Dell R420xr User Manual

Dell PowerEdge R420xr
Owner's Manual

Regulatory Model: E27S Series
Regulatory Type: E27S001

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

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

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.

Copyright © 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and

intellectual property laws. Dell™ and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. in the United States and/or other
jurisdictions. All other marks and names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.

2014 - 06

Rev. A01

Contents

1 About Your System................................................................................................... 8

Front-Panel Features And Indicators....................................................................................................8

LCD Panel Features............................................................................................................................... 9

Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns.............................................................................................................10

Back-Panel Features And Indicators................................................................................................... 11

NIC Indicator Codes............................................................................................................................12

Power Indicator Codes........................................................................................................................13

Other Information You May Need...................................................................................................... 14

2 Using The System Setup and Boot Manager....................................................15

Choosing The System Boot Mode......................................................................................................16

Entering System Setup........................................................................................................................ 16

Responding To Error Messages.................................................................................................... 16

Using The System Setup Navigation Keys.................................................................................... 16

System Setup Options......................................................................................................................... 17

System Setup Main Screen............................................................................................................ 17

System BIOS Screen.......................................................................................................................17

System Information Screen...........................................................................................................18

Memory Settings Screen............................................................................................................... 18

Processor Settings Screen.............................................................................................................19

SATA Settings Screen.................................................................................................................... 20

Boot Settings Screen..................................................................................................................... 21

Integrated Devices Screen.............................................................................................................21

Serial Communications Screen.................................................................................................... 22

System Profile Settings Screen..................................................................................................... 23

System Security Screen.................................................................................................................24

Miscellaneous Settings..................................................................................................................25

System And Setup Password Features............................................................................................... 25

Assigning A System And/Or Setup Password...............................................................................26

Deleting Or Changing An Existing Setup Password.....................................................................27

Using Your System Password To Secure Your System................................................................ 27

Operating With A Setup Password Enabled..................................................................................27

Entering The UEFI Boot Manager.......................................................................................................28

Using The Boot Manager Navigation Keys...................................................................................28

Boot Manager Screen................................................................................................................... 29

UEFI Boot Menu............................................................................................................................ 29

Embedded System Management....................................................................................................... 29

iDRAC Settings Utility..........................................................................................................................30

Entering The iDRAC Settings Utility..............................................................................................30

Changing The Thermal Settings...................................................................................................30

3 Installing System Components............................................................................31

Recommended Tools..........................................................................................................................31

Front Bezel (Optional)......................................................................................................................... 31

Installing The Front Bezel..............................................................................................................32

Removing The Front Bezel............................................................................................................32

Bezel Filter (Optional)..........................................................................................................................32

Removing the Bezel Filter............................................................................................................. 32

Installing The Bezel Filter.............................................................................................................. 33

Opening And Closing The System......................................................................................................33

Opening The System.....................................................................................................................34

Closing The System.......................................................................................................................35

Inside The System............................................................................................................................... 36

Cooling Shroud................................................................................................................................... 37

Removing The Cooling Shroud.....................................................................................................37

Installing The Cooling Shroud...................................................................................................... 38

System Memory.................................................................................................................................. 39

General Memory Module Installation Guidelines.........................................................................41

Mode-Specific Guidelines............................................................................................................. 41

Sample Memory Configurations...................................................................................................42

Removing Memory Modules........................................................................................................ 44

Installing Memory Modules.......................................................................................................... 46

Hard Drives..........................................................................................................................................48

Removing A Hot-Swap Hard Drive...............................................................................................48

Installing A Hot-Swap Hard Drive.................................................................................................49

Removing A Hard Drive From A Hard-Drive Carrier....................................................................50

Installing A Hard Drive Into A Hard-Drive Carrier........................................................................ 50

Cooling Fans........................................................................................................................................ 51

Removing A Cooling Fan.............................................................................................................. 52

Installing A Cooling Fan................................................................................................................ 53

Internal USB Memory Key (Optional)..................................................................................................53

Replacing The Internal USB Key................................................................................................... 53

Expansion Cards And Expansion-Card Risers....................................................................................54

Expansion Card Installation Guidelines........................................................................................54

Removing An Expansion Card.......................................................................................................55

Installing An Expansion Card........................................................................................................ 58

Removing Expansion-Card Risers 1 And 2...................................................................................58

Installing Expansion-Card Risers 1 And 2.....................................................................................60

iDRAC Enterprise Card (Optional)...................................................................................................... 60

Removing The iDRAC Enterprise Card.........................................................................................60

Installing The iDRAC Enterprise Card........................................................................................... 61

SD vFlash Card.................................................................................................................................... 62

Replacing An SD vFlash Card........................................................................................................62

Internal Dual SD Module.....................................................................................................................62

Removing The Internal Dual SD Module......................................................................................63

Installing The Internal Dual SD Module........................................................................................64

Internal SD Card..................................................................................................................................65

Removing An Internal SD Card.....................................................................................................65

Installing An Internal SD Card.......................................................................................................65

Integrated Storage Controller Card....................................................................................................65

Removing The Integrated Storage Controller Card.................................................................... 66

Installing The Integrated Storage Controller Card.......................................................................67

Processors...........................................................................................................................................68

Removing A Processor..................................................................................................................68

Installing A Processor....................................................................................................................70

Power Supplies.................................................................................................................................... 72

Hot Spare Feature..........................................................................................................................72

Removing A Power Supply............................................................................................................72

Installing A Power Supply..............................................................................................................73

System Battery.....................................................................................................................................73

Replacing The System Battery...................................................................................................... 73

Hard-Drive Backplane.........................................................................................................................74

Removing The Hard-Drive Backplane.......................................................................................... 75

Installing The Hard-Drive Backplane............................................................................................78

Control Panel Assembly......................................................................................................................79

Removing The Control Panel........................................................................................................79

Installing The Control Panel......................................................................................................... 80

Removing The Control-Panel Module.........................................................................................80

Installing The Control-Panel Module........................................................................................... 81

Power Distribution Board Shroud...................................................................................................... 82

Removing The Power Distribution Board Shroud........................................................................82

Installing The Power Distribution Board Shroud..........................................................................83

Power Distribution Board................................................................................................................... 84

Removing The Power Distribution Board.................................................................................... 84

Installing The Power Distribution Board.......................................................................................85

System Board...................................................................................................................................... 86

Removing The System Board....................................................................................................... 86

Installing The System Board..........................................................................................................87

4 Troubleshooting Your System............................................................................ 89

Safety First—For You And Your System..............................................................................................89

Troubleshooting System Startup Failure............................................................................................89

Troubleshooting External Connections.............................................................................................89

Troubleshooting The Video Subsystem.............................................................................................89

Troubleshooting A USB Device.......................................................................................................... 89

Troubleshooting A Serial I/O Device..................................................................................................90

Troubleshooting A NIC.......................................................................................................................90

Troubleshooting A Wet System.......................................................................................................... 91

Troubleshooting A Damaged System.................................................................................................91

Troubleshooting The System Battery.................................................................................................92

Troubleshooting Power Supplies....................................................................................................... 92

Troubleshooting Cooling Problems...................................................................................................93

Troubleshooting Cooling Fans...........................................................................................................93

Troubleshooting System Memory......................................................................................................93

Troubleshooting An Internal USB Key................................................................................................94

Troubleshooting An SD Card..............................................................................................................95

Troubleshooting A Hard Drive............................................................................................................95

Troubleshooting A Storage Controller...............................................................................................96

Troubleshooting Expansion Cards..................................................................................................... 97

Troubleshooting Processors.............................................................................................................. 98

5 Using System Diagnostics.................................................................................... 99

Dell Embedded System Diagnostics.................................................................................................. 99

When To Use The Embedded System Diagnostics..................................................................... 99

Running The Embedded System Diagnostics..............................................................................99

System Diagnostic Controls......................................................................................................... 99

6 Jumpers And Connectors...................................................................................101

System Board Jumper Settings.........................................................................................................101

System Board Connectors................................................................................................................102

Disabling A Forgotten Password...................................................................................................... 103

7 Technical Specifications..................................................................................... 105

8 System Messages.................................................................................................. 110

LCD Messages................................................................................................................................... 110

Viewing LCD Messages............................................................................................................... 110

Removing LCD Messages............................................................................................................110

System Error Messages..................................................................................................................... 110

Warning Messages.............................................................................................................................127

Diagnostic Messages.........................................................................................................................127

Alert Messages...................................................................................................................................127

9 Getting Help...........................................................................................................128

Contacting Dell................................................................................................................................. 128

Locating Your System Service Tag............................................................................................. 128

Documentation Feedback.......................................................................................................... 128

About Your System

Front-Panel Features And Indicators

Figure 1. Front-Panel Features and Indicators

1

Item Indicator, Button, or

Connector

1 Power-on indicator,

power button

2 System identification

button

Icon Description

The power-on indicator lights when the system
power is on. The power button controls the power
supply output to the system.

NOTE: On ACPI-compliant operating systems,
turning off the system using the power button
causes the system to perform a graceful
shutdown before power to the system is
turned off.

The identification buttons on the front and back
panels can be used to locate a particular system
within a rack. When one of these buttons is
pressed, the LCD panel on the front and the
system status indicator on the back flashes until
one of the buttons is pressed again.

Press to toggle the system ID on and off.

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

To reset iDRAC (if not disabled in F2 iDRAC setup)
press and hold the button for more than 15
seconds.

3 Video connector Allows you to connect a VGA display to the system.

8

Item Indicator, Button, or

Connector

4 LCD menu buttons Allow you to navigate the control panel LCD menu.

5 LCD panel Displays system ID, status information, and system

6 USB connectors (2) Allow you to connect USB devices to the system.

7 Hard drives Up to four 2.5 inch hot-swappable SAS or SATA

8 Information tag A slide-out label panel which allows you to record

9 NMI button

Icon Description

error messages. The LCD lights blue during normal
system operation. The LCD lights amber when the
system needs attention, and the LCD panel
displays an error code followed by descriptive text.

NOTE: If the system is connected to a power
source and an error is detected, the LCD lights
amber regardless of whether the system is
turned on or off.

The ports are USB 2.0-compliant.

SSDs.

system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC
address, and so on as per your need.

Used to troubleshoot software and device driver
errors when running certain operating systems.
This button can be pressed using the end of a
paper clip.

Use this button only if directed to do so by
qualified support personnel or by the operating
system's documentation.

LCD Panel Features

The system's LCD panel provides system information and status and error messages to indicate when the
system is operating correctly or when the system needs attention. See System Error Messages for
information about specific error codes.

• The LCD backlight lights blue during normal operating conditions and lights amber to indicate an

error condition.

• The LCD backlight is off when the system is in standby mode and can be turned on by pressing either

the Select, Left, or Right button on the LCD panel.

• The LCD backlight remains off if LCD messaging is turned off through the iDRAC utility, the LCD

panel, or other tools.

9

Figure 2. LCD Panel Features

Item Button Description

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.
During message scrolling:

• Press once to increase
scrolling speed

• Press again to stop

• Press again to return to
default scrolling speed

• Press again to repeat the
cycle

Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns

Figure 3. Hard-Drive Indicators

1. hard-drive activity indicator (green) 2. hard-drive status indicator (green and amber)

NOTE: If the hard drive is in Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) mode, the status indicator
does not function and remains off.

10

Drive-Status
Indicator Pattern
(RAID Only)

Condition

Blinks green two
times per second

Off Drive ready for insertion or removal

Blinks green,
amber, and off

Blinks amber four
times per second

Blinks green slowly Drive rebuilding

Steady green Drive online

Blinks green three
seconds, amber
three seconds, and
off six seconds

Identifying drive or preparing for removal

NOTE: The drive status indicator remains off until all hard drives are initialized
after the system is turned on. Drives are not ready for insertion or removal
during this time.

Predicted drive failure

Drive failed

Rebuild aborted

Back-Panel Features And Indicators

Figure 4. Back-Panel Features and Indicators

Item Indicator, Button, or

Connector

1 PCIe expansion card slot

1

2 vFlash card slot Allows you to connect the vFlash card.

3 iDRAC port (optional) Dedicated management port on the iDRAC

4 Serial connector Allows you to connect a serial device to the

5 PCIe expansion card slot

2

Icon Description

Allows you to connect one low-profile PCI Express
expansion card.

Enterprise card.

system.

Allows you to connect a full-height PCI Express
expansion card.

11

Item Indicator, Button, or

Connector

6 Video connector Allows you to connect a VGA display to the system.

7 Ethernet connectors (2) Integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps NIC connector.

8 USB connectors (2) Allow you to connect USB devices to the system.

Icon Description

The ports are USB 2.0-compliant.

9 System identification

connector

10 System identification

button

11 Power supply (PSU1) 550 W

12 Power supply (PSU2)

Connects the optional system status indicator
assembly through the optional cable management
arm.

The identification buttons on the front and back
panels can be used to locate a particular system
within a rack. When one of these buttons is
pressed, the system status indicator on the back
flashes until one of the buttons is pressed again.

Press to toggle the system ID on and off. If the
system stops responding during POST, press and
hold the system ID button for more than five
seconds to enter BIOS progress mode.

To reset the iDRAC (if not disabled in F2 iDRAC
setup) press and hold the button for more than 15
seconds.

NIC Indicator Codes

Figure 5. NIC Indicator

1. link indicator 2. activity indicator

Indicator Indicator Code

Link and activity
indicators are off

Link indicator is
green

12

The NIC is not connected to the network.

The NIC is connected to a valid network at its maximum port speed (1 Gbps or 10
Gbps).

Indicator Indicator Code

Link indicator is
amber

Activity indicator is
blinking green

The NIC is connected to a valid network at less than its maximum port speed.

Network data is being sent or received.

Power Indicator Codes

Each power supply has an illuminated translucent handle that serves as an indicator to show whether
power is present or whether a power fault has occurred.

Figure 6. Power Supply Status Indicator

1. power supply status indicator/handle

Power Indicator
Pattern

Not lit Power is not connected.

Green The handle indicator lights green indicating that a valid power source is connected

Flashing amber Indicates a problem with the power supply.

Flashing green When hot-adding a power supply, this indicates that the power supply is

Condition

to the power supply and that the power supply is operational.

CAUTION: When correcting a power supply mismatch, replace only the
power supply with the flashing indicator. Swapping the opposite power
supply 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 power down the
system.

CAUTION: AC power supplies support both 220 V and 110 V input voltages.
When two identical power supplies receive different input voltages, they can
output different wattages, and trigger a mismatch.

CAUTION: If two power supplies are used, they must be of the same type
and have the same maximum output power.

mismatched with the other power supply (in terms of efficiency, feature set, health

13

Power Indicator
Pattern

Condition

status, and supported voltage). Replace the power supply that has the flashing
indicator with a power supply that matches the capacity of the other installed
power supply.

Other Information You May Need

WARNING: See the safety and regulatory information that shipped with your system. Warranty
information may be included within this document or as a separate document.

• The Getting Started Guide provides an overview of setting up your system, and technical

specifications. This document is available online at dell.com/support/manuals.

• The rack documentation included with your rack solution describes how to install your system into a
rack, if required.

• Any media that ships with your system that provides documentation and tools for configuring and
managing your system, including those pertaining to the operating system, system management
software, system updates, and system components that you purchased with your system.

• The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) User’s Guide provides information about
installation, configuration and maintenance of the iDRAC on managed systems. This document is
available online at dell.com/esmmanuals.

• For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this document, see the Glossary at http://
dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

NOTE: Always check for updates on dell.com/support/manuals and read the updates first because
they often supersede information in other documents.

14

Using The System Setup and Boot Manager

System Setup enables you to manage your system hardware and specify BIOS-level options.

The following keystrokes provide access to system features during startup:

2

Keystroke

<F2>

<F10>

<F11>

<F12>

From the System Setup, you can:

• Change the NVRAM settings after you add or remove hardware

• View the system hardware configuration

• Enable or disable integrated devices

• Set performance and power management thresholds

• Manage system security

Description

Opens the System Setup page.

Enters System Services and starts Lifecycle
Controller 2 (LC2) which supports systems
management features such as operating system
deployment, hardware diagnostics, firmware
updates, and platform configuration, using a
graphical user interface. The feature set available in
Lifecycle Controller is determined by the iDRAC
license purchased.

Enters the BIOS Boot Manager or the Unified
Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Boot Manager,
depending on the system's boot configuration.

Starts Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) boot.

You can access the System Setup using the:

• Standard graphical browser, which is enabled by default

• Text browser, which is enabled using Console Redirection

To enable Console Redirection, in System Setup, select System BIOS → Serial Communication screen
→ Serial Communication, select On with Console Redirection.

NOTE: By default, help text for the selected field is displayed in the graphical browser. To view the
help text in the text browser, press <F1>.

15

Choosing The System Boot Mode

System Setup enables you to specify the boot mode for installing your operating system:

• BIOS boot mode (the default) is the standard BIOS-level boot interface.

• UEFI boot mode is an enhanced 64-bit boot interface based on Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
(UEFI) specifications that overlays the system BIOS.

You must select the boot mode in the Boot Mode field of the Boot Settings screen of System Setup.
Once you specify the boot mode, the system boots in the specified boot mode and you then proceed to
install your operating system from that mode. Thereafter, you must boot the system in the same boot
mode (BIOS or UEFI) to access the installed operating system. Trying to boot the operating system from
the other boot mode will cause the system to halt at startup.

NOTE: Operating systems must be UEFI-compatible to be installed from the UEFI boot mode. DOS
and 32-bit operating systems do not support UEFI and can only be installed from the BIOS boot
mode.

NOTE: For the latest information on supported operating systems, go to dell.com/ossupport.

Entering System Setup

1. Turn on or restart your system.

2. Press <F2> immediately after you see the following message:

<F2> = System Setup

If your operating system begins to load before you press <F2>, allow the system to finish booting,
and then restart your system and try again.

Responding To Error Messages

If an error message is displayed while the system is booting, make a note of the message. For more
information, see System Error Messages.

NOTE: After installing a memory upgrade, it is normal for your system to display a message the first
time you start your system.

Using The System Setup Navigation Keys

Keys Action

Up arrow Moves to the previous field.

Down arrow Moves to the next field.

<Enter> Allows you to type in a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in

the field.

Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down menu, if applicable.

<Tab> Moves to the next focus area.

16

NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.

<Esc> Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen. Pressing <Esc> in the

main screen displays a message that prompts you to save any unsaved changes and
restarts the system.

<F1> Displays the System Setup help file.

NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded but
do not take effect until you restart the system.

System Setup Options

System Setup Main Screen

NOTE: Press <Alt><F> to reset the BIOS or UEFI settings to their default settings.

Menu Item Description

System BIOS This option is used to view and configure BIOS settings.

iDRAC Settings This option is used to view and configure iDRAC settings.

Device Settings This option is used to view and configure device settings.

System BIOS Screen

NOTE: The options for System Setup change based on the system configuration.

NOTE: System Setup defaults are listed under their respective options in the following sections,
where applicable.

Menu Item Description

System
Information

Memory Settings Displays information and options related to installed memory.

Processor Settings Displays information and options related to the processor such as speed, cache

SATA Settings Displays options to enable or disable the integrated SATA controller and ports.

Boot Settings Displays options to specify the boot mode (BIOS or UEFI). Enables you to modify

Integrated Devices Displays options to enable or disable integrated device controllers and ports, and to

Serial
Communication

System Profile
Settings

Displays information about the system such as the system model name, BIOS
version, Service Tag, and so on.

size, and so on.

UEFI and BIOS boot settings.

specify related features and options.

Displays options to enable or disable the serial ports and specify related features
and options.

Displays options to change the processor power management settings, memory
frequency, and so on.

17

Menu Item Description

System Security Displays options to configure the system security settings like, system password,

setup password, TPM security, and so on. It also enables or disables the power and
NMI buttons on the system.

Miscellaneous
Settings

Displays options to change the system date, time, and so on.

System Information Screen

Menu Item Description

System Model
Name

System BIOS
Version

System Service Tag Displays the system Service Tag.

System
Manufacturer

System
Manufacturer
Contact
Information

Displays the system model name.

Displays the BIOS version installed on the system.

Displays the name of the system manufacturer.

Displays the contact information of the system manufacturer.

Memory Settings Screen

Menu Item Description

System Memory
Size

System Memory
Type

System Memory
Speed

System Memory
Voltage

Video Memory Displays the amount of video memory.

System Memory
Testing

Memory Operating
Mode

18

Displays the amount of memory installed in the system.

Displays the type of memory installed in the system.

Displays the system memory speed.

Displays the system memory voltage.

Specifies whether system memory tests are run during system boot. Options are

Enabled and Disabled. By default, the System Memory Testing option is set to
Disabled.

Specifies the memory operating mode. The options available depending on the
memory configuration of your system are Optimizer Mode, Advanced ECC Mode,

Mirror Mode, Spare Mode, Spare with Advanced ECC Mode, and Dell Fault
Resilient Mode. By default, the Memory Operating Mode option is set to
Optimizer Mode.

Menu Item Description

NOTE: The Memory Operating Mode can have different defaults and available
options based on the memory configuration.

NOTE: The Dell Fault Resilient Mode establishes an area of memory that is
fault resilient. This mode can be used by an operating system that supports the
feature to load critical applications or enables the operating system kernel to
maximize system availability.

Node Interleaving If this field is Enabled, memory interleaving is supported if a symmetric memory

configuration is installed. If Disabled, the system supports Non-Uniform Memory
architecture (NUMA) (asymmetric) memory configurations. By default, Node

Interleaving option is set to Disabled.

Processor Settings Screen

Menu Item Description

Logical Processor Allows you to enable or disable logical processors and display the number of

logical processors. If the Logical Processor option is set to Enabled, the BIOS
displays all the logical processors. If this option is set to Disabled, the BIOS only
displays one logical processor per core. By default, the Logical Processor option is
set to Enabled.

QPI Speed Allows you to set the QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) data rate settings. By default,

the QPI Speed option is set to Maximum data rate.

NOTE: QPI Speed displays only when both the processors are installed.

Alternate RTID
(Requestor
Transaction ID)
Setting

Virtualization
Technology

Adjacent Cache
Line Prefetch

Hardware
Prefetcher

DCU Streamer
Prefetcher

DCU IP Prefetcher Allows you to enable or disable the Data Cache Unit (DCU) IP prefetcher. By

Execute Disable Allows you enable or disable execute disable memory protection technology. By

Allows you to allocate more RTIDs to the remote socket, increasing cache
performance between the sockets or work in normal mode for NUMA. By default,
the Alternate RTID (Requestor Transaction ID) Setting is set to Disabled.

Allows you to enable or disable the additional hardware capabilities provided for
virtualization. By default, the Virtualization Technology option is set to Enabled.

Allows you to optimize the system for applications that require high utilization of
sequential memory access. By default, the Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch option is
set to Enabled. You can disable this option for applications that require high
utilization of random memory access.

Allows you to enable or disable the hardware prefetcher. By default, the Hardware
Prefetcher option is set to Enabled.

Allows you to enable or disable the Data Cache Unit (DCU) streamer prefetcher. By
default, the DCU Streamer Prefetcher option is set to Enabled.

default, the DCU IP Prefetcher option is set to Enabled.

default, the Execute Disable option is set to Enabled.

19

Menu Item Description

Logical Processor
Idling

Number of Cores
per Processor

Processor 64-bit
Support

Processor Core
Speed

Processor Bus
Speed

Processor 1

Family-Model­Stepping

Brand Displays the brand name reported by the processor.

Level 2 Cache Displays the total L2 cache.

Allows you to enable or disable the OS capability to put logical processors in the
idling state in order to reduce power consumption. By default, the option is set to
Disabled.

Allows you to control the number of enabled cores in each processor. By default,
the Number of Cores per Processor option is set to All.

Specifies if the processor(s) support 64-bit extensions.

Displays the maximum core frequency of the processor.

Displays the bus speed of the processors.

NOTE: The processor bus speed option displays only when both the
processors are installed.

NOTE: The following settings are displayed for each processor installed in the
system.

Displays the family, model and stepping of the processor as defined by Intel.

Level 3 Cache Displays the total L3 cache.

Number of Cores Displays the number of cores per processor.

SATA Settings Screen

Menu Item Description

Embedded SATA Allows the embedded SATA to be set to Off, ATA, AHCI, or RAID mode. By default,

Embedded SATA is set to AHCI Mode.

Port A Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port A. By default, Port

A is set to Auto.

Port B Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port B. By default, Port

B is set to Auto.

Port C Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port C. By default, Port

C is set to Auto.

Port D Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port D. By default, Port

D is set to Auto.

Port E Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port E. By default, Port

E is set to Auto.

20

NOTE: Ports A, B, C, and D are used for the backplane drives, and port E for the optical drive (CD/
DVD).

Boot Settings Screen

Menu Item Description

Boot Mode Allows you to set the boot mode of the system.

CAUTION: Switching the boot mode may prevent the system from booting if
the operating system is not installed in the same boot mode.

If the operating system supports UEFI, you can set this option to UEFI. Setting this
field to BIOS allows compatibility with non-UEFI operating systems. By default, the
Boot Mode option is set to BIOS.

NOTE: Setting this field to UEFI disables BIOS Boot Settings menu. Setting this
field to BIOS disables the UEFI Boot Settings menu.

Boot Sequence
Retry

BIOS Boot Settings Allows you to enable or disable BIOS Boot options.

UEFI Boot Settings Allows you to enable or disable UEFI Boot options. The Boot options include IPv4

One-Time Boot Allows you to enable or disable a one-time boot from a selected device.

Allows you to enable or disable the boot sequence retry feature. If this field is
enabled and the system fails to boot, the system reattempts the boot sequence
after 30 seconds. By default, the Boot Sequence Retry option is set to Disabled.

NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is BIOS.

PXE and IPv6 PXE. By default, the UEFI PXE boot protocol is set to IPv4.

NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is UEFI.

Integrated Devices Screen

Menu Item Description

Integrated RAID
Controller

User Accessible
USB Ports

Allows you to enable or disable the integrated RAID controller. By default, the
Integrated RAID Controller option is set to Enabled.

Allows you enable or disable the user accessible USB ports. Selecting Only Back
Ports On disables the front USB ports and selecting All Ports Off disables both
front and back USB ports. By default, the User Accessible USB Ports option is set to
All Ports On.

Internal USB Port Allows you to enable or disable the internal USB port. By default, the Internal USB

Port option is set to On.

Internal SD Card
Port

Enables or disables the system’s internal SD card port. By default, Internal SD Card
Port option is set to On.

NOTE: This option is displayed only if IDSDM is installed on the system board.

21

Menu Item Description

Internal SD Card
Redundancy

Integrated
Network Card 1

OS Watchdog
Timer

Embedded Video
Controller

SR-IOV Global
Enable

Slot Disablement Allows you to enable or disable available PCIe slots on your system. The Slot

If set to Mirror mode, data is written on both SD cards. If any one of the SD card
fails, data is written to the active SD card. Data from this card is copied to the
replacement SD card at the next boot. By default, Internal SD Card Redundancy
option is set to Mirror.

NOTE: This option is displayed only if IDSDM is installed on the system board.

Allows you to enable or disable the integrated network card 1. By default, the
Integrated Network Card 1 option is set to Enabled.

Allows you to enable or disable the OS watchdog timer. When this field is enabled,
the operating system initializes the timer and the OS watchdog timer helps in
recovering the operating system. By default, the OS Watchdog Timer option is set
to Disabled.

Allows you to enable or disable the Embedded Video Controller. By default, the
embedded video controller is Enabled.

Allows you to enable or disable the BIOS configuration of Single Root I/O
Virtualization (SR-IOV) devices. By default, the SR-IOV Global Enable option is set
to Disabled.

Disablement feature controls the configuration of PCIe cards installed in the
specified slot.

CAUTION: Slot disablement must be used only when the installed peripheral
card is preventing booting into the Operating System or causing delays in
system startup. If the slot is disabled, both the Option ROM and UEFI driver
are disabled.

Memory Mapped
I/O above 4 GB

Allows you to enable support for PCIe devices that require large amounts of
memory. By default, the option is set to Enabled.

Serial Communications Screen

Menu Item Description

Serial
Communication

Serial Port Address Allows you to set the port address for serial devices. By default, the Serial Port

External Serial
Connector

22

Allows you to select serial communication devices (Serial Device 1 and Serial
Device 2) in the BIOS. BIOS console redirection can also be enabled and the port
address used can be specified. By default, Serial Communication option is set to

On without Console Redirection.

Address option is set to Serial Device 1=COM2, Serial Device 2=COM1.

NOTE: Only Serial Device 2 can be used for Serial Over LAN (SOL). To use
console redirection by SOL, configure the same port address for console
redirection and the serial device.

Allows you to associate the external serial connector to serial device 1, serial device
2, or remote access device. By default, the External Serial Connector option is set
to Serial Device1.

Menu Item Description

NOTE: Only Serial Device 2 can be used for SOL. To use console redirection
by SOL, configure the same port address for console redirection and the serial
device.

Failsafe Baud Rate Displays the failsafe baud rate for console redirection. The BIOS attempts to

determine the baud rate automatically. This failsafe baud rate is used only if the
attempt fails and the value must not be changed. By default, the Failsafe Baud Rate
option is set to 115200.

Remote Terminal
Type

Redirection After
Boot

Allows you to set the remote console terminal type. By default, the Remote
Terminal Type option is set to VT 100/VT 220.

Allows you to enable or disable to the BIOS console redirection when the
operating system is loaded. By default, the Redirection After Boot option is set to

Enabled.

System Profile Settings Screen

Menu Item Description

System Profile Allows you to set the system profile. If you set the System Profile option to a mode

other than Custom, the BIOS automatically sets the rest of the options. You can
only change the rest of the options if the mode is set to Custom. By default, the
System Profile option is set to Performance Per Watt Optimized (DAPC). DAPC is
Dell Active Power Controller.

NOTE: The following parameters are available only when the System Profile is
set to Custom.

CPU Power
Management

Memory
Frequency

Allows you to set the CPU power management. By default, the CPU Power
Management option is set to System DBPM (DAPC). DBPM is Demand-Based
Power Management.

Allows you to set the memory frequency. By default, the Memory Frequency
option is set to Maximum Performance.

Turbo Boost Allows you to enable or disable the processor to operate in turbo boost mode. By

default, the Turbo Boost option is set to Enabled.

C1E Allows you to enable or disable the processor to switch to a minimum

performance state when it is idle. By default, the C1E option is set to Enabled.

C States Allows you to enable or disable the processor to operate in all available power

states. By default, the C States option is set to Enabled.

Monitor/Mwait Allows you to enable Monitor/Mwait instructions in the processor. By default, the

Monitor/Mwait option is set to Enabled for all system profiles, except Custom.

NOTE: This option can be disabled only if the C States option in Custom
mode is disabled.

NOTE: When C States is enabled in Custom mode, changing the Monitor/
Mwait setting does not impact system power/performance.

23

Menu Item Description

Memory Patrol
Scrub

Memory Refresh
Rate

Memory Operating
Voltage

Collaborative CPU
Performance
Control

Allows you to set the memory patrol scrub frequency. By default, the Memory
Patrol Scrub option is set to Standard.

Allows you to set the memory refresh rate. By default, the Memory Refresh Rate
option is set to 1x.

Allows you to set the DIMM voltage selection. When set to Auto, the system
automatically sets the system voltage to the optimal setting based on the DIMM
capacity and the number of DIMMs installed. By default, the Memory Operating
Voltage option is set to Auto.

When set to Enabled, the CPU power management is controlled by the OS DBPM
and the System DBPM (DAPC). By default, the option is set to Disabled.

System Security Screen

Menu Item Description

Intel AES-NI Improves the speed of applications by performing encryption and decryption using

the Advanced Encryption Standard Instruction Set and is set to Enabled by default.

System Password Allows you to set the system password. This option is set to Enabled by default and

is read-only if the password jumper is not installed in the system.

Setup Password Allows you to set the setup password. This option is read-only if the password

jumper is not installed in the system.

Password Status Allows you to lock the system password. By default, the Password Status option is

set to Unlocked.

TPM Security Allows you to control the reporting mode of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

By default, the TPM Security option is set to Off. You can only modify the TPM
Status, TPM Activation , and Intel TXT fields if the TPM Status field is set to either
On with Pre-boot Measurements or On without Pre-boot Measurements.

TPM Activation Allows you to change the operational state of the TPM. By default, the TPM

Activation option is set to No Change.

TPM Status Displays the TPM status.

TPM Clear

Intel TXT Allows you to enable or disable Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT). To

BIOS Update
Control

CAUTION: Clearing the TPM results in the loss of all keys in the TPM. The
loss of TPM keys may affect booting to the operating system.

Allows you to clear all the contents of the TPM. By default, the TPM Clear option is
set to No.

enable Intel TXT, Virtualization Technology must be enabled and TPM Security
must be Enabled with Pre-boot measurements. By default, the Intel TXT option is
set to Off.

Allows you to update the BIOS using either DOS or UEFI shell-based flash utilities.
For environments that do not require local BIOS updates, it is recommended to set

24

Menu Item Description

this option to Disabled. By default, the BIOS Update Control option is set to
Unlocked.

NOTE: BIOS updates using the Dell Update Package are not affected by this
option.

Power Button Allows you to enable or disable the power button on the front of the system. By

default, the Power Button option is set to Enabled.

NMI Button Allows you to enable or disable the NMI button on the front of the system. By

default, the NMI Button option is set to Disabled.

AC Power
Recovery

AC Power
Recovery Delay

User Defined Delay
(60s to 240s)

Allows you to set how the system reacts after AC power is restored to the system.
By default, the AC Power Recovery option is set to Last.

Allows you to set how the system supports staggering of power up after AC power
is restored to the system. By default, the AC Power Recovery Delay option is set to
Immediate.

Allows you to set the User Defined Delay when the User Defined option for AC

Power Recovery Delay is selected.

Miscellaneous Settings

Menu Item Description

System Time Allows you to set the time on the system.

System Date Allows you to set the date on the system.

Asset Tag Displays the asset tag and allows you to modify it for security and tracking

purposes.

Keyboard
NumLock

Report Keyboard
Errors

Allows you to set whether the system boots with the NumLock enabled or
disabled. By default the Keyboard NumLock is set to On.

NOTE: This option does not apply to 84-key keyboards.

Allows you to set whether keyboard-related error messages are reported during
system boot. By default, the Report Keyboard Errors option is set to Report.

F1/F2 Prompt on
Error

In-System
Characterization

Allows you to enable or disable the F1/F2 prompt on error. By default, F1/F2
Prompt on Error is set to Enabled.

This option enables or disables In-System Characterization. By default, In-System

Characterization is set to Enabled.

System And Setup Password Features

You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your system. To enable creation of
the system and setup password, the password jumper must be set to enabled. For more information on
the password jumper settings, see System Board Jumper Settings.

25

System
password

This is the password that you must enter before you can boot your system.

Setup
password

CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system.

CAUTION: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if the system is running and
unattended.

NOTE: Your system is shipped with the system and setup password feature disabled.

This is the password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS
or UEFI settings of your system.

Assigning A System And/Or Setup Password

NOTE: The password jumper enables or disables the System Password and Setup Password
features. For more information on the password jumper settings, see System Board Jumper
Settings.

You can assign a new System Password and/or Setup Password or change an existing System Password
and/or Setup Password only when the password jumper setting is enabled and Password Status is
Unlocked. If the Password Status is Locked, you cannot change the System Password.

If the password jumper setting is disabled, the existing System Password and Setup Password is deleted
and you need not provide the system password to log on to the system.

To assign a system and/or setup password:

1. To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or reboot.

2. In the System Setup Main Menu, select System BIOS and press <Enter>.

The System BIOS screen is displayed.

3. In the System BIOS screen, select System Security and press <Enter>.

The System Security screen is displayed.

4. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.

5. Select System Password , enter your system password, and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:

• A password can have up to 32 characters.

• The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9.

• Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not allowed.

• Only the following special characters are allowed: space, (”), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`).

A message prompts you to re-enter the system password.

6. Re-enter the system password that you entered earlier and click OK.

7. Select Setup Password, enter your system password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

A message prompts you to re-enter the setup password.

8. Re-enter the setup password that you entered earlier and click OK.

9. Press <Esc> to return to the System BIOS screen. Press <Esc> again, and a message prompts you to

save the changes.

NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until the system reboots.

26

Deleting Or Changing An Existing Setup Password

Ensure that the Password jumper is set to enabled and the Password Status is Unlocked before
attempting to delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change
an existing System password if the
To delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password:

1. To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or reboot.

2. In the System Setup Main Menu, select System BIOS and press <Enter>.

The System BIOS screen is displayed.

3. In the System BIOS Screen, select System Security and press <Enter>.

The System Security screen is displayed.

4. In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.

5. Select System Password, alter or delete the existing system password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

6. Select Setup Password, alter or delete the existing setup password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password a message prompts you to re-enter
the new password. If you delete the System and/or Setup password, a message prompts you to
confirm the deletion.

7. Press <Esc> to return to the System BIOS screen. Press <Esc> again, and a message prompts you to

save the changes.

NOTE: You can disable password security while logging on to the system. To disable the password
security, turn on or reboot your system, type your password and press <Ctrl><Enter>.

Password Status is Locked.

Using Your System Password To Secure Your System

NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password, the system accepts your setup password as an
alternate system password.

1. Turn on or reboot your system.

2. Type your password and press <Enter>.

When Password Status is Locked, type the password and press <Enter> when prompted at reboot.

If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to re-enter
your password. You have three attempts to enter the correct password. After the third unsuccessful
attempt, the system displays an error message that the system has halted and must be powered down.

Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message is displayed until the correct
password is entered.

NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the System Password and

Setup Password options to protect your system from unauthorized changes.

Operating With A Setup Password Enabled

If Setup Password is Enabled, enter the correct setup password before modifying most of the System
Setup options.

27

If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system displays the message

Invalid Password! Number of unsuccessful password attempts: <x> System Halted!
Must power down.

Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message is displayed until the correct
password is entered. The following options are exceptions:

• If System Password is not Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can
assign a system password.

• You cannot disable or change an existing system password.

NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the Setup Password option to
protect the system password from unauthorized changes.

Entering The UEFI Boot Manager

NOTE: Operating systems must be 64-bit UEFI-compatible (for example, Microsoft Windows Server
2008 x64 version) to be installed from the UEFI boot mode. DOS and 32-bit operating systems can
only be installed from the BIOS boot mode.

The Boot Manager enables you to:

• Add, delete, and arrange boot options.

• Access System Setup and BIOS-level boot options without restarting.

To enter the Boot Manager:

1. Turn on or restart your system.

2. Press <F11> after you see the following message:

<F11> = UEFI Boot Manager

If your operating system begins to load before you press <F11>, allow the system to finish booting,
and then restart your system and try again.

Using The Boot Manager Navigation Keys

Key Description

Up arrow Moves to the previous field.

Down arrow Moves to the next field.

<Enter> Allows you to type in a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in

the field.

Spacebar Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.

<Tab> Moves to the next focus area.

NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.

<Esc> Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen. Pressing <Esc> in the

main screen exits the Boot Manager and proceeds with system boot.

<F1> Displays the System Setup help file.

28

NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until
you restart the system.

Boot Manager Screen

Menu Item Description

Continue Normal
Boot

BIOS Boot Menu Displays the list of available BIOS boot options (marked with asterisks). Select the

UEFI Boot Menu Displays the list of available UEFI boot options (marked with asterisks). Select the

Driver Health
Menu

Launch System
Setup

System Utilities Enables you to access the BIOS Update File Explorer, run the Dell Diagnostics

The system attempts to boot to devices starting with the first item in the boot
order. If the boot attempt fails, the system continues with the next item in the boot
order until the boot is successful or no more boot options are found.

boot option you wish to use and press <Enter>.

boot option you wish to use and press <Enter>. The UEFI Boot Menu enables you
to Add Boot Option, Delete Boot Option, or Boot From File.

Displays a list of the drivers installed on the system and their health status.

Enables you to access the System Setup.

program, and reboot the system.

UEFI Boot Menu

Menu Item Description

Select UEFI Boot
Option

Add Boot Option Adds a new boot option.

Displays the list of available UEFI boot options (marked with asterisks), select the
boot option you wish to use and press <Enter>.

Delete Boot
Option

Boot From File Sets a one-time boot option not included in the boot option list.

Deletes an existing boot option.

Embedded System Management

The Dell Lifecycle Controller provides advanced embedded systems management throughout the
server’s lifecycle. The Lifecycle Controller can be started during the boot sequence and can function
independently of the operating system.

NOTE: Certain platform configurations may not support the full set of features provided by the
Lifecycle Controller.

For more information about setting up the Lifecycle Controller, configuring hardware and firmware, and
deploying the operating system, see the Lifecycle Controller documentation at dell.com/esmmanuals.

29

iDRAC Settings Utility

The iDRAC Settings utility is an interface to set up and configure the iDRAC parameters using UEFI. You
can enable or disable various iDRAC parameters using the iDRAC Settings Utility.

NOTE: Accessing some of the features on the iDRAC Settings Utility requires the iDRAC7 Enterprise
License upgrade.

For more information on using iDRAC, see the iDRAC7 User's Guide at dell.com/esmmanuals.

Entering The iDRAC Settings Utility

1. Turn on or restart the managed system.

2. Press <F2> during Power-on Self-test (POST).

3. In the System Setup Main Menu page, click iDRAC Settings.

The iDRAC Settings screen is displayed.

Changing The Thermal Settings

The iDRAC Settings utility enables you to select and customize the thermal control settings for your
system.

1. Enter the iDRAC Settings utility.

2. Under iDRAC Settings → Thermal → User Option, select between the following options:

• Default

• Maximum Exhaust Temperature

• Fan Speed Offset

NOTE: When the User Option is set to the default Auto setting, the user option cannot be
modified.

3. Set the Maximum Air Exhaust Temperature or the Fan Speed Offset fields.

4. Click Back → Finish → Yes.

30

Installing System Components

Recommended Tools

You may need the following items to perform the procedures in this section:

• #2 Phillips screwdriver

• T10 and T15 Torx screwdrivers

• Wrist grounding strap connected to ground

Front Bezel (Optional)

3

31

Installing The Front Bezel

1. Align the thumb screws on the bezel with the rack ears on the front of the system.

2. Tighten the thumb screws to secure the bezel to the system chassis.

Figure 7. Installing and Removing the Front Bezel

1. front bezel 2. thumb screws (2)

3. rack ears (2)

Removing The Front Bezel

1. Loosen the thumb screws using a #2 Phillips screwdriver.

2. Unhook the bezel from the rack ears and pull the bezel away from the system.

Bezel Filter (Optional)

Removing the Bezel Filter

1. Remove the screw that secures the filter frame to the bezel.

2. Rotate one end of the filter frame away from the bezel and remove the filter frame.

32

3. Remove the filter.

Figure 8. Removing and Installing the Bezel Filter

1. bezel 2. screw

3. filter 4. filter frame

NOTE: It is recommended that you clean or replace the filter once every three months. To
purchase additional replacement filters, contact Dell Technical Support.

Installing The Bezel Filter

1. Install the filter into the bezel.

2. Insert the filter frame into the bezel and align the screw hole on the filter frame with the

corresponding hole on the bezel.

3. Secure the filter frame with the screw.

Opening And Closing The System

WARNING: Whenever you need to lift the system, get others to assist you. To avoid injury, do not
attempt to lift the system by yourself.

33

WARNING: Opening or removing the system cover when the system is on may expose you to a
risk of electric shock.

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: Do not operate the system without the cover for a duration exceeding five minutes.

Opening The System

NOTE: It is recommended that you always use a static mat and static strap while working on
components in the interior of the system.

1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2. Loosen the three captive screws on the top of the system cover.

3. Loosen the thumb screws that secure the back of the system cover to the chassis.

4. Hold the thumb screws and slide the system cover toward the back of the system.

34

5. Grasp the cover on both sides and lift the cover away from the system.

Figure 9. Opening and Closing the System

1. system cover

3. thumb screws (2)

5. tab

2. Mylar adhesive sheaths (5)

4. captive screws (3)

Closing The System

1. Place the cover onto the chassis and offset the cover slightly back so that it clears the chassis hooks

and lays flush on the chassis.

2. Tighten the thumb screws that secure the back of the system cover to the chassis.

3. Tighten the captive screws on the top of the system cover.

4. If applicable, affix the Mylar adhesive sheaths over the vents present on the top of the system cover.

NOTE: The Mylar adhesive sheaths protect the system by preventing unfiltered air and other
contaminants from entering the system. The Mylar adhesive sheaths are included with the bezel
kit.

5. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

35

Inside The System

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: Components that are hot-swappable are marked orange and touch points on the
components are marked blue.

Figure 10. Inside the System

1. cooling shroud

2. power supply units (2)

3. storage controller card

4. expansion-card riser 2

5. expansion card

6. expansion-card riser 1

7. heat sink for processor 2

8. DIMMs (12)

9. cooling fans (6)

10. hard drives (4)

11. control panel

12. hard-drive backplane

36

13. cable routing latch

14. power distribution board

15. power distribution board shroud

Cooling Shroud

Removing The Cooling Shroud

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: Never operate your system with the cooling shroud removed. The system may get
overheated quickly, resulting in shutdown of the system and loss of data.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

37

3. Lift the shroud away from the fan bracket.

Figure 11. Removing and Installing the Cooling Shroud

1. cooling shroud 2. cooling shroud tabs (4)

3. cooling-fan bracket

Installing The Cooling Shroud

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: For proper seating of the cooling shroud in the chassis, ensure that the cables inside the
system are routed through the cable routing latch.

1. Align the cooling shroud with the numbered fan bays as a guide.

2. Lower the cooling shroud into the chassis.

When firmly seated, the memory socket numbers marked on the cooling shroud align with the
respective memory sockets. The four tabs on the cooling shroud rest on the cooling fan bracket.

3. Close the system.

4. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

38

System Memory

Your system supports DDR3 unbuffered ECC DIMMs (UDIMM ECC) and registered DIMMs (RDIMMs). It
supports DDR3 and DDR3L voltage specifications.

NOTE: MT/s indicates DIMM speed in MegaTransfers per second.

Memory bus operating frequency can be 1600 MT/s, 1333 MT/s, 1066 MT/s, or 800 MT/s depending on:

• DIMM type (UDIMM or RDIMM)

• DIMM configuration (number of ranks)

• maximum frequency of the DIMMs

• number of DIMMs populated per channel

• DIMM operating voltage

• system profile selected (for example, Performance Optimized, Custom, or Dense Configuration
Optimized)

• maximum supported DIMM frequency of the processors

The following table shows the memory populations and operating frequencies for the supported
configurations.

DIMM
Type

UDIMM
ECC

RDIMM 1

The system contains 12 memory sockets split into two sets of six sockets, one set per processor. Each
six-socket set is organized into three channels. In each channel, the release levers of the first socket is
marked white and the second black.

NOTE: DIMMs in sockets A1 to A6 are assigned to processor 1 and DIMMs in sockets B1 to B6 are
assigned to processor 2.

DIMMs
Populated/
Channel

1 1333, 1066, and 800 1333, 1066 and 800 Dual rank

2 1333, 1066, and 800 1066 and 800 Dual rank

2

Operating Frequency (in MT/s) Maximum DIMM Rank/

1.5 V 1.35 V

1600, 1333, 1066,
and 800

1333, 1066, and 800 1066 and 800 Quad rank

1600, 1333, 1066,
and 800

1066 and 800 1066 and 800 Quad rank

1333, 1066, and 800 Dual rank

1333, 1066, and 800 Dual rank

Channel

39

Figure 12. Memory Socket Locations

Memory channels are organized as follows:

Processor 1 channel 1: memory sockets A1 and A4

channel 2: memory sockets A2 and A5

channel 3: memory sockets A3 and A6

Processor 2 channel 1: memory sockets B1 and B4

channel 2: memory sockets B2 and B5

channel 3: memory sockets B3 and B6

40

General Memory Module Installation Guidelines

This system supports Flexible Memory Configuration, enabling the system to be configured and run in
any valid chipset architectural configuration. The following are the recommended guidelines for best
performance:

• UDIMMs and RDIMMs must not be mixed.

• x4 and x8 DRAM based DIMMs can be mixed. For more information, see Mode-Specific Guidelines.

• A maximum of two UDIMMs can be populated in a channel.

• A maximum of two single- or dual- or quad-rank RDIMMs can be populated in a channel.

• One quad-rank RDIMM and one single- or dual-rank RDIMM can be populated per channel.

• Populate DIMM sockets only if a processor is installed. For single-processor systems, sockets A1 to A6
are available. For dual-processor systems, sockets A1 to A6 and sockets B1 to B6 are available.

• Populate all sockets with white release tabs first and then black.

• Populate the sockets by highest rank count in the following order - first in sockets with white release
levers and then black. For example, if you want to mix quad-rank and dual-rank DIMMs, populate
quad-rank DIMMs in the sockets with white release tabs and dual-rank DIMMs in the sockets with
black release tabs.

• In a dual-processor configuration, the memory configuration for each processor must be identical.
For example, if you populate socket A1 for processor 1, then populate socket B1 for processor 2, and
so on.

• Memory modules of different sizes can be mixed provided that other memory population rules are
followed (for example, 2 GB and 4 GB memory modules can be mixed).

• Depending on mode-specific guidelines, populate two or three DIMMs per processor (one DIMM per
channel) at a time to maximize performance. For more information, see Mode-Specific Guidelines.

• If memory modules with different speeds are installed, they will operate at the speed of the slowest
installed memory module(s) or slower depending on system DIMM configuration.

Mode-Specific Guidelines

Three memory channels are allocated to each processor. The allowable configurations depend on the
memory mode selected.

NOTE: x4 and x8 DRAM based DIMMs can be mixed providing support for (Reliability, Availability,
and Serviceability) RAS features. However, all guidelines for specific RAS features must be followed.
x4 DRAM based DIMMs retain Single Device Data Correction (SDDC) in either memory optimized
(independent channel) or Advanced ECC modes. x8 DRAM based DIMMs require Advanced ECC
mode to gain SDDC.

The following sections provide additional slot population guidelines for each mode.

Advanced ECC (Lockstep)

Advanced ECC mode extends SDDC from x4 DRAM based DIMMs to both x4 and x8 DRAMs. This
protects against single DRAM chip failures during normal operation.

Memory installation guidelines:

• Memory sockets A1, A4, B1, and B4 are disabled and do not supported Advanced ECC mode.

• DIMMs must be installed in matched pairs — DIMMs installed in memory sockets (A2, B2) must match
DIMMs installed in memory sockets (A3, B3) and DIMMs installed in memory sockets (A5, B5) must
match DIMMs installed in memory sockets (A6, B6).

41

NOTE: Advanced ECC with mirroring is not supported.

Memory Optimized (Independent Channel) Mode

This mode supports SDDC only for memory modules that use x4 device width and does not impose any
specific slot population requirements.

Memory Sparing

NOTE: To use memory sparing, this feature must be enabled in the System Setup.

In this mode, one rank per channel is reserved as a spare. If persistent correctable errors are detected on
a rank, the data from this rank is copied to the spare rank and the failed rank is disabled.

With memory sparing enabled, the system memory available to the operating system is reduced by one
rank per channel. For example, in a system with three 8 GB dual-rank DIMMs, the available system
memory is: 1/2 (ranks/channel) × 3 (DIMMs) × 8 GB = 12 GB, and not 3 (DIMMs) × 8 GB = 24 GB.

NOTE: Memory sparing does not offer protection against a multi-bit uncorrectable error.

NOTE: Both Advanced ECC/Lockstep and Optimizer modes support Memory Sparing.

Memory Mirroring

Memory Mirroring offers the strongest DIMM reliability mode compared to all other modes, providing
improved uncorrectable multi-bit failure protection. In a mirrored configuration, the total available
system memory is one half of the total installed physical memory. Half of the installed memory is used to
mirror the active DIMMs. In the event of an uncorrectable error, the system will switch over to the
mirrored copy. This ensures SDDC and multi-bit protection.

Memory installation guidelines:

NOTE: The first memory channel for each processor (Channel 1) is disabled and not available for
Memory Mirroring.

• Memory channels 2 and 3 must be populated.

• Memory modules must be identical in size, speed, and technology.

• DIMMs installed in memory sockets with white release tabs must be identical and similar rule applies
for sockets with black release tabs. For example, DIMMs installed in sockets A2 and A3 must be
identical.

Sample Memory Configurations

The following tables show sample memory configurations that follow the appropriate memory guidelines
stated in this section.

NOTE: 16 GB quad-rank RDIMMs are not supported.

NOTE: 1R, 2R, and 4R in the following tables indicate single-, dual-, and quad-rank DIMMs
respectively.

42

Table 1. Memory Configurations — Single Processor

System
Capacity (in GB)

DIMM Size (in
GB)

2 2 1

4 2 2

10 2 5

12 4 3

20 4 5

24 8 3

32 8 4

Number of
DIMMs

Organization and
Speed

1R x8, 1333 MT/s

1R x8, 1600 MT/s

1R x8, 1333 MT/s

1R x8, 1600 MT/s

1R x8, 1333 MT/s

1R x8, 1600 MT/s

1R x8, 1333 MT/s

1R x8, 1600 MT/s

1R x8, 1333 MT/s

1R x8, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

DIMM Slot Population

A1

A1, A2

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5

A1, A2, A3

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5

A1, A2, A3

A1, A2, A3, A4

48 16 3

96 16 6

128 32 4

192 32 6

Table 2. Memory Configurations — Two Processors

System Capacity
(in GB)

DIMM Size (in
GB)

Number of
DIMMs

4 2 2

8 2 4

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

4R x4, 1066 MT/s

4R x4, 1066 MT/s

Organization and
Speed

1R x8, 1333 MT/s

1R x8, 1600 MT/s

1R x8, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

A1, A2, A3, A4

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

DIMM Slot Population

A1, B1

A1, A2, B1, B2

43

System Capacity
(in GB)

DIMM Size (in
GB)

Number of
DIMMs

Organization and
Speed

1R x8, 1600 MT/s

DIMM Slot Population

12 2 6

24 4 6

48 8 6

96 16 6

128 16 8

160 16 10

192 16 12

1R x8, 1333 MT/s

1R x8, 1600 MT/s

2R x8, 1333 MT/s

2R x8, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

2R x4, 1333 MT/s

2R x4, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3

A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3

A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3

A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3

A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3,
B4

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, B2,
B3, B4, B5

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1,
B2, B3, B4, B5, B6

256 32 8

384 32 12

4R x4, 1066 MT/s

4R x4, 1066 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3,
B4

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1,
B2, B3, B4, B5, B6

Removing Memory Modules

WARNING: The memory modules are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been
powered down. Allow time for the memory modules to cool before handling them. Handle the
memory modules by the card edges and avoid touching the components or metallic contacts on
the memory module.

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

44

CAUTION: To ensure proper system cooling, memory-module blanks must be installed in any
memory socket that is not occupied. Remove memory-module blanks only if you intend to install
memory modules in those sockets.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Remove the cooling shroud.

4. Locate the appropriate memory-module socket(s).

5. To release the memory-module blank from the socket, simultaneously press the ejectors on both

ends of the memory module socket.

CAUTION: Handle each memory module only by the card edges, making sure not to touch
the middle of the memory module or metallic contacts. To avoid damaging the memory
module, handle only one memory module at a time.

Figure 13. Ejecting The Memory Module

1. memory module 2. memory-module socket ejectors (2)

3. memory-module socket

45

6. If a memory module or a memory-module blank is installed in the socket, remove it.

NOTE: Retain removed memory-module blank(s) for future use.

Figure 14. Removing The Memory Module

1. memory module/memory-module blank

7. Install the cooling shroud.

8. Close the system.

9. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Installing Memory Modules

WARNING: The memory modules are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been
powered down. Allow time for the memory modules to cool before handling them. Handle the
memory modules by the card edges and avoid touching the components or metallic contacts on
the memory module.

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: To ensure proper system cooling, memory-module blanks must be installed in any
memory socket that is not occupied. Remove memory-module blanks only if you intend to install
memory modules in those sockets.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet.

2. Open the system.

3. If applicable, remove the cooling shroud.

4. Locate the memory-module sockets.

CAUTION: Handle each memory module only by the card edges, making sure not to touch
the middle of the memory module or metallic contacts. To avoid damaging the memory
module, handle only one memory module at a time.

46

5. If a memory module or a memory-module blank is installed in the socket, remove it.

NOTE: Retain removed memory-module blank(s) for future use.

6. Align the memory-module's edge connector with the alignment key of the memory-module socket,

and insert the memory module in the socket.

NOTE: The memory-module socket has an alignment key that allows you to install the memory
module in the socket in only one orientation.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory-module socket during installation, apply
pressure at both ends of the memory module evenly. Do not apply pressure to the center of
the memory module.

7. Press down on the memory module with your thumbs until the memory module snaps into place.

Figure 15. Installing The Memory Module

1. memory module 2. memory-module ejectors

3. memory-module socket alignment key 4. memory-module alignment key

NOTE: When the memory module is properly seated in the socket, the levers on the memory­module socket align with the levers on the other identical sockets that have memory modules
installed.

8. Repeat step 4 through step 7 of this procedure to install the remaining memory modules.

9. Replace the cooling shroud.

10. Close the system.

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn on the system, including any attached

peripherals.

12. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup, and check the memory settings.

The system should have already changed the value to reflect the newly installed memory.

13. If the value is incorrect, one or more of the memory modules may not be installed properly. Repeat

step 4 through step 7 of this procedure, checking to ensure that the memory modules are firmly
seated in their sockets.

14. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

47

Hard Drives

Depending on the configuration, your system supports up to four 2.5 inch, hot-swappable SAS or SATA
SSDs.

NOTE: SSD/SAS/SATA hard drives cannot be mixed in a system.

The hot-swappable hard drives connect to the system board through the hard-drive backplane. Hot­swappable hard drives are supplied in hot-swappable hard-drive carriers that fit in the hard-drive slots.

CAUTION: Before attempting to remove or install a hot-swappable hard drive while the system is
running, see the documentation for the storage controller card to ensure that the host adapter is
configured correctly to support hot-swap hard drive removal and insertion.

CAUTION: Do not turn off or reboot your system while the hard drive is being formatted. Doing
so can cause a hard drive failure.

NOTE: Use only hard drives that have been tested and approved for use with the hard-drive
backplane.

When you format a hard drive, allow enough time for the formatting to be completed. Be aware that
high-capacity hard drives can take a number of hours to format.

Removing A Hot-Swap Hard Drive

CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports hot-swap drive
installation. See the documentation supplied with your operating system.

1. From the management software, prepare the hard drive for removal. Wait until the indicators on the

hard-drive carrier signal that the hard drive can be removed safely. For more information, see the
documentation for the storage controller.

If the hard drive is online, the green activity/fault indicator flashes as the drive is turned off. When the
hard-drive indicators are off, the hard drive is ready for removal.

2. Loosen the two thumb screws on the front of the hard-drive carrier.

3. Hold the thumb screws and slide the hard-drive carrier out until it is free of the hard-drive slot.

CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all unused hard-drive slots must have empty
hard-drive carriers installed.

48

Figure 16. Removing and Installing a Hot-Swap Hard Drive

1. hard drive carrier 2. thumb screws (2)

3. screw holes (2)

Installing A Hot-Swap Hard Drive

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: Use only hard drives that have been tested and approved for use with the hard-drive
backplane.

CAUTION: Combining SAS and SATA hard drives in the same RAID volume is not supported.

CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports hot-swap drive
installation. See the documentation supplied with your operating system.

CAUTION: When a replacement hot-swappable hard drive is installed and the system is powered
on, the hard drive automatically begins to rebuild. Make absolutely sure that the replacement
hard drive is blank or contains data that you wish to have over-written. Any data on the
replacement hard drive is immediately lost after the hard drive is installed.

1. Install a hard drive in the hard-drive carrier.

2. Insert the hard-drive carrier into the hard-drive slot until the carrier connects with the backplane.

49

3. Tighten the thumb screws to lock the hard drive in place.

Removing A Hard Drive From A Hard-Drive Carrier

1. Remove the screws from the slide rails on the hard-drive carrier.

2. Slide the hard drive out of the hard-drive carrier.

Figure 17. Removing and Installing a Hot-Swap Hard Drive Into a Hard-Drive Carrier

1. screws (4) 2. hard drive

3. screw holes (4) 4. hard-drive carrier

Installing A Hard Drive Into A Hard-Drive Carrier

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

50

1. Insert the hard drive into the hard-drive carrier with the connector end of the hard drive toward the

back.

2. Align the screw holes on the hard drive with the back set of holes on the hard-drive carrier.

When aligned correctly, the back of the hard drive will be flush with the back of the hard-drive
carrier.

3. Install the screws to secure the hard drive to the hard-drive carrier.

NOTE: When installing new hard drives into blank hard-drive carriers, use the spare hard-drive
screws supplied with the system.

Figure 18. Location of the Spare Hard-Drive Screws

1. spare hard-drive screw (16)

Cooling Fans

Your system supports up to six cooling fans.

NOTE: Hot-swap removal or installation of the fans is not supported.

NOTE: In the event of a problem with a particular fan, the fan number is referenced by the system’s
management software, allowing you to easily identify and replace the proper fan by noting the fan
numbers on the cooling fan assembly.

51

Removing A Cooling Fan

WARNING: Opening or removing the system cover when the system is on may expose you to a
risk of electric shock. Exercise utmost care while removing or installing cooling fans.

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: Do not operate the system with the cover removed for a duration exceeding five
minutes.

NOTE: The procedure for removing each fan is identical.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical

outlet.

2. Open the system.

3. Remove the cooling shroud or power distribution board shroud as applicable.

4. Disconnect the fan's power cable from the power cable connector on the system board or power

distribution board as applicable.

5. Lift the fan out of the cooling-fan bracket.

Figure 19. Removing and Installing a Cooling Fan

1. cooling fan 2. power cable connector

3. cooling-fan bracket

52

Installing A Cooling Fan

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical

outlet.

2. Open the system.

3. Remove the cooling shroud or power distribution board shroud as applicable.

4. Facing the front of the system, lower the fan into the cooling-fan bracket.

NOTE: When aligned correctly, the fan cable is on the left of the fan.

5. Connect the fan's power cable to the power cable connector on the system board or power

distribution board as applicable.

6. Replace the cooling shroud or power distribution board shroud as applicable.

7. Close the system.

8. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Internal USB Memory Key (Optional)

An optional USB memory key installed inside your system can be used as a boot device, security key, or
mass storage device. The USB connector must be enabled by the Internal USB Port option in the
Integrated Devices screen of the System Setup.

To boot from the USB memory key, configure the USB memory key with a boot image and then specify
the USB memory key in the boot sequence in the System Setup.

NOTE: The internal USB connector (INT_USB) is located on expansion-card riser 2.

Replacing The Internal USB Key

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Locate the USB connector (INT_USB) on the expansion-card riser 2.

4. If installed, remove the USB key.

5. Insert the USB key into the USB connector.

6. Close the system.

7. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

53

8. Enter the System Setup and verify that the USB key is detected by the system.

Figure 20. Replacing the Internal USB Key

1. USB memory key 2. USB memory key connector

Expansion Cards And Expansion-Card Risers

NOTE: A missing or an unsupported expansion-card riser logs an SEL event. It does not prevent
your system from powering on and no BIOS POST message or F1/F2 pause is displayed.

Expansion Card Installation Guidelines

Your system supports PCI Express Generation 2 and Generation 3 expansion cards.

NOTE: If you install a second processor, you must upgrade expansion card riser 1 to optimize PCIe
slot 1 speed.

The following table provides the riser configurations for single- and dual-processor systems:

Table 3. Riser Configuration for Single- and Dual-Processor Systems

Number of
Processors

PCIE_G2_X4

One

Two

NOTE: The expansion-card risers listed in the above table cannot be interchanged between single­and dual- processor systems.

The following table provides a guide for installing expansion cards to ensure proper cooling and
mechanical fit. The expansion cards with the highest priority must be installed first using the slot priority
indicated. All other expansion cards must be installed in card priority and slot priority order.

iDRAC_Enterprise

PCIE_G3_X16

iDRAC_Enterprise

Expansion Card Connector

Riser 1 Riser 2

PCIE_G3_X16

PCIE_G3_X16

54

Table 4. Expansion-Card Installation Priority

Card Priority Card Type Height Slot Priority Max Allowed Per Slot

1 RAID

Full Height

Low Profile

2 1

2 Converged

Network

Adapters (CNAs)

3 10 Gb NICs

4 FC8 HBA

5 FC4 HBA

6 1 Gb NICs

7 Non-RAID

Full Height

Low Profile

Full Height

Low Profile

Full Height

Low Profile

Full Height

Low Profile

Full Height

Low Profile

Full Height

Low Profile

2 or 1 1

2 or 1 1

2 or 1 1

2 or 1 1

2 or 1 1

2 or 1 1

Removing An Expansion Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the card, you must hold the card by its edges only.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Disconnect any cables connected to the expansion card or expansion-card riser.

4. Lift the expansion-card latch.

5. To remove an expansion card from riser 2, pull the blue latch on the expansion-card holder.

6. Hold the expansion card by its edges and remove it from the expansion-card connector on the riser.

55

7. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty expansion slot

opening and close the expansion-card latch.

NOTE: You must install a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust
and dirt out of the system and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

8. Close the system.

56

9. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Figure 21. Removing and Installing the Expansion Card from Expansion-Card Riser 1

1. expansion card 2. expansion-card latch

3. riser touch points (2) 4. expansion-card riser 1

Figure 22. Removing and Installing the Expansion Card from Expansion-Card Riser 2

1. expansion-card riser 2 2. expansion-card riser touch points (2)

57

3. expansion-card latch 4. expansion card

5. expansion-card holder

6. tab

Installing An Expansion Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the card, you must hold the card by its edges only.

1. Unpack the expansion card and prepare it for installation.

For instructions, see the documentation accompanying the card.

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

electrical outlet and peripherals.

3. Open the system.

4. Locate the expansion-card connector on the riser.

5. Open the expansion-card latch and remove the filler bracket.

6. Holding the card by its edges, position the card so that the card-edge connector aligns with the

expansion-card connector.

7. Insert the card-edge connector into the expansion-card connector until the card is fully seated.

NOTE: Ensure that the expansion card is properly seated along the chassis, so that expansion­card latch can be closed.

8. Press the release latch on the expansion-card holder and move the expansion card holder so that it

supports the expansion card on expansion-card riser 2.

NOTE: Ensure that the expansion card bracket is attached properly to the chassis, so that
expansion-card latch can be inserted back to chassis.

9. If applicable, connect cables to the expansion card.

10. Close the system.

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

12. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

Removing Expansion-Card Risers 1 And 2

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. If installed, remove the expansion-card.

58

4. Holding the touch points, lift the expansion-card riser from the riser connector on the system board.

Figure 23. Removing and Installing the Expansion-Card Riser 1

1. expansion-card riser 1 2. expansion-card riser touch points (2)

3. riser guides (2) 4. connector

Figure 24. Removing and Installing the Expansion-Card Riser 2

1. chassis intrusion switch 2. expansion-card riser touch points

3. expansion-card riser 2 4. expansion-card riser 2 connector

59

5. riser guides (2)

5. Replace the expansion-card riser.

6. Close the system.

7. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Installing Expansion-Card Risers 1 And 2

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. If applicable, reinstall the expansion card(s) into the expansion-card riser.

2. Align the expansion-card riser with the connector and the riser guides on the system board.

3. Lower the expansion-card riser into place until the expansion-card riser connector is fully seated in

the connector.

4. Close the system.

5. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

6. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

iDRAC Enterprise Card (Optional)

The iDRAC Enterprise card supports:

• one 1GbE Ethernet port

• SD vFlash card

Removing The iDRAC Enterprise Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Disconnect any cables connected to the iDRAC Enterprise card.

4. Lift the expansion-card latch.

5. If installed, remove the expansion card from expansion-card riser 1.

6. Supporting the expansion-card riser by the touch points, hold the iDRAC Enterprise card by its edges

and remove it from the iDRAC Enterprise card connector on the riser.

60

7. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty expansion slot

opening and close the expansion-card latch.

NOTE: You must install a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust
and dirt out of the system and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

8. Close the system.

9. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Figure 25. Removing and Installing the iDRAC Enterprise Card

1. expansion-card latch 2. expansion-card riser touch points (2)

3. expansion-card riser 1 4. iDRAC Enterprise card connector

5. SD card slot 6. RJ-45 Ethernet port

7. iDRAC Enterprise card

Installing The iDRAC Enterprise Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Unpack the iDRAC Enterprise card and prepare it for installation.

For instructions, see the documentation accompanying the card.

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

electrical outlet and peripherals.

3. Open the system.

4. Locate the iDRAC Enterprise card connector on expansion-card riser 1.

5. Open the expansion-card latch and remove the filler bracket.

6. Holding the card by its edges, position the card so that the card-edge connector aligns with the

iDRAC Enterprise card connector.

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7. Align the iDRAC Enterprise card bracket with the hooks on the chassis.

8. Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the iDRAC Enterprise card connector until the card is fully

seated.

9. Slide the expansion-card latch into position.

10. If applicable, connect cables to the iDRAC Enterprise card.

11. Close the system.

12. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

13. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

SD vFlash Card

A vFlash SD card is a Secure Digital (SD) card that plugs into the vFlash SD card slot in the system. It
provides persistent on-demand local storage and a custom deployment environment that allows
automation of server configuration, scripts, and imaging. It emulates USB device(s). For more information,
see the iDRAC7 User's Guide under Remote Access Controller, at dell.com/esmmanuals.

Replacing An SD vFlash Card

1. Locate the vFlash media slot on the system.

2. To remove the SD vFlash card, push inward on the card to release it, and pull the card from the card

slot.

Figure 26. Removing and Installing the SD vFlash Card

1. SD vFlash card 2. SD vFlash card slot

3. To install the SD vFlash card, with the label side facing up, insert the contact-pin end of the SD card

into the card slot on the module.

NOTE: The slot is keyed to ensure correct insertion of the card.

4. Press inward on the card to lock it into the slot.

Internal Dual SD Module

NOTE: When the Redundancy option is set to Mirror Mode in the Integrated Devices screen of the
System Setup, the information is replicated from one SD card to another.

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Removing The Internal Dual SD Module

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Locate the internal dual SD module installed on the IDSDM connector on the system board.

4. If applicable, remove the SD card(s).

5. Holding the tab, pull the dual SD module to remove it from the system board.

6. Close the system.

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7. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Figure 27. Removing and Installing the Internal Dual SD Module

1. blue pull tab 2. SD card 1

3. SD card 2 4. dual SD module

5. connector on the system board

Installing The Internal Dual SD Module

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Locate the IDSDM connector on the system board.

4. Align the connectors on the system board and the dual SD module.

5. Push the dual SD module until it is firmly seated on the system board.

6. Close the system.

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7. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Internal SD Card

Removing An Internal SD Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Locate the SD card slot on the internal dual SD module and press inward on the card to release it

from the slot and remove the card.

4. Close the system.

5. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Installing An Internal SD Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: To use an SD card with your system, ensure that the internal SD card port is enabled in the
System Setup.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Locate the SD card connector on the internal dual SD module. With the label side facing up, insert

the contact-pin end of the card into the slot.

NOTE: The slot is keyed to ensure correct insertion of the card.

4. Press the card into the card slot to lock it into place.

5. Close the system.

6. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Integrated Storage Controller Card

Your system includes a dedicated expansion-card slot on the system board for an integrated controller
card that provides the integrated storage subsystem for your system’s internal hard drives. The controller
supports SAS and SATA hard drives and also enables you to set up the hard drives in RAID configurations
as supported by the version of the storage controller included with your system.

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Removing The Integrated Storage Controller Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the card, you must hold the card by its edges only.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

NOTE: It is recommended that you remove the expansion-card riser 2, before removing the
storage controller card.

3. Push down the two release levers at the edge of the card to disengage the card from the connector.

4. Disengage the card from the storage-controller card holder on the system board.

5. Remove the card.

6. Close the system.

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7. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Figure 28. Removing and Installing the Integrated Storage Controller Card

1. touch-points (2) 2. storage controller card

3. storage-controller card holder 4. release levers (2)

5. storage-controller card connector

Installing The Integrated Storage Controller Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the card, you must hold the card by its edges only.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet.

2. Open the system.

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3. Align one end of the card with the storage-controller card holder on the system board.

4. Lower the other end of the card into the storage-controller card connector on the system board.

5. Press the touch-points on the card and push the card down until it is fully seated.

When the card is fully seated, the release levers snap over the edge of the card.

6. Close the system.

7. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

Processors

Use the following procedure when:

• Installing an additional processor

• Replacing a processor

NOTE: To ensure proper system cooling, you must install a processor blank and a heat-sink blank in
any empty processor socket.

Removing A Processor

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Before upgrading your system, download the latest system BIOS version from dell.com/support and

follow the instructions included in the compressed download file to install the update on your
system.

NOTE: You can update the system BIOS using the Lifecycle Controller.

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

electrical outlet. When disconnected from AC power, press and hold the power button for three
seconds to fully drain the system of stored power prior to removing the cover.

3. Open the system.

4. Remove the cooling shroud.

WARNING: The heat sink and processor are hot to the touch for some time after the system
has been powered down. Allow the heat sink and processor to cool before handling them.

CAUTION: Never remove the heat sink from a processor unless you intend to remove the
processor. The heat sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.

5. Loosen the first screw that secures the heat sink to the system board.

6. Wait 30 seconds for the heat sink to loosen from the processor and remove the screw diagonally

opposite the first screw.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the other pair of screws.

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8. Lift the heat sink up from the processor and set the heat sink aside upside-down (thermal grease side

facing up).

Figure 29. Removing and Installing the Processor Heat Sink

1. retention sockets (4) 2. heat sink

3. retention screws (4)

CAUTION: The processor is held in its socket under strong pressure. Be aware that the
release lever can spring up suddenly if not firmly grasped.

9. Position your thumb firmly over the processor socket-release lever and release the lever from the

locked position by pushing down and out from under the tab. Rotate the lever upward.

10. Rotate the processor shield upward and out of the way.

CAUTION: The socket pins are fragile and can be permanently damaged. Be careful not to
bend the pins in the socket when removing the processor out of the socket.

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11. Lift the processor out of the socket and leave the release lever up so that the socket is ready for the

new processor.

Figure 30. Removing and Installing a Processor

1. processor 2. processor shield

3. notches in processor (2)

NOTE: After removing the processor, place it in an antistatic container for reuse, return, or
temporary storage. Do not touch the bottom of the processor. Touch only the side edges of
the processor.

Installing A Processor

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: If you are installing a single processor, it must be installed in socket CPU1.

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NOTE: If you install a second processor, you must remove the dummy fan from the FAN 6 slot,
install a cooling fan in the FAN 6 slot, and upgrade both the riser cards (riser1 and riser 2). For more
information, see Expansion Card Installation Guidelines.

1. Before upgrading your system, download the latest system BIOS version from dell.com/support and

follow the instructions included in the compressed download file to install the update on your
system.

NOTE: You can update the system BIOS using the Lifecycle Controller.

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

electrical outlet. When disconnected from the power source, press and hold the power button for
three seconds to fully drain the system of stored power prior to removing the cover.

3. Open the system.

4. Remove the cooling shroud.

WARNING: The heat sink and processor are hot to the touch for some time after the system
has been powered down. Allow the heat sink and processor to cool before handling them.

CAUTION: Never remove the heat sink from a processor unless you intend to remove the
processor. The heat sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.

5. Remove the heat sink/heat-sink blank and processor/processor blank, as applicable.

NOTE: The procedure to remove the heat-sink blank or processor blank is similar to removing a
heat-sink or processor.

6. Unpack the new processor.

7. Release the lever from the locked position by pushing down and out from under the tab.

8. Rotate the processor shield upward and out of the way.

9. Align the processor with the socket keys on the ZIF socket.

CAUTION: Positioning the processor incorrectly can permanently damage the system board
or the processor. Be careful not to bend the pins in the socket.

CAUTION: Do not use force to seat the processor. When the processor is positioned
correctly, it engages easily into the socket.

10. With the release lever on the processor socket in the open position, align the pin of the processor,

using the pin position guide on the socket, as reference and set the processor lightly in the socket.

11. Close the processor shield.

12. Using a clean lint-free cloth, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink.

CAUTION: Applying too much thermal grease can result in excess grease coming in contact
with and contaminating the processor socket.

13. Open the grease applicator included with your processor kit and apply all of the thermal grease in

the applicator to the center of the topside of the new processor.

14. Place the heat sink on the processor.

15. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the heat-sink retention sockets.

16. Install the cooling shroud.

17. Close the system.

18. Reconnect your system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn on the system.

19. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup and check that the processor information matches the new

system configuration.

20. Run the system diagnostics to verify that the new processor operates correctly.

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Power Supplies

Your system supports 550 W power supply.
When two identical power supplies are installed, the power supply configuration is redundant (1 + 1). In

redundant mode, power is supplied to the system equally from both power supplies to maximize
efficiency.

CAUTION: If two power supplies are used, they must be of the same type and have the same
maximum output power.

Hot Spare Feature

Your system supports the Hot Spare feature that significantly reduces the power overhead associated
with power supply redundancy.

When the Hot Spare feature is enabled, a redundant power supply is switched to a sleep state. The active
power supply supports 100% of the load, thus operating at higher efficiency. The redundant power supply
in the sleep state monitors output voltage of the active power supply. If the output voltage of the active
power supply drops, the redundant power supply in the sleep state returns to an active output state.

The active power supply can also activate a sleeping power supply if having both power supplies active is
more efficient than having the redundant power supply in a sleep state. The power supply defaults are to
wake both power supplies if the load on the active power supply is greater than 50% and to sleep the
redundant power supply if the load falls below 20%.

You can configure the Hot Spare feature using the iDRAC settings. For more information on iDRAC
settings, see the iDRAC7 User's Guide under Remote Access Controller, at dell.com/esmmanuals.

Removing A Power Supply

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: The system requires one power supply for normal operation. On power-redundant
systems, remove and replace only one power supply at a time in a system that is powered on.

1. Disconnect the power cable from the power source.

2. Disconnect the power cable from the power supply and remove the straps that bundle and secure

the system cables.

NOTE: You may have to unlatch and lift the optional cable management arm if it interferes with
power-supply removal. For information about the cable management arm, see the system’s
rack documentation.

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3. Press the release latch and pull the power supply straight out to release it from the power distribution

board and clear the chassis.

Figure 31. Removing and Installing a Power Supply

1. power supply unit 2. release latch

3. power supply handle

Installing A Power Supply

CAUTION: Ensure that both power supplies are of the same type and have the same maximum
output power.

NOTE: The maximum output power (shown in Watts) is listed on the power supply label.

1. Slide the new power supply into the chassis until the power supply is fully seated and the release

latch snaps into place.

NOTE: If you unlatched the cable management arm in step 2 of the previous procedure, relatch
it. For information about the cable management arm, see the system’s rack documentation.

2. Connect the power cable to the power supply and plug the cable into a power outlet.

CAUTION: When connecting the power cable, secure the cable with the strap.

NOTE: When installing, hot-swapping, or hot-adding a new power supply in a system with two
power supplies, allow several seconds for the system to recognize the power supply and
determine its status. The power-supply status indicator turns green to signify that the power
supply is functioning properly.

System Battery

Replacing The System Battery

WARNING: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the
battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. See your
safety information for additional information.

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CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

3. Locate the battery socket.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector
while installing or removing a battery.

4. To remove the battery, support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of

the connector.

Figure 32. Replacing the System Battery

1. positive side of battery 2. securing tab

5. Lift the battery out of the securing tabs at the negative side of the connector.

6. To install a new system battery, support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the

positive side of the connector.

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

connector.

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

9. Close the system.

10. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals

11. Enter the System Setup to confirm that the battery is operating properly.

12. Enter the correct time and date in the System Setup Time and Date fields.

13. Exit the System Setup.

Hard-Drive Backplane

Your system supports a four hard-drive backplane.

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Removing The Hard-Drive Backplane

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. If installed, remove the front bezel

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

electrical outlet.

3. Open the system.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the drives and backplane, you must remove the hard drives
from the system before removing the backplane.

CAUTION: You must note the number of each hard drive and temporarily label them before
removal so that you can replace them in the same locations.

4. Remove all hard drives.

5. Disconnect the SAS/SATA/SSD data, signal, and power cable(s) from the backplane.

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6. Press the release tabs and slide the backplane upward.

Figure 33. Front View of the Hard-Drive Backplane

1. hard-drive connectors (4)

Figure 34. Rear View of the Hard-Drive Backplane

1. backplane power connector 2. backplane signal connector

3. SAS connector

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Figure 35. Removing and Installing the Hard-Drive Backplane

1. release tabs (2) 2. hard-drive backplane

3. guide pins (2) 4. chassis hooks (4)

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Figure 36. Cabling Diagram

1. system board 2. hard-drive backplane

3. SAS cable connector 4. cable routing guide

5. signal cable connector 6. power cable connector

7. cable routing latch 8. power distribution board

9. cable retention latch

Installing The Hard-Drive Backplane

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Use the hooks at the base of the chassis as guides to align the hard-drive backplane.

2. Slide down the hard-drive backplane until the release tabs snap into place.

3. Connect the SAS/SATA/SSD data, signal, and power cable(s) to the backplane.

4. Install the hard drives in their original locations.

5. Close the system.

6. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

7. If applicable, install the front bezel.

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Control Panel Assembly

Removing The Control Panel

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. If installed, remove the front bezel.

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

electrical outlet and peripherals.

3. Open the system.

CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when removing the control panel as it can damage the
connectors.

4. Release the locking tabs of the control panel by angling the control panel up and away from the

system.

Figure 37. Removing and Installing the Control Panel

1. notches (6) 2. locking tabs (6)

3. control panel

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Installing The Control Panel

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. If applicable, insert the control panel cable through the slot on the chassis.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the power LED, do not use excessive force.

2. Align the locking tabs on the control panel with the notches on the chassis and angle the control

panel until it snaps into place.
When properly seated, the control panel will be flush with the front panel.

3. Close the system.

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

5. If applicable, install the front bezel.

Removing The Control-Panel Module

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. If installed, remove the front bezel.

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

electrical outlet and peripherals.

3. Open the system.

4. Remove the control panel from the chassis.

5. Remove the screw(s) securing the control-panel module to the chassis.

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6. Remove all the cables connecting the control-panel module to the chassis.

CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when removing the control panel as it can damage the
connectors.

Figure 38. Removing and Installing the Control-Panel Module

1. control-panel module 2. control-panel module screws (2)

3. control-panel module connector cable 4. USB connector cable

5. control panel 6. LCD cable

Installing The Control-Panel Module

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Insert the control-panel module into the slot in the chassis and align the two screw holes on the

control-panel module with the corresponding holes on the chassis.

2. Secure the control-panel module with the screws.

3. Connect all the applicable cables to the control-panel module.

4. Close the system.

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5. Install the control panel.

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

7. If applicable, install the front bezel.

Power Distribution Board Shroud

Removing The Power Distribution Board Shroud

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: Never operate your system without the power distribution board shroud. The system
may get overheated, which may result in loss of performance.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet and peripherals.

2. Open the system.

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3. Lift the power distribution board (PDB) shroud away from the system.

Figure 39. Removing and Installing the PDB Shroud

1. PDB shroud tabs (2) 2. PDB shroud

3. arrow marked on the PDB shroud

Installing The Power Distribution Board Shroud

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: For proper seating of the power distribution shroud in the chassis, ensure that the cables
inside the system are routed through the cable securing latch.

1. Align the PDB shroud with the numbered fan bay and the arrow as the guide.

2. Lower the PDB shroud into the chassis so that the two tabs on the PDB shroud rest on the cooling

fan bracket.
When firmly seated, the PDB shroud aligns flush with the power supply unit bracket and the arrow

marked on the shroud aligns with the arrow on the power supply bracket.

3. Close the system.

4. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

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Power Distribution Board

Removing The Power Distribution Board

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: The power distribution board is present only in systems that support redundant power
supplies.

1. If installed, remove the front bezel.

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

electrical outlet and peripherals.

3. Open the system.

4. Remove the power supplies from the system.

5. Remove the PDB shroud.

6. Disconnect the power distribution cables from the system board.

7. Disconnect the fan cable.

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8. Remove the two screws securing the power distribution board to the chassis and lift the board out of

the chassis.

Figure 40. Removing and Installing the Power Distribution Board

1. screws (2) 2. power supply cables to the system

3. power supply cable to the hard-drive
backplane

5. power distribution board 6. fan cable connector

board (3)

4. standoffs (2)

Installing The Power Distribution Board

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Align the power distribution board with the standoffs on the chassis.

2. Install the two screws that secure the power distribution board to the chassis.

3. Connect the power distribution cables to the system board and fan cable connector to the power

distribution board.

4. Install the PDB shroud.

5. Close the system.

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6. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

System Board

Removing The System Board

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

CAUTION: If you are using the Trusted Program Module (TPM) with an encryption key, you may
be prompted to create a recovery key during program or System Setup. Be sure to create and
safely store this recovery key. If you replace this system board, you must supply the recovery key
when you restart your system or program before you can access the encrypted data on your hard
drives.

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the

electrical outlet.

2. If installed, remove the front bezel.

3. Open the system.

4. Remove the following:

a. cooling shroud
b. PDB shroud
c. memory modules
d. expansion cards and the expansion-card risers
e. integrated storage controller card

WARNING: The heat sink and processor are hot to the touch for some time after the
system has been powered down. Allow the heat sink and processor to cool before
handling them.

f. heat sink/heat-sink blank and processor/processor blank
g. internal dual SD module
h. expansion card holder

NOTE: It is recommended that you remove the power distribution board before removing
the system board from the chassis.

5. Disconnect all other cables from the system board.

CAUTION: Do not lift the system board assembly by grasping a memory module, processor,
or other components.

6. Remove the nine screws on the system board and slide the system board toward the front of the

system.

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7. Hold the system board by its edges and lift the system board out of the chassis.

Figure 41. Removing and Installing the System Board

1. screws (9) 2. system board

Installing The System Board

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Unpack the new system board assembly.

2. Transfer the following components to the new system board:

a. heat sink(s)/heat-sink blank(s) and processors(s)/processor blank(s)
b. memory modules and memory module blanks

CAUTION: Do not lift the system board assembly by grasping a memory module, processor,
or other components.

CAUTION: Take care not to damage the system identification button while placing the
system board into the chassis.

3. Hold and align the system board by its edges and align it to the back of the chassis.

4. Lower the system board and align the screw holes to the standoffs on the chassis till firmly seated.

5. Tighten the screws of the system board to secure the system board to the chassis.

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6. Replace the following:

a. expansion card holder
b. expansion-card risers
c. expansion cards
d. integrated storage controller card
e. internal dual SD module
f. PDB shroud
g. cooling shroud

7. Reconnect all cables to the system board.

NOTE: Ensure that the cables inside the system are routed secured using the cable securing
latches.

8. Close the system.

9. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

10. Import your new or existing iDRAC Enterprise license. For more information, see iDRAC7 User's
Guide, under Remote Access Controller, at dell.com/esmmanuals.

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4

Troubleshooting Your System

Safety First—For You And Your System

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

Troubleshooting System Startup Failure

• If you boot the system to the BIOS boot mode after installing an operating system from the UEFI Boot

Manager, the system hangs. The reverse is also true. You must boot to the same boot mode in which
you installed the operating system.

• For all other startup issues, note the system messages that appear on the screen.

Troubleshooting External Connections

Ensure that all external cables are securely attached to the external connectors on your system before
troubleshooting any external devices.

Troubleshooting The Video Subsystem

1. Check the system and power connections to the monitor.

2. Check the video interface cabling from the system to the monitor.

3. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

If the tests run successfully, the problem is not related to video hardware.

If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A USB Device

Use the following steps to troubleshoot a USB keyboard/mouse. For other USB devices, go to step 7.

1. Disconnect the keyboard and mouse cables from the system briefly and reconnect them.

2. Connect the keyboard/mouse to the USB port(s) on the opposite side of the system.

3. If the problem is resolved, restart the system, enter the System Setup, and check if the non-

functioning USB ports are enabled.

4. Replace the keyboard/mouse with another working keyboard/mouse.

5. If the problem is resolved, replace the faulty keyboard/mouse.

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6. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step to begin troubleshooting the other USB
devices attached to the system.

7. Power down all attached USB devices and disconnect them from the system.

8. Reboot the system and, if your keyboard is functioning, enter the System Setup. Verify that all USB

ports are enabled on the
If your keyboard is not functioning, you can also use remote access. If the system is not accessible,

reset the NVRAM_CLR jumper inside your system and restore the BIOS to the default settings.

9. Reconnect and power on each USB device one at a time.

10. If a device causes the same problem, power down the device, replace the USB cable with a known

good cable, and power up the device.

If all troubleshooting fails, see Getting Help.

Integrated Devices screen, in the System Setup options.

Troubleshooting A Serial I/O Device

1. Turn off the system and any peripheral devices connected to the serial port.

2. Swap the serial interface cable with a working cable, and turn on the system and the serial device.

If the problem is resolved, replace the interface cable with a known good cable.

3. Turn off the system and the serial device, and swap the device with a comparable device.

4. Turn on the system and the serial device.

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A NIC

1. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

2. Restart the system and check for any system messages pertaining to the NIC controller.

3. Check the appropriate indicator on the NIC connector:

• If the link indicator does not light, check all cable connections.

• If the activity indicator does not light, the network driver files might be damaged or missing.

Remove and reinstall the drivers if applicable. See the NIC's documentation.

• If applicable, change the autonegotiation setting.

• Use another connector on the switch or hub.

4. Ensure that the appropriate drivers are installed and the protocols are bound. See the NIC's
documentation.

5. Enter the System Setup and confirm that the NIC ports are enabled on the Integrated Devices Screen.

6. Ensure that the NICs, hubs, and switches on the network are all set to the same data transmission

speed and duplex. See the documentation for each network device.

7. Ensure that all network cables are of the proper type and do not exceed the maximum length.

If all troubleshooting fails, see Getting Help.

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Troubleshooting A Wet System

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2. Open the system.

3. Disassemble components from the system:

• Hard drives

• Hard-drive backplane

• USB memory key

• Cooling shroud

• Expansion cards

• Power supply(s)

• Cooling fans

• Processor(s) and heat sink(s)

• Memory modules

4. Let the system dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours.

5. Reinstall the components you removed in step 3.

6. Close the system.

7. Turn on the system and attached peripherals.

If the system does not start properly, see Getting Help.

8. If the system starts properly, shut down the system and reinstall all of the expansion cards that you
removed.

9. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Damaged System

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2. Open the system.

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3. Ensure that the following components are properly installed:

• Cooling shroud

• Expansion cards

• Power supply(s)

• Cooling fans

• Processor(s) and heat sink(s)

• Memory modules

• Hard-drive carriers

• Hard-drive backplane

4. Ensure that all cables are properly connected.

5. Close the system.

6. Run the system board tests in the system diagnostics.

If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting The System Battery

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: If the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the NVRAM may
lose its system configuration information. This situation is caused by a defective battery.

1. Re-enter the time and date in the System Setup.

2. Turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet for at least one hour.

3. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system.

4. Enter the System Setup.

If the date and time are not correct in the System Setup, check the SEL for system battery messages.

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

NOTE: Some software may cause the system time to speed up or slow down. If the system seems
to operate normally except for the time kept in the System Setup, the problem may be caused by
software rather than by a defective battery.

Troubleshooting Power Supplies

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

Reseat the power supply by removing and reinstalling it.

NOTE: After installing a power supply, allow several seconds for the system to recognize the power
supply and to determine if it is working properly.

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If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting Cooling Problems

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

Ensure that none of the following conditions exist:

• System cover, cooling shroud, EMI filler panel, memory-module blank, or back-filler bracket is

removed.

• Ambient temperature is too high.

• Front bezel filter (if installed) is clogged with dust or debris.

• External airflow is obstructed.

• A cooling fan is removed or has failed.

• The expansion card installation guidelines have not been followed.

Troubleshooting Cooling Fans

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Open the system.

2. Reseat the fan or the fan's power cable.

3. If the fan functions properly, close the system.

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting System Memory

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. If the system is operational, run the appropriate diagnostic test. See Using System Diagnostics for

available diagnostic tests.
If diagnostics indicates a fault, follow the corrective actions provided by the diagnostic program.

2. If the system is not operational, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and unplug the system
from the power source. Wait at least 10 seconds and then reconnect the system to power.

3. Turn on the system and attached peripherals and note the messages on the screen.
If an error message is displayed indicating a fault with a specific memory module, go to step 12.

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4. Enter the System Setup and check the system memory setting. Make any changes to the memory
settings, if needed.

If the memory settings match the installed memory but a problem is still indicated, go to step 12.

5. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

6. Open the system.

7. Check the memory channels and ensure that they are populated correctly.

8. Reseat the memory modules in their sockets.

9. Close the system.

10. Enter the System Setup and check the system memory setting.

If the problem is not resolved, proceed with the next step.

11. Open the system.

12. If a diagnostic test or error message indicates a specific memory module as faulty, swap or replace

the module with a known good memory module.

13. To troubleshoot an unspecified faulty memory module, replace the memory module in the first
DIMM socket with a module of the same type and capacity.

If an error message is displayed on the screen, this may indicate a problem with the installed DIMM
type(s), incorrect DIMM installation, or defective DIMM(s). Follow the on-screen instructions to
resolve the problem. For more information, see General Memory Module Installation Guidelines.

14. Close the system.

15. As the system boots, observe any error message that is displayed and the diagnostic indicators on the

front of the system.

16. If the memory problem is still indicated, repeat step 12 through step 15 for each memory module
installed.

If the problem persists after all memory modules have been checked, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting An Internal USB Key

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Enter the System Setup and ensure that the USB key portis enabled from the Integrated Devices

screen.

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

3. Open the system.

4. Locate the USB key and reseat it.

5. Close the system.

6. Turn on the system and attached peripherals and check if the USB key is functioning.

7. If the problem is not resolved, repeat step 2 and step 3.

8. Insert a different USB key that you know works properly.

9. Close the system.

If the problem is not resolved, see Getting Help.

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Troubleshooting An SD Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: Certain SD cards have a physical write-protect switch on the card. If the write-protect switch
is turned on then the SD card is not writeable.

1. Enter the System Setup and ensure that the Internal SD Card Port is enabled.

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

electrical outlet.

3. Open the system.

CAUTION: If the Internal SD Card Redundancy option is set to Mirror Mode in the Integrated
Devices screen of the System Setup, you must follow the instructions in step 4 through step 7
to avoid loss of data.

NOTE: When an SD card failure occurs, the internal dual SD module controller notifies the
system. On the next reboot, the system displays a message indicating the failure.

4. If the Internal SD Card Redundancy option is set to Disabled, replace the failed SD card with a new
SD card.

5. If SD card 1 has failed, remove the card from SD card slot 1. If SD card 2 has failed, install a new SD
card in SD card slot 2 and proceed to step 7.

6. Remove the card present in SD card slot 2 and insert it into SD card slot 1.

7. Insert the new SD card into SD card slot 2.

8. Close the system.

9. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached

peripherals.

10. Enter the System Setup and ensure that the Internal SD Card Port and Internal SD Card Redundancy
mode is enabled.

11. Check if the SD card is functioning properly.
If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Hard Drive

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

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CAUTION: This troubleshooting procedure can erase data stored on the hard drive. Before you
proceed, back up all files on the hard drive.

1. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

Depending on the results of the diagnostics test, proceed as needed through the following steps.

2. If your system has a RAID controller and your hard drives are configured in a RAID array, perform the
following steps:

a. Reboot the system and press <F10> during system startup to run the Lifecycle Controller, and

then run the Hardware Configuration wizard to check the RAID configuration.

See the Lifecycle Controller documentation or online help for information on RAID configuration.
b. Ensure that the hard drive(s) are configured correctly for the RAID array.
c. Take the hard drive offline and reseat the drive.
d. Exit the configuration utility and allow the system to boot to the operating system.

3. Ensure that the required device drivers for your controller card are installed and are configured

correctly. See the operating system documentation for more information.

4. Reboot the system and enter the System Setup.

5. Verify that the controller is enabled and the drives are displayed in the System Setup.

If the problem persists, try troubleshooting the expansion cards or see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Storage Controller

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: When troubleshooting a SAS or PERC controller, see the documentation for your operating
system and the controller.

1. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

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

3. Open the system.

4. Verify that the installed expansion cards are compliant with the expansion card installation
guidelines.

5. Ensure that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.

6. Close the system

7. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

8. If the problem is not resolved, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the
system from the electrical outlet.

9. Open the system.

10. Remove all expansion cards installed in the system.

11. Close the system.

12. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

13. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics. If the tests
fail, see Getting Help.

14. For each expansion card you removed in step 10, perform the following steps:

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a. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical

outlet.
b. Open the system.
c. Reinstall one of the expansion cards.
d. Close the system.
e. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

NOTE: When troubleshooting an expansion card, see the documentation for your operating system
and the expansion card.

1. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

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

3. Open the system.

4. Ensure that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.

5. Close the system.

6. If the problem is not resolved, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the

system from the electrical outlet.

7. Open the system.

8. Remove all expansion cards installed in the system.

9. Close the system.

10. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

11. For each expansion card you removed in step 8, perform the following steps:

a. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical

outlet.
b. Open the system.
c. Reinstall one of the expansion cards.
d. Close the system.
e. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

If a problem is still indicated, see Getting Help.

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Troubleshooting Processors

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only
perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as
directed by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is
not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions
that came with the product.

1. Run the appropriate diagnostics test.

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

3. Open the system.

4. Ensure that the processor and heat sink are properly installed.

5. Close the system.

6. Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

If a problem is still indicated, see Getting Help.

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5

Using System Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your system, run the system diagnostics before contacting Dell for
technical assistance. The purpose of running system diagnostics is to test your system hardware without
requiring additional equipment or risking data loss. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, service
and support personnel can use the diagnostics results to help you solve the problem.

Dell Embedded System Diagnostics

NOTE: Also known as Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics.

The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular device groups or devices
allowing you to:

• Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode

• Repeat tests

• Display or save test results

• Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed
device(s)

• View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully

• View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing

When To Use The Embedded System Diagnostics

If a major component or device in the system does not operate properly, running the embedded system
diagnostics may indicate component failure.

Running The Embedded System Diagnostics

The embedded system diagnostics program is run from the Dell Lifecycle Controller.

CAUTION: Use the embedded system diagnostics to test only your system. Using this program
with other systems may cause invalid results or error messages.

1. As the system boots, press <F11>.

2. Use the up and down arrow keys to select System Utilities → Launch Dell Diagnostics.

The ePSA Pre-boot System Assessment window is displayed, listing all devices detected in the
system. The diagnostics starts executing the tests on all the detected devices.

System Diagnostic Controls

Menu Description

Configuration Displays the configuration and status information of all detected devices.

Results Displays the results of all tests that are executed.

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Menu Description

System Health Provides the current overview of the system performance.

Event Log Displays a time-stamped log of the results of all tests run on the system. This is

displayed if at least one event description is recorded.

For information about embedded system diagnostics, see the ePSA Diagnostics Guide (Notebooks,
Desktops and Servers) at dell.com/support/manuals.

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