Page 1
Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730xd
Owner's Manual
Regulatory Model: E31S Series
Regulatory Type: E31S001
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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 - 09
Rev. A00
Page 3
Contents
1 About your system................................................................................................ 9
Supported configurations..................................................................................................................... 9
Front-panel features and indicators...................................................................................................10
LCD panel features..............................................................................................................................16
Home screen..................................................................................................................................17
Setup menu....................................................................................................................................17
View menu..................................................................................................................................... 18
Diagnostic indicators...........................................................................................................................18
Hard-drive indicator codes.................................................................................................................20
iDRAC Direct LED indicator codes......................................................................................................21
Quick Sync indicator codes................................................................................................................22
Back-panel features and indicators....................................................................................................23
NIC indicator codes............................................................................................................................ 26
Power indicator codes........................................................................................................................26
Documentation matrix........................................................................................................................29
Quick Resource Locator ..............................................................................................................30
2 Performing initial system configuration ........................................................31
Setting up your system........................................................................................................................31
Methods of setting up and configuring the iDRAC IP address ......................................................... 31
Information about logging in to iDRAC............................................................................................. 32
Methods of installing the operating system.......................................................................................32
Remote management ........................................................................................................................ 32
Downloading and installing drivers and firmware............................................................................. 32
3 Pre-operating system management applications........................................34
Navigation keys................................................................................................................................... 34
About System Setup............................................................................................................................35
Entering System Setup.................................................................................................................. 35
System Setup Main Menu..............................................................................................................35
System BIOS screen...................................................................................................................... 35
System Information screen details............................................................................................... 36
Memory Settings screen details.................................................................................................... 37
Processor Settings screen details.................................................................................................38
SATA Settings screen details.........................................................................................................39
Boot Settings screen details..........................................................................................................42
Network Settings screen details................................................................................................... 43
Integrated Devices screen details.................................................................................................43
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Serial Communication screen details...........................................................................................45
System Profile Settings screen details..........................................................................................45
System Security settings screen details........................................................................................47
Miscellaneous Settings screen details..........................................................................................49
About Boot Manager...........................................................................................................................50
Entering Boot Manager ................................................................................................................50
Boot Manager main menu............................................................................................................50
Changing the boot order....................................................................................................................50
Choosing the system boot mode....................................................................................................... 51
Assigning a system and setup password............................................................................................ 51
Deleting or changing an existing system and/or setup password.................................................... 52
4 Installing and removing system components...............................................53
Safety instructions...............................................................................................................................53
Before working inside your system.................................................................................................... 53
After working inside your system....................................................................................................... 53
Recommended tools.......................................................................................................................... 54
Front bezel (optional)..........................................................................................................................54
Removing the front bezel............................................................................................................. 54
Installing the front bezel............................................................................................................... 56
Removing the system cover............................................................................................................... 56
Installing the system cover................................................................................................................. 57
Inside the system.................................................................................................................................58
Cooling shroud................................................................................................................................... 59
Removing the cooling shroud......................................................................................................60
Installing the cooling shroud........................................................................................................ 61
Hard-drive tray assembly.................................................................................................................... 61
Removing the hard-drive tray....................................................................................................... 61
Installing the hard-drive tray.........................................................................................................62
Removing a hard-drive blank from a hard-drive carrier..............................................................63
Installing a hard-drive blank into a hard-drive carrier.................................................................64
Removing a hard-drive carrier from the hard-drive tray.............................................................65
Installing a hard-drive carrier into the hard-drive tray................................................................ 66
Removing a hard drive from a hard-drive carrier.........................................................................67
Installing a hard drive into a hard-drive carrier............................................................................68
Removing the hard-drive backplane from the hard-drive tray...................................................68
Installing the hard-drive backplane in the hard-drive tray..........................................................69
Cooling fans........................................................................................................................................ 70
Removing a cooling fan................................................................................................................ 70
Installing a cooling fan...................................................................................................................71
Cooling-fan assembly.........................................................................................................................72
Removing the cooling-fan assembly............................................................................................72
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Installing the cooling-fan assembly..............................................................................................74
System memory.................................................................................................................................. 74
General memory module installation guidelines.........................................................................76
Mode-specific guidelines..............................................................................................................76
Sample memory configurations................................................................................................... 78
Removing memory modules........................................................................................................80
Installing memory modules.......................................................................................................... 82
Processors........................................................................................................................................... 83
Removing a processor.................................................................................................................. 84
Installing a processor.................................................................................................................... 88
PCIe card holder................................................................................................................................. 90
Removing the PCIe card holder................................................................................................... 90
Installing the PCIe card holder......................................................................................................91
Opening and closing the PCIe card holder latch........................................................................ 92
Cable retention bracket...................................................................................................................... 93
Removing the cable retention bracket.........................................................................................93
Installing the cable retention bracket...........................................................................................94
Integrated storage controller card.....................................................................................................94
Removing the integrated storage controller card....................................................................... 94
Installing the integrated storage controller card......................................................................... 96
Expansion cards and expansion-card risers...................................................................................... 96
Expansion card installation guidelines......................................................................................... 96
Removing an expansion card from expansion-card riser 2 or 3.................................................98
Installing an expansion card into the expansion-card riser 2 or 3..............................................99
Removing an expansion card from the expansion-card riser 1................................................100
Installing an expansion card into the expansion-card riser 1.................................................... 101
Removing the riser 1 blank..........................................................................................................102
Installing the riser 1 blank............................................................................................................103
Removing expansion-card risers................................................................................................103
Installing expansion-card risers.................................................................................................. 110
GPU card installation guidelines................................................................................................. 110
Removing a GPU card..................................................................................................................111
Installing a GPU card....................................................................................................................112
Internal Dual SD Module (optional)...................................................................................................113
Removing an internal SD card.....................................................................................................113
Installing an internal SD card.......................................................................................................113
Removing the internal dual SD module .....................................................................................114
Installing the internal dual SD module .......................................................................................116
Network daughter card..................................................................................................................... 116
Removing the network daughter card .......................................................................................116
Installing the network daughter card..........................................................................................118
Internal USB memory key (optional).................................................................................................118
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Replacing the internal USB key................................................................................................... 118
System battery................................................................................................................................... 119
Replacing the system battery......................................................................................................119
Power supply units.............................................................................................................................121
Hot Spare feature........................................................................................................................ 122
Removing the power supply unit blank......................................................................................122
Installing the power supply unit blank........................................................................................123
Removing an AC power supply unit........................................................................................... 123
Installing an AC power supply unit............................................................................................. 124
Wiring instructions for a DC power supply unit.........................................................................125
Removing a DC power supply unit.............................................................................................128
Installing a DC power supply unit...............................................................................................129
System board.....................................................................................................................................129
Removing the system board.......................................................................................................129
Installing the system board..........................................................................................................131
Trusted Platform Module.................................................................................................................. 133
Installing the Trusted Platform Module ..................................................................................... 133
Re-enabling the TPM for BitLocker users.................................................................................. 134
Re-enabling the TPM for TXT users............................................................................................134
Hard drives.........................................................................................................................................135
Removing a 2.5 inch hard-drive blank........................................................................................135
Installing a 2.5 inch hard-drive blank......................................................................................... 136
Removing a 2.5 inch hard-drive blank (back).............................................................................136
Installing a 2.5 inch hard-drive blank (back)...............................................................................137
Removing a 1.8 inch hard-drive blank........................................................................................137
Installing a 1.8 inch hard-drive blank..........................................................................................138
Removing a 3.5 inch hard-drive blank....................................................................................... 138
Installing a 3.5 inch hard-drive blank..........................................................................................139
Removing a 1.8 inch hard drive from a hard-drive carrier.........................................................139
Installing a 1.8 inch hard drive into a hard-drive carrier............................................................140
Removing a hot-swap hard drive............................................................................................... 140
Installing a hot-swap hard drive................................................................................................. 142
Removing a hard drive from a hard-drive carrier...................................................................... 143
Installing a hard drive into a hard-drive carrier..........................................................................144
Hard-drive backplane....................................................................................................................... 144
Removing the hard-drive backplane (R730).............................................................................. 145
Removing the hard-drive backplane (R730xd)...........................................................................152
Installing the hard-drive backplane (R730 and R730xd)............................................................163
Removing the optional hard-drive backplane (back)................................................................ 163
Installing the optional hard-drive backplane (back).................................................................. 164
Tape backup unit (optional)..............................................................................................................165
Removing the tape backup unit .................................................................................................165
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Installing the tape backup unit ...................................................................................................166
Optical drive (optional)......................................................................................................................167
Removing the optical drive......................................................................................................... 167
Installing the optical drive...........................................................................................................168
SD vFlash media card........................................................................................................................168
Replacing an SD vFlash media card............................................................................................168
Removing the vFlash media unit................................................................................................ 169
Installing the vFlash media unit...................................................................................................170
Control panel assembly.....................................................................................................................171
Removing the control panel (R730)............................................................................................ 171
Installing the control panel (R730)..............................................................................................174
Removing the control panel (R730xd)........................................................................................175
Installing the control panel (R730xd)..........................................................................................176
Removing the I/O panel (R730xd)...............................................................................................177
Installing the I/O panel (R730xd)................................................................................................ 178
5 Troubleshooting your system........................................................................180
Safety first—for you and your system.............................................................................................. 180
Troubleshooting system startup failure........................................................................................... 180
Troubleshooting external connections............................................................................................180
Troubleshooting the video subsystem.............................................................................................180
Troubleshooting a USB device.........................................................................................................180
Troubleshooting iDRAC Direct (USB XML configuration)................................................................181
Troubleshooting iDRAC Direct (laptop connection)....................................................................... 182
Troubleshooting a serial I/O device................................................................................................. 182
Troubleshooting a NIC......................................................................................................................182
Troubleshooting a wet system......................................................................................................... 183
Troubleshooting a damaged system................................................................................................184
Troubleshooting the system battery................................................................................................ 184
Troubleshooting power supply units............................................................................................... 185
Power source problems..............................................................................................................185
Power supply unit problems....................................................................................................... 185
Troubleshooting cooling problems................................................................................................. 186
Troubleshooting cooling fans.......................................................................................................... 186
Troubleshooting system memory.................................................................................................... 187
Troubleshooting an internal USB key...............................................................................................188
Troubleshooting an SD card.............................................................................................................188
Troubleshooting an optical drive..................................................................................................... 189
Troubleshooting a tape backup unit................................................................................................189
Troubleshooting a hard drive........................................................................................................... 190
Troubleshooting a storage controller...............................................................................................191
Troubleshooting expansion cards.................................................................................................... 191
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Troubleshooting processors.............................................................................................................192
System messages.............................................................................................................................. 193
Warning messages.......................................................................................................................193
Diagnostic messages...................................................................................................................193
Alert messages.............................................................................................................................193
6 Using system diagnostics................................................................................194
Dell Embedded System Diagnostics.................................................................................................194
When to use the Embedded System Diagnostics......................................................................194
Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from Boot Manager........................................... 194
Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from the Dell Lifecycle Controller.................... 194
System diagnostic controls.........................................................................................................195
7 Jumpers and connectors................................................................................ 196
System board jumper settings..........................................................................................................196
System board connectors.................................................................................................................197
Disabling a forgotten password........................................................................................................199
8 Technical specifications................................................................................. 200
9 Getting help.......................................................................................................207
Contacting Dell.................................................................................................................................207
Locating your system service tag.....................................................................................................207
Documentation feedback.................................................................................................................207
Quick Resource Locator ..................................................................................................................207
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About your system
The Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730xd systems are rack servers that support up to two Intel Xeon
E5-2600 v3 processors, up to 24 DIMMs, and 28 hard drives/SSDs.
NOTE: The R730 and R730xd systems support only internal, hot-swappable hard drives.
Supported configurations
1
PowerEdge R730
Systems
Eight-hard-drive systems Up to eight 3.5 inch hard drives or 2.5 inch hard drives.
Sixteen-hard-drive
systems
PowerEdge R730xd
Systems
Twelve plus two–harddrive systems
Sixteen plus two-harddrive systems
Twenty-four plus two–
hard-drive systems
Twenty-six plus two–
hard-drive systems
Configurations
Up to sixteen 2.5 inch hard drives.
Configurations
Up to twelve 3.5 inch hard drives and two optional 2.5 inch back-accessible
hard drives.
Up to twelve 3.5 inch hard drives, two optional 2.5 inch back-accessible hard
drives and four 3.5 inch hard drives in the middle hard-drive tray.
Up to twenty-four 2.5 inch hard drives and two optional 2.5 inch back
accessible hard drives.
Up to twenty 2.5 inch hard drives, up to four 2.5 inch Dell PowerEdge
Express Flash devices (PCIe SSD) and up to two optional 2.5 inch backaccessible hard drives.
Up to eighteen 1.8 inch hard drives, up to eight 3.5 inch hard drives and up to
two 2.5 inch back-accessible, hard drives.
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Front-panel features and indicators
Figure 1. Front-panel features and indicators (3.5 inch hard-drive chassis)—PowerEdge R730
Item Indicator, button, or
connector
1 Power-on indicator,
power button
2 NMI button
3 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.
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
documentation.
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.
10
If the system stops responding during POST, press
and hold the system ID button for more than five
seconds to enter BIOS progress mode.
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Item Indicator, button, or
connector
4 Video connector Allows you to connect a VGA display to the system.
5 LCD menu buttons Allow you to navigate the control panel LCD menu.
6 Information tag A slide-out label panel which allows you to record
7 LCD panel Displays system ID, status information, and system
8 Hard drives Up to eight 3.5 inch hot-swappable drives.
9 USB management port/
iDRAC Direct
Icon Description
To reset iDRAC (if not disabled in F2 iDRAC setup)
press and hold the button for more than 15
seconds.
system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC
address and so on as per your need.
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.
Allows you to connect USB devices to the system
or provides access to the iDRAC Direct features. For
more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote
Access Controller User’s Guide at dell.com/
esmmanuals. The USB management port is USB
2.0-compliant.
10 vFlash media card slot Allows you to insert a vFlash media card.
11 USB connector Allows you to connect USB devices to the system.
The ports are USB 2.0-compliant.
12 Optical drive (optional) One optional SATA DVD-ROM drive or DVD+/-RW
drive.
13 Quick Sync (optional)
Indicates a Quick Sync enabled system. The Quick
Sync feature is optional and requires a Quick Sync
bezel. This feature allows management of the
system using mobile devices. This feature
aggregates hardware/firmware inventory and
various system level diagnostic/error information
that can be used in troubleshooting the system. For
more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote
Access Controller User’s Guide at dell.com/
esmmanuals.
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Figure 2. Front-panel features and indicators (2.5 inch hard-drive chassis)—PowerEdge R730
Item Indicator, button, or
connector
1 Power-on indicator,
power button
2 NMI button
3 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.
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 documentation.
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.
12
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.
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Item Indicator, button, or
connector
4 Video connector Allows you to connect a VGA display to the
5 LCD menu buttons Allow you to navigate the control panel LCD
6 Information tag A slide-out label panel which allows you to record
7 LCD panel Displays system ID, status information, and system
8 Hard drives Up to sixteen 2.5 inch hot-swappable hard drives.
9 vFlash media card slot Allows you to insert a vFlash media card.
Icon Description
system.
menu.
system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC
address and so on as per your need.
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.
10 USB connector Allows you to connect USB devices to the system.
The ports are USB 2.0-compliant.
11 USB management port/
iDRAC Direct
12 Optical drive (optional) One optional SATA DVD-ROM drive or DVD+/-RW
13 Tape drive slot (optional) One optional 3.5 inch tape backup unit.
14 Quick Sync (optional)
Allows you to connect USB devices to the system
or provides access to the iDRAC Direct features.
For more information, see the Integrated Dell
Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at
dell.com/esmmanuals. The USB management port
is USB 2.0-compliant.
drive.
Indicates a Quick Sync enabled system. The Quick
Sync feature is optional and requires a Quick Sync
bezel. This feature allows management of the
system using mobile devices. This feature
aggregates hardware/firmware inventory and
various system level diagnostic/error information
that can be used in troubleshooting the system.
For more information, see the Integrated Dell
Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at
dell.com/esmmanuals.
13
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Figure 3. Front-panel features and indicators (2.5 inch hard-drive chassis)—PowerEdge R730xd
Figure 4. Front-panel features and indicators (3.5 inch hard-drive chassis)—PowerEdge R730xd
Figure 5. Front-panel features and indicators (3.5 inch and 1.8 inch hard-drive chassis)—PowerEdge R730xd
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Item Indicator, Button, or
Connector
1 Diagnostic indicators The diagnostic indicators light up to display error
Icon Description
status.
2 System identification
button
3 Power-on indicator,
power button
4 NMI button Used to troubleshoot software and device driver
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.
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.
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.
5 Information tag A slide-out label panel which allows you to record
system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC
address, and so on as per your need.
6 Hard drives
2.5 inch hard
drive systems
3.5 inch hard
drive systems
3.5 inch and 1.8
inch hard drive
systems
Up to twenty four 2.5 inch
hot-swappable hard drives.
Up to twelve 3.5 inch hotswappable hard drives.
Up to eight 3.5 inch and
eighteen 1.8 inch hotswappable hard drives.
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Item Indicator, Button, or
Connector
Icon Description
7 USB management port/
iDRAC Direct
8 iDRAC Direct LED
indicator
9 Video connector Allows you to connect a VGA display to the
10 Quick Sync (optional)
Allows you to connect USB devices to the system
or provides access to the iDRAC Direct features.
For more information, see the Integrated Dell
Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at
dell.com/esmmanuals. The USB management port
is USB 2.0-compliant.
The indicator lights up to display error status.
system.
Indicates a Quick Sync enabled system. The Quick
Sync feature is optional and requires a Quick Sync
bezel. This feature allows management of the
system using mobile devices. This feature
aggregates hardware/firmware inventory and
various system level diagnostic/error information
that can be used in troubleshooting the system.
For more information, see the Integrated Dell
Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at
dell.com/esmmanuals.
LCD panel features
NOTE: The LCD panel is present only on PowerEdge R730.
The LCD panel of your system provides system information and status and error messages to indicate if
the system is operating correctly or if the system needs attention. For more information on error
messages, see the Dell Event and Error Messages Reference Guide at dell.com/esmmanuals.
• 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 6. LCD panel features
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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 and hold the button to increase scrolling speed.
• Release the button to stop.
NOTE: The display will stop scrolling when the button is
released. After 45 seconds of inactivity the display will start
scrolling.
Home screen
The Home screen displays user-configurable information about the system. This screen is displayed
during normal system operation when there are no status messages or errors. When the system is in
standby mode, the LCD backlight turns off after five minutes of inactivity if there are no error messages.
Press one of the three navigation buttons (Select, Left, or Right) to view the Home screen.
To navigate to the Home screen from another menu, continue to select the up arrow until the Home
icon
From the Home screen, press the Select button to enter the main menu.
is displayed, and then select the Home icon.
Setup menu
NOTE: When you select an option in the Setup menu, you must confirm the option before
proceeding to the next action.
Option Description
iDRAC Select DHCP or Static IP to configure the network mode. If Static IP is selected,
the available fields are IP, Subnet (Sub), and Gateway (Gtw). Select Setup DNS to
enable DNS and to view domain addresses. Two separate DNS entries are available.
Set error Select SEL to display LCD error messages in a format that matches the IPMI
description in the SEL. This is useful when trying to match an LCD message with an
SEL entry.
Select Simple to display LCD error messages in a simplified user-friendly
description. For more information on error messages, see the Dell Event and Error
Messages Reference Guide at dell.com/esmmanuals.
Set home Select the default information to be displayed on the LCD Home screen. See View
menu to see the options and option items that can be set as the default on the
Home screen.
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View menu
NOTE: When you select an option in the View menu, you must confirm the option before
proceeding to the next action.
Option Description
iDRAC IP Displays the IPv4 or IPv6 addresses for iDRAC8. Addresses include DNS (Primary
and Secondary), Gateway, IP, and Subnet (IPv6 does not have Subnet).
MAC Displays the MAC addresses for iDRAC, iSCSI, or Network devices.
Name Displays the name of the Host, Model, or User String for the system.
Number Displays the Asset tag or the Service tag for the system.
Power Displays the power output of the system in BTU/hr or Watts. The display format can
be configured in the Set home submenu of the Setup menu.
Temperature Displays the temperature of the system in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The display format
can be configured in the Set home submenu of the Setup menu.
Diagnostic indicators
The diagnostic indicators on the system front panel display error status during system startup.
NOTE: No diagnostic indicators are lit when the system is switched off. To start the system, plug it
into a working power source and press the power button.
Icon Description Condition Corrective action
Health
indicator
Hard-drive
indicator
Electrical
indicator
If the system is on, and in
good health, the indicator
lights solid blue.
The indicator blinks amber if
the system is on or in
standby, and if any error
exists (for example, a failed
fan or hard drive).
The indicator blinks amber if a
hard drive experiences an
error.
The indicator blinks amber if
the system experiences an
None required.
See the System Event Log or system
messages for the specific issue. For more
information on error messages, see the Dell
Event and Error Messages Reference Guide at
dell.com/esmmanuals.
Invalid memory configurations can cause the
system to halt at startup without any video
output. See Getting help.
See the System Event Log to determine the
hard drive that has an error. Run the
appropriate Online Diagnostics test. Restart
system and run embedded diagnostics
(ePSA). If the hard drives are configured in a
RAID array, restart the system and enter the
host adapter configuration utility program.
See the System Event Log or system
messages for the specific issue. If it is due to
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Icon Description Condition Corrective action
Temperature
indicator
Memory
indicator
PCIe
indicator
electrical error (for example,
voltage out of range, or a
failed power supply or voltage
regulator).
The indicator blinks amber if
the system experiences a
thermal error (for example, a
temperature out of range or
fan failure).
The indicator blinks amber if a
memory error occurs.
The indicator blinks amber if a
PCIe card experiences an
error.
a problem with the power supply, check the
LED on the power supply. Re-seat the power
supply by removing and reinstalling it. If the
problem persists, see Getting help.
Ensure that none of the following conditions
exist:
• A cooling fan is removed or has failed.
• System cover, cooling shroud, EMI filler
panel, memory-module blank, or backfiller bracket is removed.
• Ambient temperature is too high.
• External airflow is obstructed.
See Getting help.
See the system event log or system messages
for the location of the failed memory.
Reinstall the memory device. If the problem
persists, see Getting help.
Restart the system. Update any required
drivers for the PCIe card. Re-install the card.
If the problem persists, see Getting help.
NOTE: For more information on
supported PCIe cards, see Expansion
card installation guidelines.
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Hard-drive indicator codes
Figure 7. Hard-drive indicators
1. hard-drive activity indicator 2. hard-drive status indicator
3. hard drive
Figure 8. Hard-drive indicators on the hard-drive tray backplane
1. hard-drive activity indicator 2. hard-drive status indicator
3. hard-drive backplane on hard-drive tray
NOTE: If the hard drive is in Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) mode, the status indicator
(on the right side) does not function and remains off.
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Drive-status indicator pattern (RAID only) Condition
Blinks green two times per second Identifying drive or preparing for removal.
Off Drive ready for insertion or 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.
Blinks green, amber, and turns off Predicted drive failure
Blinks amber four times per second Drive failed
Blinks green slowly Drive rebuilding
Steady green Drive online
Blinks green three seconds, amber three
seconds, and turns off six seconds
Rebuild aborted
iDRAC Direct LED indicator codes
NOTE: The iDRAC Direct LED indicator does not light up for the USB mode.
Figure 9. iDRAC Direct LED indicator
1. iDRAC Direct status indicator
The table below displays iDRAC Direct activity when configuring iDRAC Direct by using the management
port (USB XML Import).
Convention iDRAC Direct
LED indicator
pattern
A Green Lights green for a minimum of 2 seconds at the beginning and end
B Flashing green Indicates file transfer or any operation tasks.
Condition
of a file transfer.
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Convention iDRAC Direct
LED indicator
pattern
Condition
C Green and turns
off
D Not lit Indicates that the USB is ready to be removed or that a task is
The table below displays iDRAC Direct activity when configuring iDRAC Direct using your laptop and
cable (Laptop Connect).
iDRAC Direct LED
indicator pattern
Solid green for two
seconds
Flashing green (on
for two seconds and
off for two seconds)
Turns off Indicates that the laptop is unplugged..
Condition
Indicates that the laptop is connected.
Indicates that the laptop connected is recognized.
Indicates that the file transfer is complete.
complete.
Quick Sync indicator codes
Figure 10. Quick Sync indicator codes
1. Quick Sync status indicator
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2. Quick Sync activation button
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Power indicator pattern Condition
Slow blink Quick Sync is waiting to be configured from iDRAC.
Solid Quick Sync is ready to transfer.
Blinks three times rapidly and then turns off Quick Sync feature is disabled from iDRAC.
Blinks continuously when the mobile device
touches the antenna
Blinks rapidly five times and turns off for one
second when the activation button is pressed.
This pattern is repeated until the activation
button is pressed again.
Off Indicates that the Quick Sync feature is turned off.
Indicates data transfer activity.
Quick Sync hardware is not responding properly.
Reseat the bezel. the problem persists, see Getting
help.
Use the activation button to activate it. If pressing the
activation button does not turn on the LEDs, it
indicates that power is not delivered to the Quick
Sync bezel.
NOTE: For security purposes, Quick Sync turns
off after thirty seconds of in-activity after the
activation button is pressed. Once timed-out,
the user is expected to press the activation
button again to activate Quick Sync.
Back-panel features and indicators
Figure 11. Back-panel features and indicators—PowerEdge R730
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Figure 12. Back-panel features and indicators—PowerEdge R730xd
Item Indicator, button, or
connector
1 System identification
button
Icon Description
The identification buttons on the front and back
panels can be used to locate a particular system
within a rack.
PowerEdge
R730
PowerEdge
R730xd
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.
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.
When one of these buttons
is pressed, the system status
indicator on the back flashes
until one of the buttons is
pressed again.
2 System identification
connector
Connects the optional system status indicator
assembly through the optional cable management
arm.
3 iDRAC8 Enterprise port Dedicated management port.
4 Half-height PCIe
expansion-card slot (3)
Allows you to connect up to three half-height PCI
Express expansion cards.
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Item Indicator, button, or
connector
5 Serial connector Allows you to connect a serial device to the
6 Video connector Allows you to connect a VGA display to the system.
7 USB connector (2) Allows you to connect USB devices to the system.
Icon Description
system.
The ports are USB 3.0-compliant.
8 Full-height PCIe
expansion-card slot (4)
(PowerEdge R730)
Full-height PCIe
expansion-card slot (3)
(PowerEdge R730xd)
9 Ethernet connector (4) Four integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps NIC
10 Power supply unit (PSU1)
11 Power supply unit
(PSU2)
12 vFlash media card slot Allows you to insert a vFlash media card.
Allows you to connect up to four full-height PCI
Express expansion cards.
Allows you to connect up to three full-height PCI
Express expansion cards.
connectors
or
Four integrated connectors that include:
• Two 10/100/1000 Mbps NIC connectors
• Two 100 Mbps/1 Gbps/10 Gbps SFP+/10 GbE T
connectors
AC 495 W, 750 W, or 1100 W
or
DC 750 W or 1100 W
NOTE: This applies only to PowerEdge R730xd
13 Hard drive (2) (back) Up to two hot-swappable 2.5 inch hard drives.
NOTE: This applies only to PowerEdge R730xd
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NIC indicator codes
Figure 13. NIC indicators
1. link indicator 2. activity indicator
Indicator Indicator code
Link and activity indicators are off The NIC is not connected to the network.
Link indicator is green The NIC is connected to a valid network at its
maximum port speed (1 Gbps or 10 Gbps).
Link indicator is amber The NIC is connected to a valid network at less
than its maximum port speed.
Activity indicator is blinking green Network data is being sent or received.
Power indicator codes
Each AC power supply unit (PSU) has an illuminated translucent handle and each DC power supply unit
(when available) has an LED that serves as an indicator to show whether power is present or a power fault
has occurred.
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Figure 14. AC power supply unit status indicator
1. AC power supply unit status indicator/handle
Convention Power indicator
Condition
pattern
A Green The handle indicator lights green indicating that a valid power
source is connected to the power supply unit and that the power
supply unit is operational.
B Flashing green When updating the firmware of the power supply unit, the power
supply unit handle flashes green.
C Flashing green
and turns off
When hot-adding a power supply unit (PSU), the power supply unit
handle flashes green five times at 4 Hz rate and turns off. This
indicates that the power supply unit is mismatched with the other
power supply unit (in terms of efficiency, feature set, health status,
and supported voltage). Replace the power supply unit that has the
flashing indicator with a power supply unit that matches the capacity
of the other installed power supply unit.
NOTE: For AC power supplies, use only PSUs with the Extended
Power Performance (EPP) label on the back. Mixing PSUs from
previous generations of servers can result in a PSU mismatch
condition or failure to power on.
D Flashing amber Indicates a problem with the power supply unit.
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Convention Power indicator
Condition
pattern
CAUTION: When correcting a power supply unit mismatch,
replace only the power supply unit with the flashing indicator.
Swapping the opposite power supply unit 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 with the exception of Titanium power supplies,
which support only 220 V. 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.
CAUTION: Combining AC and DC power supplies is not
supported and triggers a mismatch.
E Not lit Power is not connected.
Figure 15. DC power supply unit status indicator
1. DC power supply unit status indicator
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Convention Power indicator
pattern
A Green The handle/LED indicator lights green indicating that a valid power
B Flashing green When hot-adding a power supply unit, power supply unit LED
C Flashing amber Indicates a problem with the power supply unit.
Condition
source is connected to the power supply unit and that the power
supply unit is operational.
flashes green. This indicates that the power supply unit is
mismatched with the other power supply unit (in terms of
efficiency, feature set, health status, and supported voltage).
Replace the power supply unit that has the flashing indicator with a
power supply unit that matches the capacity of the other installed
power supply unit.
CAUTION: When correcting a power supply unit mismatch,
replace only the power supply unit with the flashing
indicator. Swapping the opposite power supply unit 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 with the exception of Titanium power
supplies, which support only 220 V. 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.
CAUTION: Combining AC and DC power supplies is not
supported and triggers a mismatch.
D Not lit Power is not connected.
Documentation matrix
The documentation matrix provides information on documents that you can refer to for setting up and
managing your system.
To... Refer to...
Install your system into a rack Rack documentation included with your rack
solution
Set up your system and know the system technical
specifications
Install the operating system Operating system documentation at dell.com/
Getting Started With Your System that shipped with
your system or see dell.com/poweredgemanuals
operatingsystemmanuals
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To... Refer to...
Get an overview of the Dell Systems Management
offerings
Configure and log in to iDRAC, set up managed
and management system, know the iDRAC
features and troubleshoot using iDRAC
Know about the RACADM subcommands and
supported RACADM interfaces
Launch, enable and disable Lifecycle Controller,
know the features, use and troubleshoot Lifecycle
Controller
Use Lifecycle Controller Remote Services Dell Lifecycle Controller Remote Services Quick
Set up, use, and troubleshoot OpenManage Server
Administrator
Install, use and troubleshoot OpenManage
Essentials
Know the features of the storage controller cards,
deploy the cards, and manage the storage
subsystem
Check the event and error messages generated by
the system firmware and agents that monitor
system components
Dell OpenManage Systems Management Overview
Guide at dell.com/openmanagemanuals
Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's
Guide at dell.com/esmmanuals
RACADM Command Line Reference Guide for
iDRAC and CMC at dell.com/esmmanuals
Dell Lifecycle Controller User’s Guide at dell.com/
esmmanuals
Start Guide at dell.com/esmmanuals
Dell OpenManage Server Administrator User’s
Guide at dell.com/openmanagemanuals
Dell OpenManage Essentials User’s Guide at
dell.com/openmanagemanuals
Storage controller documentation at dell.com/
storagecontrollermanuals
Dell Event and Error Messages Reference Guide at
dell.com/esmmanuals
Quick Resource Locator
Use the Quick Resource Locator (QRL) to get immediate access to system information and how-to
videos. This can be done by visiting dell.com/QRL or by using your smartphone or tablet and a model
specific Quick Resource (QR) code located on your Dell PowerEdge system. To try out the QR code, scan
the following image.
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2
Performing initial system configuration
After you receive your PowerEdge system, you must set up your system, install the operating system, and
set up and configure the system iDRAC IP address for system management.
Setting up your system
1. Unpack the server.
2. Install the server into the rack. For more information on installing the server into the rack, see your
system's Rack Installation Placemat at dell.com/poweredgemanuals.
3. Connect any peripherals to the system.
4. Connect the system to its electrical outlet.
5. Turn the system on by pressing the power button or using iDRAC.
6. Turn on the attached peripherals.
Methods of setting up and configuring the iDRAC IP address
You can set up the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) IP address by using one of the
following interfaces:
1. iDRAC Settings utility.
2. Lifecycle Controller.
3. Dell Deployment Toolkit.
4. Server LCD panel.
5. Quick Sync (optional)
You can configure iDRAC IP using:
1. iDRAC Web Interface.
For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide.
2. Remote Access Controller ADMin (RACADM).
For more information, see the RACADM Command Line Interface Reference Guide and the
Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide.
3. Remote Services that includes Web Services Management (WS-Man). For more information, see the
Lifecycle Controller Remote Services Quick Start Guide.
For more information on setting up and configuring iDRAC, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access
Controller User's Guide at dell.com/esmmanuals.
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Information about logging in to iDRAC
You can log in to iDRAC as an iDRAC local user, as a Microsoft Active Directory user, or as a Lightweight
Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) user. You can also log in using Single Sign-On or Smart Card. The
default user name is root and password is calvin. For more information on logging in to iDRAC and
iDRAC licenses, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at dell.com/esmmanuals.
You can also access the iDRAC using RACADM. For more information, see the RACADM Command Line
Interface Reference Guide and the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide available at
dell.com/esmmanuals.
Methods of installing the operating system
If the server is shipped without an operating system, install the supported operating system on the server
using the following methods:
• Dell Systems Management Tools and Documentation media. See the operating system
documentation at dell.com/operatingsystemmanuals.
• Dell Lifecycle Controller. See the Lifecycle Controller documentation at dell.com/esmmanuals.
• Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit. See the OpenManage documentation at dell.com/
openmanagemanuals.
For information on the list of operating systems supported on your system, see the operating systems
support matrix at dell.com/ossupport.
Remote management
To perform out-of-band systems management using iDRAC, you must configure iDRAC for remote
accessibility, set up the management station and managed system, and configure the supported Web
browsers. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at
dell.com/esmmanuals.
You can also remotely monitor and manage the server, using the Dell OpenManage Server Administrator
(OMSA) software and OpenManage Essentials (OME) systems management console. For more
information, see dell.com/openmanagemanuals.
Downloading and installing drivers and firmware
It is recommended that you download and install the latest BIOS, drivers, and systems management
firmware on your system.
Prerequisites
NOTE: Ensure that you clear the web browser cache.
Steps
1. Go to dell.com/support/drivers.
2. In the Product Selection section, enter the service tag of your system in the Service Tag or Express
Service Code field.
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NOTE: If you do not have the service tag, select Automatically detect my Service Tag for me to
allow the system to automatically detect your service tag, or select Choose from a list of all
Dell products to select your product from the Product Selection page.
3. Click Get drivers and downloads.
The drivers that are applicable to your selection are displayed.
4. Download the drivers that you require to a diskette drive, USB drive, CD, or DVD.
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Pre-operating system management applications
The pre-operating system management applications for your PowerEdge system help you manage
different settings and features of your system without booting to the operating system.
Your PowerEdge system has the following pre-operating system management applications:
• System Setup
• Boot Manager
• Dell Lifecycle Controller
Dell Lifecycle Controller allows you to perform useful tasks such as configuring BIOS and hardware
settings, deploying operating system, updating drivers, changing RAID settings, and saving hardware
profiles. For more information about Dell Lifecycle Controller, see the documentation at dell.com/
esmmanuals.
Navigation keys
The navigation keys can help you access the pre-operating system management applications.
Key Description
3
<PgUp> Moves to the previous screen.
<PgDn> Moves to the next screen.
Up arrow Moves to the previous field.
Down
arrow
<Enter> Enables you to type 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.
<Esc> Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen. Pressing <Esc> in the main
<F1> Displays the System Setup help text.
Moves to the next field.
NOTE: This feature is applicable for the standard graphics browser only.
screen exits System BIOS/IDRAC Settings/Device Settings/Service Tag Settings and
proceeds with system boot.
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About System Setup
Using System Setup, you can configure the BIOS settings, iDRAC settings, and device settings of your
system.
You can access System Setup in two ways:
• Standard Graphical Browser— This is enabled by default.
• Text Browser— This is enabled using 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>.
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.
System Setup Main Menu
Option Description
System BIOS Enables you to configure BIOS settings.
iDRAC Settings Enables you to configure iDRAC settings.
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 by
using the iDRAC Settings utility. For more information about this utility, see the
Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at dell.com/esmmanuals.
Device Settings Enables you to configure device settings.
System BIOS screen
You can use the System BIOS screen to view BIOS settings as well as edit specific functions such as boot
order, system password, setup password, setting RAID mode, and enabling or disabling USB ports.
In the System Setup Main Menu, click System BIOS.
The System BIOS screen details are explained below.
Example
Menu Item Description
System
Information
Memory Settings Displays information and options related to installed memory.
Displays information about the system such as the system model name, BIOS
version, Service Tag, and so on.
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Menu Item Description
Processor Settings Displays information and options related to the processor such as speed, cache
size, and so on.
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
UEFI and BIOS boot settings.
Integrated
Devices
Serial
Communication
System Profile
Settings
System Security Displays options to configure the system security settings like, system password,
Miscellaneous
Settings
Displays options to enable or disable integrated device controllers and ports, and to
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.
setup password, TPM security, and so on. It also enables or disables support for the
power and NMI buttons on the system.
Displays options to change the system date, time, and so on.
System Information screen details
You can use the System Information screen allows to view system properties such as Service Tag, system
model, and BIOS version.
You can view the System Information screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
System Information.
The System Information screen details are explained as follows:
Example
Menu Item Description
System Model
Name
System BIOS
Version
System
Management
Engine Version
System Service
Tag
System
Manufacturer
System
Manufacturer
36
Displays the system model name.
Displays the BIOS version installed on the system.
Displays the current revision of the Management Engine firmware.
Displays the system Service Tag.
Displays the name of the system manufacturer.
Displays the contact information of the system manufacturer.
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Menu Item Description
Contact
Information
System CPLD
Version
UEFI Compliance
Version
Displays the current revision of the system CPLD firmware.
Displays the system firmware UEFI compliance level.
Memory Settings screen details
You can use the Memory Settings screen to view all the memory settings as well as to enable or disable
specific memory functions such as system memory testing and node interleaving.
You can view the Memory Setting screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
Memory Settings.
The Memory Settings screen details are explained as follows:
Example
Menu Item Description
System Memory
Size
System Memory
Type
System Memory
Speed
System Memory
Voltage
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.
Video Memory Displays the amount of video memory.
System Memory
Testing
Memory
Operating Mode
Node Interleaving Specifies if Non-Uniform Memory architecture (NUMA) is supported. If this field is
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 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.
NOTE: The Memory Operating Mode can have different defaults and available
options based on the memory configuration of your system.
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.
Enabled, memory interleaving is supported if a symmetric memory configuration is
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Menu Item Description
installed. If Disabled, the system supports NUMA (asymmetric) memory
configurations. By default, Node Interleaving option is set to Disabled.
Snoop Mode Specifies the Snoop Mode options. Snoop Mode options available are Home
Snoop, Early Snoop, Cluster on Die. By default, the Snoop Mode option is set to
Early Snoop. The field is only available when Node Interleaving is Disabled.
Processor Settings screen details
You can use the Processor Settings screen to view the processor settings and perform specific functions
such as enabling virtualization technology, hardware prefetcher, and logical processor idling.
You can view the Processor Settings screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
Processor Settings.
The Processor Settings screen details are explained as follows:
Example
Menu Item Description
Logical Processor Enables or disables the logical processors and displays 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.
Alternate RTID
(Requestor
Transaction ID)
Setting
Virtualization
Technology
Address
Translation
Service (ATS)
Adjacent Cache
Line Prefetch
Hardware
Prefetcher
DCU Streamer
Prefetcher
DCU IP Prefetcher Enables or disables the Data Cache Unit (DCU) IP prefetcher. By default, the DCU
Execute Disable Enables or disables the execute disable memory protection technology. By default,
Enables you to allocate more RTIDs to the remote socket, thereby increasing
cache performance between the sockets or easing work in normal mode for
NUMA. By default, the Alternate RTID (Requestor Transaction ID) Setting is set to
Disabled.
Enables or disables the additional hardware capabilities provided for virtualization.
By default, the Virtualization Technology option is set to Enabled.
Defines the Address Translation Cache (ATC) for devices to cache the DMA
transactions. This field provides an interface to a chipset's Address Translation and
Protection Table to translate DMA addresses to host addresses. By default, the
option is set to Enabled.
Optimizes 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.
Enables or disables 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.
IP Prefetcher option is set to Enabled.
the Execute Disable option is set to Enabled.
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Menu Item Description
Logical Processor
Idling
Configurable TDP Allows reconfiguration of Thermal Design Power (TDP) to lower levels.
X2Apic Mode Enables or disables the X2Apic mode.
Dell Controlled
Turbo
Number of Cores
per Processor
Processor 64-bit
Support
Processor Core
Speed
Processor 1
Enables or disables the operating system capability to put logical processors in the
idling state in order to reduce power consumption. By default, the option is set to
Disabled.
TDP refers to the maximum amount of power the cooling system is required to
dissipate.
NOTE: Depending on the number of installed CPUs, there may be up to four
processor listings.
Controls the turbo engagement. Enable this option only when System Profile is set
to Performance.
Controls 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.
NOTE: Depending on the number of installed CPUs, there may be up to four
processor listings. The following settings are displayed for each processor
installed in the system.
Family-ModelStepping
Brand Displays the brand name reported by the processor.
Level 2 Cache Displays the total L2 cache.
Level 3 Cache Displays the total L3 cache.
Number of Cores Displays the number of cores per processor.
Displays the family, model and stepping of the processor as defined by Intel.
SATA Settings screen details
You can use the SATA Settings screen to view the SATA settings of SATA devices and enable RAID on
your system.
You can view the SATA Settings screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS → SATA
Settings.
The SATA Settings screen details are explained below.
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Example
Menu Item Description
Embedded SATA Enables the embedded SATA to be set to Off, ATA, AHCI, or RAID modes. By
default, the Embedded SATA option is set to AHCI.
Security Freeze
Lock
Write Cache Enables or disables the command for Embedded SATA drives during POST.
Port A Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
Port B Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
Sends Security Freeze Lock command to the Embedded SATA drives during POST.
This option is only applicable to ATA and AHCI mode.
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
media devices such as optical drives.
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
media devices such as optical drives.
Port C Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
media devices such as optical drives.
Port D Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
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Menu Item Description
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
media devices such as optical drives.
Port E Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
media devices such as optical drives.
Port F Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
media devices such as optical drives.
Port G Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
media devices such as optical drives.
Port H Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
media devices such as optical drives.
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Menu Item Description
Port I Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
media devices such as optical drives.
Port J Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA
mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS support. Set it to OFF to turn off BIOS
support.
For AHCI mode or RAID mode, BIOS always enables support.
Model Displays the drive model of the selected device.
Drive Type Displays the type of drive attached to the SATA port.
Capacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable
media devices such as optical drives.
Boot Settings screen details
You can use the Boot Settings screen to set the Boot mode to either BIOS or UEFI. It also allows you to
specify the boot order.
You can view the Boot Settings screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS → Boot
Settings.
The Boot Settings screen details are explained as follows:
Example
Menu Item Description
Boot Mode Enables 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.
NOTE: Setting this field to UEFI disables BIOS Boot Settings menu. Setting this
field to BIOS disables the UEFI Boot Settings menu.
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.
Boot Sequence
Retry
Hard Disk Failover Specifies which devices in the Hard-Disk Drive Sequence are attempted in the
Enables or disables 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 Enabled.
boot sequence. When the option is Disabled, only the first hard disk device in the
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Menu Item Description
list is attempted to boot. When set to Enabled, all hard disk devices are attempted
in order, as listed in the Hard-Disk Drive Sequence. This option is not enabled for
UEFI Boot Mode.
Boot Options
Settings
Configures the boot sequence and the boot devices.
Network Settings screen details
You can use the Network Settings screen to modify PXE device settings. Network Settings are only
available in UEFI boot mode. BIOS does not control network settings in the BIOS boot mode. For BIOS
boot mode, the network settings are handled by the network controllers option ROM.
You can view the Network Settings screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
Network Settings.
The Network Settings screen details are explained as follows:
Example
Menu Item Description
PXE Device n (n =
1 to 4)
PXE Device n
Settings (n = 1 to
4)
Enables or disables the device. When enabled, a UEFI boot option is created for the
device.
Allows you to control the configuration of the PXE device.
Integrated Devices screen details
You can use the Integrated Devices screen to view and configure the settings of all integrated devices
including the video controller, integrated RAID controller, and the USB ports.
You can view the Integrated Devices screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
Integrated Devices.
The Integrated Devices screen details are explained below.
Example
Menu Item Description
USB 3.0 Setting Enables or disables the USB 3.0 support. Enable this option only if your operating
system supports USB 3.0. If you disable this option, devices operate at USB 2.0
speed. USB 3.0 is disabled by default.
User Accessible
USB Ports
Internal USB Port Enables or disables the internal USB port. By default, the option is set to Enabled.
Enables or disables the USB ports. Selecting Only Back Ports On disables the front
USB ports, selecting All Ports Off disables all USB ports. The USB keyboard and
mouse operates during boot process in certain operating systems. After the boot
process is complete, the USB keyboard and mouse do not work if the ports are
disabled.
NOTE: Selecting Only Back Ports On and All Ports Off will disable the USB
management port and also restrict access to iDRAC features.
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Menu Item Description
Integrated RAID
Controller
Integrated
Network Card 1
Embedded NIC1
and NIC2
I/OAT DMA Engine Enables or disables the I/OAT option. Enable only if the hardware and software
Embedded Video
Controller
Enables or disables the integrated RAID controller. By default, the option is set to
Enabled.
Enables or disables the integrated network card.
NOTE: The Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 option is only available on systems that
do not have Integrated Network Card 1.
Enables or disables the Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 . If set to Disabled, the NIC may
still be available for shared network access by the embedded management
controller. The embedded NIC1 and NIC2 option is only available on systems that
do not have NDCs. This option is mutually exclusive with the Integrated Network
Card 1 option. Configure this function using the NIC management utilities of the
system.
support the feature.
Enables or disables the Embedded Video Controller. By default, the embedded
video controller is Enabled. Current state of Embedded Video Controller is
Enabled. Current State of Embedded Video Controller is a read only field,
indicating the current state for the Embedded Video Controller. If the Embedded
Video Controller is the only display capability in the system (that is, no add-in
graphics card is installed), then the Embedded Video Controller is automatically
used as the primary display even if the Embedded Video Controller setting is
Disabled.
Current State of
Embedded Video
Controller
SR-IOV Global
Enable
OS Watchdog
Timer
Memory Mapped
I/O above 4GB
Slot Disablement Enables or disables the available PCIe slots on your system. The Slot Disablement
Displays the current state of the Embedded Video Controller. Current State of
Embedded Video Controller is a read only field, indicating the current state for the
Embedded Video Controller
Enables or disables the BIOS configuration of Single Root I/O Virtualization (SRIOV) devices. By default, the SR-IOV Global Enable option is set to Disabled.
If your system stops responding, this watchdog timer aids in the recovery of your
operating system. When this field is set to Enabled, the operating system is allowed
to initialize the timer. When the option is set to Disabled (the default), the timer will
have no effect on the system.
Enables or disables the support for PCIe devices that require large amounts of
memory. By default, the option is set to Enabled.
feature controls the configuration of PCIe cards installed in the specified slot. 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.
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Serial Communication screen details
You can use the Serial Communication screen to view the properties of the serial communication port.
You can view the Serial Communication screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
Serial Communication.
The Serial Communication screen details are explained below.
Example
Menu Item Description
Serial
Communication
Serial Port
Address
External Serial
Connector
Failsafe Baud Rate Displays the failsafe baud rate for console redirection. The BIOS attempts to
Remote Terminal
Type
Selects serial communication devices (Serial Device 1 and Serial Device 2) in the
BIOS. BIOS console redirection can also be enabled and the port address can be
specified. By default, Serial Communication option is set to Auto.
Enables you to set the port address for serial devices. By default, the Serial Port
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.
Enables 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.
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.
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.
Sets the remote console terminal type. By default, the Remote Terminal Type
option is set to VT 100/VT 220.
Redirection After
Boot
Enables or disables 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 details
You can use the System Profile Settings screen to enable specific system performance settings such as
power management.
You can view the System Profile Settings screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
System Profile Settings.
The System Profile Settings screen details are explained as follows:
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Example
Menu Item Description
System Profile Sets 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
Turbo Boost Enables or disables the processor to operate in turbo boost mode. By default, the
Energy Efficient
Turbo
C1E Enables or disables the processor to switch to a minimum performance state when
C States Enables or disables the processor to operate in all available power states. By
Collaborative CPU
Performance
Control
Memory Patrol
Scrub
Memory Refresh
Rate
Sets the CPU power management. By default, the CPU Power Management option
is set to System DBPM (DAPC). DBPM is Demand-Based Power Management.
Sets the speed of the system memory. You can select Maximum Performance,
Maximum Reliability, or a specific speed.
Turbo Boost option is set to Enabled.
Enables or disables the Energy Efficient Turbo.
Energy Efficient Turbo (EET) is a mode of operation where a processor’s core
frequency is adjusted within the turbo range based on workload.
it is idle. By default, the C1E option is set to Enabled.
default, the C States option is set to Enabled.
Enables or disables the CPU power management. 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.
Sets the memory patrol scrub frequency. By default, the Memory Patrol Scrub
option is set to Standard.
Sets the memory refresh rate to either 1x or 2x. By default, the Memory Refresh
Rate option is set to 1x.
Uncore Frequency Selects the Processor Uncore Frequency.
Dynamic mode allows the processor to optimize power resources across the cores
and uncore during runtime. The optimization of the uncore frequency to either
save power or optimize performance is influenced by the setting of the Energy
Efficiency Policy.
Energy Efficient
Policy
46
Selects the Energy Efficient Policy.
The CPU uses the setting to manipulate the internal behavior of the processor and
determines whether to target higher performance or better power savings.
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Menu Item Description
Number of Turbo
Boot Enabled
Cores for
Processor 1
Monitor/Mwait Enables the Monitor/Mwait instructions in the processor. By default, the Monitor/
NOTE: If there are two processors installed in the system, you see an entry for
Number of Turbo Boost Enabled Cores for Processor 2.
Controls the number of turbo boost enabled cores for processor 1. By default, the
maximum number of cores is enabled.
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.
System Security settings screen details
You can use the System Security screen to perform specific functions such as setting the system
password, setup password, and disabling the power button.
You can view the System Security screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
System Security Settings.
The System Security Settings screen details are explained as follows:
Example
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 Sets 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 Sets the setup password. This option is read-only if the password jumper is not
installed in the system.
Password Status Locks the system password. By default, the Password Status option is set to
Unlocked.
TPM Security
TPM Information Changes the operational state of the TPM. By default, the TPM Activation option is
TPM Status Displays the TPM status.
TPM Command
NOTE: The TPM menu is available only when the TPM module is installed.
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.
set to No Change.
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.
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Menu Item Description
Clears all the contents of the TPM. By default, the TPM Clear option is set to No.
Intel TXT Enables or disables the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT). To 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.
Power Button Enables or disables the power button on the front of the system. By default, the
Power Button option is set to Enabled.
NMI Button Enables or disables 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)
UEFI Variable
Access
Secure Boot Enables Secure Boot, where the BIOS authenticates each pre-boot image using the
Secure Boot Policy When Secure Boot policy is Standard, the BIOS uses the system manufacturer’s key
Secure Boot Policy
Summary
Sets how the system reacts after AC power is restored to the system. By default,
the AC Power Recovery option is set to Last.
Sets 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.
Sets the User Defined Delay when the User Defined option for AC Power Recovery
Delay is selected.
Provides varying degrees of securing UEFI variables. When set to Standard (the
default) UEFI variables are accessible in the Operating System per the UEFI
specification. When set to Controlled, selected UEFI variables are protected in the
environment and new UEFI boot entries are forced to be at the end of the current
boot order.
certificates in the Secure Boot Policy. Secure Boot is disabled by default.
and certificates to authenticate pre-boot images. When Secure Boot policy is
Custom, the BIOS uses the user-defined key and certificates. Secure Boot policy is
Standard by default.
Views the list of certificates and hashes that secure boot uses to authenticated
images.
Secure Boot Custom Policy Settings
Secure Boot Custom Policy Settings is displayed only when Secure Boot Policy is set to Custom.
In the System Setup Main Menu, click System BIOS → System Security → Secure Boot Custom Policy
Settings.
The Secure Boot Custom Policy Settings screen details are explained as follows:
Example
Menu Item Description
Platform Key Imports, exports, deletes, or restores the platform key (PK).
Key Exchange Key
Database
48
Allows you to import, export, delete, or restore entries in the Key Exchange Key
(KEK) Database
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Menu Item Description
Authorized
Signature
Database
Forbidden
Signature
Database
Imports, exports, deletes, or restores entries in the Authorized Signature Database
(db).
Imports, exports, deletes, or restores entries in the Forbidden Signature Database
(dbx).
Miscellaneous Settings screen details
You can use the Miscellaneous Settings screen to perform specific functions such as updating the asset
tag, and changing the system date and time.
You can view the Miscellaneous Settings screen by clicking System Setup Main Menu → System BIOS →
Miscellaneous Settings.
The Miscellaneous Settings screen details are explained as follows:
Example
Menu Item Description
System Time Enables you to set the time on the system.
System Date Enables you to set the date on the system.
Asset Tag Displays the asset tag and enables you to modify it for security and tracking
purposes.
Keyboard
NumLock
Enables you to set whether the system boots with the NumLock enabled or
disabled. By default the Keyboard NumLock is set to On.
F1/F2 Prompt on
Error
Load Legacy
Video Option
ROM
In-System
Characterization
NOTE: This option does not apply to 84-key keyboards.
Enables or disables the F1/F2 prompt on error. By default, F1/F2 Prompt on Error is
set to Enabled. The F1/F2 prompt also includes keyboard errors.
Enables you to determine whether the system BIOS loads the legacy video (INT
10H) option ROM from the video controller. Selecting Enabled in the operating
system does not support UEFI video output standards. This field is only for UEFI
boot mode. You cannot set this to Enabled if UEFI Secure Boot mode is enabled.
This option enables or disables In-System Characterization. By default, In-System
Characterization is set to Disabled. The two other options are Enabled and
Enabled - No Reboot.
NOTE: The default setting for In-System Characterization is subject to change
in future BIOS releases.
When enabled, In-System Characterization (ISC) executes during POST upon
detecting relevant change(s) in system configuration to optimize system power and
performance. ISC takes about 20 seconds to execute, and system reset is required
for ISC results to be applied. The Enabled - No Reboot option executes ISC and
continues without applying ISC results until the next time system reset occurs. The
Enabled option executes ISC and forces an immediate system reset so that ISC
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Menu Item Description
results can be applied. It takes the system longer to be ready due to the forced
system reset. When disabled, ISC does not execute.
About Boot Manager
Boot Manager enables you to add, delete, and arrange boot options. You can also access System Setup
and boot options without restarting the system.
Entering Boot Manager
The Boot Manager screen allows you to select boot options and diagnostic utilities.
1. Turn on or restart your system.
2. Press <F11> when you see the message <F11> = 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.
Boot Manager main menu
Menu Item Description
Continue Normal
Boot
One Shot Boot
Menu
Launch System
Setup
Launch Lifecycle
Controller
System Utilities Launches system utilities menu such as system diagnostics and UEFI shell.
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.
Takes you to the boot menu where you can select a one time boot device to boot
from.
Enables you to access the System Setup.
Exits the Boot Manager and invokes the Lifecycle Controller program.
Changing the boot order
You may have to change the boot order if you want to boot from a USB key or an optical drive.
About this task
NOTE: The instructions given below may vary if you have selected BIOS for Boot Mode.
Steps
1. In the System Setup Main Menu, click System BIOS → Boot Settings.
2. Click Boot Option Settings → Boot Sequence.
3. Use the arrow keys to select a boot device, and use the + and - keys to move the device down or up
in the ordering.
4. Click Exit, click Yes to save the settings on exit.
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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.
Assigning a system and setup password
Prerequisites
NOTE: The password jumper enables or disables the System Password and Setup Password
features. For more information about the password jumper settings, see System board connectors.
You can assign a new System Password and Setup Password or change an existing System Password
and Setup Password only when the password jumper setting is enabled and Password Status is
Unlocked.
If the password jumper setting is disabled, the existing System Password and Setup Password are deleted
and you need not provide the system password to boot the system.
About this task
To assign a System Password and Setup Password, follow the steps below:
Steps
1. To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or reboot.
2. From the System Setup Main Menu, select System BIOS and press <Enter>.
The System BIOS screen is displayed.
3. On the System BIOS screen, select System Security and press <Enter>.
The System Security screen is displayed.
4. On 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 the following special characters are allowed: space, (”), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`).
A message prompts you to re-enter the system password.
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6. Re-enter the system password, 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, and click OK.
9. Press <Esc> to return to the System BIOS screen. Press <Esc> again.
A message prompts you to save the changes.
NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until the system reboots.
Deleting or changing an existing system and/or setup password
Prerequisites
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 or Setup password if the Password Status is Locked.
About this task
To delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password:
Steps
1. To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or restart.
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.
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Installing and removing system components
Safety instructions
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.
WARNING: Opening or removing the system cover when the system is on may expose you to a
risk of electric shock.
CAUTION: Do not operate the system without the cover for a duration exceeding five minutes.
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: It is recommended that you always use a static mat and static strap while working on
components inside the system.
4
NOTE: To ensure proper operation and cooling, all bays in the system must be populated at all
times with either a module or with a blank.
Before working inside your system
1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals.
2. Disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and disconnect the peripherals.
3. If installed, remove the front bezel.
For more information, see Removing the bezel.
4. Remove the system cover.
For more information, see Removing the system cover.
After working inside your system
1. Install the system cover.
For more information, see Installing the system cover.
2. Install the optional bezel.
3. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and peripherals.
4. Turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.
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Recommended tools
You need the following tools to perform the removal and installation procedures:
• Key to the bezel lock. This is only required when you have a bezel.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• #1 Phillips screwdriver
• T6, T8, T10, and T15 Torx screwdrivers
The following tools are required for assembling cables for a DC power supply unit (PSU):
• AMP 90871-1 hand-crimping tool or equivalent
• Tyco Electronics 58433-3 or equivalent
• Wire-stripper pliers capable of removing insulation from size 10 AWG solid or stranded, insulated
copper wire
NOTE: Use alpha wire part number 3080 or equivalent (65/30 stranding).
Front bezel (optional)
Removing the front bezel
1. Unlock the bezel lock at the left end of the bezel.
2. Lift the release latch next to the bezel lock.
3. Pull the left end of the bezel, unhook the right end and remove the bezel.
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Figure 16. Removing and installing the front bezel
1. bezel lock 2. front bezel
Figure 17. Removing and installing the Quick Sync bezel
1. keylock 2. Quick Sync bezel
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Related videos
http://www.Dell.com/QRL/Server/PER730/Bezel
http://www.Dell.com/QRL/Server/PER730/iDRAC-QuickSync
Installing the front bezel
1. Hook the right end of the bezel onto the chassis.
2. Fit the free end of the bezel onto the system.
3. Secure the bezel with the keylock.
Removing the system cover
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals.
3. Disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and peripherals.
4. Remove the optional bezel. For more information see Removing the bezel.
Steps
1. Rotate the latch release lock counter clockwise to the unlocked position.
2. Lift the latch and rotate the latch toward the back of the system.
The system cover will slide back and the tabs on the system cover will disengage from the slots on
the chassis.
NOTE: The position of the latch may vary depending on the configuration of your system.
3. Hold the cover on both sides, and lift the cover away from the system.
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Figure 18. Removing and installing the system cover
1. system cover 2. latch
3. latch release lock
Related video
http://www.Dell.com/QRL/Server/PER730/Cover
Installing the system cover
Prerequisites
Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
Steps
1. Align the slots of the system cover with the tabs on the chassis.
2. Press the cover release latch, and push the cover toward the front of the chassis until the latch locks
into place.
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3. Turn the latch release lock clockwise to the locked position.
4. Install the optional bezel.
5. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached
peripherals.
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.
Figure 19. Inside the system—PowerEdge R730
1. cooling-fan in the cooling-fan assembly (6) 2. processor (2)
3. DIMM (24) 4. PCIe card holder
5. internal USB port 6. power supply unit (2)
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7. expansion-card riser 3 8. network daughter card
9. expansion-card riser 2 10. expansion-card riser 1
11. hard-drive backplane
Figure 20. Inside the system—PowerEdge R730xd
1. cooling-fan in the cooling-fan assembly (6) 2. processor (2)
3. DIMMs (24) 4. internal USB port
5. hard-drive backplane (back) 6. vFlash media slot
7. hard drive (2) (back) 8. power supply unit (2)
9. expansion-card riser 3 10. network daughter card
11. expansion-card riser 2 12. expansion-card riser 1
13. hard-drive backplane
Cooling shroud
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Removing the cooling shroud
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. If installed, remove the full-length PCIe card.
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.
Steps
Hold the shroud and lift it away from the system.
Figure 21. Removing and installing the cooling shroud
1. cooling shroud 2. touch point (2)
Next steps
1. Replace the cooling shroud. See Installing the cooling shroud.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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Installing the cooling shroud
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Route the cables inside the system along the chassis wall and secure the cables using the cable-
securing bracket.
Steps
1. Align the tabs on the cooling shroud with the securing slots on the chassis.
2. Lower the cooling shroud into the chassis until it is firmly seated.
Next steps
1. If applicable, replace the full-length PCIe card.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Hard-drive tray assembly
The hard-drive tray is located behind the cooling-fan assembly. It supports four 3.5 inch hard drives.
NOTE: The hard-drive tray is supported only on certain configurations of the 3.5 inch (x12) R730xd
systems.
NOTE: Systems that support the internal hard-drive tray require low-profile heat sinks and do not
require or support a cooling shroud.
Removing the hard-drive tray
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
CAUTION: The hard-drive tray is hot to touch for some time after the system has been powered
down. Allow time for the hard-drive tray to cool before handling it.
Steps
1. Disconnect the SAS, power and signal cables from the hard-drive backplane.
2. Lift the hard-drive tray handles 90 degrees upward.
3. Hold the hard-drive tray handles and lift the hard-drive tray out of the chassis.
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Figure 22. Removing and installing the hard-drive tray
1. hard-drive tray handle (2) 2. hard drive (4)
3. hard-drive indicator 4. SAS cable
5. backplane signal cable 6. backplane power cable
7. guide pin on the chassis (4)
Next steps
1. Replace the hard-drive tray. See Installing the hard-drive tray.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Installing the hard-drive tray
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
NOTE: Systems that support the internal hard-drive tray support low-profile heat sinks and do not
support a cooling shroud.
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Steps
1. Lift the hard-drive tray handles 90 degrees.
2. Hold the hard-drive tray handles and align the slots on the hard-drive tray with the guide pins on the
system board.
3. Slide the hard-drive tray into the chassis.
4. Lower the hard-drive tray handles to lock the hard-drive tray in place.
5. Connect the SAS, power and signal cables to the backplane.
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Removing a hard-drive blank from a hard-drive carrier
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside 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.
CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have hard-drive
blanks installed.
Steps
1. Push out at the edges of the carrier to disengage the tabs on the hard-drive carrier from the slots on
the hard drive blank.
2. Lift the hard-drive carrier away from the hard-drive blank.
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Figure 23. Removing and installing the hard-drive blank from a hard-drive carrier
1. hard-drive blank 2. tab on the hard-drive carrier (4)
3. hard-drive carrier
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Installing a hard-drive blank into a hard-drive carrier
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have hard-drive
blanks installed.
Steps
1. Align the tabs on the hard-drive carrier with the slots on the hard-drive blank.
2. Pull the edges of the carrier to fit over the hard-drive blank.
3. Lower the hard-drive carrier onto the hard-drive blank to secure it.
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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Removing a hard-drive carrier from the hard-drive tray
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. 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 at dell.com/storagecontrollermanuals.
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.
CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports hot-swap drive
installation. See the documentation supplied with your operating system.
Steps
1. Lift the hard-drive tray handle upward.
2. Press the release tab on the hard-drive tray and lift the hard-drive carrier handle upward to
disengage the hard drive from the backplane.
3. Hold the hard-drive carrier handle and lift the hard-drive carrier out of the hard-drive tray.
CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have harddrive blanks installed.
4. If you are not replacing the hard-drive immediately, insert a hard-drive blank in the empty hard-drive
slot.
NOTE: Install the hard-drive blanks in the hard-drive carrier before installing the hard-drive
carrier into the hard-drive tray.
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Figure 24. Removing and installing a hard-drive carrier from the hard-drive tray
1. release tab on the hard-drive tray 2. hard-drive carrier handle
3. hard-drive carrier
Installing a hard-drive carrier into the hard-drive tray
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
CAUTION: Use only hard drives that have been tested and approved for use with the hard-drive
backplane.
CAUTION: When installing a hard drive, ensure that the adjacent drives are fully installed.
Inserting a hard-drive carrier and attempting to lock its handle next to a partially installed carrier
can damage the partially installed carrier's shield spring and make it unusable.
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.
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Steps
1. Lift the hard-drive tray handles.
2. If a hard-drive blank is installed in the hard-drive slot, remove it.
3. Insert the hard-drive carrier into the hard-drive tray.
4. Lower the hard-drive carrier handle to engage the hard drive to the connector on the backplane and
lock the hard drive in place.
Removing a hard drive from a hard-drive carrier
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have hard-drive
blanks installed.
Steps
1. Push out at the edges of the carrier to disengage the tabs on the hard-drive carrier from the slots on
the hard drive.
2. Lift the hard-drive carrier away from the hard drive.
Figure 25. Removing and installing the hard drive from a hard-drive carrier
1. hard drive 2. tab on the hard-drive carrier (4)
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3. hard-drive carrier
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Installing a hard drive into a hard-drive carrier
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside 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.
Steps
1. Align the tabs on the hard-drive carrier with the slots on the hard drive.
2. Pull the edges of the carrier to fit over the hard drive.
3. Lower the hard-drive carrier onto the hard drive to secure it.
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Removing the hard-drive backplane from the hard-drive tray
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. Disconnect all the cables from the backplane.
4. Remove the hard-drive carriers.
5. Remove the hard-drive tray from 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.
Steps
Press the release tabs and lift the backplane out of the hard-drive tray.
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Figure 26. Removing and installing the 3.5 inch (x4) hard-drive backplane—PowerEdge R730xd
1. release tab (2) 2. hard-drive indicators
3. hard-drive connector (4) 4. guide pin
5. hard-drive backplane
Installing the hard-drive backplane in the hard-drive tray
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside 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.
About this task
Steps
Align the hard-drive backplane with the guide pin on the chassis and lower the hard-drive backplane
on the chassis until it is firmly seated.
Next steps
1. Install the hard-drives carriers in to the hard-drive tray.
2. Install the hard-drive tray in to the chassis.
3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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Cooling fans
Your system supports six hot-swappable cooling fans.
NOTE: In the event of a problem with a particular fan, the fan number is referenced by the system
management software, allowing you to easily identify and replace the proper fan by noting the fan
numbers on the cooling-fan assembly.
Removing a cooling fan
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside 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.
CAUTION: The cooling fans are hot-swappable. To maintain proper cooling while the system is
on, replace only one fan at a time.
NOTE: The procedure for removing each fan is identical.
Steps
Press the fan release tab and lift the cooling fan out of the cooling-fan assembly.
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Figure 27. Removing and installing a cooling fan
1. cooling-fan assembly 2. cooling-fan connector (6)
3. fan release tab (6) 4. cooling fan (6)
5. cooling-fan connector on system board
(6)
Related video
http://www.Dell.com/QRL/Server/PER730/Fans
Next steps
1. Replace the cooling fan. See Installing a cooling fan.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Installing a cooling fan
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
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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.
Steps
1. Align the plug at the base of the cooling fan with the connector on the system board.
2. Slide the cooling fan into the securing slots until the tabs lock into place.
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Cooling-fan assembly
Removing the cooling-fan assembly
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside 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.
Steps
1. Unlock the cooling-fan assembly from the chassis by lifting the release levers upward.
2. Lift the cooling-fan assembly out of the chassis.
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Figure 28. Removing and installing the cooling-fan assembly
1. cooling-fan assembly 2. cooling fan (6)
3. release lever (2) 4. guide pin on the system board (2)
5. cooling-fan connector (6) 6. guide pin on the chassis (6)
Related video
http://www.Dell.com/QRL/Server/PER730/Fans
Next steps
1. Replace the cooling-fan assembly. See Installing the cooling-fan assembly.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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Installing the cooling-fan assembly
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
CAUTION: Ensure that the cables are correctly installed and retained by the cable retention
bracket before installing the cooling-fan assembly. Incorrectly installed cables may get damaged.
Steps
1. Align the cooling-fan assembly slots with the guide pins on the chassis.
2. Slide the cooling-fan assembly into the chassis.
3. Lock the cooling-fan assembly into the chassis by lowering the release levers until firmly seated.
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
System memory
Your system supports DDR4 registered DIMMs (RDIMMs), and load reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs).
NOTE: MT/s indicates DIMM speed in MegaTransfers per second.
Memory bus operating frequency can be 1333 MT/s, 1600 MT/s, 1866 MT/s, or 2133 MT/s depending on
the following factors:
• DIMM type (RDIMM or LRDIMM)
• Number of DIMMs populated per channel
• System profile selected (for example, Performance Optimized, Custom, or Dense Configuration
Optimized)
• Maximum supported DIMM frequency of the processors
The system contains 24 memory sockets split into two sets of 12 sockets, one set per processor. Each 12socket set is organized into four channels. In each channel, the release levers of the first socket are
marked white, the second socket black, and the third socket green.
NOTE: DIMMs in sockets A1 to A12 are assigned to processor 1 and DIMMs in sockets B1 to B12 are
assigned to processor 2.
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Figure 29. Memory socket locations
Memory channels are organized as follows:
Processor 1 channel 0: slots A1, A5, and A9
channel 1: slots A2, A6, and A10
channel 2: slots A3, A7, and A11
channel 3: slots A4, A8, and A12
Processor 2 channel 0: slots B1, B5, and B9
channel 1: slots B2, B6, and B10
channel 2: slots B3, B7, and B11
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channel 3: slots B4, B8, and B12
The following table shows the memory populations and operating frequencies for the supported
configurations.
DIMM Type DIMMs Populated/
Channel
RDIMM 1 2133, 1866, 1600, 1333 Dual rank or single rank
2 2133, 1866, 1600, 1333 Dual rank or single rank
3 1866, 1600, 1333 Dual rank or single rank
LRDIMM 1 2133, 1866, 1600, 1333 Quad rank
2 2133, 1866, 1600, 1333 Quad rank
3 1866, 1600, 1333 Quad rank
Operating Frequency (in
MT/s)
1.2 V
Maximum DIMM Rank/Channel
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 installing
memory modules:
• RDIMMs and LRDIMMs must not be mixed.
• x4 and x8 DRAM based DIMMs can be mixed. For more information, see Mode-specific guidelines.
• Up to three dual- or single-rank RDIMMs can be populated per channel.
• Up to three LRDIMMs can be populated per channel regardless of rank count.
• Populate DIMM sockets only if a processor is installed. For single-processor systems, sockets A1 to
A12 are available. For dual-processor systems, sockets A1 to A12 and sockets B1 to B12 are available.
• Populate all sockets with white release tabs first, then black, and then green.
• Populate the sockets by highest rank count in the following order — first in sockets with white release
levers, then black, and then green. For example, if you want to mix single-rank and dual-rank DIMMs,
populate dual-rank DIMMs in the sockets with white release tabs and single-rank DIMMs in the
sockets with black release tabs.
• When mixing memory modules with different capacities, populate the sockets with memory modules
with highest capacity first. For example, if you want to mix 4 GB and 8 GB DIMMs, populate 8 GB
DIMMs in the sockets with white release tabs and 4 GB DIMMs in the sockets with black release tabs.
• In a dual-processor configuration, the memory configuration for each processor should 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 capacities can be mixed provided other memory population rules are
followed (for example, 4 GB and 8 GB memory modules can be mixed).
• Mixing of more than two DIMM capacities in a system is not supported.
• Populate four DIMMs per processor (one DIMM per channel) at a time to maximize performance.
Mode-specific guidelines
Four memory channels are allocated to each processor. The allowable configurations depend on the
memory mode selected.
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NOTE: You can mix x4 and x8 DRAM based DIMMs to support RAS features. However, all guidelines
for specific RAS features must be followed. x4 DRAM based DIMMs retain Single Device Data
Correction (SDDC) in memory optimized (independent channel) mode. 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 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 and green release tabs. This ensures that identical DIMMs are installed in
matched pairs - for example, A1 with A2, A3 with A4, A5 with A6, and so on.
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 the mode 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 dual-processor configuration with sixteen 4 GB dual-rank DIMMs, the
available system memory is: 3/4 (ranks/channel) × 16 (DIMMs) × 4 GB = 48 GB, and not 16 (DIMMs) × 4
GB = 64 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 switches over to the mirrored
copy. This ensures SDDC and multi-bit protection.
Memory installation guidelines:
• Memory modules must be identical in size, speed, and technology.
• DIMMs installed in memory sockets with white release levers must be identical and similar rule applies
for sockets with black and green release tabs. This ensures that identical DIMMs are installed in
matched pairs - for example, A1 with A2, A3 with A4, A5 with A6, and so on.
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Sample memory configurations
The following tables show sample memory configurations for one and two processor configurations that
follow the appropriate memory guidelines.
NOTE: 1R, 2R, and 4R in the following tables indicate single-, dual-, and quad-rank DIMMs
respectively.
Table 1. Memory configurations—single processor
System
capacity (in
GB)
4 4 1
8 4 2
16 4 4
24 4 6
48 4 12
DIMM size
(in GB)
8 2
Number of
DIMMs
DIMM rank,
organization, and
frequency
1R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 1600 MT/s
DIMM slot population
A1
A1, A2
A1, A2, A3, A4
A1, A2
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,
A10, A11, A12
8 6
96 8 12
16 6
128 16 8
144 16 and 8 10
78
2R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8 1600 MT/s
2R, x4, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x4, 1866 MT/s
2R, x4, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x4, 1866 MT/s,
2R, x4 and 2R, x8, 1866
MT/s
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,
A10, A11, A12
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,
A11
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System
capacity (in
GB)
DIMM size
(in GB)
Number of
DIMMs
DIMM rank,
organization, and
frequency
2R, x4 and 2R, x8, 1600
MT/s
DIMM slot population
NOTE: 16 GB DIMMs must
be installed in slots
numbered A1, A2, A3, A4, A5,
A6, A7, and A8 and 8 GB
DIMMs must be installed in
slots A9 and A11.
384 32 12
Table 2. Memory configurations—two processors
System
capacity (in
DIMM size (in
GB)
Number of
DIMMs
GB)
16 4 4
32 4 8
64 4 16
8 8
96 4 24
LRDIMM, x4, 1866 MT/s
LRDIMM, x4, 1600 MT/s
DIMM rank,
organization, and
frequency
1R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 2133 MT/s
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 1866 MT/s
1R, x8, 1600 MT/s
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,
A10, A11, A12
DIMM slot population
A1, A2, B1, B2
A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8
A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
A9, A10, A11, A12, B1, B2, B3, B4,
B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12
8 12
128 8 16
16 8
2R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8, 2133 MT/s
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x4, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x4, 1866 MT/s
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B2,
B3, B4, B5, B6
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8
A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4
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System
capacity (in
GB)
160 8 20
DIMM size (in
GB)
Number of
DIMMs
DIMM rank,
organization, and
frequency
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8, 1600 MT/s
DIMM slot population
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
A9, A11, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6,
B7, B8, B9, B11
16 and 8 12
192 8 24
16 12
256 16 16
384 16 24
32 12
2R, x4, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x8, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x4, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8, 1866 MT/s
2R, x8, 1600 MT/s
2R, x4, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x4, 1866 MT/s
2R, x4, 2133 MT/s,
2R, x4, 1866 MT/s,
2R, x4, 1866 MT/s,
2R, x4, 1600 MT/s,
LRDIMM, 4R, x4, 2133
MT/s
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B2,
B3, B4, B5, B6
NOTE: 16 GB DIMMs must
be installed in slots
numbered A1, A2, A3, A4,
B1, B2, B3, and B4 and 8
GB DIMMs must be
installed in slots A5, A6, B5,
and B6.
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
A9, A10, A11, A12, B1, B2, B3, B4,
B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B2,
B3, B4, B5, B6
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
A9, A10, A11, A12, B1, B2, B3, B4,
B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, B1, B2,
B3, B4, B5, B6
512 32 16
768 32 24
LRDIMM, 4R, x4, 2133
MT/s
LRDIMM, 4R, x4, 1866
MT/s
LRDIMM, 4R, x4, 1600
MT/s
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8,
A9, A10, A11, A12, B1, B2, B3, B4,
B5, B6, B7, B8, B9, B10, B11, B12
Removing memory modules
Prerequisites
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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1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. Remove the cooling shroud.
4. If installed, remove the cooling-fan assembly. For more information, see Removing the cooling-fan
assembly.
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: 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.
Steps
1. Locate the appropriate 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 gold contacts.
2. To release the memory module from the socket, simultaneously press the ejectors on both ends of
the memory-module socket.
Figure 30. Removing and installing a memory module
1. memory-module 2. memory-module socket
3. memory module socket ejector (2)
Related video
http://www.Dell.com/QRL/Server/PER730/DIMMs
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Installing memory modules
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. Remove the cooling shroud.
4. Removing the cooling-fan assembly.
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: 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.
Steps
1. Locate the appropriate 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 gold contacts.
2. If a memory module or a memory-module blank is installed in the socket, remove it.
NOTE: Retain the removed memory-module blank(s) for future use.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module or the memory-module socket during
installation, do not bend or flex the memory module; insert both ends of the memory module
simultaneously.
3. Align the edge connector of the memory module 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: Do not apply pressure at the center of the memory module; apply pressure at both
ends of the memory module evenly.
4. Press the memory module with your thumbs until the socket levers firmly click into place.
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Figure 31. Installing the memory module
1. memory module 2. alignment key
3. memory-module socket ejector (2)
When the memory module is properly seated in the socket, the levers on the memory module socket
align with the levers on the other sockets that have memory modules installed.
5. Repeat steps 4 and 5 of this procedure to install the remaining memory modules.
Next steps
1. Install the cooling shroud.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
3. Press <F2> to enter System Setup, and check the System Memory setting.
The system should have already changed the value to reflect the installed memory.
4. 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.
5. Run the system memory test in the system diagnostics.
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.
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Removing a processor
Prerequisites
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 ensure proper system cooling, you must install a processor blank in any empty processor
socket.
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Keep the #2 Phillips screwdriver handy.
3. If you are 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.
4. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
5. If installed, remove the full-length PCIe card(s).
6. 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.
Steps
1. To remove the heat sink:
a. Loosen one of the screws that secure the heat sink to the system board.
Wait 30 seconds for the heat sink to loosen from the processor.
b. Remove the screw diagonally opposite the screw you first removed.
c. Repeat the procedure for the remaining two screws.
d. Remove the heat sink.
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Figure 32. Removing and installing a processor heat sink
1. captive screw (4) 2. heat sink
3. processor socket 4. slot (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.
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Figure 33. Processor shield
1. close first socket release lever 2. lock icon
3. processor 4. open first socket release lever
5. unlock icon
2. To remove the processor:
a. Release the open first socket-lever near the unlock icon by pushing the lever down and out
from under the tab.
b. Similarly, release the close first socket-release lever near the lock icon by pushing the lever
down and out from under the tab. Lift the lever 90 degrees upward.
c. Lower the open first socket-release lever to lift the processor shield.
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Figure 34. Removing and installing a processor
1. close first socket-release lever 2. pin-1 indicator of processor
3. processor 4. slot (4)
5. processor shield 6. open first socket-release lever
7. socket 8. socket keys (4)
d. Hold the tab on the processor shield and lift the processor shield until the open first socket-
release lever lifts up.
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.
e. Lift the processor out of the socket and leave the open first socket-release lever up.
NOTE: If you are permanently removing the processor, you must install a socket protective
cap in the vacant socket to protect the socket pins and keep the socket free of dust.
NOTE: After removing the processor, place it in an anti-static container for reuse, return, or
temporary storage. Do not touch the bottom of the processor. Touch only the side edges of
the processor.
Next steps
1. Replace the heat sink(s) and processor(s). See Installing a processor.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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Installing a processor
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Keep the #2 Phillips screwdriver handy.
3. If you are 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.
4. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
5. 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.
NOTE: If you are installing a single processor, it must be installed in socket CPU1.
Steps
1. Remove the heat sink.
2. Unpack the new processor.
If the processor has previously been used in a system, remove any remaining thermal grease from
the processor using a lint-free cloth.
3. Locate the processor socket.
4. If applicable, remove the socket protective cap.
5. Release the open first socket-release lever near the unlock icon by pushing the lever down and
out from under the tab.
6. Similarly, release the close first socket-release lever near the lock icon by pushing the lever down
and out from under the tab. Lift the lever 90 degrees upward.
7. Hold the tab near the lock symbol on the processor shield and lift it up and out of the way.
8. To install the processor in the 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: While removing or reinstalling the processor, wipe your hands of any
contaminants. Contaminants on the processor pins such as thermal grease or oil can damage
the processor.
a. Align the processor with the socket keys.
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CAUTION: Do not use force to seat the processor. When the processor is positioned
correctly, it engages easily into the socket.
b. Align the pin-1 indicator of the processor with the triangle on the socket.
c. Place the processor on the socket such that the slots on the processor align with the socket keys.
CAUTION: Do not use force to seat the processor. When the processor is positioned
correctly, it engages easily into the socket.
d. Close the processor shield.
e. Lower the close first socket-release lever near the lock icon and push it under the tab to lock
it..
f. Similarly, lower the open first socket-release lever near the unlock icon and push it under the
tab to lock it.
9. To install the heat sink:
a. If applicable, remove the existing thermal grease from the heat sink using a clean lint-free cloth.
b. Apply thermal grease on the top of the processor. Use the thermal-grease syringe included with
your processor kit to apply the grease in a thin spiral on the top of the processor as shown in the
figure.
CAUTION: Applying too much thermal grease can result in excess grease coming in
contact with and contaminating the processor socket.
Figure 35. Applying thermal grease on the top of the processor
1. processor 2. thermal grease
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3. thermal-grease syringe
NOTE: The thermal-grease is intended for one-time use only. Dispose of the syringe after
you use it.
c. Place the heat sink onto the processor.
d. Tighten the four screws to secure the heat sink to the system board.
NOTE: Tighten the screws diagonally opposite to each other. Do not over-tighten the heat
sink retention screws when installing the heat sink. To prevent over-tightening, tighten the
retention screw until resistance is felt, and stop once the screw is seated. The screw tension
should be no more than 6 in-lb (6.9 kg-cm).
Next steps
1. Install the cooling shroud.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
3. While booting, press <F2> to enter the System Setup and check that the processor information
matches the new system configuration.
4. Run the system diagnostics to verify that the new processor operates correctly.
PCIe card holder
Removing the PCIe card holder
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. If installed, remove the full-length PCIe 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: Do not use your system without the PCIe card holder installed. The PCIe card holder is
necessary to ensure proper system cooling.
Steps
1. Press the release tab and slide the card holder toward the back of the chassis to release the PCIe
card holder from the chassis.
2. Lift the PCIe card holder out of the chassis.
NOTE: To ensure proper system cooling, you must replace the PCIe card holder.
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Figure 36. Removing and installing the PCIe card holder
1. PCIe card holder 2. release tab
Next steps
1. Replace the PCIe card holder. See Installing the PCIe card holder.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Installing the PCIe card holder
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside 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.
CAUTION: Do not use your system without the PCIe card holder installed. The PCIe card holder is
necessary to ensure proper system cooling.
Steps
1. Align the PCIe card holder with the notches and tabs on the power supply unit cage.
2. Press the release tab and slide PCIe card holder toward the front of the chassis until firmly seated.
Next steps
1. If applicable, replace the full-length PCIe card.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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Opening and closing the PCIe card holder latch
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside 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.
Steps
1. To open the PCIe card holder latch, press the release tab.
2. To close the PCIe card holder latch, rotate the latch clockwise until it locks.
NOTE: Before installing a full-length PCIe card, the PCIe card holder latch must be closed.
When the full-length PCIe card is installed, open the PCIe card holder latch. Before removing
the full-length PCIe card, you must close the PCIe card holder latch.
Figure 37. Opening and closing the PCIe card holder latch
1. PCIe card holder 2. release tab
3. PCIe card holder latch
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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Cable retention bracket
Removing the cable retention bracket
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. Remove the cooling shroud.
4. Remove the PCIe card holder.
5. Remove all cables routed through the cable retention bracket.
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.
Steps
1. Pull the tab to release it from the notch and slide the cable retention bracket toward the front of the
chassis to release it from the chassis.
2. Lift the cable retention bracket out of the chassis.
Figure 38. Removing and installing the cable retention bracket
1. alignment pin (2) 2. tab
3. cable retention bracket
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Next steps
1. Replace the cable retention bracket. See Installing the cable retention bracket.
2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Installing the cable retention bracket
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. Remove the cooling shroud.
4. Remove the PCIe card holder.
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.
Steps
1. Align the cable retention bracket with the alignment pins on the chassis.
2. Slide the cable retention bracket along the chassis wall until the tab clicks and locks the slots.
3. Place all cables to be routed in the cable retention bracket.
Next steps
1. Install the PCIe card holder.
2. Install the cooling shroud.
3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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.
Removing the integrated storage controller card
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. Remove the cooling shroud.
4. Remove the expansion-card riser 1.
5. Keep the #2 Phillips screwdriver handy.
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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Steps
1. Loosen the screws that secure the integrated storage controller cable to the integrated storage-
controller card connector on the system board.
2. Lift the integrated storage controller cable out.
3. Lift one end of the card and angle it to disengage the card from the integrated storage-controller
card holder on system board.
4. Lift the card out of the chassis.
Figure 39. Removing and installing the integrated storage controller card
1. integrated storage controller cable 2. integrated storage controller card
3. integrated storage-controller card
connector on the system board
4. integrated storage controller card
holder
Next steps
1. Replace the expansion-card riser 1.
2. Replace the cooling shroud.
3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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Installing the integrated storage controller card
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. Remove the cooling shroud.
4. Remove the expansion-card riser 1.
5. Keep the #2 Phillips screwdriver handy.
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.
Steps
1. Align the end of the integrated storage-controller card opposite the connector with the integrated
storage-controller card holder.
2. Lower the connector side of the integrated storage-controller card into the integrated storage-
controller card connector on the system board.
Ensure that the tabs on the system board align with the screw holes on the integrated storage-
controller card.
3. Align the screws on the integrated storage-controller card cable with the screw holes on the
connector.
4. Tighten the screws to secure the integrated storage-controller card cable with the integrated
storage-controller card connector on the system board.
Next steps
1. Replace the expansion-card riser 1.
2. Replace the cooling shroud.
3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
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
Depending on your system configuration:
The following PCI Express generation 3 expansion cards are supported:
Table 3. Supported expansion cards
Riser PCIe slot Processor
connection
1 1 Processor 2 Low Profile Half Length x8 x16
1 2 Processor 2 Low Profile Half Length x8 x16
Height Length Link width Slot width
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Riser PCIe slot Processor
Height Length Link width Slot width
connection
1 3 Processor 2 Low Profile Half Length x8 x16
2 4 Processor 2 Full Height Full Length x16 x16
2 5 Processor 1 Full Height Full Length x8 x16
3 (default) 6 Processor 1 Full Height Full Length x8 x16
3 (alternate) 6 Processor 1 Full Height Full Length x16 x16
3 (default) 7 Processor 1 Full Height Full Length x8 x16
NOTE: To use PCIe slots 1 through 4 on the riser, both the processors must be installed.
NOTE: The expansion-card slots are not hot-swappable.
The following table provides guidelines for installing expansion cards to ensure proper cooling and
mechanical fit. The expansion cards with the highest priority should be installed first using the slot priority
indicated. All other expansion cards should be installed in card priority and slot priority order.
Table 4. Expansion card installation order
Card
priority
Card type Slot priority Max allowed
PowerEdge
R730
PowerEdge
R730xd
PowerEdge
R730
1 PCIe Bridge not supported 4 0 1
2 GPU (double wide) 6, 4 not supported 2 0
GPU (single wide) 6, 4, 7, 5 not supported 4 0
3 RAID H730P (low profile) not supported 3, 2 0 1
4 RAID H830 7, 6, 4, 5 6, 4, 5 2 2
RAID H830 (low profile) 3, 2 3, 2 2 2
5 40 Gb NICs (full height) 5, 7, 4, 6 4, 6, 5 4 3
40 Gb NICs (low profile) 3, 2, 1 3, 2, 1 3 3
6 FC16 HBA (full height) 5, 7, 4, 6 4, 6, 5 4 3
FC16 HBA (low profile) 2, 3, 1 2, 3, 1 3 3
7 10 Gb NICs (full height) 5, 7, 4, 6 4, 6, 5 4 3
10 Gb NICs (low profile) 2, 3, 1 2, 3, 1 3 3
8 FC8 HBA (full height) 5, 7, 4, 6 4, 6, 5 4 3
FC8 HBA (low profile) 2, 3, 1 2, 3, 1 3 3
PowerEdge
R730xd
9 1 Gb NICs (full height) 5, 7, 4, 6 4, 6, 5 4 3
1 Gb NICs (low profile) 2, 3, 1 2, 3, 1 3 3
10 12 Gb SAS (low profile) 3, 2, 1 3, 2, 1 3 3
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Card
priority
11 Integrated RAID integrated slot integrated slot 1 1
12 NDC integrated slot integrated slot 1 1
Card type Slot priority Max allowed
PowerEdge
R730
12 Gb SAS (full height) 7, 6, 4, 5 6, 4, 5 4 3
PowerEdge
R730xd
PowerEdge
R730
PowerEdge
R730xd
Removing an expansion card from expansion-card riser 2 or 3
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. When removing a card from Riser 3, ensure that the PCIe holder latch is closed.
NOTE: The procedure for installing and removing a full length PCIe card is similar to the procedure
for removing and installing a GPU card. For more information, see Removing a GPU card and
Installing a GPU card.
Steps
1. Disconnect any cables connected to the expansion card.
2. Lift the expansion-card latch out of the slot.
3. Hold the expansion card by its edges, and remove it from the expansion-card connector.
4. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty expansion slot
opening and close the expansion-card latch.
5. Replace the expansion-card latch into the slot.
6. Close the expansion-card locking tabs.
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.
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Figure 40. Removing and installing an expansion card from expansion-card riser 2 or 3
1. expansion card 2. expansion-card latch
3. expansion-card riser 4. power connector (for GPU cards)
5. expansion-card connector
Next steps
Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
Installing an expansion card into the expansion-card riser 2 or 3
Prerequisites
1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside 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.
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Steps
1. Unpack the expansion card and prepare it for installation.
For instructions, see the documentation accompanying the card.
2. Lift the expansion-card latch and remove the filler bracket.
3. Holding the card by its edges, position the card so that the connector on the expansion card aligns
with the expansion-card connector on the riser.
4. Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector until the card is fully
seated.
5. Press the touch points to open the expansion-card locking tabs.
6. Replace the expansion-card latch.
7. If applicable, connect the cables to the expansion card.
NOTE: When installing a GPU card on riser 2 or riser 3 (default), connect the GPU card power
cable to the power connector on the riser.
Next steps
1. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
2. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.
Removing an expansion card from the expansion-card riser 1
Prerequisites
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. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.
2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
3. Disconnect any cables connected to the expansion card.
4. Remove the expansion-card riser.
NOTE: The expansion-card riser 1 can be used only when both the processors are installed.
Steps
1. Press tab A and rotate the latch clockwise.
2. Press tab B and rotate the latch downward.
3. Remove the expansion card from the expansion-card riser.
4. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty expansion slot
opening and close the expansion-card latch.
5. Close the latches of tab A and tab B.
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.
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