Apple XSERVE Service Manual

Download



Service Source

Xserve

Xserve, Xserve (Slot Load), and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Updated: 7 May 2003



Service Source

Take Apart

Xserve

General Information

Overview

Xserve is a server designed to mount into a rack; Apple recommends that y ou remo ve the Xserve from the rack before replacing or installing all parts except hard drives. You can replace hard drives while the server is operating and still in the rack.

There are three versions of the Xserve server. To identify the versions, check the front panel. The original Xserve includes a tray-load optical drive on the far right side; Xserve (Slot Load) includes a slot-load optical drive. Xserve (Cluster Node) has no optical drive and just one hard drive.

Note:

When different procedures are required, the version is speciﬁed in the topic heading.

General Information

For the most part, the procedures in this chapter apply to all versions of the server.

Xserve Take Apart -

Mounting in a Rack

For information on mounting Xserve in a rack, see the Xserve User’s Guide.

Tools

Many take-apart procedures do not require tools. You may, however, ﬁnd a medium-sized ﬂatblade and Phillips screwdriver useful, as indicated at the beginning of some procedures. If the server is locked, you will also need the server’s Allen wrench key.

Server Identiﬁer Light/Button

The identiﬁer light on the server’s front panel turns on when internal sensors or a systems administrator detects a problem with the server. (The light can also be turned on by pressing the identiﬁer button.) This indicator will help you locate which server in a rack needs servicing. In addition, you can use the identiﬁer button on the Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node) to initiate several ﬁrmware commands to the system. See “Entering Firmware Boot Commands From the Front Panel” in the Troubleshooting chapter.

Note:

A duplicate identiﬁer light/button is on the server’s back panel.

Before Opening the Server

Serial Number

Be sure to write down the server’s serial number bef ore opening it. If the server’s softw are must be set up after service is complete, the serial number will be required for login.

Unlocking the Server

If the server is in the locked position (the yello w security LED on the front panel is on), use the Allen key that came with the server to unlock it.

Important:

optical drive, keyboard and mouse, and other peripherals connected to the USB and FireWire ports on the server.

Shutting Down

You must shut down the server before replacing or installing all parts except the hard drives. Before shutting down, be sure to alert users that the server will be unavailable for a period of time.

When the lock on the server’s front panel is locked, the software ignores the

2 -

Xserve Take Apart

Warning:

to allow internal components to cool.

After shutting down the server, you must wait a few minutes before servicing it

General Information

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions

Follow these steps to avoid damage from ESD before working inside the server.

1. Shut down the server.

2. If the cable management arm is not in use, unplug all external cables except the power cord.

3. Touch the server’s metal case to discharge static electricity.

4. Unplug the power cord.

5. Slide the server open, remove it from the rack, and place it on a ﬂat surf ace , pref erably covered by an ESD mat.

6. Put on an ESD wrist strap.

7. To avoid static electricity building back up in your body, do not walk around the room until after you have ﬁnished working and closed the server.

Top Cover

The top cover is attached to the rac k where the server is mounted. If you are replacing the top cover, you must remove it both from the server and from the rack. For detailed information on how the top cover is mounted in the rack, see the User’s Guide.

General Information

Xserve Take Apart -

Hard Drive

The original Xserve and Xserve (Slot Load) include four hard drive bays at the front of the server; Xserve (Cluster Node) includes just one drive bay. Drives come as modules attached to carriers; they are removed from or installed in the server as a unit.

Note:

Blank drive carriers, which may ﬁll some of the hard drive bays, follow the same take-apart procedure as hard drives. If you are replacing a blank carrier with a drive module, instruct the server’s administrator to keep the blank for possible future use. Blank carriers must be installed in all empty bays to maintain proper airﬂow through the server.

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, make sure the drives are in the unlocked position. No other preliminary steps are required. You can replace or install hard drives while the server is running; you do not need to shut down or open the server ﬁrst.

4 -

Xserve Take Apart

Note:

There are two LED indicators on the front of each drive.

• The upper LED shows drive status: a green light indicates the drive is good; a yellow

or red light indicates the drive should be replaced.

• The lower LED shows drive activity: when the light is blinking, the system is reading

from or writing to the drive. To avoid losing data, never remove a drive when the lower LED is blinking.

WARNING:

If the drives are locked, pulling on the drive to remove it could damage the drive handle.

Drives must be in the unlocked position before you attempt to remove a drive.

Part Location

Hard Drive

Procedure

1. Make sure the drive being replaced is not in use by any application and is not being

shared by the server. (See the Mac OS X Server documentation for information about shared drives.)

2. Unmount the drive (by using the command-line tools or by dragging the disk icon to

the Trash).

3. Press the handle on the front of the drive module so that the handle pops out.

Hard Drive

4. Wait for the upper LED on the drive to go out. Then grasp the drive handle, and pull

the drive module out of the server.

Xserve Take Apart -

Opening the Server

The server slides open from the front of the rack. The server’s top cover remains in place in the rack; the bottom housing (containing all internal components) should be placed on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure. You may, however, ﬁnd a Phillips screwdriver useful in releasing the thumb screws in step 1 below.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin this procedure, write down the server’s serial number located on the back panel. If it is necessary to set up the server’s software after service is complete, the serial number will be required for login.

6 -

Xserve Take Apart

Opening the Server

Procedure

1. Release the two thumb screws at the front of the server.

Note:

The thumbscrews are captive and do not separate from the bottom housing.

2. Grasp the thumbscrews and slide the bottom housing forward part way to expose the

two chassis levers.

3. While depressing both levers , pull the bottom housing all the w ay forward and remov e

it from the rack. Place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface and ESD mat.

Opening the Server

Xserve Take Apart -

DIMMs

Xserve has four memory slots. For the original Xserve, DIMMs must be PC2100 doubledata-rate (DDR) SDRAM (also known as DDR-266 DIMMs). For the Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node), DIMMs must be PC2700 DDR SDRAM (also known as DDR333 DIMMs). The DIMMs from older Macintosh computers are not compatible with Xserve.

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

8 -

Xserve Take Apart

DIMMs

Procedure

1. Push down the ejectors on the DIMM slot.

2. Holding the DIMM by both top corners, lift it straight up out of the server.

Warning:

touch its connectors. Lift the DIMM straight up from the connector to remove it, and insert it straight down into the connector to install it. Do not rock the DIMM from side to side.

Replacement Note:

align the notch in the DIMM with the small rib inside the slot.

When removing or installing the DIMM, handle it only by the edges. Do not

The DIMM is designed to ﬁt into the slot only one way. Be sure to

DIMMs

Xserve Take Apart -

PCI or AGP Card

In the original Xserve and Xserve (Slot Load), there are three slots available for PCI expansion cards. Two slots are on a riser card located at the back left corner of the logic board; an additional slot is on a riser card at the back right corner of the logic board. A PCI card that is 7 inches long can be installed in either riser card; a PCI card that is 12 inches long can be installed only in the dual-slot riser. In addition, an AGP card can be installed in the single-slot riser. The Xserve (Cluster Node) includes just two slots f or PCI cards on the dual riser card.

Dual-Slot Riser Card

• Accommodates long cards (12") or short cards (7")

• Standard config comes with PCI video card installed; other cards are CTO options.

• Takes 3.3V, 64-bit/66-MHz or 32-bit/33-MHz cards. If one 33-MHz card is installed, all

cards run at 33-MHz

• Compatible with PCI only

Single-Slot Riser Card

• Accommodates short cards (7") only

• Standard config comes with no card installed; a PCI Gigabit Ethernet card and an AGP

video card are available as CTO options for this slot.

• Takes 3.3V, 32-bit/66-MHz cards

• AGP/PCI riser compatible with PCI cards; AGP/AGP riser compatible with AGP cards

Note:

Power consumption for all expansion slots, combined, should not exceed 45 W.

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure. You may, however, ﬁnd a ﬂatblade screwdriver useful in releasing the thumb screw in step 1 below.

10 -

Xserve Take Apart

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Warning:

not touch its connectors or any of the components on the card. Lift the card straight out from the connector to remove it, and insert it straight into the connector to install it. Do not rock the card from side to side and don’t force the card into the slot. Once the replacement card is installed, pull on it gently to check that it is properly connected.

When removing or installing a PCI or AGP card, handle it only by the edges. Do

PCI or AGP Card

Part Location

Card in Single-Slot Riser

Card in Dual-Slot Riser

Procedure for Card in Dual-Slot Riser

1. Release the thumb screw that secures the card fence to the back of the server.

2. If there are latches on either side of the riser, lift them slightly to release the riser from

the logic board.

3. Pull the riser a short distance to the side to disconnect it, and then tilt the riser and

attached card(s) up so that the card ports clear the enclosure. Remove the riser and card(s) from the server.

PCI or AGP Card

Xserve Take Apart -

4. Disconnect the card(s) from the riser.

Procedure for Card in Single-Slot Riser

1. Release the thumb screw that secures the card fence to the back of the server.

12 -

Xserve Take Apart

PCI or AGP Card

2. Pull the clip on the riser forward to release the riser from the logic board connector.

3. Disconnect the riser from the logic board and remove the riser and card from the

server.

4. Disconnect the card from the riser.

PCI or AGP Card

Xserve Take Apart -

Optical Drive, Xserve

Tools

The following tools are required for this procedure:

• Flatblade screwdriver

• Phillips screwdriver If you are removing the drive faceplate, you will also need a jeweler’s (#00) Phillips

screwdriver.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

14 -

Xserve Take Apart

Optical Drive, Xserve

Procedure

1. Disconnect the optical drive cable from the optical drive.

2. Press in on the drive’s side bracket to release the drive from the chassis.

3. Lift up the bracket side of the drive and remove the drive from the server.

Optical Drive, Xserve

Xserve Take Apart -

Note:

If you are replacing the optical drive faceplate, do the following:

4. Open the optical drive tray by inserting a straightened paperclip into the manual eject

hole on the front of the drive.

5. Turn the drive over so the bottom of the drive faces up. Using a small (#00) Phillips

screwdriver, remove the two screws that secure the faceplate.

6. Using a small ﬂat-blade screwdriver, release the latch on the far right end of the

faceplate.

7. Remove the faceplate from the drive.

16 -

Xserve Take Apart

Optical Drive, Xserve

Replacement Note:

Before installing the replacement drive, you must transfer the side

bracket and the guide screws from the original drive to the replacement drive.

8. Remove the two screws that secure the side bracket to the original drive.

9. Remove the bracket and transfer it to the replacement drive, using the two screws

from the original drive to secure the bracket.

10. Remove the two guide screws from the side of the original drive and install them on

the replacement drive.

Optical Drive, Xserve

Xserve Take Apart -

11. Align the corner of the replacement drive with the two guides in the chassis and press

the drive down until you hear it snap into place.

12. Reconnect the optical drive cable to the drive.

18 -

Xserve Take Apart

Optical Drive, Xserve

Optical Drive, Xserve (Slot Load)

Tools

The only tool required for this procedure is a jeweler’s Phillips (#0) screwdriver.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

Optical Drive, Xserve (Slot Load)

Xserve Take Apart -

Procedure

1. Disconnect the optical drive cable.

2. Rotate the optical drive clip clockwise to release it.

3. Placing your thumbs on the tab on either side of the drive, carefully slide the drive

back from the front bezel.

Important: When removing or replacing the optical drive, be careful not to put

pressure on the top of the drive or the top of the front bezel that covers the optical drive slot.

4. LIft the drive out of the server.

20 - Xserve Take Apart

Optical Drive, Xserve (Slot Load)

Replacement Note: Before installing the replacement drive, you must transfer the side

brackets and the screws from the original drive to the replacement drive.

5. Remove the mounting screw for the left bracket and transfer the bracket to the new

drive, using the same screw to secure it.

6. Remove the three mounting screws f or the right brac ket and tr ansfer the br ack et to the

new drive, again using the same screws to secure it.

Optical Drive, Xserve (Slot Load)

Xserve Take Apart - 21

Optical Drive Cable

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

22 - Xserve Take Apart

Optical Drive Cable

Procedure

1. Disconnect the optical drive cable from the optical drive.

2. Disconnect the cable from the drive interconnect board and remov e the cable from the

server.

Optical Drive Cable

Xserve Take Apart - 23

Heatsink, Xserve

Note: This procedure applies to the original Xserve only. The heatsink for Xserve (Slot

Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node) is part of the processor and should not be removed separately.

Tools

The only tool required for removing the heatsink is a Phillips screwdriver.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

24 - Xserve Take Apart

Heatsink, Xserve

Procedure

1. Release the latch on the heatsink duct from its slot, slide the cover away from the

blower, and lift the end of the duct as shown. Remove the duct from the server.

2. Release the three captive screws that secure the heatsink.

3. Lift the heatsink straight up and remove it from the server.

Heatsink, Xserve

Xserve Take Apart - 25

WARNING: Whenever you remove the heatsink, before reinstalling it, you must replace the thermal grease on the MPU. To replace the grease, do the following:

• Using the alcohol pad included with the replacement part or kit, clean off any used

thermal grease from the MPU and the bottom of the heatsink.

• Using the thermal grease included with the replacement part or kit, apply one dot of

fresh grease to the middle of the MPU (or both MPUs if the server is a dual processor).

• Spread the grease evenly across the MPU(s) to a thickness of approximately 1 mm.

• Carefully align the posts on the heatsink with the holes in the processor card, and

lower the heatsink straight down onto the processor.

• To ensure the grease spreads evenly over the processor, lightly tighten the screws in

the order indicated below.

• Again tighten the screws in the order indicated to affix the heatsink securely to the

processor.

• Replace the heatsink duct on the heatsink.

26 - Xserve Take Apart

Heatsink, Xserve

Processor, Xserve

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, flat surface.

• Remove the heatsink.

Part Location

Processor, Xserve

Xserve Take Apart - 27

Procedure

1. Lift the processor straight up to disconnect it from the logic board.

2. Remove the processor from the server.

28 - Xserve Take Apart

Processor, Xserve

Processor, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Tools

The following tools are required for this procedure

• Phillips screwdriver

• installation guides (included with the processor service part)

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

Processor, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 29

Procedure

1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the three screws that mount the heatsink and

processor to the logic board.

2. Carefully lift the heatsink and processor straight up and out of the server.

Note: The heatsink is part of the processor; do not attempt to remove the heatsink from

the processor.

30 - Xserve Take Apart

Processor, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Replacement Procedure

1. Insert the threaded end of one of the processor installation guides into the logic board

standoff on the right side of the processor connector. Twist the guide until it screws into place.

2. Insert the second processor installation guide into the standoff on the left side of the

processor connector and twist until the guide screws into place.

Processor, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 31

3. Carefully align the screw holes on the replacement heatsink and processor with the

two guides, and lower the unit straight down over the guides until it touches the logic board.

4. To secure the processor to the logic board, press down gently on the top of the

heatsink cover in the area directly over the processor's connector.

32 - Xserve Take Apart

Processor, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

5. Remove the two installation guides.

6. Replace the three mounting screws and secure the processor and heatsink to the

logic board.

Processor, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 33

Blowers

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

34 - Xserve Take Apart

Blowers

Procedure

1. Disconnect the blower cable from the drive interconnect board.

2. Lift the blower straight up off its mounting pegs and remove it from the server.

Blowers

Xserve Take Apart - 35

ATA Controller Board

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, flat surface.

• If the unit is an original Xserve, remove the heatsink duct from the heatsink.

Note: There is no heatsink duct on the Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node).

Part Location

36 - Xserve Take Apart

ATA Controller Board

Procedure

1. Disconnect the blower cable nearest the ATA controller board.

2. Press in on both ends of the clip securing the right side of the A TA controller board and

remove the clip from the server. Repeat for the clip on the left side of the board.

3. Lift the ATA controller board straight up to disconnect it from the drive interconnect and

logic boards and remove the board from the server.

Note: When replacing the ATA controller board, align it over the two pairs of connectors on the drive interconnect and logic boards, making sure the “MLB” arrow printed on it points toward the logic board, and press down.

ATA Controller Board

Xserve Take Apart - 37

Note: When replacing the ATA controller board clips, orient them so that the long end of each clip points away from the middle of the server. Place the inside edge of the clip into the small notch and then snap down the outer edge of the clip.

38 - Xserve Take Apart

ATA Controller Board

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve

Xserve Take Apart - 39

Procedure

1. Pull back the latch to release the ribbed end of the locking mechanism rod.

2. Release the two clips on the sides of the front panel board, and pull the board back

slightly from the front of the server.

3. Tilt up the ribbed end of the locking mechanism rod and remove the rod from the

server.

40 - Xserve Take Apart

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve

Note: When replacing the loc king mechanism rod, make sure the ﬁrst rib in the nylon roller engages with the ﬁrst slot in the plate below it.

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve

Xserve Take Apart - 41

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

42 - Xserve Take Apart

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Procedure

1. Pull back the latch to release the gear end of the locking mechanism rod.

2. Tilt up the gear end of the rod and remove the rod from the server.

3. If you are replacing the plastic gear on the end of the rod, slide the gear off the rod.

Replacement Procedure

1. To install the gear , slide it onto the notched end of the locking rod, aligning the narrow

end of the gear with the end of the rod. Note: Make sure the rib inside the gear engages with the notch in the rod.

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 43

2. To install the locking rod, insert the end of the rod with the key hole into the port on the

front bezel. Note: Make sure the small circle on the front of the rod aligns with the “unlocked”

symbol on the front bezel.

3. Pull back the latch that secures the rod, and gently press the rod down until it clicks

into place.

44 - Xserve Take Apart

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Front Bezel, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Tools

The only tool required for this procedure is a Phillips screwdriver.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Note: Although the illustrations for this procedure are based on Xserve (Slot Load), the procedure is the same for Xserve (Cluster Node).

Part Location

Front Bezel, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 45

Procedure

1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws that attach the two front bezel

brackets to the server, and remove the brackets.

2. Remove the screw that attaches the top of the bezel to the server.

3. Gently pull the front bezel forward and remove it from the server.

Important: When removing or replacing the bezel, be careful not to put pressure on the top of the bezel over the optical drive slot.

46 - Xserve Take Apart

Front Bezel, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Replacement Procedure

1. Transfer the system identiﬁer and power buttons from the original front bezel to the

replacement bezel.

2. Remove the bottom row of light pipes from the light pipe assembly and insert them

into the bottom row of light pipe holes in the replacement bezel.

3. Replace the front bezel on the server, matching ports/projections with openings.

4. Replace the screw that secures the top of the bezel to the server.

5. Replace the two bezel brackets and their mounting screws.

Front Bezel, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 47

Front Buttons, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Note: This procedure explains how to remove the power and system ID buttons from the front bezel.

Tools

The only tool required for this procedure is a Phillips screwdriver.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, flat surface.

• Remove the front bezel.

Part Location

48 - Xserve Take Apart

Front Buttons, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Procedure

1. Holding the power button by the plastic tab, lift straight up and remove the b utton from

the front bezel.

2. Repeat for the system ID button.

Note: Take care in handling the buttons. The face of each button is loosely attached to the button LEDs and can easily separate.

Replacement Note: Position the replacement buttons in the front bezel as illustrated.

Front Buttons, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 49

Front Panel Board, Xserve

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, flat surface.

• Remove the locking mechanism.

Part Location

50 - Xserve Take Apart

Front Panel Board, Xserve

Procedure

1. Disconnect the FireWire and front panel board cables from the board.

2. Lift the board out of the server.

Front Panel Board, Xserve

Xserve Take Apart - 51

Front Panel Board, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Tools

The only tool required for this procedure is a Phillips screwdriver.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, flat surface.

• Remove the locking mechanism.

• Remove the front bezel.

Part Location

52 - Xserve Take Apart

Front Panel Board, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Procedure

1. Disconnect the FireWire and front panel board cables from the board.

2. Remove the two screws that mount the front panel board to the chassis.

3. Slide the board back and remove it from the server.

Important: When replacing the front panel board, make sure the board slides under the black plastic cover of the light pipe.

Front Panel Board, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 53

Light Pipe, Xserve

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

54 - Xserve Take Apart

Light Pipe, Xserve

Procedure

1. Release the two clips on the sides of the front panel board, and pull the board back

approximately 1.5 inches from the front of the server.

2. Remove the light pipe from the server.

Replacement Note: When repositioning the light pipe against the inside front of the bez el, make sure the projections on the light pipe ﬁt into the holes in the bezel. Then slide the panel board forward until it ﬁts against the light pipe. Note: You may need to lift the light pipe slightly while sliding the front panel board, so that it doesn’t catch the edge of the light pipe.

Light Pipe, Xserve

Xserve Take Apart - 55

Light Pipe, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Tools

The following tools are required for this procedure:

• Phillips screwdriver

• flat-blade screwdriver

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, flat surface.

• Remove the front bezel.

Part Location

56 - Xserve Take Apart

Light Pipe, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Procedure

1. Using a ﬂat-blade screwdriver, ease ﬁrst one side and then the other side of the light

pipe assembly from its opening in the front of the enclosure.

2. Remove the light pipe assembly from the server.

Replacement Procedure

1. Remove the bottom row of light pipes from the light pipe assembly and insert them

into the bottom row of light pipe holes in the front bezel.

Light Pipe, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Xserve Take Apart - 57

2. Insert the rest of the light pipe assembly into its opening in the front of the enclosure.

3. Replace the front bezel on the server, matching ports/projections with openings.

4. Replace the screw that secures the top of the bezel to the server.

5. Replace the two bezel brackets and their mounting screws.

58 - Xserve Take Apart

Light Pipe, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Front Panel Board Cable

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

Front Panel Board Cable

Xserve Take Apart - 59

Procedure

1. Disconnect the front panel board cable from the front panel board.

2. Disconnect the front panel board cable from the drive interconnect board and remove

the cable from the server.

60 - Xserve Take Apart

Front Panel Board Cable

FireWire Cable

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

FireWire Cable

Xserve Take Apart - 61

Procedure

1. Disconnect the FireWire cable from the front panel board.

2. Disconnect the FireWire cable from the drive interconnect board and remov e the cable

from the server.

62 - Xserve Take Apart

FireWire Cable

Drive Interconnect Board

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure. You may, however, ﬁnd a Phillips screwdriver useful in releasing the thumb screws in step 2 below.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and remove the following:

• hard drives (blank drive carriers can remain in place)

• blowers

• ATA controller board

Part Location

Drive Interconnect Board

Xserve Take Apart - 63

Procedure

1. Disconnect the following cables from the drive interconnect board

• optical drive cable

• power supply cable

• locking switch cable

• front panel board cable

• FireWire cable

2. Release the three thumb screws that secure the drive interconnect board to the

chassis.

3. Lift the board slightly to clear the two mounting pegs near both ends of the board.

4. Pull the board back, tilt it up so that the connectors clear the chassis, and remove the

board from the server.

64 - Xserve Take Apart

Drive Interconnect Board

Replacement Note: When installing the drive interconnect board, make sure the board engages with the two mounting pegs (#1 in the illustration below) and the three brackets (#2) on the chassis. Then press the board ﬁrmly toward the front of the server, and tighten the three thumbscrews (#3) that secure the board to the chassis.

Drive Interconnect Board

Xserve Take Apart - 65

Power Supply

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, do the following:

• Open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, flat surface.

• If the unit is an original Xserve, remove the heatsink duct from the heatsink.

Note: There is no heatsink duct on the Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node).

Part Location

66 - Xserve Take Apart

Power Supply

Procedure

1. Release the locking latch on the power supply cable connector and disconnect the

cable from the drive interconnect board.

2. Release the thumbscrew that secures the power supply to the chassis.

Note: The thumbscrew is captive; you cannot remove it.

3. Grasp the metal ﬂange of the power supply’s connector (on the left side) and lift up to

disconnect the power supply from the logic board. Note: You may need to loosen the left side of the power supply and then lift at

another point near the front to disengage it. Do not lift the small lip that contains the thumbscrew.

4. Holding the power supply in both hands, remove it from the server.

Power Supply

Xserve Take Apart - 67

Battery

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure. You may, however, ﬁnd a ﬂatblade screwdriver useful in prying up the battery in step 1 below.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and place the bottom housing on a sturdy, ﬂat surface.

Part Location

68 - Xserve Take Apart

Battery

Procedure

1. Pry up the battery from its holder.

Note: You may first need to spread the two tabs on the holder slightly apart to release the battery.

2. Remove the battery from the server.

Note: When replacing the battery, mak e sure the positiv e (+) end of the battery aligns with the + symbol on the battery holder.

Battery

Xserve Take Apart - 69

Logic Board

Tools

No tools are required for this procedure. You may, however, ﬁnd a Phillips screwdriver useful in releasing the thumb screw in step 1 below.

Preliminary Steps

Before you begin, open the server and remove the following.

• DIMMs

• PCI cards

• processor

• ATA controller board

• power supply Note: The replacement logic board does not include the processor, memory DIMMs, or

expansion cards. You must transfer these modules from the original board to the new one.

Part Location

70 - Xserve Take Apart

Logic Board

Procedure

1. Release the thumb screw that secures the logic board to the chassis.

2. Move the logic board f orward and up slightly to release it from the four mounting pegs.

3. Tilt up the end of the logic board nearest the blowers so that the board ports clear the

chassis.

4. Remove the board from the server.

Logic Board

Replacement Note: Before installing the replacement logic board, check the heatsink thermal pad on the underside of the board. If the pad is covered with a protective ﬁlm, remove it. (The protective ﬁlm is a very thin layer on top of the thermal pad. Be careful to remove only the ﬁlm, not the pad.)

Xserve Take Apart - 71

Important: When replacing the logic board, make sure the board’s connectors ﬁt through the appropriate openings in the server’s back panel. Take special care to ﬁt the clear plastic system identiﬁer button through its opening. (The system identiﬁer b utton is located low on the back panel, to the left of center.)

After installing a replacement logic board, be sure to transfer any PCI cards, risers, and DIMMs to the new board. You must also remove the battery insulator tab from the battery holder on the new board.

Note: Replacing the logic board in the server changes its Ethernet ID number. The new number is printed on an Ethernet ID label packaged with the replacement logic board. After installing the new logic board, cover the Ethernet ID number on the server’s serial number with the new ID label.

72 - Xserve Take Apart

Logic Board

 Service Source

Troubleshooting

Xserve

General Information

What’s New

Rack-Mounted Server

Xserve is designed to be mounted in a rack. Once the server is installed in the rack, you can slide it open from the front to exchange or add parts.

For more information, see “Opening the Server” in the Take Apart chapter.

Server Identiﬁer Light/Button

The identiﬁer light on the server’s front panel turns on when internal sensors or a systems administrator detects a problem with the server. (The light can also be turned on by pressing the identiﬁer button.) This indicator will help you locate which server in a rack needs servicing. In addition, you can use the identiﬁer button to initiate several ﬁrmware commands to the system. See “Entering Firmware Boot Commands F rom the F ront P anel” in this chapter.

Note: A duplicate identiﬁer light/button is on the server’s back panel.

Hot-Pluggable A TA Drives

The original Xserve and Xserve (Slot-Load) include four hard drive bays at the front of the server; the original Xserve supports hot-pluggable Apple ATA/100 drive modules and the Xserve (Slot Load) supports ATA/133 drive modules. The Xserve (Cluster Node) includes just one Apple ATA/133 drive module.

In the original Xserve and Xserve (Slot Load) drive bays are numbered 1–4, beginning with the far left bay. The bay in which a drive is installed determines its master/slave position, thereby eliminating the need for jumpers or special drive conﬁgur ation. The drive installed in bay 1 is the master drive and should have the operating system installed on it.

In all three models, you can replace or install hard drives while the server is running; you do not need to shut down or open the server ﬁrst. A status light on the front of each drive indicates when it is safe to remov e the drive without losing data. For more inf ormation, see “Hard Drive” in the Take Apart chapter.

General Information

Xserve Troubleshooting - 1

Diagnostics

Four types of diagnostics are available for Xserve:

• status lights

• remote monitoring

• Apple Hardware Test

• Apple Service Diagnostic For more information, see “Diagnostic Tools” below.

DDR Memory

The server’s logic board includes f our memory slots, which accept double data rate (DDR) SDRAM DIMMs. Memory can be expanded to a maximum of 2 gigabytes.

DIMMs used in the original Xserve must ﬁt these speciﬁcations:

• PC2100 DDR SDRAM, also known as DDR-266

• 2.5 volt

• 64-bit wide, 184-pin module

• unbuffered (do not use registered or buffered DRAM)

• maximum height of 1.3 inches DIMMs used in Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node) must ﬁt these

speciﬁcations:

• PC2700 DDR SDRAM, also known as DDR-333

• 2.5 volt

• 64-bit wide, 184-pin module

• 16 memory devices maximum

• unbuffered (do not use registered or buffered DRAM)

• maximum height of 1.25 inches Important: DIMMs from older Macintosh computers are not compatible with Xserve. Do

not use older DIMMs even if they ﬁt into the DIMM slots.

Ports

The standard conﬁguration of the original Xserve includes the following ports on the back panel: one or two gigabit Ethernet ports, two FireWire 400 ports, two USB ports, a serial port that supports RS-232 or RS-422 connection, and a VGA monitor port. There is also one FireWire 400 port on the front of the server.

The standard conﬁguration of Xserve (Slot Load) includes the following ports on the back panel: one or two gigabit Ethernet ports, two FireWire 800 ports, two USB ports, a serial port that supports RS-232 connection, and a V GA monitor port. There is also one FireWire 400 port on the front of the server.

The standard conﬁguration of Xserve (Cluster Node) includes the following ports on the back panel: one gigabit Ethernet port, two FireWire 800 ports, two USB ports, and a serial

2 - Xserve Troubleshooting

General Information

port that supports RS-232 connection. There is also one FireWire 400 port on the front of the server.

System administrators or service providers can connect a laptop computer or terminal to the serial port and then use command-line tools to change settings on the server. The connection requires a serial cable with these speciﬁcations:

• DB9 connector

• 8-bit

• no parity

• 1 stop bit

• 9600 kbps Note: For a diagram of the ports location, see “External Views” in the Views chapter.

PCI and AGP Cards

The standard conﬁguration for the original Xserve and Xserve (Slot Load) comes with a VGA video card installed in the bottom slot of the dual-slot riser and a gigabit Ethernet card installed in the single-slot AGP/PCI riser. In addition, a high-end AGP video card is available as a CTO option for these models; it replaces the gigabit Ethernet PCI card in the single-slot riser position and requires installing an AGP/AGP riser card that is bundled with the video card. The Apple Fibre Channel PCI card, which allows connection to Xserve RAID, is also available as a CTO option for Xserve and Xserve (Slot Load); it must be installed in the top slot of the dual-slot riser.

Note: Combined power consumption for all expansion slots within one unit should not exceed 45 W.

General Information

Xserve Troubleshooting - 3

Block Diagram



Processor Module

L3 Cache

Main Logic Board

DIMM Slots

Network Card Slot

Boot

ROM

ATA

Interface

ATA

PowerPC G4

Microprocessor

memory

controller

and PCI Memory

bus bridge Controller

and PCI

Bus Bridge

PCI

Bridge

PCI

Bridge

Ethernet

PHY

Firewire

PHY

Firewire

PHY

Ethernet Port

Firewire Port 1 Firewire Port 2

Firewire Port 3

PCI Slots

USB Port 1 USB Port 2

4 - Xserve Troubleshooting

Apple Drive Module

Connectors

Internal Optical

Drive Connector

EIDE

Bus

KeyLargo

I/O Device

and Disk

Controller

Serial Port

PMU99

Power

Controller

General Information

Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board

The PMU (Power Management Unit) is a microcontroller chip that controls all power functions for the server. The PMU is a computer within a computer. Its function is to:

• tell the server to turn on, turn off, sleep, wake, idle, etc.

• manage system resets from various commands.

• maintain parameter RAM (PRAM).

• manage the real-time clock. Important: Be very careful when handling the logic board. The PMU is very sensitive and

touching the circuitry on the logic board can cause the PMU to crash. If the PMU crashes and is not reset, the battery life goes from about ﬁve years to about two days.

Note: For the location of the PMU reset button, see “Logic Board Diagram” in the Views chapter.

Many system problems can be resolved by resetting the PMU chip. When you have a server that fails to power up, follow this procedure before replacing any modules:

1. Disconnect the power cord and check the battery in the battery holder. The battery

should read 3.3 to 3.7 volts. If the battery is bad, replace it, wait ten seconds, and then proceed to step 2. If the battery is good, go directly to step 2.

2. Press the PMU reset button once and then proceed to step 3. Do not press the PMU

reset button a second time because it could crash the PMU chip.

3. Wait ten seconds bef ore connecting the po wer cord and po w ering on the server. If the

server powers on, go to step 4. If the server does not power on, there is something else wrong with it; refer to the “System” section of “Symptom Charts” in this chapter.

4. Run Apple Hardware Test to verify the system. Note: The abo v e procedure resets the server’ s PRAM. After resetting the PMU, be sure to

reset the time, date, and other system parameter settings.

General Information

Xserve Troubleshooting - 5

Power Supply Veriﬁcation

To power on, the server’ s logic board requires a “trickle” power of +5V. If the system f ails to power on, ﬁrst reset the PMU. Then follow the procedure outlined below to determine whether the problem is related to the power supply.

Note: To verify the power supply, you need a volt meter. When connecting the volt meter leads to speciﬁc pins, make sure the power supply remains securely plugged into its connector on the logic board.

The following ﬁgure shows the pins and voltage on the server’s power supply connector, as viewed from above when it is connected to the logic board.

Pin 1  +12VDC Pin 2  GND Pin 3 +12VDC Pin 4 +5VDC Pin 5 +5VDC Pin 6 +5VDC Pin 7 +3.3VDC Pin 8 +3.3VDC Pin 9 +3.3VDC Pin 10 -12VDC Pin 11 Power On Pin 12 +5VSB

1. Plug a known-good power cord into the server. Do not turn on the server.

2. Connect the black lead of the volt meter to pin 14 of the power supply connector;

connect the red lead of the volt meter to pin 1. The volt meter should measure approximately +12V.

+12VDC Pin 13

GND Pin 14 GND Pin 15 GND Pin 16 GND Pin 17 GND Pin 18 GND Pin 19 GND Pin 20 GND Pin 21 GND Pin 22 GND Pin 23 GND Pin 24

If you do not get a reading of +12V, recheck the volt meter connections and measure the voltage again. If voltage is still not present, replace the power supply.

If you do measure +12V on pin 1, the power supply is likely OK. Go to the next step for further verification.

3. Start up the server by pressing the power button on the front panel.

If the server starts up normally, the power supply is OK. If the server does not start up normally, go to the next step.

6 - Xserve Troubleshooting

General Information

4. Check to see if the power supply fan is spinning.

If it is not, replace the power supply. If it is spinning, go to the next step.

5. Connect the black lead of the volt meter to pin 14 of the power supply connector;

connect the red lead to pin 9. The volt meter should measure approximately +3.3V. If you do not get a reading of +3.3V, recheck the volt meter connections and measure

the voltage again. If voltage is still not present, replace the power supply. If you do measure +3.3V on pin 9, the power supply is likely OK. Go to the next step

for further verification.

6. Connect the black lead of the volt meter to pin 14 of the power supply connector;

connect the red lead to pin 4. The volt meter should measure approximately +5V. If you do not get a reading of +5V, recheck the volt meter connections and measure

the voltage again. If voltage is still not present, replace the power supply. If you do measure +5V on pin 4, the power supply is likely OK. Go to the next step for

further verification.

7. Connect the black lead of the volt meter to pin 14 of the power supply connector;

connect the red lead to pin 3. The volt meter should measure approximately +12V. If you do not get a reading of +12V, recheck the volt meter connections and measure

the voltage again. If voltage is still not present, replace the power supply. If you do measure +12V on pin 3, the power supply is OK and the testing is complete.

You have verified that the power supply is not the cause of the “no apparent power” symptom.

RAM and Processor Veriﬁcation: Power-On Self Test

A power-on self test in the server’ s ROM automatically runs whene ver the server is started up after being fully shut down (the test does not run if the server is only restarted). If the test detects a problem, you will not see a normal sequence of system activity lights on the front panel during startup. Instead, the lights will ﬂash in the following ways:

• 2 Flashes: No RAM is installed or detected.

• 3 Flashes: Incompatible RAM types are installed.

• 4 Flashes: No RAM banks passed memory testing.

• 5 Flashes: No good boot images are detected in the boot ROM (and/or there is a bad

sys config block).

• 6 Flashes: The processor is not usable.

General Information

Xserve Troubleshooting - 7

Xserve (Slot Load and Cluster Node): Entering Firmware Boot Commands From the Front Panel

You can use the system identiﬁer button on the Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node) server’s front panel to initiate a limited number of ﬁrmware commands to the system without connecting a keyboard or monitor to the server. The commands are listed below; you enter each command with a combination of the system identiﬁer button and a speciﬁc light on the front panel.

Follow these steps to initiate a command from the front panel.

1. With the power off, hold in the system identiﬁer button while you press the power

button.

2. Continue holding in the system identiﬁer button until the top row of blue lights blinks

sequentially.

3. Release the system identiﬁer button. The rightmost light in the bottom row turns on.

Press the button to light the next light in the bottom row, moving from right to left. Press the button again to change lights.

The lights in the bottom row indicate (from right to left):

• Light 1 (far right): Start up from the system disc (also ejects any disc in the optical

drive)

• Light 2: Start up from a network server (NetBoot)

• Light 3: Start up from the internal drive (leftmost drive if more than one)

• Light 4: Bypass the current startup disk and start up from any other available startup

disk

• Light 5: Begin target disk mode (all drives, including the optical drive, will show up)

• Light 6: Restore the system’s default settings (reset NVRAM)

• Light 7: Enter Open Firmware (via the serial port if no monitor and keyboard are

connected)

4. When the light for the action you want is on, hold in the system identiﬁer button for at

least 2 seconds, until all lights in the top row are on.

5. Release the button.

Diagnostic Tools

Xserve includes built-in sensors that detect and report on hard drives, internal temperature, blower status or failure, and power status or failure. You can monitor the server’s operation via these sensors and four diagnostic tools: indicator lights on the front of the server, remote monitoring software, Apple Hardware Test, or Apple Service Diagnostic.

8 - Xserve Troubleshooting

General Information

Status Lights

The server’s status lights are shown in the ﬁgure and table below. While the illustration is based on the original Xserve, the callouts for the status lights are accurate for all models.

Ethernet Card Link Light

[not available on

Xserve (Cluster Node)]

System Identifier

Button/Light

Enclosure Lock

Power Button/Light



Built-In

Ethernet

Link Light

System Activity Lights

Drive Module Status Light Drive Module Activity Light

Table 1: Status Lights

Indicator Color Description

Power White On and OK Security lock Yellow Lock is engaged

General Information

System identiﬁer Yellow Indicates a hardware error in the server or

that someone has toggled it on; check the server monitoring application for more information

Ethernet (lower LED is built-in; upper LED

Green No light

Link No connection

is network card) System activity Blue Two rows of eight LEDs; in server with one

processor, rows of lights work in tandem; in dual-processor server, rows operate independently for each processor

Drive module (upper LED)

Drive module (lower LED)

Green Yellow Red

No light Blinking blue

Powered and running Warning condition; replace drive Problem or failure; replace drive

Drive can be removed Disk activity; do not remove drive

Xserve Troubleshooting - 9

Remote Monitoring

Server Monitor is an application installed with Xserve system software that helps you monitor the following information about the server:

• installed operating system

• drive status and activity

• power supply operation

• enclosure and processor temperature

• blower operation

• security

• network operation You can also use Server Monitor to get logs of activity and Apple System Proﬁler reports

on remote servers.

Apple Hardware Test

Apple Hardware Test is a diagnostic tool for detecting problems with Apple internal hardware components such as logic board, memory, video RAM, and drives. The test does not check externally connected hardware components such as USB or FireWire devices; it also does not check non-Apple devices such as third-party PCI cards.

If Apple Hardware Test detects a problem with a computer, it displa ys an error code , which is deﬁned in the product's Error Code List. Consult the list for appropriate repair procedures associated with the code.

10 - Xserve Troubleshooting

General Information

All Error Code Lists are included in the Service Diagnostics Matrix, Knowledge Base article 112125. You can also access this matrix by clicking the Service Diagnostics rollover link under any of the product areas on the Service Source home page.

Apple Service Diagnostic

Apple Service Diagnostic replaces MacTest Pro for Xserve. It tests memory, logic board and components, hard drives, Ethernet cards, and video cards, and complements both Apple Hardware Test and Server Monitor. In addition, it offers the following advantages:

• many choices for selecting tests

• a looping function where tests can be run once, a specified number of times, or a

specified length of time. The looping function is valuable for detecting intermittent problems that take a long time to generate a failure.

• detailed information about errors Apple Service Diagnostic can be dowloaded from the Disc Images rollover link on the

Service Source home page.

General Information

Xserve Troubleshooting - 11

Symptom Charts

How to Use the Symptom Charts

The Symptom Charts included in this chapter will help you diagnose speciﬁc symptoms related to the product. Because cures are listed on the charts in the order of most likely solution, try the cures in the order presented. Verify whether or not the product continues to exhibit the symptom. If the symptom persists, try the next cure.

Note: If a cure instructs you to replace a module, reinstall the original module before you proceed to the next cure.

Startup

System is completely dead (no blower movement and power LED is not lit)

1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the

opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.

2. Verify the power outlet is good.

3. Reseat the ATA controller board.

4. Replace the power cord.

5. Disconnect external devices, including the monitor, and start up the server.

6. Remove internal PCI and AGP cards and start up the server.

7. Verify that the power supply is properly connected to the logic board and drive

interconnect board.

8. Verify the front panel board cable is properly connected at both ends.

9. Reseat the front panel board.

10. Verify all cable connections to the drive interconnect board.

11. Replace the power supply.

12. Replace the ATA controller board.

13. Replace the front panel board cable.

14. Replace the front panel board.

15. Replace the drive interconnect board.

12 - Xserve Troubleshooting

Startup Symptom Charts

16. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Memory error message appears on the screen

1. Reseat the DIMMs.

2. Verify that the correct SDRAM DIMMs are installed.

3. Run Apple Hardware Test. If the test ﬁnds bad memory, replace the DIMMs one at a

time and test until all bad DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.

Flashing question mark appears on the screen

1. Reseat the drive module in the ﬁrst drive bay.

2. Start up from the system restore CD and check to see if the hard drive shows up on

the desktop. If it does, go to step 3. If it does not, go to step 5.

3. Run Disk Utility. Update the driver and restart the server.

4. Reinstall system software using the system restore CD that came with the server.

5. Replace the drive module in the ﬁrst drive bay.

6. Replace the ATA controller board.

Server begins to power up, the blowers and hard drive are spinning, the power LED is lit, but there are no activity lights or video

1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the

opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.

2. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this

chapter.

3. Reseat the processor module.

4. Verify all PCI and AGP cards are seated properly.

5. Replace the processor module.

6. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Server begins to power up, but won’t boot, and top row of activity LEDs continue to light in sequence left to right and then right to left

1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the

opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.

2. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this

chapter.

3. Xserve (Slot Load and Cluster Node): Remov e the front bez el and make sure the front

system IDbutton is not stuck. Reseat the button if necessary.

Startup Symptom Charts

Xserve Troubleshooting - 13

4. Reseat the front panel board and cable connectors.

5. Replace the front panel board.

6. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

System shuts down intermittently

1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the

opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.

2. Make sure the power cord is plugged in ﬁrmly.

3. Check that the power source is turned on and the correct voltage is present.

4. Make sure the air vents are clear.

5. Replace the power cord.

6. Check that the blower cables are connected and the blowers are operational.

7. Check that the heatsink is properly attached to the processor.

8. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this

chapter.

9. Replace the power supply.

10. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

System shuts down almost immediately after startup

1. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this

chapter.

2. Replace the processor module.

3. Replace the power supply.

4. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

14 - Xserve Troubleshooting

Startup Symptom Charts

Error Lights

Note: Error lights ﬂash before system software loads.

Server activity lights ﬂash two times at startup

Two ﬂashes mean that no RAM is installed or detected.

1. If no DIMM is present, install a known-good DIMM in the top slot and try again.

2. Reseat the DIMMs.

3. Run Apple Hardware Test. If the test ﬁnds bad memory, replace the DIMMs one at a

time and test until all bad DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.

4. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Server activity lights ﬂash three times at startup

Three ﬂashes mean that incompatible RAM types may be installed. Verify that the correct SDRAM DIMMs are installed.

1. Run Apple Hardware Test. If the test ﬁnds bad memory, replace the DIMMs one at a

time and test until all bad DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.

2. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Server activity lights ﬂash four times at startup

Four ﬂashes mean that no RAM banks passed memory testing.

1. Run Apple Hardware Test. If the test ﬁnds bad memory, replace the DIMMs one at a

time and test until all bad DIMMs are replaced with known-good modules.

2. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Server activity lights ﬂash ﬁve or six times at startup

Five or six ﬂashes mean that the ROM is probably bad and cannot be ﬁxed.

1. Reseat the processor module.

2. Replace the processor module.

3. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Error Lights Symptom Charts

Xserve Troubleshooting - 15

Video

Screen is black, but activity lights ﬂash at startup, dri ve operates, blo wers ar e running, and power LED is lit

1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the

opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.

2. Reseat the ATA controller board.

3. Check video card connections and connector pins.

4. Test with a known-good monitor. Replace the monitor, if necessary.

5. Remove all third-party devices.

6. Reseat the video card.

7. Clear parameter RAM. Hold down Command-Option-P-R during startup.

8. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this

chapter.

9. Replace the video card.

10. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Screen is black, power LED is lit, blowers spin, activity lights do not ﬂash, and drives do not operate

1. Verify that the system ID button on the back of the logic board aligns with the

opening in the chassis back panel. If it does not, realign the logic board.

2. Reset the logic board. Refer to “Resetting the PMU on the Logic Board” in this

chapter.

3. Reseat the processor module.

4. Replace the processor module.

5. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Video is distorted

1. Make sure that the video card driver and ﬁrmware are updated to the most recent

versions.

2. Refer to the adjustments section of the service manual or owner’s manual for the

monitor. Adjust monitor as necessary.

3. Third-party monitors: Try a known-good monitor.

4. Reseat the video card.

5. Replace the video card.

16 - Xserve Troubleshooting

Video Symptom Charts

Hard Drive

Flashing question mark appears on the screen

1. Reseat the drive module in the ﬁrst drive bay.

2. Start up from the system restore CD and check to see if the hard drive shows up on

the desktop. If it does, go to step 3. If it does not, go to step 5.

3. Run Disk Utility. Update the driver and restart the server.

4. Reinstall system software using the system restore CD that came with the server.

5. Replace the drive module in the ﬁrst drive bay.

6. Replace the ATA controller board.

Hard Drive Symptom Charts

Xserve Troubleshooting - 17

Internal Optical Drive

Optical drive icon does not appear on the desktop

1. If the server is locked, unlock it.

2. Check to see if the optical drive is listed in Apple System Proﬁler . If it is, go to step 3. If

it is not, go to step 9.

3. Verify the correct type of disc is being used. Try using a known-good disc.

4. Try cleaning the disc. (It may not mount if it is dirty or scratched.)

5. If there is a disc stuck in the drive, eject it by restarting the server while holding down

the mouse button.

6. Turn off all third-party extensions.

7. Verify the ﬁrmware is the most recent version for that drive. Check Software

Downloads for any current update.

8. Reinstall system software.

9. Reseat the optical drive cable at both connectors.

10. Replace the optical drive cable.

11. Replace the optical drive.

12. Replace the logic board only if other devices on the bus do not work. Note: When

installing the new logic board, make sure the ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Optical drive does not accept CD or DVD disc

1. If the server is locked, unlock it.

2. Verify the disc is not warped.

3. Verify the disc is not the wrong size. Refer to article 58641 “Macintosh: Using

Nonstandard Discs in CD-ROM or DVD-ROM Drives.”

4. Replace the optical drive.

Original Xserve: Drive tray won’t open

1. If the server is locked, unlock it.

2. Try using a known-good disc.

3. Reseat the optical drive cable at both connectors.

4. Replace the optical drive cable.

5. Replace the optical drive.

18 - Xserve Troubleshooting

Hard Drive Symptom Charts

Xserve (Slot Load): Disc will not eject

1. If the server is locked, unlock it.

2. Verify the disc is not in use.

3. Drag the disc icon to the trash or select it and press Command-E.

4. Restart the server while holding down the mouse button.

5. Verify that the bezel over the slot is not bent. If it is, gently bend it back into position.

6. Reseat the optical drive cable at both connectors.

7. Replace the optical drive cable.

8. Replace the optical drive.

USB Devices

At startup, cursor does not move with the Apple mouse

1. If the server is locked, unlock it.

2. Verify that mouse and keyboard connections are secure.

3. If the mouse is connected to the keyboard, connect the mouse to one of the USB ports

on the back panel instead. If the mouse works, replace the keyboard.

4. Replace the mouse.

5. If the mouse is connected to one of the USB ports on the back panel, switch to the

other USB port. If the mouse operates correctly, replace the logic board. (You can also use Apple System Proﬁler to verify USB ports.) Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

No response to any key on keyboard

1. If the server is locked, unlock it.

2. Verify that keyboard and mouse connections are secure.

3. Remove all USB devices, except the keyboard and mouse. If the keyboard operates

correctly, troubleshoot the other USB devices.

4. Switch the keyboard to a different USB port. If the keyboard operates correctly,

replace the logic board. (You can also use Apple System Proﬁler to verify USB ports.)

5. Relaunch Finder.

6. Start up from the system installation CD or system restore CD that came with the

server. If the keyboard operates, reinstall system software.

7. Replace the keyboard.

8. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

USB Devices Symptom Charts

Xserve Troubleshooting - 19

FireWire Devices

FireWire de vice connected to port on back panel: No external Fir eWire de vice icon appears on the desktop

1. If the server is locked, unlock it.

2. Verify that the FireWire device is turned on and the FireWire cable is securely

connected to the device and the server.

3. If the device requires external power, make sure it is plugged in.

4. Check that the FireWire device is listed in Apple System Proﬁler. If it is , go to step 5. If

it is not, go to step 6.

5. Check the FireWire device documentation to see if additional drivers are required. If

so, make sure the drivers are installed.

6. Check for broken pins, dust, dirt, or wear on both FireWire cable connectors, the

device FireWire port, and the server FireWire port.

7. Reconnect the FireWire device to another FireWire port on the server. If the server

has a bad FireWire port, replace the logic board.

8. Replace the FireWire cable.

9. Replace the FireWire device.

10. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

FireWire device connected to port on front panel: No external FireWire device icon appears on the desktop

1. If the server is locked, unlock it.

2. Verify that the FireWire device is turned on and the FireWire cable is securely

connected to the device and the server.

3. If the device requires external power, make sure it is plugged in.

4. Check that the FireWire device is listed in Apple System Proﬁler. If it is , go to step 5. If

it is not, go to step 6.

5. Check the FireWire device documentation to see if additional drivers are required. If

so, make sure the drivers are installed.

6. Check for broken pins, dust, dirt, or wear on both FireWire cable connectors, the

device FireWire port, and the server FireWire port.

7. Reconnect the FireWire device to one of the two FireWire ports on the back panel. If

the front FireWire port is bad, reseat the FireWire cable on the front panel board and the interconnect board. Replace front panel board. Replace internal FireWire cable.

8. Replace the FireWire cable.

9. Replace the FireWire device.

20 - Xserve Troubleshooting

FireWire Devices Symptom Charts

Network Problems

Server cannot be seen on network

1. Open the Network system preference and select the Ethernet option. Verify that you

can now see devices on the network.

2. Boot the server from the Net-install CD. Go to another computer on the same subnet

and start Server Assistant. If the server can be seen, the server hardware should be functioning correctly. Check the software conﬁguration on the server, or reinstall and reconﬁgure the server.

3. Try a known-good Ethernet cable.

4. Clear parameter RAM. Hold down Command-Option-P-R during startup.

5. Try connecting to a known-good Ethernet port at the wall or external hub.

6. Verify that other users are experiencing the same problem. If so, contact the network

administrator.

7. If connected to an Ethernet card, reseat the card.

8. If connected to an Ethernet card, replace the card.

9. Replace the logic board. Note: When installing the new logic board, make sure the

ports and ID button on the back of the board align with the openings in the chassis.

Network Problems Symptom Charts

Xserve Troubleshooting - 21

Miscellaneous

ID buttons/lights on the back and front of the server are always on, even though Server Monitor reports no problems

Make sure the ports and ID button on the back of the logic board align correctly with the openings in the chassis.

Original Xserve: Security light on the front of the server is always on, even though the server is unlocked. Or service light turns on and off, even though Server Monitor does not report any problems.

Make sure the metal locking switch at the front of the server is not bent downward. If it is, bend it back to its original position, as shown below.

22 - Xserve Troubleshooting

Miscellaneous Symptom Charts

 Service Source

Views

Xserve

Internal Views, Xserve

Exploded View

Dual-Slot Riser Card

922-5140

Video Card, PCI

661-2679

Battery 922-4028

Logic Board 661-2660

Gigabit Ethernet Card 661-2677

AGP/PCI Single-Slot Riser Card 922-5166 AGP/AGP Single-Slot Riser Card 922-5250

DIMM Slots (4)

256 MB DDR

DIMM

661-2658

512 MB DDR

DIMM

661-2659

Blowers

922-5268

FireWire Cable

922-5152

Front Panel Board

922-5141

Power Supply 661-2664

1 GHz Uni Processor 661-2661

Drive Interconnect Board 922-5167

CD Drive 661-2663

Optical Drive Cable 922-5151

ATA Controller Board 922-5144

Front Panel Board Cable 922-5153

60 GB Hard Drive Module 661-2654 120 GB Hard Drive Module 661-2655

Internal Views, Xserve

Xserve Views - 1

Logic Board

Dual-Slot Riser

Connector

PMU

Reset

Button

Serial

Port

USB

Ports

System

Identifier

Button

FireWire

Ports

Ethernet Port

SingleSlot Riser Connector

Reset

Button

Interrupt

Button

DIMM

Slots

Power Supply Connector

Processor Connector

Bridge Board Connectors

2 - Xserve Views

Internal Views, Xserve

Apple XSERVE Service Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Xserve

Take Apart

General Information

Overview

Mounting in a Rack

Tools

Before Opening the Server

Serial Number

Unlocking the Server

Shutting Down

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Precautions

Top Cover

Hard Drive

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

Opening the Server

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Procedure

DIMMs

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

PCI or AGP Card

Dual-Slot Riser Card

Single-Slot Riser Card

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure for Card in Dual-Slot Riser

Procedure for Card in Single-Slot Riser

Optical Drive, Xserve

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

Optical Drive, Xserve (Slot Load)

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

Optical Drive Cable

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

Heatsink, Xserve

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

Processor, Xserve

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

Processor, Xserve (Slot Load) and Xserve (Cluster Node)

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

Replacement Procedure

Blowers

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

ATA Controller Board

Tools

Preliminary Steps

Part Location

Procedure

Locking Mechanism Rod, Xserve