Dell PowerEdge R540 User Manual

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540

Installation and Service Manual

Reg ula tor y M ode l: E46 S S eries Reg ula tor y T ype : E 46S 001 Dec emb er 202 0 Rev . A 08

Notes, cautions, and warnings

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

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid

the problem.

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

© 2018-2020 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Del l, EMC , and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiar ies . Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Contents

Chapter 1: Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview............................................................................ 7

Supported configurations for the PowerEdge R540 system.................................................................................... 7

Front view of the system...................................................................................................................................................8

Left control panel view............................................................................................................................................... 10

Right control panel view............................................................................................................................................. 13

Drive indicator codes...................................................................................................................................................14

Back panel features...........................................................................................................................................................15

NIC indicator codes.....................................................................................................................................................20

Power supply unit indicator codes.......................................................................................................................... 20

LCD panel............................................................................................................................................................................ 22

Viewing Home screen................................................................................................................................................. 23

Setup menu................................................................................................................................................................... 23

View menu.....................................................................................................................................................................24

Locating the Service Tag of your system....................................................................................................................24

System information label................................................................................................................................................. 25

Chapter 2: Initial system setup and configuration........................................................................28

Setting up your system....................................................................................................................................................28

iDRAC configuration......................................................................................................................................................... 28

Options to set up iDRAC IP address.......................................................................................................................28

Log in to iDRAC............................................................................................................................................................29

Options to install the operating system.......................................................................................................................29

Methods to download firmware and drivers......................................................................................................... 29

Downloading drivers and firmware..........................................................................................................................30

Chapter 3: Installing and removing system components .............................................................. 31

Safety instructions.............................................................................................................................................................31

Before working inside your system............................................................................................................................... 32

After working inside your system.................................................................................................................................. 32

Recommended tools......................................................................................................................................................... 32

Optional front bezel.......................................................................................................................................................... 32

Removing the front bezel.......................................................................................................................................... 33

Installing the front bezel............................................................................................................................................ 33

System cover......................................................................................................................................................................34

Removing the system cover..................................................................................................................................... 34

Installing the system cover....................................................................................................................................... 35

Backplane cover................................................................................................................................................................ 36

Removing the backplane cover................................................................................................................................36

Installing the backplane cover.................................................................................................................................. 37

Inside the system...............................................................................................................................................................38

Air shroud.............................................................................................................................................................................41

Removing the air shroud.............................................................................................................................................41

Installing the air shroud.............................................................................................................................................. 42

Cooling fans........................................................................................................................................................................ 44

Contents 3

Removing the cooling fan.......................................................................................................................................... 44

Installing cooling fan................................................................................................................................................... 45

Internal PERC riser............................................................................................................................................................47

Removing the internal PERC riser........................................................................................................................... 47

Installing the internal PERC riser............................................................................................................................. 49

Removing the PERC card from the internal PERC riser....................................................................................50

Installing PERC card into the internal PERC riser................................................................................................51

Intrusion switch................................................................................................................................................................. 52

Removing the intrusion switch.................................................................................................................................52

Installing the intrusion switch...................................................................................................................................53

Drives................................................................................................................................................................................... 54

Removing a drive blank.............................................................................................................................................. 54

Installing a drive blank................................................................................................................................................ 55

Removing a 2.5-inch drive from a 3.5-inch drive adapter................................................................................ 55

Installing a 2.5-inch drive into a 3.5-inch drive adapter.................................................................................... 56

Removing a 3.5-inch drive adapter from a 3.5-inch drive carrier................................................................... 57

Installing a 3.5-inch drive adapter into the 3.5-inch drive carrier................................................................... 58

Removing a drive carrier............................................................................................................................................59

Installing a drive carrier..............................................................................................................................................60

Removing the drive from the drive carrier.............................................................................................................61

Installing a drive into the drive carrier.................................................................................................................... 62

System memory................................................................................................................................................................. 62

System memory guidelines........................................................................................................................................62

General memory module installation guidelines.................................................................................................... 63

Mode-specific guidelines........................................................................................................................................... 64

Removing a memory module..................................................................................................................................... 67

Installing a memory module....................................................................................................................................... 67

Processors and heat sinks...............................................................................................................................................68

Removing a processor and heat sink module....................................................................................................... 68

Removing the non-fabric processor from the processor and heat sink module..........................................69

Installing the non-fabric processor into a processor and heat sink module...................................................71

Installing a processor and heat sink module..........................................................................................................73

Expansion cards and expansion card risers.................................................................................................................74

Expansion card installation guidelines.....................................................................................................................74

Removing expansion card from the expansion card riser.................................................................................. 78

Installing expansion card into the expansion card riser.......................................................................................81

Removing expansion card from the system board.............................................................................................. 85

Installing expansion card on the system board.................................................................................................... 86

Removing an expansion card riser...........................................................................................................................88

Installing an expansion card riser..............................................................................................................................91

M.2 SSD module................................................................................................................................................................ 93

Removing the M.2 SSD module............................................................................................................................... 93

Installing the M.2 SSD module................................................................................................................................. 94

Optional MicroSD or vFlash card.................................................................................................................................. 95

Removing the MicroSD card.....................................................................................................................................95

Installing the MicroSD card....................................................................................................................................... 96

Optional IDSDM or vFlash module.................................................................................................................................97

Removing the optional IDSDM or vFlash card...................................................................................................... 97

Installing optional IDSDM or vFlash card............................................................................................................... 98

LOM riser card................................................................................................................................................................... 99

Contents

Removing the LOM riser card.................................................................................................................................. 99

Installing the LOM riser card...................................................................................................................................100

Drive backplane.................................................................................................................................................................101

Backplane details........................................................................................................................................................ 101

Removing the backplane .........................................................................................................................................103

Installing the backplane............................................................................................................................................ 104

Removing the 3.5-inch rear drive backplane...................................................................................................... 104

Installing the 3.5-inch rear drive backplane........................................................................................................ 105

Cable routing.....................................................................................................................................................................107

Rear drive cage.................................................................................................................................................................110

Removing the rear drive cage................................................................................................................................. 110

Installing the rear drive cage.................................................................................................................................... 111

System battery..................................................................................................................................................................112

Replacing the system battery..................................................................................................................................112

Optional internal USB memory key...............................................................................................................................113

Replacing the optional internal USB memory key...............................................................................................113

Optical drive (optional)................................................................................................................................................... 114

Removing the optical drive.......................................................................................................................................114

Installing the optical drive.........................................................................................................................................115

Power supply units...........................................................................................................................................................115

Hot spare feature....................................................................................................................................................... 116

Removing a power supply unit blank......................................................................................................................116

Installing a power supply unit blank........................................................................................................................ 116

Removing a power supply unit.................................................................................................................................117

Installing a power supply unit...................................................................................................................................118

Removing a non-redundant cabled AC power supply unit................................................................................118

Installing a non-redundant cabled AC power supply unit..................................................................................119

Removing a DC power supply unit.........................................................................................................................120

Installing DC power supply unit............................................................................................................................... 121

Wiring instructions for a DC power supply unit...................................................................................................121

Power interposer board..................................................................................................................................................123

Removing power interposer board.........................................................................................................................123

Installing power interposer board...........................................................................................................................123

Control panel.....................................................................................................................................................................124

Removing the left control panel............................................................................................................................. 124

Installing the left control panel............................................................................................................................... 125

Removing the right control panel...........................................................................................................................126

Installing the right control panel.............................................................................................................................127

System board....................................................................................................................................................................128

Removing the system board....................................................................................................................................128

Installing the system board......................................................................................................................................130

Restoring the system using Easy Restore................................................................................................................. 132

Manually update the Service Tag...........................................................................................................................132

Entering the system Service Tag by using System Setup..................................................................................... 132

Trusted Platform Module...............................................................................................................................................133

Upgrading the Trusted Platform Module............................................................................................................. 133

Initializing TPM for BitLocker users...................................................................................................................... 134

Initializing the TPM 1.2 for TXT users................................................................................................................... 134

Chapter 4: Jumpers and connectors ..........................................................................................135

Contents

System board jumpers and connectors...................................................................................................................... 135

System board jumper settings......................................................................................................................................136

Disabling forgotten password....................................................................................................................................... 137

Chapter 5: System diagnostics.................................................................................................. 138

Dell Embedded System Diagnostics............................................................................................................................ 138

Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from Boot Manager................................................................. 138

Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from the Dell Lifecycle Controller........................................138

System diagnostic controls..................................................................................................................................... 139

Chapter 6: Getting help............................................................................................................. 140

Contacting Dell EMC...................................................................................................................................................... 140

Documentation feedback...............................................................................................................................................140

Accessing system information by using QRL............................................................................................................ 140

Quick Resource Locator for R540..........................................................................................................................141

Receiving automated support with SupportAssist ..................................................................................................141

Recycling or End-of-Life service information............................................................................................................141

Chapter 7: Documentation resources......................................................................................... 142

Contents

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system is a 2U, dual socket rack system that supports up to:

● Two Intel Xeon Scalable Processors 16 DIMM slots

●

● Two AC and DC redundant power supply units (PSU) or single cabled PSU

● 14 drives or solid-state drives

NOTE: All instances of SAS, SATA hard drives and SSDs are referred to as drives in this document, unless specified

otherwise.

Topics:

• Supported configurations for the PowerEdge R540 system

• Front view of the system

• Back panel features

• LCD panel

• Locating the Service Tag of your system

• System information label

Supported configurations for the PowerEdge R540 system

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports the following configurations:

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 7

Figure 1. Supported configurations for a PowerEdge R540 system with rear drive

Front view of the system

The front view displays the features available on the front of the system.

Figure 2. Front view of 12 x 3.5-inch drive system

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Table 1. Features available on the front of the system

Item Ports, panels, and slots Icon Description

`1 Left control panel N/A

2 Drive slots N/A Enable you to install drives that are supported on your system.

Contains the system health and system ID, status LED, and the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 (wireless) indicator.

NOTE: The iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator is available only

on certain configurations.

● Status LED: Enables you to identify any failed hardware components. There are up to five status LEDs and an overall system health LED (Chassis health and system ID) bar. For more information, see the Status LED indicators section.

● Quick Sync 2 (wireless): Indicates a Quick Sync enabled system. The Quick Sync feature is optional. This feature enables management of the system by using mobile devices. This feature aggregates hardware or firmware inventory and various system level diagnostic and error information that can be used in troubleshooting the system. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

3 Right control panel N/A Contains the power button, USB ports, iDRAC Direct (Micro-

AB USB), VGA port.

4 Information tag N/A

Figure 3. Front view of 8 x 3.5-inch drive system

The Information Tag is a slide-out label panel that contains system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address, and so on. If you have opted for the secure default access to iDRAC, the Information tag also contains the iDRAC secure default password.

Table 2. Features available on the front of the system

Item Ports, panels, and

slots

1 Left control panel N/A

Icon Description

Contains the system health and system ID, status LED, and the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 (wireless) indicator.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 9

Table 2. Features available on the front of the system (continued)

Item Ports, panels, and

slots

2 Drive slots N/A Enable you to install drives that are supported on your system.

3 Optical drive (optional) N/A One optional slim SATA DVD-ROM drive or DVD+/-RW drive.

4 Right control panel N/A

5 Information tag N/A The Information Tag is a slide-out label panel that contains

Icon Description

NOTE: The iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator is available only

on certain configurations.

For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

Contains the power button, USB ports, iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB), VGA port.

system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address, and so on. If you have opted for the secure default access to iDRAC, the Information tag also contains the iDRAC secure default password.

Left control panel view

Figure 4. Left control panel without optional iDRAC Quick Sync 2.0 indicator

Figure 5. Left control panel with optional iDRAC Quick Sync 2.0 indicator

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Table 3. Left control panel

Item Indicator, button, or

1 Status LED indicators N/A Indicate the status of the system. For more information, see the

connector

System health and system ID indicator

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 wireless indicator (optional)

Icon Description

Status LED indicators on page 11 section.

Indicates the system health.

Indicates if the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 wireless option is activated. The Quick Sync 2 feature allows management of the system using mobile devices. This feature aggregates hardware/ firmware inventory and various system level diagnostic/error information that can be used in troubleshooting the system. You can access system inventory, Dell Lifecycle Controller logs or system logs, system health status, and also configure iDRAC, BIOS, and networking parameters. You can also launch the virtual Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) viewer and virtual Kernel based Virtual Machine (KVM), on a supported mobile device. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals .

Status LED indicators

NOTE: The indicators display solid amber if any error occurs.

Table 4. Status LED indicators and descriptions

Icon Description Condition Corrective action

Drive indicator

Temperature indicator

Electrical indicator

Memory indicator

The indicator turns solid amber if there is a drive error.

The indicator turns solid amber if the system experiences a thermal error (for example, the ambient temperature is out of range or there is a fan failure).

The indicator turns solid amber if the system experiences an electrical error (for example, voltage out of range, or a failed power supply unit (PSU) or voltage regulator).

The indicator turns solid amber if a memory error occurs.

● Check the System Event Log to determine if the drive has an error.

● Run the appropriate Online Diagnostics test. Restart the system and run embedded diagnostics (ePSA).

● If the drives are configured in a RAID array, restart the system, and enter the host adapter configuration utility program.

Ensure that none of the following conditions exist:

● A cooling fan has been removed or has failed.

● Ambient temperature is too high.

● External airflow is obstructed.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

Check the System Event Log or system messages for the specific issue. If it is due to a problem with the PSU, check the LED on the PSU. Reseat the PSU.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

Check the System Event Log or system messages for the location of the failed memory. Reseat the memory module.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

PCIe indicator

The indicator turns solid amber if a PCIe card experiences an error.

Restart the system. Update any required drivers for the PCIe card. Reinstall the card.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

NOTE: For more information about the supported PCIe cards,

see Expansion card installation guidelines on page 74.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 11

System health and system ID indicator codes

The system health and system ID indicator is located on the left control panel of your system.

Figure 6. System health and system ID indicators

Table 5. System health and system ID indicator codes

System health and system ID indicator code Condition

Solid blue

Blinking blue Indicates that the system ID mode is active. Press the system

Solid amber Indicates that the system is in fail-safe mode. If the problem

Blinking amber Indicates that the system is experiencing a fault. Check the

Indicates that the system is turned on, system is healthy, and system ID mode is not active. Press the system health and system ID button to switch to system ID mode.

health and system ID button to switch to system health mode.

persists, see the Getting help section.

System Event Log or the LCD panel, if available on the bezel, for specific error messages.

For more information about error messages, see the Event and

Error Message Reference Guide for 14th Generation Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers at www.dell.com/qrl.

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator codes

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 module (optional) is located on the front panel of your system.

Table 6. iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicators and descriptions

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator code

Off (default state) Indicates that the iDRAC Quick Sync 2

Solid white Indicates that iDRAC Quick Sync 2 is

Blinks white rapidly Indicates data transfer activity.

Blinks white slowly Indicates that firmware update is in

Blinks white five times rapidly and then turns off

Condition Corrective action

If the LED fails to turn on, reseat the cable and feature is turned off. Press the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 button to turn on the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 feature.

ready to communicate. Press the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 button to turn off.

progress.

Indicates that the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 feature is disabled.

check. If the problem persists, see the Getting

help section.

If the LED fails to turn off, restart the system. If

the problem persists, see the Getting help

section.

If the indicator continues to blink indefinitely, see

the Getting help section.

If the indicator continues to blink indefinitely, see

the Getting help section.

Check if iDRAC Quick Sync 2 feature is

configured to be disabled by iDRAC. If the

problem persists, see the Getting help section.

For more information, see Integrated Dell Remote

Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals or Dell OpenManage Server

Administrator User’s Guide at www.dell.com/

openmanagemanuals > OpenManage Server

Administrator.

12 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Table 6. iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicators and descriptions (continued)

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator code

Solid amber Indicates that the system is in fail-safe

Blinking amber Indicates that the iDRAC Quick Sync 2

Condition Corrective action

Restart the system. If the problem persists, see mode.

hardware is not responding properly.

the Getting help section.

Restart the system. If the problem persists, see

the Getting help section.

Right control panel view

Figure 7. Right control panel

Table 7. Right control panel

Item Indicator, button, or connector Icon Description

1 Power button

USB port

iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) The iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) port

iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) LED N/A The iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) LED

VGA port

Indicates if the system is powered on or off. Press the power button to manually power on or off the system.

NOTE: Press the power button to

gracefully shut down an ACPI-compliant operating system.

The USB ports are 4-pin, 2.0-compliant. These ports enable you to connect USB devices to the system.

enables you to access the iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB) features. For more information, see Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

indicator lights up to indicate that the iDRAC Direct port is connected. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

Enables you to connect a display device to the system. For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 13

iDRAC Direct LED indicator codes

The iDRAC Direct LED indicator lights up to indicate that the port is connected and is being used as a part of the iDRAC subsystem.

You can configure iDRAC Direct by using a USB to micro USB (type AB) cable, which you can connect to your laptop or tablet. The following table describes iDRAC Direct activity when the iDRAC Direct port is active:

Table 8. iDRAC Direct LED indicator codes

iDRAC Direct LED indicator code

Solid green for two seconds

Flashing green (on for two seconds and off for two seconds)

Turns off Indicates that the laptop or tablet is unplugged.

Condition

Indicates that the laptop or tablet is connected.

Indicates that the laptop or tablet connected is recognized.

Drive indicator codes

Each drive carrier has an activity LED indicator and a status LED indicator. The indicators provide information about the current status of the drive. The activity LED indicator indicates whether the drive is currently in use or not. The status LED indicator indicates the power condition of the drive.

Figure 8. Drive indicators

1. Drive activity LED indicator

2. Drive status LED indicator

3. Drive capacity label

NOTE: If the drive is in the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) mode, the status LED indicator does not turn on.

Table 9. Drive indicator codes

Drive status indicator code Condition

Flashes green twice per second Identifying drive or preparing for removal.

Off Drive ready for removal.

NOTE: The drive status indicator remains off until all drives

are initialized after the system is turned on. Drives are not ready for removal during this time.

Flashes green, amber, and then turns off Predicted drive failure.

14 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Table 9. Drive indicator codes (continued)

Drive status indicator code Condition

Flashes amber four times per second Drive failed.

Flashes green slowly Drive rebuilding.

Solid green Drive online.

Flashes green for three seconds, amber for three seconds, and then turns off after six seconds

Rebuild stopped.

Back panel features

This back view displays the features available on the back of the system.

Figure 9. Back panel features of 12 x 3.5-inch + 2 x 3.5-inch (rear) drive system

Table 10. Back panel features of R540

Item Features Icon Description

1 Serial port Use the serial port to connect

a serial device to the system. For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

3 Low profile riser right slot N/A Use the card slot to connect

4 Low profile riser left slot N/A Use the card slot to connect

5 Power supply unit (PSU) (2) N/A For more information, see the

6 LOM riser port (2) Use the Ethernet or SFP+

Drive (2) N/A Two optional rear drives

supported for 12 x 3.5 -inch system.

half-height PCIe expansion card on low profile riser.

PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

ports to connect Local Area Networks (LANs) to the system. For more information

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 15

Table 10. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

about the supported Ethernet or SFP+ ports. For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

7 Ethernet port (2) Use the Ethernet ports to

connect Local Area Networks (LANs) to the system. For more information about the supported Ethernet ports, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

8 USB 3.0 port (2) Use the USB 3.0 port to

connect USB devices to the system. These ports are 4-pin, USB 3.0-compliant.

9 iDRAC9 dedicated network

port

10 VGA port Use the VGA port to connect

11 System status indicator cable

port

12 System identification button Press the system ID button:

N/A Enables you to connect the

Use the iDRAC9 dedicated network port to securely access the embedded iDRAC on a separate management network, see the Integrated

Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at

www.dell.com/ poweredgemanuals.

a display to the system. For more information about the supported VGA port, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

status indicator cable and view system status when the CMA is installed.

● To locate a particular system within a rack.

● To turn the system ID on or off.

To reset iDRAC, press and hold the button for more than 15 s.

NOTE:

16 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

● To reset iDRAC using system ID, ensure that the system ID button is enabled in the iDRAC setup.

Table 10. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

● If the system stops responding during POST, press and hold the system ID button (for more than five seconds) to enter the BIOS progress mode.

Figure 10. Back panel features of 12 x 3.5-inch + 2 x 3.5-inch (rear) drive system

Table 11. Back panel features of R540

Item Features Icon Description

1 Serial port Use the serial port to connect

a serial device to the system. For more information about the supported serial port, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

3 Full height riser slot N/A Use the card slots to connect

4 Power supply unit (PSU) (2) N/A For information about

5 LOM riser port (2) Use the Ethernet or SFP+

Drive (2) N/A Two optional rear drives

supported for 12 x 3.5 inch system.

full-height PCIe expansion cards on full height riser.

supported PSUs, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

ports to connect Local Area Networks (LANs) to the system. For more information about the supported Ethernet or SFP+ ports, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 17

Table 11. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

6 Ethernet port (2) Use the Ethernet ports to

connect Local Area Networks (LANs) to the system. For more information about the supported Ethernet ports, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

7 USB 3.0 port (2) Use the USB 3.0 port to

connect USB devices to the system. These ports are 4-pin, USB 3.0-compliant.

8 iDRAC9 dedicated network

port

9 VGA port Use the VGA port to connect

10 System status indicator cable

port

11 System identification button Press the system ID button:

N/A Enables you to connect the

Use the iDRAC9 dedicated network port to securely access the embedded iDRAC on a separate management network, see the Integrated

Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at

www.dell.com/ poweredgemanuals.

a display to the system. For more information about the supported VGA port, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

status indicator cable and view system status when the CMA is installed.

● To locate a particular system within a rack.

● To turn the system ID on or off.

To reset iDRAC, press and hold the button for more than 15 seconds.

NOTE:

18 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

● To reset iDRAC using system ID, ensure that the system ID button is enabled in the iDRAC setup.

● If the system stops responding during POST, press and hold the system ID button (for more than five

Table 11. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

seconds) to enter the BIOS progress mode.

Figure 11. Back panel features of 12 x 3.5-inch drive system with butterfly riser

Table 12. Back panel features of R540

Item Features Icon Description

1 Serial port Use the serial port to connect a serial device to the system.

For more information about the supported serial port, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

3 PCIe slot (3) N/A Use the card slots to connect up to three half-height PCIe

4 Power supply unit (PSU) N/A For information about supported PSUs, For more information,

5 LOM riser ports Use the Ethernet or SFP+ ports to connect Local Area

6 Ethernet ports (2) Use the Ethernet ports to connect Local Area Networks

7 USB 3.0 port Use the USB 3.0 port to connect USB devices to the system.

8 iDRAC9 dedicated network

9 VGA port Use the VGA port to connect a display to the system. For

Butterfly riser slot N/A Use the card slots to connect full-height PCIe expansion cards

on butterfly riser.

expansion cards on the system board.

see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

Networks (LANs) to the system. For more information about the supported Ethernet or SFP+ ports, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

(LANs) to the system. For more information about the supported Ethernet ports, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

These ports are 4-pin, USB 3.0-compliant.

Use the iDRAC9 dedicated network port to securely access

port

the embedded iDRAC on a separate management network, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

more information about the supported VGA port, For more information, see the PowerEdge R540 Technical Specs at

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 19

Table 12. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

10 Status indicator cable port N/A Enables you to connect the status indicator cable and view

system status when the CMA is installed.

11 System identification button Press the system ID button:

● To locate a particular system within a rack.

● To turn the system ID on or off.

To reset iDRAC, press and hold the button for more than 15 seconds.

NOTE:

● To reset iDRAC using system ID, ensure that the system ID button is enabled in the iDRAC setup.

● If the system stops responding during POST, press and hold the system ID button (for more than five seconds) to enter the BIOS progress mode.

NIC indicator codes

Each NIC on the back of the system has indicators that provide information about the activity and link status. The activity LED indicator indicates if data is flowing through the NIC, and the link LED indicator indicates the speed of the connected network.

Figure 12. NIC indicator codes

1. link LED indicator

2. activity LED indicator

Table 13. NIC indicator codes

Status Condition

Link and activity indicators are off The NIC is not connected to the network.

Link indicator is green and activity indicator is blinking green

Link indicator is amber and activity indicator is blinking green

Link indicator is green and activity indicator is off The NIC is connected to a valid network at its maximum port speed

Link indicator is amber and activity indicator is off The NIC is connected to a valid network at less than its maximum

Link indicator is blinking green and activity is off NIC identify is enabled through the NIC configuration utility.

The NIC is connected to a valid network at its maximum port speed and data is being sent or received.

The NIC is connected to a valid network at less than its maximum port speed and data is being sent or received.

and data is not being sent or received.

port speed and data is not being sent or received.

Power supply unit indicator codes

AC power supply units (PSUs) have an illuminated translucent handle that serves as an indicator.

The DC PSUs have an LED that serves as an indicator.

The indicator shows whether power is present or if a power fault has occurred.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Figure 13. AC PSU status indicator

1. AC PSU status indicator/handle

Table 14. AC PSU status indicator codes

Power indicator codes Condition

Green A valid power source is connected to the PSU and the PSU is operational.

Blinking amber Indicates a problem with the PSU.

Not illuminated Power is not connected to the PSU.

Blinking green When the firmware of the PSU is being updated, the PSU handle blinks green.

CAUTION: Do not disconnect the power cord or unplug the PSU when updating

firmware. If firmware update is interrupted, the PSUs do not function.

Blinking green and turns off

When hot-plugging a PSU, the PSU handle blinks green five times at a rate of 4 Hz and turns off. This indicates a PSU mismatch with respect to efficiency, feature set, health status, or supported voltage.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are installed, both the PSUs must have the same type of label;

for example, Extended Power Performance (EPP) label. Mixing PSUs from previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported, even if the PSUs have the same power rating. This results in a PSU mismatch condition or failure to turn the system on.

CAUTION: When correcting a PSU mismatch, replace only the PSU with the blinking

indicator. Swapping the PSU to make a matched pair can result in an error condition and unexpected system shutdown. To change from a high output configuration to a low output configuration or vice versa, you must turn off the system.

CAUTION: AC PSUs support both 240 V and 120 V input voltages with the exception of

Titanium PSUs, which support only 240 V. When two identical PSUs receive different input voltages, they can output different wattages, and trigger a mismatch.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are used, they must be of the same type and have the same

maximum output power.

CAUTION: Combining AC and DC PSUs is not supported and triggers a mismatch.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 21

Figure 14. DC PSU status indicator

1. DC PSU status indicator

Table 15. DC PSU status indicator codes

Power indicator codes Condition

Green

Blinking amber Indicates a problem with the PSU.

Not illuminated Power is not connected to the PSU.

Blinking green When hot-plugging a PSU, the PSU indicator blinks green. This indicates that there is a PSU

A valid power source is connected to the PSU and the PSU is operational.

mismatch with respect to efficiency, feature set, health status, or supported voltage.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are installed, both the PSUs must have the same type of

label; for example, Extended Power Performance (EPP) label. Mixing PSUs from previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported, even if the PSUs have the same power rating. This results in a PSU mismatch condition or failure to turn the system on.

CAUTION: When correcting a PSU mismatch, replace only the PSU with the

blinking indicator. Swapping the PSU to make a matched pair can result in an error condition and unexpected system shutdown. To change from a High Output configuration to a Low Output configuration or vice versa, you must turn off the system.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are used, they must be of the same type and have the same

maximum output power.

CAUTION: Combining AC and DC PSUs is not supported and triggers a mismatch.

LCD panel

The LCD panel provides system information, status, and error messages to indicate if the system is functioning correctly or requires attention. The LCD panel can also be used to configure or view the system’s iDRAC IP address. For information about the event and error messages generated by the system firmware and agents that monitor system components, go to

qrl.dell.com > Look Up > Error Code, type the error code, and then click Look it up..

The LCD panel is available only on the optional front bezel. The optional front bezel is hot pluggable.

The statuses and conditions of the LCD panel are outlined here:

● The LCD backlight is white during normal operating conditions.

● When the system needs attention, the LCD backlight turns amber, and displays an error code followed by descriptive text.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

NOTE: If the system is connected to a power source and an error is detected, the LCD turns amber regardless of

whether the system is turned on or off.

● When the system turns off and there are no errors, LCD enters the standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. Press any button on the LCD to turn it on.

● If the LCD panel stops responding, remove the bezel and reinstall it.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

● The LCD backlight remains off if LCD messaging is turned off using the iDRAC utility, the LCD panel, or other tools.

Figure 15. LCD panel features

Table 16. LCD panel features

Item Button or

display

1 Left Moves the cursor back in one-step increments.

2 Select Selects the menu item highlighted by the cursor.

3 Right Moves the cursor forward in one-step increments.

4 LCD display Displays system information, status, and error messages or iDRAC IP address.

Description

During message scrolling:

● Press and hold the right button to increase scrolling speed.

● Release the button to stop.

NOTE: The display stops scrolling when the button is released. After 45 seconds of inactivity,

the display starts scrolling.

Viewing Home screen

The Home screen displays user-configurable information about the system. This screen is displayed during normal system operation when there are no status messages or errors. When the system turns off and there are no errors, LCD enters the standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. Press any button on the LCD to turn it on.

Steps

1. To view the Home screen, press one of the three navigation buttons (Select, Left, or Right).

2. To navigate to the Home screen from another menu, complete the following steps:

a. Press and hold the navigation button until the up arrow is displayed.

b. Navigate to the Home icon using the up arrow . c. Select the Home icon. d. On the Home screen, press the Select button to enter the main menu.

Setup menu

NOTE: When you select an option in the Setup menu, you must confirm the option before proceeding to the next action.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 23

Option Description

iDRAC Select DHCP or Static IP to configure the network mode. If Static IP is selected, the available fields are

IP, Subnet (Sub), and Gateway (Gtw). Select Setup DNS to enable DNS and to view domain

addresses. Two separate DNS entries are available.

Set error Select SEL to view LCD error messages in a format that matches the IPMI description in the SEL. This

enables you to match an LCD message with an SEL entry.

Select Simple to view LCD error messages in a simplified user-friendly description. For information about the event and error messages generated by the system firmware and agents that monitor system components, go to qrl.dell.com > Look Up > Error Code, type the error code, and then click Look it up.

Set home Select the default information to be displayed on the Home screen. See View menu section for the

options and option items that can be set as the default on the Home screen.

View menu

NOTE: When you select an option in the View menu, you must confirm the option before proceeding to the next action.

Option Description

iDRAC IP Displays the IPv4 or IPv6 addresses for iDRAC9. Addresses include DNS (Primary and Secondary),

Gateway, IP, and Subnet (IPv6 does not have Subnet).

MAC Displays the MAC addresses for iDRAC, iSCSI, or Network devices.

Name Displays the name of the Host, Model, or User String for the system.

Number Displays the Asset tag or the Service tag for the system.

Power Displays the power output of the system in BTU/hr or Watts. The display format can be configured in the

Set home submenu of the Setup menu.

Temperature Displays the temperature of the system in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The display format can be configured in

the Set home submenu of the Setup menu.

Locating the Service Tag of your system

You can identify your system using the unique Express Service Code and Service Tag. Pull out the information tag in front of the system to view the Express Service Code and Service Tag. Alternatively, the information may be on a sticker on the chassis of the system. The mini Enterprise Service Tag (EST) is found on the back of the system. Dell uses this information to route support calls to the appropriate personnel.

Figure 16. Locating Service Tag of your system

information tag (front view) 2. information tag (back view)

3. OpenManage Mobile (OMM) label 4. iDRAC MAC address and iDRAC secure password label

5. Service Tag

24 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

System information label

Figure 17. PowerEdge R540 – Service information

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Figure 18. Memory information

Figure 19. OCP and internal PERC riser installation

Figure 20. Riser installation

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Figure 21. Rear drive installation

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 27

Initial system setup and configuration

Topics:

• Setting up your system

iDRAC configuration

•

• Options to install the operating system

Setting up your system

Perform the following steps to set up your system:

Steps

1. Unpack the system.

2. Install the system into the rack. For more information about installing the system into the rack, see the Rail Installation Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

3. Connect the peripherals to the system.

4. Connect the system to its electrical outlet.

5. Power on the system by pressing the power button or by using iDRAC.

6. Power on the attached peripherals.

For more information about setting up your system, see the Getting Started Guide that shipped with your system.

iDRAC configuration

The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) is designed to make system administrators more productive and improve the overall availability of Dell systems. iDRAC alerts administrators about system issues and enables them to perform remote system management. This reduces the need for physical access to the system.

Options to set up iDRAC IP address

To enable communication between your system and iDRAC, you must first configure the network settings based on your network infrastructure.

NOTE: For static IP configuration, you must request for it at the time of purchase.

This option is set to DHCP by Default. You can set up the IP address by using one of the following interfaces:

Interfaces

iDRAC Settings utility

Dell Deployment Toolkit

Dell Lifecycle Controller

Server LCD panel LCD panel section

iDRAC Direct and Quick Sync 2 (optional)

Document/Section

Dell Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

Dell Deployment Toolkit User’s Guide at www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage Deployment

Toolkit

Dell Lifecycle Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

See Dell Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

28 Initial system setup and configuration

NOTE: To access iDRAC, ensure that you connect the ethernet cable to the iDRAC9 dedicated network port. You can also

access iDRAC through the shared LOM mode, if you have opted for a system that has the shared LOM mode enabled.

Log in to iDRAC

You can log in to iDRAC as:

● iDRAC user

● Microsoft Active Directory user

● Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) user

If you have opted for secure default access to iDRAC, you must use the iDRAC secure default password available on the system Information tag. If you have not opted for secure default access to iDRAC, then use the default user name and password –root and ca lvi n. You can also log in by using your Single Sign-On or Smart Card.

NOTE: You must have the iDRAC credentials to log in to iDRAC.

NOTE: Ensure that you change the default username and password after setting up the iDRAC IP address.

For more information about logging in to the iDRAC and iDRAC licenses, see the latest Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

You can also access iDRAC by using RACADM. For more information, see the RACADM Command Line Interface Reference Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

Options to install the operating system

If the system is shipped without an operating system, install a supported operating system by using one of the following resources:

Table 17. Resources to install the operating system

Resources Location

iDRAC www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Lifecycle Controller www.dell.com/idracmanuals > Lifecycle Controller

OpenManage Deployment Toolkit www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage

Deployment Toolkit

Dell certified VMware ESXi www.dell.com/virtualizationsolutions

Installation and How-to videos for supported operating systems on PowerEdge systems

Methods to download firmware and drivers

You can download the firmware and drivers by using any of the following methods:

Table 18. Firmware and drivers

Methods Location

Supported Operating Systems for Dell EMC PowerEdge systems

From the Dell EMC support site www.dell.com/support/home

Using Dell Remote Access Controller Lifecycle Controller (iDRAC with LC)

Using Dell Repository Manager (DRM) www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > Repository Manager

Using Dell OpenManage Essentials www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage Essentials

Using Dell OpenManage Enterprise www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage

www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Enterprise

Initial system setup and configuration 29

Table 18. Firmware and drivers (continued)

Methods Location

Using Dell Server Update Utility (SUU) www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > Server Update Utility

Using Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit (DTK) www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage

Deployment Toolkit

Using iDRAC virtual media www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Downloading drivers and firmware

Dell EMC recommends that you download and install the latest BIOS, drivers, and systems management firmware on your system.

Prerequisites

Ensure that you clear the web browser cache before downloading the drivers and firmware.

Steps

1. Go to www.dell.com/support/home.

2. In the Drivers & Downloads section, type the Service Tag of your system in the Enter a Service Tag or product ID box, and then click Submit.

NOTE:

If you do not have the Service Tag, select Detect Product to allow the system to automatically detect the

Service Tag, or click View products, and navigate to your product.

3. Click Drivers & Downloads. The drivers that are applicable to your system are displayed.

4. Download the drivers to a USB drive, CD, or DVD.

Initial system setup and configuration

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