines

When you install additional microprocessors, refer to the following guidelines:

• If you are adding an additional microprocessor, it must have the same operating frequency and cache size as the previously installed microprocessors.
• Install additional microprocessors in sequential order, beginning with socket PROC1 on the left microprocessor board.
• For best performance, install microprocessors in all four sockets on the left microprocessor board before adding microprocessors to the right microprocessor board.
• If you upgrade the system with a faster set of  microprocessors, you must change the microprocessor speed jumpers. See Microprocessor Speed Jumpers in Jumpers, Switches, and Connectors.

Removing a Terminator Card

To remove a terminator card, perform the following steps.
 

CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.

1. Shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
2. Remove the computer cover.
3. Loosen the retention screws and release the retaining clip from the microprocessor cage (see steps 1 and 2 in Figure 8).
4. Using your thumbs, lift the latches on each corner of the terminator card bracket to release the card from the microprocessor socket on the microprocessor board (see step 3 in Figure 8).

Figure 8. Removing a Terminator Card

5. Slide the terminator card up and out of the microprocessor cage.

Installing a Terminator Card

To install a terminator card, perform the following steps:

1. Align the notch on the terminator card with the socket on the microprocessor board (see Figure 8).
2. Guide the card into the microprocessor cage and close the two latches to lock the terminator card in place.
3. Secure the retaining clip to the microprocessor cage.
4. Replace the computer cover and reconnect the computer and peripherals to electrical outlets.

Removing an SEC Cartridge and Heat Sink Assembly

WARNING: The SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly can get extremely hot during system operation. Be sure the assembly has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it.

WARNING: When handling the SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly, take care to avoid any sharp edges on the heat sink.

CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.

1. Shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
2. Remove the computer cover.
3. Loosen the retention screws and release the retaining clip from the microprocessor cage (see steps 1 and 2 in Figure 9).
4. Using your thumbs, lift the latches on each corner of the SEC cartridge to release the cartridge from the microprocessor socket on the microprocessor board (see step 3 in Figure 9).

5. Slide the SEC cartridge up and out of the microprocessor cage.

Replacing the SEC Cartridge and Heat Sink Assembly

To install an SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly, perform the following steps:

1. Shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
2. Remove the computer cover.
3. Remove the terminator card or SEC cartridge from the guide bracket assembly.
4. Guide the new SEC cartridge into the microprocessor cage and close the two latches to lock the cartridge in place.
5. Reinstall the retaining clip over the SEC cartridge.
6. Replace the computer cover and reconnect the computer and peripherals to electrical outlets.

Upgrading the Cache Coherency Filters

To upgrade the cache coherency filters for your system, perform the following steps:

1. Shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
2. Remove the front bezel.
3. Remove the two rack-mounting brackets from the front of the system by removing the two screws securing each bracket to the chassis (see Figure 10).

4. Remove the memory board cover.
5. Remove the fan bay cover's retention screw and remove the cover (see steps 1 through 3 in Figure 11).

6. Remove the six fans (see step 4 in Figure 11).
7. Remove the three screws securing the fan bay assembly to the system chassis .
   One screw is located on the front of the chassis. The other two screws are located at each end of the fan bay assembly (see Figure 12).

Figure 12. Removing the Fan Bay Assembly

8. Remove the fan bay assembly by lifting it straight up from the chassis (see Figure 12).
9. Remove the retention bracket from the chassis by releasing the retention pin (see Figure 13).

Figure 13. Installing a Cache Coherency Filter

10. To remove the existing filter from its socket, press the ejector at the end of the socket (see Figure 13).
11. Align the new cache coherency filter with the socket, and insert the edge connector on the filter into the socket (see Figure 13).
12. Press down on the upper edge of the cache coherency filter card with your thumbs until the card's edge connector is fully seated into the socket and the ejector closes on the end of the socket.
13. To install the second cache coherency filter, repeat steps 10 through 12.
14. Replace the retention bracket.
15. Replace the fan bay assembly.
16. Replace the fans.
17. Replace the fan bay cover.
18. Replace the memory board cover.
19. Replace the front bezel.
20. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and peripherals to electrical outlets, and turn them on.

Replacing the Battery

Time-of-day not set -- please run SETUP program
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

System CMOS checksum bad -- Run SETUP
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

Invalid configuration information -- please run SETUP program
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

To determine if the battery needs replacing, reenter the time and date through the system setup program. Turn off the system for a few hours, and then turn it on again. Enter the system setup program. If the date and time are not correct in the system setup program, replace the battery.
 

NOTES: 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. If the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) may lose its system configuration information. This situation is not caused by a defective battery.

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

The battery is a 3.0-volt (V), coin-cell CR2032-type battery. To remove the battery, perform the following steps.
 

WARNING: 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 for instructions.
2. Shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

CAUTION: See Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge.

3. Remove the computer cover.
4. Remove the expansion cards.
5. Remove the ten vertical expansion-slot dividers by firmly pulling them straight up from the I/O board.
6. Remove the screws securing the plastic I/O board insulator to the chassis.
7. Remove the I/O board insulator.
8. Remove the battery.
9. Pry the battery out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object such as a plastic screwdriver.
10. Install the new battery with the "+" side facing up (see Figure 14).

11. Replace the I/O board insulator and secure it with the screws you removed in step 6.
12. Replace the expansion-slot dividers.
13. Reinstall the expansion cards.
14. Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and peripherals to electrical outlets, and turn them on.
15. Enter the system setup program to confirm that the battery is operating properly
16. Enter the correct time and date through the system setup program's Time and Date settings. Also reenter any system configuration information that is no longer displayed on the system setup screens, and then exit the system setup program.
17. Turn the computer and peripherals off, and leave them off for at least an hour.
18. After an hour, turn on the system and enter the system setup program. If the time and date are still incorrect, see Getting Help for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.

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