IBM System x3550 Type 7978, System x3550 Type 1913 Problem Determination And Service Manual

IBM System x3550 Ty pe 7978 and 1913



Problem Dete rminatio n and Service Guid e

IBM System x3550 Ty pe 7978 and 1913



Problem Dete rminatio n and Service Guid e

Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, read the general information in Appendix B, “Notices,” on page 161

and the Warranty and Support Information document on the IBM System x Documentation CD.

Fifth Edition November 2006)

© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2006. All rights reserved.

US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.

Contents

Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Guidelines for trained service technicians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Inspecting for unsafe conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Guidelines for servicing electrical equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii

Safety statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .x

Chapter 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Related documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Notices and statements in this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Server controls, LEDs, and connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Light path diagnostics panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Internal LEDs, connectors, and jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

System-board internal connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Power backplane card internal connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

System-board switches and jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

System-board external connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

System-board LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

System-board option connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Chapter 2. Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Diagnostic tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

POST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

POST beep codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Error logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

No-beep symptoms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

POST error codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Checkout procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

About the checkout procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Performing the checkout procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Troubleshooting tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

CD-RW/DVD drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

General problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Hard disk drive problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Intermittent problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

USB keyboard, mouse, or pointing-device problems . . . . . . . . . .46

Memory problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

Microprocessor problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Monitor problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Optional-device problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Power problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Serial port problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

ServerGuide problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Software problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Universal Serial Bus (USB) port problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Video problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Light path diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Remind button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Light path diagnostics switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Light path diagnostics LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

Power-supply LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2006 iii

Diagnostic programs, messages, and error codes . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Running the diagnostic programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62

Diagnostic text messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Viewing the test log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

Diagnostic error codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64

Recovering the BIOS code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

System-error log messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78

Solving power problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .84

Solving Ethernet controller problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

Solving undetermined problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Problem determination tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

Calling IBM for service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Chapter 3. Parts listing, Type 7978 and 1913 server . . . . . . . . . .89

Replaceable server components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90

Power cords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93

Chapter 4. Removing and replacing server components . . . . . . . .95

Installation guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95

System reliability guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Working inside the server with the power on . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Handling static-sensitive devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .96

Returning a device or component . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Removing and replacing Tier 1 CRUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Removing the cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Installing the cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

Removing the air baffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

Installing the air baffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Removing an adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Installing an adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Removing a hard disk drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Installing a hard disk drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Removing and installing the internal CD-RW/DVD drive . . . . . . . . 107

Removing a memory module (DIMM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Installing a memory module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110

Removing the Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine . . . . . . . . .113

Installing the Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine . . . . . . . . .114

Removing the RAID controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .115

Installing the RAID controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117

Removing the RAID-controller battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118

Installing the RAID-controller battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119

Removing a power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Installing a power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Removing a hot-swap fan assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122

Installing a hot-swap fan assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Removing the system-board battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Installing the system-board battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

Removing and replacing Tier 2 CRUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Removing a riser card assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Installing a riser card assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Removing a disk drive cage assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Installing a disk drive cage assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Removing the hot swap backplane or simple swap backplate . . . . . . 131

Installing the hot swap backplane or simple swap backplate . . . . . . . 133

Removing the power-supply backplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Installing the power-supply backplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136

iv IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Removing and replacing FRUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Removing a microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Installing a microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Removing the operator information panel assembly . . . . . . . . . . 140

Installing the operator information panel assembly . . . . . . . . . . 142

Removing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Installing the system board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

Chapter 5. Configuration information and instructions . . . . . . . . 149

Updating the firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Configuring the server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Using the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Using the Configuration/Setup Utility program . . . . . . . . . . . . 151

Configuring the Ethernet controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Configuring hot-swap SAS or hot-swap SATA RAID . . . . . . . . . . 152

Configuring simple-swap SATA RAID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

Updating the UUID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Updating the DMI/SMBIOS data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance . . . . . . . . . . 159

Before you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Using the documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

Getting help and information from the World Wide Web . . . . . . . . . 160

Software service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Hardware service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160

Appendix B. Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161

Important notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Product recycling and disposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163

Battery return program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Electronic emission notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) statement . . . . . . . . 164

Industry Canada Class A emission compliance statement . . . . . . . . 165

Australia and New Zealand Class A statement . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

United Kingdom telecommunications safety requirement . . . . . . . . 165

European Union EMC Directive conformance statement . . . . . . . . 165

Taiwanese Class A warning statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Chinese Class A warning statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Japanese Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) statement 166

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Contents v

vi IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Safety

Before installing this product, read the Safety Information.

Antes de instalar este produto, leia as Informações de Segurança.

Pred instalací tohoto produktu si prectete prírucku bezpecnostních instrukcí.

Læs sikkerhedsforskrifterne, før du installerer dette produkt.

Lees voordat u dit product installeert eerst de veiligheidsvoorschriften.

Ennen kuin asennat tämän tuotteen, lue turvaohjeet kohdasta Safety Information.

Avant d’installer ce produit, lisez les consignes de sécurité.

Vor der Installation dieses Produkts die Sicherheitshinweise lesen.

Prima di installare questo prodotto, leggere le Informazioni sulla Sicurezza.

Les sikkerhetsinformasjonen (Safety Information) før du installerer dette produktet.

Antes de instalar este produto, leia as Informações sobre Segurança.

Antes de instalar este producto, lea la información de seguridad.

Läs säkerhetsinformationen innan du installerar den här produkten.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2006 vii

Guidelines for trained service technicians

This section contains information for trained service technicians.

Inspecting for unsafe conditions

Use the information in this section to help you identify potential unsafe conditions in
an IBM product that you are working on. Each IBM product, as it was designed and
manufactured, has required safety items to protect users and service technicians
from injury. The information in this section addresses only those items. Use good
judgment to identify potential unsafe conditions that might be caused by non-IBM
alterations or attachment of non-IBM features or options that are not addressed in
this section. If you identify an unsafe condition, you must determine how serious the
hazard is and whether you must correct the problem before you work on the
product.

Consider the following conditions and the safety hazards that they present:

v Electrical hazards, especially primary power. Primary voltage on the frame can

cause serious or fatal electrical shock.

v Explosive hazards, such as a damaged CRT face or a bulging capacitor.

v Mechanical hazards, such as loose or missing hardware.

inspect the product for potential unsafe conditions, complete the following steps:

To

1. Make sure that the power is off and the power cord is disconnected.

2. Make sure that the exterior cover is not damaged, loose, or broken, and
observe any sharp edges.

3. Check the power cord:

v Make sure that the third-wire ground connector is in good condition. Use a

meter to measure third-wire ground continuity for 0.1 ohm or less between
the external ground pin and the frame ground.

v Make sure that the power cord is the correct type, as specified in “Power

cords” on page 93.

v Make sure that the insulation is not frayed or worn.

Remove the cover.

4.

5. Check for any obvious non-IBM alterations. Use good judgment as to the safety
of any non-IBM alterations.

6. Check inside the server for any obvious unsafe conditions, such as metal filings,
contamination, water or other liquid, or signs of fire or smoke damage.

7. Check for worn, frayed, or pinched cables.

8. Make sure that the power-supply cover fasteners (screws or rivets) have not
been removed or tampered with.

Guidelines for servicing electrical equipment

Observe the following guidelines when servicing electrical equipment:

v Check the area for electrical hazards such as moist floors, nongrounded power

extension cords, power surges, and missing safety grounds.

v Use only approved tools and test equipment. Some hand tools have handles that

are covered with a soft material that does not provide insulation from live
electrical currents.

v Regularly inspect and maintain your electrical hand tools for safe operational

condition. Do not use worn or broken tools or testers.

viii IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

v Do not touch the reflective surface of a dental mirror to a live electrical circuit.

The surface is conductive and can cause personal injury or equipment damage if
it touches a live electrical circuit.

v Some rubber floor mats contain small conductive fibers to decrease electrostatic

discharge. Do not use this type of mat to protect yourself from electrical shock.

v Do not work alone under hazardous conditions or near equipment that has

hazardous voltages.

v Locate the emergency power-off (EPO) switch, disconnecting switch, or electrical

outlet so that you can turn off the power quickly in the event of an electrical
accident.

v Disconnect all power before you perform a mechanical inspection, work near

power supplies, or remove or install main units.

v Before you work on the equipment, disconnect the power cord. If you cannot

disconnect the power cord, have the customer power-off the wall box that
supplies power to the equipment and lock the wall box in the off position.

v Never assume that power has been disconnected from a circuit. Check it to

make sure that it has been disconnected.

v If you have to work on equipment that has exposed electrical circuits, observe

the following precautions:

– Make sure that another person who is familiar with the power-off controls is

near you and is available to turn off the power if necessary.

– When you are working with powered-on electrical equipment, use only one

hand. Keep the other hand in your pocket or behind your back to avoid
creating a complete circuit that could cause an electrical shock.

– When using a tester, set the controls correctly and use the approved probe

leads and accessories for that tester.

– Stand on a suitable rubber mat to insulate you from grounds such as metal

floor strips and equipment frames.

Use extreme care when measuring high voltages.

v

v To ensure proper grounding of components such as power supplies, pumps,

blowers, fans, and motor generators, do not service these components outside of
their normal operating locations.

v If an electrical accident occurs, use caution, turn off the power, and send another

person to get medical aid.

Safety ix

Safety statements

Important:

Each caution and danger statement in this documentation begins with a number.
This number is used to cross reference an English-language caution or danger
statement with translated versions of the caution or danger statement in the Safety

Information document.

For example, if a caution statement begins with a number 1, translations for that
caution statement appear in the Safety Information document under statement 1.

Be sure to read all caution and danger statements in this documentation before
performing the instructions. Read any additional safety information that comes with
your server or optional device before you install the device.

x IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Statement 1:

DANGER

Electrical

current from power, telephone, and communication cables is

hazardous.

To avoid a shock hazard:
v Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation,

maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical
storm.

v Connect all power cords to a properly wired and grounded electrical

outlet.

v Connect to properly wired outlets any equipment that will be attached to

this product.

v When possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect signal

cables.

v Never turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire, water, or

structural damage.

v Disconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems,

networks, and modems before you open the device covers, unless
instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration procedures.

v Connect and disconnect cables as described in the following table when

installing, moving, or opening covers on this product or attached
devices.

To Connect: To Disconnect:

1. Turn everything OFF.

2. First, attach all cables to devices.

3. Attach signal cables to connectors.

4. Attach power cords to outlet.

1. Turn everything OFF.

2. First, remove power cords from outlet.

3. Remove signal cables from connectors.

4. Remove all cables from devices.

5. Turn device ON.

Safety xi

Statement 2:

CAUTION:
When replacing the lithium battery, use only IBM Part Number 33F8354 or an
equivalent type battery recommended by the manufacturer. If your system has
a module containing a lithium battery, replace it only with the same module
type made by the same manufacturer. The battery contains lithium and can
explode if not properly used, handled, or disposed of.

Do not:

v Throw or immerse into water
v Heat to more than 100°C (212°F)
v Repair or disassemble

Dispose

of the battery as required by local ordinances or regulations.

xii IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Statement 3:

CAUTION:
When laser products (such as CD-ROMs, DVD drives, fiber optic devices, or
transmitters) are installed, note the following:

v Do not remove the covers. Removing the covers of the laser product could

result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation. There are no serviceable
parts inside the device.

v Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than

those specified herein might result in hazardous radiation exposure.

DANGER

laser products contain an embedded Class 3A or Class 3B laser

Some
diode. Note the following.

Laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view directly
with optical instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the beam.

Class 1 Laser Product
Laser Klasse 1
Laser Klass 1
Luokan 1 Laserlaite
Appareil A Laser de Classe 1

`

Safety xiii

Statement 4:

≥ 18 kg (39.7 lb) ≥ 32 kg (70.5 lb) ≥ 55 kg (121.2 lb)

CAUTION:
Use safe practices when lifting.

Statement 5:

CAUTION:
The power control button on the device and the power switch on the power
supply do not turn off the electrical current supplied to the device. The device
also might have more than one power cord. To remove all electrical current
from the device, ensure that all power cords are disconnected from the power
source.

2

1

xiv IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Statement 8:

CAUTION:
Never remove the cover on a power supply or any part that has the following
label attached.

Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present inside any
component that has this label attached. There are no serviceable parts inside
these components. If you suspect a problem with one of these parts, contact
a service technician.

Statement 26:

CAUTION:
Do not place any object on top of rack-mounted devices.

Attention: This server is suitable for use on an IT power distribution system,

whose maximum phase to phase voltage is 240 V under any distribution fault
condition.

WARNING: Handling the cord on this product or cords associated with accessories

sold with this product, will expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of
California to cause cancer, and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash

hands after handling.

ADVERTENCIA: El contacto con el cable de este producto o con cables de

accesorios que se venden junto con este producto, pueden exponerle al plomo, un
elemento químico que en el estado de California de los Estados Unidos está
considerado como un causante de cancer y de defectos congénitos, además de
otros riesgos reproductivos. Lávese las manos después de usar el producto.

Safety xv

xvi IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Chapter 1. Introduction

This Problem Determination and Service Guide contains information to help you
solve problems that might occur in your IBM

®

System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913
server. It describes the diagnostic tools that come with the server, error codes and
suggested actions, and instructions for replacing failing components.

Technical updates might be available to provide additional information that is not
included in the server documentation. To check for updates, go to
http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/support/xseries/index.html, select System

x3550 from the Hardware list, and click Go. For firmware updates, click the
Download tab. For Documentation updates, click the Install and use tab, and click
Product documentation.

Replaceable components are of three types:

v Tier 1 customer replaceable unit (CRU): Replacement of Tier 1 CRUs is your

responsibility. If IBM installs a Tier 1 CRU at your request, you will be charged for
the installation.

v Tier 2 customer replaceable unit: Yo u may install a Tier 2 CRU yourself or

request IBM to install it, at no additional charge, under the type of warranty
service that is designated for your server.

v Field replaceable unit (FRU): FRUs must be installed only by trained service

technicians.

information about the terms of the warranty and getting service and assistance,

For
see the Warranty and Support Information document.

Related documentation

In addition to this document, the following documentation also comes with the
server:

v Installation Guide

This printed document contains instructions for setting up the server and basic
instructions for installing some options.

v User’s Guide

This document is in Portable Document Format (PDF) on the IBM System x
Documentation CD. It provides general information about the server, including

information about features, and how to configure the server. It also contains
detailed instructions for installing, removing, and connecting optional devices that
the server supports.

v Rack Installation Instructions

This printed document contains instructions for installing the server in a rack.

v Safety Information

This document is in PDF on the IBM System x Documentation CD. It contains
translated caution and danger statements. Each caution and danger statement
that appears in the documentation has a number that you can use to locate the
corresponding statement in your language in the Safety Information document.

v Warranty and Support Information

This document is in PDF on the IBM System x Documentation CD. It contains
information about the terms of the warranty and getting service and assistance.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2006 1

Depending on the server model, additional documentation might be included on the
IBM System x Documentation CD.

The server might have features that are not described in the documentation that
comes with the server. The documentation might be updated occasionally to include
information about those features, or technical updates might be available to provide
additional information that is not included in the server documentation. These
updates are available from the IBM Web site. To check for updated documentation
and technical updates, complete the following steps.

Note: Changes are made periodically to the IBM Web site. The actual procedure

might vary slightly from what is described in this document.

1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/support/.

2. Under Search technical support, type System x3550 and click Search.

Notices and statements in this document

The caution and danger statements that appear in this document are also in the
multilingual Safety Information document, which is on the IBM System x

Documentation CD. Each statement is numbered for reference to the corresponding

statement in the Safety Information document.

The following notices and statements are used in this document:

v Note: These notices provide important tips, guidance, or advice.
v Important: These notices provide information or advice that might help you avoid

inconvenient or problem situations.

v Attention: These notices indicate potential damage to programs, devices, or

data. An attention notice is placed just before the instruction or situation in which
damage could occur.

v Caution: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially hazardous

to you. A caution statement is placed just before the description of a potentially
hazardous procedure step or situation.

v Danger: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially lethal or

extremely hazardous to you. A danger statement is placed just before the
description of a potentially lethal or extremely hazardous procedure step or
situation.

2 IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Features and specifications

The following information is a summary of the features and specifications of the
server. Depending on the server model, some features might not be available, or
some specifications might not apply.

Chapter 1. Introduction 3

Table 1. Features and specifications

Microprocessor:

®

™

v Intel

Xeon

FC-LGA 771
dual-core with 4096 KB (minimum)
Level-2 cache

v Support for up to two

microprocessors

v Support for Intel Extended Memory

64 Technology (EM64T)

Note:

v Use the Configuration/Setup Utility

program to determine the type and
speed of the microprocessors.

v For a list of supported

microprocessors, see
http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/
serverproven/compat/us/

Memory:

v Minimum: 1 GB
v Maximum: 32 GB
v Type: PC2-5300, 667 MHz, ECC,

DDR II fully buffered SDRAM
DIMMs only

v Slots: Eight dual inline
v Supports 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, and

4 GB (when available) DIMMs

Drives:

CD/DVD: IDE 24x CD-RW/ 8x DVD
combination

Expansion bays (depending on
model):

Either two 3.5-inch or four 2.5-inch
hard disk drive bays

v Servers with a 2.5-inch hot-swap

drive bay configuration support up
to four 2.5-inch hot-swap SAS hard
disk drives

v Servers with a 3.5-inch hot-swap

drive bay configuration support up
to two 3.5-inch SAS or SATA
hot-swap hard disk drives

v Servers with a 3.5-inch

simple-swap drive bay configuration
support up to two 3.5-inch
simple-swap SATA hard disk drives

PCI

Expansion slots:

v One PCI Express x8 (half length)
v One PCI Express x8 (half length) or

PCI-X (half length)

Power supply:

Maximum of two redundant 670-watt
(110 or 220 V ac auto-sensing)
hot-swap power supplies.

Hot-swap fans:

v Standard: five
v Maximum: six (with two

microprocessors installed)

Size:

v Height: 43 mm (1.69 inches, 1 U)
v Depth: 711 mm (28 inches)
v Width: 440 mm (17.3 inches)
v Maximum weight: 15.4 kg (34 lb)

when fully configured

Integrated

functions:

v Two Broadcom NetXtreme II Gb

Ethernet controllers with TOE and
Wake on LAN

®

support

v Four Universal Serial Bus (USB)

2.0 ports (two front and two rear)

v One Advanced System

Management RJ-45 (active only
when a Remote Supervisor
Adapter II SlimLine is installed)

v One serial port

Hard

disk controllers:

v Serial ATA ( SATA) controller with

integrated RAID (simple-swap
SATA models)

v Serial-attached SCSI (SAS)

controller with integrated RAID
(hot-swap SAS models)

Acoustical

noise emissions:

v Sound power, idling: 6.8 bels

maximum

v Sound power, operating: 6.8 bels

maximum

Environment:

v Air temperature:

– Server on: 10° to 35°C (50.0°

to 95.0°F); altitude: 0 to 914 m
(2998.7 ft)

– Server off: -40° to 60°C

(-104° to 140°F); maximum
altitude: 2133 m (6998.0 ft)

v

Humidity:

– Server on: 8% to 80%
– Server off: 8% to 80%

Heat output:

Approximate heat output in British
thermal units (Btu) per hour:

v Minimum configuration: 662 Btu per

hour (194 watts)

v Maximum configuration: 2390 Btu

per hour (700 watts)

Electrical

input:

v Sine-wave input (47-63 Hz) required
v Input voltage low range:

– Minimum: 100 V ac
– Maximum: 127 V ac

v

Input voltage high range:

– Minimum: 200 V ac
– Maximum: 240 V ac

v

Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA),

approximately:
– Minimum: 0.194 kVA
– Maximum: 0.700 kVA

Video

controller (integrated):

v ATI Radeon RN50 (dual ports - front

and rear)

v Support for SPI Serial flash memory

video BIOS

v Flexible memory support

– 8 MB to 256 MB
– DDR1 and DDR2 SDRAM and

SGRAM

Notes:

1. Power consumption and heat
output vary depending on the
number and type of optional
features installed and the
power-management optional
features in use.

2. These levels were measured in
controlled acoustical environments
according to the procedures
specified by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) S12.10
and ISO 7779 and are reported in
accordance with ISO 9296. Actual
sound-pressure levels in a given
location might exceed the average
values stated because of room
reflections and other nearby noise
sources. The declared sound-power
levels indicate an upper limit, below
which a large number of computers
will operate.

4 IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Server controls, LEDs, and connectors

This section describes the controls, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and connectors on
the front and rear of the server.

Front view

The following illustration shows the controls, LEDs, and connectors on the front of
the server. This configuration supports up to four 2.5-inch hot-swappable hard disk
drives.

Rack release latch

USB 3 connector

USB 4 connector

Video connector

Operator information
panel

Rack release latch

2.5-inch hard disk drives

Hard disk drive
status LED

Hard disk drive
activity LED

CD-RW/DVD eject button

CD-RW/DVD drive activity LED

The following illustration shows the controls, LEDs, and connectors on the front of
the server. This configuration supports up to two 3.5-inch hot-swappable hard disk
drives or two 3.5-inch simple-swap SATA hard disk drives.

Rack release latch

3.5-inch hard disk drives

USB 3 connector

USB 4 connector

Video connector

Operator information panel

Rack release latch

CD-RW/DVD eject button

CD-RW/DVD drive
activity LED

Hard disk drive
status LED (SAS model)

Hard disk drive
activity LED (SAS model)

Note: The locations of the controls, LEDs, and connectors vary, depending on the

hardware configuration that you have.

v Operator information panel: This panel contains controls and LEDs about the

status of the server.

Power-on
LED (green)

System
locator
LED (blue)

System-error
LED (amber)

The following controls and LEDs are on the operator information panel:
– Power-on LED: When this green LED is lit and not flashing, it indicates that

the server is turned on. When this LED is flashing, it indicates that the server

Power­control
button

Hard drive
activity
LED (green)

System
information
LED (amber)

Release
latch

Chapter 1. Introduction 5

is turned off and is still connected to an ac power source. When this LED is
off, it indicates that ac power is not present, or the power supply or the LED
itself has failed. A power LED is also on the rear of the server.

Note: If this LED is off, it does not mean that there is no electrical power in

the server. The LED might be burned out. To remove all electrical power from
the server, you must disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet.

– System-locator LED: Use this blue LED to visually locate the server among

other servers. You can use IBM Director to light this LED remotely. This LED
is controlled by the BMC.

– System-error LED: When this amber LED is lit, it indicates that a system

error has occurred. A system-error LED is also on the rear of the server. An
LED on the light path diagnostics panel on the system board is also lit to help
isolate the error. This LED is controlled by the BMC.

– Release latch: Press the release latch to the left to slide out the operator

information panel and view the light path diagnostics LEDs and buttons. See
the Problem Determination and Service Guide for more information about the
light path diagnostics panel.

– System-information LED: When this amber LED is lit, it indicates that a

noncritical event has occurred. Check the error log for additional information.
See the information about light path diagnostics in the Problem Determination

and Service Guide for more information about error logs.

– Hard drive activity LED: When this green LED is lit, it indicates that one of

the hard disk drives is in use.

Notes:

1. For a SAS drive, a hard disk drive activity LED is shown in two places: on
the hard disk drive and on the operator information panel.

2. For a SATA drive, hard disk drive activity is indicated only by the hard disk
drive activity LED on the operator information panel.

Power-control button: Press this button to turn the server on and off

–

manually.

Rack release latches: Press the latches on each front side of the server to

v

remove the server from the rack.

v Video connector: Connect a monitor to this connector. The video connectors on

the front and rear of the server can be used simultaneously.

v USB connectors: Connect a USB device, such as a USB mouse, keyboard, or

other device to any of these connectors.

v CD-RW/DVD eject button: Press this button to release a DVD or CD from the

CD/DVD drive.

v CD-RW/DVD drive activity LED: When this LED is lit, it indicates that the

CD-RW/DVD drive is in use.

v Hard disk drive status LED: This LED is used on SAS hard disk drives. When

this LED is lit, it indicates that the drive has failed. If an optional IBM
ServeRAID

™

controller is installed in the server, when this LED is flashing slowly
(one flash per second), it indicates that the drive is being rebuilt. When the LED
is flashing rapidly (three flashes per second), it indicates that the controller is
identifying the drive.

v Hard disk drive activity LED: This LED is used on SAS hard disk drives. Each

hot-swap hard disk drive has an activity LED, and when this LED is flashing, it
indicates that the drive is in use.

6 IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Light path diagnostics panel

The light path diagnostics panel is on the top of the operator information panel.

To access the light path diagnostics panel, push the release button on the operator
panel to the left. Pull forward on the unit until the hinge of the operator panel is free
of the server chassis; then, pull down on the unit, so that the operator information
panel is at a right angle with the server.

Operator information
panel

Light path LEDs

Release button

The following illustration shows the LEDs and controls on the light path diagnostics
panel.

Light Path

Diagnostics

CPU

MEM

FAN

PCI

PS1SPPS2

VRM

CNFG

NMI

S ERR

RAID

DASD

TEMP

BRD

OVER SPEC

REMIND

v Remind button: This button places the system-error LED on the front panel into

Remind mode. In Remind mode, the system-error LED flashes rapidly until the
problem is corrected, the system is restarted, or a new problem occurs.

By placing the system-error LED indicator in Remind mode, you acknowledge
that you are aware of the last failure but will not take immediate action to correct
the problem. The remind function is handled by the BMC.

v Reset button: Press this button to reset the server and run the power-on

self-test (POST). You might have to use a pen or the end of a straightened paper
clip to press the button. The reset button is to the right of the remind button.

information about light path diagnostics, see the System x3550 Problem

For

Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD.

Chapter 1. Introduction 7

Rear view

The following illustration shows the connectors and LEDs on the rear of the server.

Ethernet 1

Ethernet 2

PCI slot 1 PCI slot 2

USB 2

USB 1

Systems
management
Ethernet connector

Serial
connector

Video
connector

Power connector

Power-on LED

System-locator LED

System-error LED

AC Power
LED

DC Power
LED

v PCI slot 1: Insert a PCI Express type adapter into this slot.
v PCI slot 2: Insert a PCI Express type adapter into this slot. You can purchase an

optional PCI-X riser card assembly to convert this slot to accept a PCI-X adapter.

v Power connector: Connect the power cord to this connector.
v AC power LED: Each hot-swap power supply has an ac power LED and a dc

power LED. When the ac power LED is lit, it indicates that sufficient power is
coming into the power supply through the power cord. During typical operation,
both the ac and dc power LEDs are lit. For any other combination of LEDs, see
the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x

Documentation CD.

v DC power LED: Each hot-swap power supply has a dc power LED and an ac

power LED. When the dc power LED is lit, it indicates that the power supply is
supplying adequate dc power to the system. During typical operation, both the ac
and dc power LEDs are lit. For any other combination of LEDs, see the Problem

Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD.

v System-error LED: When this LED is lit, it indicates that a system error has

occurred. An LED on the light path diagnostics panel is also lit to help isolate the
error.

v Power-on LED: When this LED is lit and not flashing, it indicates that the server

is turned on. When this LED is flashing, it indicates that the server is turned off
and still connected to an ac power source. When this LED is off, it indicates that
ac power is not present, or the power supply or the LED itself has failed.

v System-locator LED: Use this LED to visually locate the server among other

servers. Yo u can use IBM Director to light this LED remotely.

v Video connector: Connect a monitor to this connector. The video connectors on

the front and rear of the server can be used simultaneously.

v Serial connector: Connect a 9-pin serial device to this connector. The serial port

is shared with the baseboard management controller (BMC). The BMC can take
control of the shared serial port to perform text console redirection and to redirect
serial traffic, using Serial over LAN (SOL).

v USB connectors: Connect a USB device, such as a USB mouse, keyboard, or

other device to any of these connectors.

v Systems-management Ethernet connector: Use this connector to connect the

server to a network for systems-management information control. This connector
is active only if you have installed a Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine, and
it is used only by the Remote Supervisor Adapter II SlimLine.

8 IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Ethernet port

Ethernet activity LED

v Ethernet activity LEDs: When these LEDs are lit, they indicate that the server is

transmitting to or receiving signals from the Ethernet LAN that is connected to
the Ethernet port.

v Ethernet speed LED: When these LEDs are lit, they indicate that there is an

active link connection on the 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or 1000BASE-TX
interface for the Ethernet port.

v Ethernet connectors: Use either of these connectors to connect the server to a

network.

Internal LEDs, connectors, and jumpers

The illustrations in this section show the connectors, LEDs, and jumpers on the
internal boards. The illustrations might differ slightly from your hardware.

Ethernet speed LED

Ethernet cable
release lever

Chapter 1. Introduction 9

System-board internal connectors

The following illustration shows the internal connectors on the system board.

SAS signal
connector (J65)
(some models)

SATA 1 signal
connector (port 1)
(some models)

Power supply
backplane
connector

Microprocessor 1
connector

SATA 0 signal
connector (port 0)
(some models)

CD-RW/DVD connector

Operator information
panel connector

Video front panel
connector

Power backplane card internal connectors

The following illustration shows the internal connectors on the power backplane
card.

USB front panel
connector
(USB3 and USB4)

10 IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide

Power supply connectors

System board
connector

Hard disk drive
power connector

System-board switches and jumpers

The following illustration shows the switches and jumpers on the system board.

Note: If a clear protective sticker is present on top of the SW2 switch block, you

must remove and discard it in order to access the switches.

Chapter 1. Introduction 11

1
2
3

Boot block recovery
jumper (J14)

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ON

System board switch
block (SW2)

NMI (SW1)

12 IBM System x3550 Type 7978 and 1913: Problem Determination and Service Guide