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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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:

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>.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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