NEC N8100-14522F, N8100-1453F, Express5800-i120Ra-e1 User Manual

N8100-1452F/1453F

NEC Express5800/i120Ra-e1
User's Guide

1st Edition

6-2008

ONL-510_007_02-i120Ra-e1-000-99-0806

PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the
valuable property of NEC Corporation (NEC) and /or its licensors. NEC and/or its licensors, as
appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all
design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are
expressly granted to others.

The NEC product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the terms of the
Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance of each such
product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer data, and operator control.
Since implementation by customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product
configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not warranted by NEC.

To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this document is subject to
change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this document or portions thereof without prior
written approval of NEC is prohibited.

First Printing, June 2008

Copyright 2008

NEC Corporation

7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku

Tokyo 108-8001, Japan

All Rights Reserved

Printed in Japan

Keep this manual at hand for quick reference at anytime necessary.

SAFETY INDICATIONS

Follow the instructions in this manual for your safety to use the NEC Express server.

Your server contains components with possible danger, hazards that may cause by ignoring
warnings, and preventive actions against such hazards.

Server components with possible danger are indicated with a warning label placed on or around them
as well as described in this manual.

In this manual or warning labels, "WARNING" or "CAUTION" is used to indicate a degree of danger.
These terms are defined as follows:

WARNING

CAUTION

Precautions and notices against hazards are presented with one of the following three symbols. The
individual symbols are defined as follows:

This symbol indicates the presence of a hazard if the instruction is ignored.
An image in the symbol illustrates the hazard type. (Attention)

This symbol indicates prohibited actions. An image in the symbol illustrates a particular
prohibited action. (Prohibited Action)

This symbol indicates mandatory actions. An image in the symbol illustrates a
mandatory action to avoid a particular hazard. (Mandatory Action)

(Example)

Indicates the presence of a hazard that may result in death or serious
personal injury if the instruction is ignored.
Indicates the presence of a hazard that may cause minor personal injury,
including burns, or property damage if the instruction is ignored.

Symbol to draw attention

Term indicating a degree of danger

CAUTION

Plug in to a proper power source.
Use a proper wall outlet of the specified voltage. Use of an improper power
source may cause a fire or a power leak.

Symbol indicating a prohibited
action (may not always be
indicated)

Description of a danger

SYMBOLS USED IN THIS MANUAL AND WARNING LABELS

Attentions

Indicates that improper use may cause an electric shock.

Indicates that improper use may cause personal injury.

Indicates that improper use may cause fingers to be caught.

Indicates that improper use may cause fumes or fire.

Indicates a general notice or warning that cannot be specifically identified.

Prohibited Actions

Indicates a general prohibited action that cannot be specifically identified.

Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the server. Otherwise, an electric shock or fire
may be caused.

Mandatory Action

Unplug the power cord of the server. Otherwise, an electric shock or fire may be
caused.

Indicates a mandatory action that cannot be specifically identified. Make sure to follow
the instruction.

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Warning

This is a Class A product. In domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Momentary voltage drop prevention:

This product may be affected by a momentary voltage drop caused by lightning. To prevent a
momentary voltage drop, an AC uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit should be used.

BSMI Statement

Trademarks

NEC ESMPRO and NEC EXPRESSBUILDER are trademarks of NEC Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Server, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in
the United States and other countries.
Intel, Pentium, and Xeon are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
PCI Express is a trademark of Peripheral Component Interconnect Special Interest Group.
Datalight is a registered trademark of Datalight, Inc.
ROM-DOS is a registered trademark of Datalight, Inc.
AT is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States and other countries.
Adaptec and its logo is a registered trademark of Adaptec, Inc. of United States.
LSI and the LSI logo design are trademarks or registered trademarks of LSI Corporation.
Adobe, Adobe logo, and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
DLT and DLTtape are trademarks of Quantum Corporation of the United States.
AVOCENT and DVC (Dambrackas Video Compression) are registered trademarks or trademarks of AVOCENT in the
United States and other countries.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective trademark owners.

Windows Vista stands for Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business operating system. Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions
stands for Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 R2, Standard x64 Edition Operating system and Microsoft® Windows®
Server 2003 R2, Enterprise x64 Edition operating system, or Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition
operating system and Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition operating system. Windows Server 2003
stands for Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 R2, Standard Edition operating system and Microsoft® Windows® Server
2003 R2, Enterprise Edition operating system, or Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Standard Edition operating system
and Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, Enterprise Edition operating system. Windows XP x64 Edition stands for
Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition operating system. Windows XP stands for Microsoft® Windows® XP
Home Edition operating system and Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional operating system. Windows 2000 stands for
Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server operating system and Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Advanced Server operating system,
and Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Professional operating system. Windows NT stands for Microsoft® Windows NT® Server
network operating system version 3.51/4.0 and Microsoft® Windows NT® Workstation operating system version 3.51/4.0.
Windows Me stands for Microsoft® Windows® Millennium Edition operating system. Windows 98 stands for Microsoft®
Windows®98 operating system. Windows 95 stands for Microsoft® Windows®95 operating system. WinPE stands for
Microsoft® Windows® Preinstallation Environment.

Notes:

(1) No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of

NEC Corporation.

(2) The contents of this manual may be revised without prior notice.

(3) The contents of this manual shall not be copied or altered without the prior written permission

of NEC Corporation.

(4) All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of all information in this manual. If you

notice any part unclear, incorrect, or omitted in this manual, contact the service representative
where you purchased this product.

(5) NEC assumes no liability arising from the use of this product, nor any liability for incidental or

consequential damages arising from the use of this manual regardless of Item (4).

PREFACE

Congratulations on the purchase of your NEC Express server.

Purchase of this server is your assurance of receiving state-of-the-art, high quality hardware to meet
your needs, both now and in the future.

Read this User's Guide thoroughly to fully understand handling of the NEC Express server and
appreciate its functions to the maximum extent.

i

ii

ABOUT THIS USER'S GUIDE

This manual is a guide for proper setup and use of your server.
This manual also covers useful procedures for dealing with difficulties and problems that may arise
during setup or operation of your server.
Keep this manual for future use.
The following describes how to proceed with this manual.

How to Use This Manual

To aid you in finding information quickly, this manual contains the following information:

Chapter 1 Notes on Using Your Server

includes information that needs attention to use the server. Make sure to read this chapter before
setting up and using the server. It also includes requirements and advisory information for
transfer and disposal of the server.

Chapter 2 General Description

includes information necessary to use the server, such as names and functions of its
components.

Chapter 3 Setting Up Your Server

tells you how to select a site, unpack the system, make cable connections, and power on your
system.

Chapter 4 Configuring Your Server

tells you how to configure the system and provides instructions for running the BIOS SETUP
Utility and the RAID configuration utility, which is used to configure RAID drives in your system.
This chapter also provides information on mother board jumper settings.

Chapter 5 Installing the Operating System with Express Setup

describes how to install the operating system.

Chapter 6 Installing and Using Utilities

describes how to install the utilities for the server. It also includes a description on using the
attached "NEC EXPRESSBUILDER" DVD.

Chapter 7 Maintenance

provides you with all the information necessary to maintain successful operation of the server.
This chapter also includes a description on relocating and storing the server.

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting

contains helpful information for solving problems that might occur with your system.

Chapter 9 Upgrading Your Server

provides you with instructions for upgrading your system with optional memory, optional add-in
cards, hard disk drives, and peripheral devices.

Appendix A Specification

provides specifications for your server.

Appendix B Other Precautions

provides supplementary notes on using the server.

Appendix C IRQ

provides a list of factory-set IRQs.

Appendix D Installing Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions

describes how to install Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions without using Express
Setup. Using the Express Setup tool is recommended for installing Windows Server 2003 x64
Editions. See Chapter 5 for details.

Appendix E Installing Windows Server 2003

describes how to install Microsoft Windows Server 2003 without using Express Setup. Using the
Express Setup tool is recommended for installing Windows Server 2003. See Chapter 5 for
details.

Appendix F Using a Client Computer Which Has a CD Drive

describes how to install the management software of EXPRESSBUILDER to the client
computer without the DVD drive.

Appendix G Product Configuration Record Table

provides a table to be filled with your server configuration.

Text Conventions

The following conventions are used throughout this manual. For safety symbols, see "SAFETY
INDICATIONS" provided earlier.

iii

IMPORTANT:

NOTE:

Items that are mandatory or require attention when using the server

Helpful and convenient piece of information

IN THE PACKAGE

The carton contains various accessories, as well as the server itself. See the packing list to make
sure that you have everything and that individual components are not damaged. If you find any
component missing or damaged, contact your service representative.

 Store the provided accessories in a designated place for your convenience. You will need

them to install an optional device or troubleshoot your server, as well as to set it up.

 Make a backup copy of each provided floppy disk, if any. Store the original disk as the

master disk in a designated place, and use its copy.

 Improper use of any provided DVD/CD-ROM may alter your system environment. If you

find anything unclear, immediately ask your service representative for help.

iv

CONTENTS

Preface ..............................................................................................................................................i

About This User's Guide..................................................................................................................ii

In the Package.................................................................................................................................iii

Chapter 1 Notes on Using Your Server........................................................................ 1-1

Warning Labels.............................................................................................................................1-2

Safety Notes..................................................................................................................................1-3

General .....................................................................................................................................1-3

Rack .........................................................................................................................................1-5

Power Supply and Power Cord Use .........................................................................................1-6

Installation, Relocation, Storage, and Connection....................................................................1-8

Cleaning and Working with Internal Devices.........................................................................1-10

During Operation ...................................................................................................................1-11

For Proper Operation..................................................................................................................1-12

Transfer to Third Party ...............................................................................................................1-13

Disposal and Consumables.........................................................................................................1-14

User Support...............................................................................................................................1-15

Chapter 2 General Description ..................................................................................... 2-1

Overview ......................................................................................................................................2-2

System Chassis .............................................................................................................................2-3

Front View................................................................................................................................2-3

Rear View.................................................................................................................................2-5

Internal View............................................................................................................................2-6

Mother Board / Backplane Board .................................................................................................2-7

Standard Features .........................................................................................................................2-8

Remote Power-On Feature (Wake On LAN)............................................................................2-9

AC LINK Feature.....................................................................................................................2-9

Security ....................................................................................................................................2-9

NEC EXPRESSBUILDER ....................................................................................................2-10

NEC ESMPRO.......................................................................................................................2-10

Maintenance Tools ................................................................................................................. 2-11

System Diagnostic Utility ......................................................................................................2-11

Remote Management..............................................................................................................2-11

Using Your Server.......................................................................................................................2-12

POWER Switch......................................................................................................................2-12

Identification of Servers ~ UID Switch ~...............................................................................2-17

Optical Disk Drive .................................................................................................................2-18

Chapter 3 Setting Up Your Server ................................................................................ 3-1

Setup Flow....................................................................................................................................3-2

Selecting Server Site.....................................................................................................................3-3

Installing the Server......................................................................................................................3-5

Connecting Peripheral Devices...................................................................................................3-13

Connecting Power Cord..............................................................................................................3-15

Turning On the Server ................................................................................................................3-17

Installing Operating System .......................................................................................................3-18

Installing Utilities .......................................................................................................................3-18

Making Backup Copies of System Information..........................................................................3-18

Chapter 4 Configuring Your Server.............................................................................. 4-1

System BIOS (SETUP) ................................................................................................................4-1

Starting SETUP Utility.............................................................................................................4-2

Description on On-Screen Items and Key Usage.....................................................................4-3

Configuration Examples...........................................................................................................4-4

Menu and Parameter Descriptions ...........................................................................................4-8

RAID System Configuration ......................................................................................................4-28

RAID......................................................................................................................................4-28

Configuration by Onboard RAID Controller .........................................................................4-33

Setup Utility ...........................................................................................................................4-35

LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility and Universal RAID Utility................................4-48

Configuring Mother Board Jumpers...........................................................................................4-51

v

Chapter 5 Installing the Operating System with Express Setup............................... 5-1

About Express Setup ....................................................................................................................5-2

Microsoft Windows Server 2003..................................................................................................5-3

Notes on Windows Installation.................................................................................................5-3

Flow of Setup ...............................................................................................................................5-9

Installing the Windows Server 2003.......................................................................................5-10

Installing and Setting Device Drivers.....................................................................................5-19

Setting for Solving Problems .................................................................................................5-28

Installing Maintenance Utilities .............................................................................................5-33

Updating the System – Installing Service Pack –...................................................................5-33

Making Backup Copies of System Information .....................................................................5-33

Installing with the OEM-FD for Mass Storage Device ..........................................................5-34

vi

Chapter 6 Installing and Using Utilities ....................................................................... 6-1

NEC EXPRESSBUILDER...........................................................................................................6-2

Autorun Menu ..........................................................................................................................6-6

Parameter File Creator..................................................................................................................6-7

Parameter File ..........................................................................................................................6-8

NEC ESMPRO ...........................................................................................................................6-18

Functions and Features...........................................................................................................6-18

Universal RAID Utility...............................................................................................................6-19

Setup with Express Setup.......................................................................................................6-19

Manual Setup .........................................................................................................................6-19

Using Universal RAID Utility via Network...........................................................................6-20

Easy Configuration.................................................................................................................6-20

NEC DianaScope........................................................................................................................6-21

Chapter 7 Maintenance.................................................................................................. 7-1

Making Backup Copies ................................................................................................................7-1

Cleaning........................................................................................................................................7-2

Cleaning the Server ..................................................................................................................7-3

Cleaning the Interior.................................................................................................................7-4

Cleaning the Keyboard/Mouse.................................................................................................7-5

Cleaning Disc ...........................................................................................................................7-6

System Diagnostics.......................................................................................................................7-7

Test Items.................................................................................................................................7-7

Startup and Exit of System Diagnostics ...................................................................................7-8

Relocating/Storing The Server....................................................................................................7-11

Chapter 8 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 8-1

System Viewers ............................................................................................................................8-2

LED ..............................................................................................................................................8-3

POWER LED...........................................................................................................................8-3

STATUS LED...........................................................................................................................8-3

DISK ACCESS LED................................................................................................................8-5

UID LED (Unit Identification).................................................................................................8-5

ACT/LINK LED ......................................................................................................................8-5

SPEED LED.............................................................................................................................8-5

DISK LED................................................................................................................................8-6

Error Messages .............................................................................................................................8-7

Error Messages after Power-on................................................................................................8-7

POST Error Messages ..............................................................................................................8-8

Beep Codes.............................................................................................................................8-12

Error Messages on Virtual LCD .............................................................................................8-13

vii

Solving Problems........................................................................................................................8-15

Problems with the Server .......................................................................................................8-15

Problems with Windows.........................................................................................................8-21

Problems with NEC EXPRESSBUILDER ............................................................................8-25

Problems with Express Setup.................................................................................................8-26

Problems with Parameter File Creator ...................................................................................8-26

Problems with Windows Autorun Menu ................................................................................8-27

Problems with RAID System and RAID Controller ..............................................................8-28

Collecting Dr. Watson Diagnostic Information...........................................................................8-30

Memory Dump ...........................................................................................................................8-30

Preparing for Memory Dumping............................................................................................8-30

Saving the Dump File.............................................................................................................8-31

Recovery for Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions and Windows Server 2003...........................8-31

Maintenance Tools ......................................................................................................................8-32

Starting Maintenance Tools ....................................................................................................8-32

Function of Maintenance Tools ..............................................................................................8-34

Maintenance Tools with Remote Console ..............................................................................8-36

Resetting the Server....................................................................................................................8-38

Forced Shutdown........................................................................................................................8-38

Chapter 9 Upgrading Your Server ................................................................................ 9-1

Safety Notes..................................................................................................................................9-2

Static Precautions .........................................................................................................................9-3

Preparing for Installation and Removal........................................................................................9-4

Device Installation or Removal Procedure ...................................................................................9-7

Hard Disk Drive .......................................................................................................................9-7

DIMM ....................................................................................................................................9-12

PCI Board...............................................................................................................................9-15

RAID Controller.....................................................................................................................9-21

Appendix A Specifications............................................................................................A-1

Appendix B Other Precautions..................................................................................... B-1

Transfer Rate of the On-board LAN Controller ...................................................................... B-1

Server Management Software ................................................................................................. B-1

Floppy Disk............................................................................................................................. B-1

DVD/CD-ROM....................................................................................................................... B-4

Tape Media.............................................................................................................................. B-4

Keyboard................................................................................................................................. B-5

Mouse...................................................................................................................................... B-6

viii

Appendix C IRQ..............................................................................................................C-1

Appendix D Installing Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions........................................D-1

Before Installing Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions.................................................................D-1

Optional Board Supported by NEC EXPRESSBUILDER......................................................D-1

Service Pack Which EXPRESSBUILDER Supports ..............................................................D-2

Installing Service Pack ............................................................................................................D-2

Updating System .....................................................................................................................D-2

Re-installing to the Hard Disk Drive which has been upgraded to Dynamic Disk .................D-2

Mounting MO Device .............................................................................................................D-2

About Removable Media ........................................................................................................D-2

About the System Partition Size..............................................................................................D-3

Installing Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions.............................................................................D-4

Creating "Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition OEM-Disk for EXPRESSBUILDER" ............D-5

Windows Server 2003 x64 Editions Clean Installation ...........................................................D-7

Reinstallation to Multiple Logical Drives ...............................................................................D-9

Procedure for License Authentication ...................................................................................D-10

Updating the System - Applying Service Pack - ................................................................... D-11

Driver Installation and Advanced Settings ................................................................................D-16

PROSet..................................................................................................................................D-16

Adapter Fault Tolerance (AFT)/Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB)........................................D-18

Network Driver .....................................................................................................................D-20

Re-install the Network Driver ............................................................................................... D-21

Optional Network Board Driver............................................................................................ D-22

Installation of the Optional Network Board Driver...............................................................D-22

Graphics Accelerator Driver.................................................................................................. D-23

Installing SCSI Controller Driver (N8103-75/107)............................................................... D-24

Installing SCSI Controller Driver (N8103-95)......................................................................D-24

Installing SAS Controller Driver (N8103-104).....................................................................D-24

About Windows Activation ...................................................................................................D-25

Setting for Collecting Memory Dump (Debug Information).....................................................D-26

ix

Appendix E Installing Windows Server 2003 .............................................................. E-1

Before Installing Windows Server 2003 ...................................................................................... E-1

Optional Board Supported by NEC EXPRESSBUILDER...................................................... E-1

Service Pack Which EXPRESSBUILDER Supports .............................................................. E-2

Installing Service Pack ............................................................................................................ E-2

Updating System ..................................................................................................................... E-2

Re-installing to the Hard Disk Drive which has been upgraded to Dynamic Disk ................. E-2

Mounting MO Device .............................................................................................................E-3

About Removable Media ........................................................................................................ E-3

About the Upgrade to Windows Server 2003 R2 .................................................................... E-3

About the System Partition Size.............................................................................................. E-4

Installing Windows Server 2003..................................................................................................E-5

Creating "Windows Server 2003 OEM-Disk for EXPRESSBUILDER"................................ E-6

Windows Server 2003 Clean Installation ................................................................................ E-8

Reinstallation to Multiple Logical Drives ............................................................................. E-11

Re-installing the Operation System if Multiple Logical Drives Exist................................... E-13

Procedure for License Authentication ................................................................................... E-14

Updating the System - Applying Service Pack - ................................................................... E-14

Driver Installation and Advanced Settings ................................................................................ E-20

PROSet.................................................................................................................................. E-20

Network Driver ..................................................................................................................... E-21

Re-install the Network Driver ............................................................................................... E-22

Adapter Fault Tolerance (AFT)/Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB)........................................ E-22

Graphics Accelerator Driver.................................................................................................. E-22

Installing SCSI Controller Driver (N8103-75/95/107).......................................................... E-23

Installing SAS Controller Driver (N8103-104)..................................................................... E-23

About Windows Activation ................................................................................................... E-23

Available Switch Options for Windows Server 2003 Boot.ini File....................................... E-25

Setting for Collecting Memory Dump (Debug Information)..................................................... E-26

Appendix F Using a Client Computer Which Has a CD Drive ................................... F-1

Appendix G Product Configuration Record Table......................................................G-1

Hardware.................................................................................................................................G-1

Software ..................................................................................................................................G-3

x

(This page is intentionally left blank.)

Chapter 1

Notes on Using Your Server

This chapter includes information necessary for proper and safe operation of your server.

1-2 Notes on Using Your Server

A

WARNING LABELS

The warning label is attached to components with possible danger or their vicinity in your server to
inform the user that a hazardous situation may arise when operating the server. (Do not intentionally
remove or damage any of the labels.)

If you find any labels totally/partially removed or illegible due to damage, contact your service
representative.

ttached to the bottom of chassis

Notes on Using Your Server 1-3

SAFETY NOTES

This section provides notes on using your server safely. Read this section carefully to ensure proper
and safe use of the server. For symbols, see "SAFETY INDICATIONS" provided earlier.

General

WARNING

Do not use the server for services where critical high availability may directly
affect human lives.

Your server is not intended to be used with or control facilities or devices
concerning human lives, including medical devices, nuclear facilities and
devices, aeronautics and space devices, transportation facilities and devices;
and facilities and devices requiring high reliability. NEC assumes no liability
for any accident resulting in personal injury, death, or property damage if the
server has been used in the above conditions.

Do not use the server if any smoke, odor, or noise is present.

If smoke, odor, or noise is present, immediately turn off the server and
disconnect the power plug from the outlet, then contact your service
representative. Using the server in such conditions may cause a fire.

Keep needles or metal objects away from the server.

Do not insert needles or metal objects into ventilation holes in the server or
openings in the floppy disk or optical disk drive. Doing so may cause an
electric shock.

Do not use the server in any unapproved place.

Install the server on a standard EIA 19-inch rack assembly. Do not install the
rack containing the server in a place inappropriate to the rack installation
environment.
Failure to follow these instructions may cause some bad influences to be
imposed on the server and other systems installed on the rack and also a fire
or personal injury due to falling of the rack may occur. For the detailed
explanation on the place where the server should be installed and the
earthquake-resistant construction for the rack, refer to the manual attached to
the rack or contact you service representative.

Always install the server on a rack conforming to the relevant standard.

Install the server on a rack confirming to the EIA standard for the server to be
used. Do not use the server with installed on any other rack than standard
EIA 19-inch rack or without the installation on a proper rack. Failure to follow
these instructions may cause the server to operate incorrectly and/or
personal injury or damages of surrounding devices to occur. Contact your
service representative for the racks available for the server.

1-4 Notes on Using Your Server

Keep water or foreign matter away from the server.

Do not let any form of liquid (water etc.) or foreign matter (e.g., pins or paper
clips) enter the server. Failure to follow this warning may cause an electric
shock, a fire, or a failure of the server. When such things accidentally enter
the server, immediately turn off the power and disconnect the power plug
from the outlet. Do not disassemble the server. Contact your service
representative.

CAUTION

Rack

Notes on Using Your Server 1-5

CAUTION

Do not carry or install the server only by a single person.

More than one person is required to carry or install the rack. Failure to follow
this instruction may cause the rack to fall to result in personal injury and/or
damage to surrounding devices. In particular, a high rack (such as 44U rack)
is unstable if it is not fixed by stabilizers. More than one person must always
carry or install the rack while they support it.

Do not install the server so that the load may be concentrated on a specific
point.

Install stabilizers on the rack so that the total load of the rack and devices
mounted on the rack is not concentrated on a singe point or join more than
one rack with each other to distribute the load. Failure to follow this instruction
may cause the rack to fall to result in personal injury.

Do not install components on the server only by a single person.

More than one person is required to install parts including the doors and trays
for the rack. Failure to follow this instruction may cause some parts to fall to
be broken and/or to result in personal injury.

Insert hinges completely.

When installing the rack door, make sure that hinge pins at top and bottom of
the door are completely inserted into the rack. Failure to follow this instruction
may cause the door to fall to be broken and/or to result in personal injury.

Do not pull out a device from the rack if the rack is unstable.

Always pull out a device from the rack in the state that the rack is made stable
(by the installation of stabilizers or earthquake-resistant construction).

Do not leave more than one device being pulled out from the rack.

Pulling out more than one device from the rack may cause the rack to be
fallen. Only pull out a single device from the rack at a time.

Do not provide the wiring for the server to exceed the rating of the power
supply.

To prevent burns, fires, and device damages, the power supplied to the
power supply in the rack shall not exceed the rating load of the power branch
circuit. Contact your electric constructor or the local power company for the
requirements on the wiring and installation of electric facilities.

1-6 Notes on Using Your Server

Power Supply and Power Cord Use

Do not hold the power plug with a wet hand.

Do not disconnect/connect the plug while your hands are wet. Failure to
follow this warning may cause an electric shock.

Do not connect the ground wire to a gas pipe.

Never connect the ground wire to a gas pipe. Failure to follow this warning
may cause a gas explosion.

Plug in to a proper power source.

Use a grounded wall outlet of specified voltage. Use of an improper power
source may cause a fire or a power leak.
Do not install the server where you need an extension cord. Use of a cord that
does not meet the power specifications of your server may heat up the cord
and cause a fire.

Do not connect the power cord to an outlet that has an illegal number of
connections.

The electric current exceeding the rated flow overheats the outlet, which may
cause a fire.

Do not pull the cable when disconnecting it.

When disconnecting the cable from the device, hold the cable connector and
pull it straight out. Pulling the cable out by the cable portion or giving
mechanical stress to the connector could damage the cables and connectors
to result in an electrical shock hazard or a fire.

Insert the power plug into the outlet as far as it goes.

Heat generation resulting from a halfway inserted power plug (imperfect
contact) may cause a fire. Heat will also be generated if condensation is
formed on dusty blades of the halfway inserted plug, increasing the possibility
of fire.

WARNING

CAUTION

Notes on Using Your Server 1-7

CAUTION

Use the authorized power cord only.

Use only the power cord that comes with your server. Use of an unauthorized
power cord may cause a fire when the electric current exceeds the rated flow.
Also, observe the following to prevent an electric shock or fire caused by a
damaged cord.

■ Do not stretch the cord harness.

■ Do not pinch the power cord.

■ Do not bend the power cord.

■ Keep chemicals away from the power cord.

■ Do not twist the power cord.

■ Do not place any object on the power cord.

■ Do not bundle power cords.

■ Do not alter, modify, or repair the power cord.

■ Do not secure the power cord with staples or equivalents.

■ Do not use any damaged power cord. (Replace a damaged power cord

with a new one of the same specifications. Ask your service representative
for replacement.)

Do not use the attached power cord for any other devices or usage.

The power cord that comes with your server is designed aiming to connect
with this server and to use with the server, and its safety has been tested. Do
not use the attached power cord for any other purpose. Doing so may cause a
fire or an electric shock.

1-8 Notes on Using Your Server

Installation, Relocation, Storage, and Connection

WARNING

Disconnect the power cord(s) before installing or removing the server.

Make sure to power off the server and disconnect the power cord(s) from a
power outlet before installing/removing the server. All voltage is removed only
when the power cords are unplugged.

CAUTION

Do not install the server in any place other than specified.

Do not install the server in the following places or any place other than
specified in this manual. Failure to follow this instruction may cause a fire.

■ a dusty place

■ a humid place such as near a boiler

■ a place exposed to direct sunlight

■ an unstable place

Do not use the server in the place where corrosive gases exist.

Make sure not to locate or use the server in the place where corrosive gases
(sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine, ammonia, ozone,
etc.) exist.
Also, do not set it in the environment where the air (or dust) includes
components accelerating corrosion (ex. sulfur, sodium chloride) or conductive
metals. There is a risk of a fire due to corrosion and shorts of an internal
printed board.

Pay attention not to drop the server.

Firmly hold the bottom of the server when installing it in the rack.
The rack mount bracket has no stopper or lock mechanism to prevent the
server from falling down. Failure to follow this instruction may cause personal
injury.

Do not leave the device being pulled out from the rack.

Do not work with the server with the device being pulled out from the rack.
The rack mount bracket has no stopper or lock mechanism to prevent the
server from falling down. Failure to follow this instruction may cause personal
injury.

Do not install the server on a rack with leaving covers removed.

Do not install the server on a rack with the cover being removed. Failure to
follow this instruction may reduce the cooling effect in the server to result in
some malfunction and/or dusts to enter the server to result in a fire or electric
shock.

Do not pinch your finger with rails or other components.

Note sufficiently that your fingers may not be caught between a rail and
another mechanical part or cut by a rail at installation or removal of the server
from the rack.

Notes on Using Your Server 1-9

CAUTION

Do not connect any interface cable with the power cord of the server plugged
to a power source.

Make sure to power off the server and unplug the power cord from a power
outlet before installing/removing any optional internal device or
connecting/disconnecting any interface cable to/from the server. If the server
is off-powered but its power cord is plugged to a power source, touching an
internal device, cable, or connector may cause an electric shock or a fire
resulted from a short circuit.

Do not use any unauthorized interface cable.

Use only interface cables provided by NEC and locate a proper device and
connector before connecting a cable. Using an authorized cable or
connecting a cable to an improper destination may cause a short circuit,
resulting in a fire.
Also, observe the following notes on using and connecting an interface cable.

■ Do not use any damaged cable connector.

■ Do not step on the cable.

■ Do not place any object on the cable.

■ Do not use the server with loose cable connections.

■ Do not use any damaged cable.

1-10 Notes on Using Your Server

Cleaning and Working with Internal Devices

WARNING

Do not disassemble, repair, or alter the server.

Never attempt to disassemble, repair, or alter the server on any occasion
other than described in this manual. Failure to follow this instruction may
cause an electric shock or fire as well as malfunctions of the server.

Do not remove the lithium battery.

Your server contains the lithium battery. Do not remove the battery. Placing
the lithium battery close to a fire or in the water may cause an explosion.
Replacing the battery with an incorrect type may also cause an explosion.

When the server does not operate appropriately due to the dead lithium
battery, contact your service representative. Do not disassemble the server to
replace or recharge the battery by yourself. Be sure to dispose of the used
batteries according to the instructions.

Disconnect the power plug before accessing inside the server, or connecting
the peripherals.

Make sure to power off the server and disconnect the power plug from a
power outlet before cleaning or installing/removing internal optional devices.
Touching any internal device of the server with its power cord connected to a
power source may cause an electric shock even of the server is off-powered.

Disconnect the power plug from the outlet occasionally and clean the plug
with a dry cloth. Heat will be generated if condensation is formed on a dusty
plug, which may cause a fire.

CAUTION

Avoid installation in extreme temperature conditions.

Immediately after the server is powered off, its internal components such as
hard disk drives are very hot. Leave the server until its internal components
fully cool down before installing/removing any component.

Make sure to complete installation.

Always install a power cable, interface cable, and/or board firmly. An
incompletely installed component may cause a contact failure, resulting in
smoking or fire.

Protect the unused connectors with the protective cap.

The unused power supply cable connectors are covered with the protective
cap to prevent short circuits and electrical hazards, when removing the power
supply cable connector from the install devices, attach the protective cap to
the connector. Failure to follow this warning may cause a fire or an electric
shock.

During Operation

Stay away from the fan.

Keep your hand or hair away from the cooling fan on the rear of the server.
Failure to follow this warning may get your hand or hair caught in the fan,
resulting in injury.

Avoid contact with the server during thunderstorms.

Disconnect the power plug from the outlet when a thunderstorm is
approaching. If it starts thundering before you disconnect the power plug, do
not touch any part of the server including the cables. Failure to follow this
warning may cause a fire or an electric shock.

Keep animals away from the server.

Failure to follow this warning may cause a fire or an electric shock.

Do not pull out or remove the server from the rack unnecessarily.

Notes on Using Your Server 1-11

CAUTION

Do not pull out or remove the server from the rack unnecessarily. Pulling out
or removing the server from the rack may cause not only the server to operate
incorrectly but also the server to fall on people to make them injured.

1-12 Notes on Using Your Server

FOR PROPER OPERATION

Observe the following notes for successful operation of the server. Use of the server ignoring the
notes will cause malfunctions or failures of the server.

 Make sure to power off the server before connecting or disconnecting cables between the

server and peripheral devices.

 Verify that the access LED on the server is unlit before turning off the server or ejecting

the floppy disk.

 When you have just turned off the server, wait at least 30 seconds before turning it back

on.

If the server is connected to the UPS, set at least 30 seconds delay in the power-on
schedule.

 Turn off the power and unplug the power cord from the outlet before relocating the server.

 Clean the server on a regular basis. (See Chapter 7 for cleaning.) Regular cleaning

proactively prevents various failures of the server.

 Lightning may cause a momentary voltage drop. To prevent this problem, it is

recommended to use of an uninterruptible power supply unit.

 For the disc which does not conform to the CD standard, the playback of such a disk with

the DVD/CD drive is not guaranteed.

 If an additional LAN card is installed in PCI slot, it is hard to push the catch of the

connector with your finger that is connected to the LAN port. Disconnect the connector
pushing the catch with a standard screwdriver. At this time, be very careful for the
screwdriver not to damage the LAN port or other ports.

 Check and adjust the system clock before the operation if any of the following conditions

is applicable.
– After carriage of device

– After storage of device
– After the device is entered into the pause state under the environmental condition

enduring device operation (temperature: 10°C - 35°C, humidity: 20% - 80%)

 Check the system clock at the rough rate of once per month. When the system clock is

installed in a system requiring high time precision, it is recommended to use a time server
(NTP server).
If the system clock is remarkably delayed or advanced as the passage of time in spite of
adjustment, contact your service representative to ask maintenance.

 Store the unit under the storage condition (temperature: –10°C - 55°C, humidity: 20% -

80%, without condensation) to allow built-in devices and the unit to operate correctly in
the next operation.

 Make sure to use optional devices supported by the server. Some non-supported devices

may be physically installed/connected but cause failures of the server as well as
malfunctions of the server.

 NEC recommends you use NEC's genuine products. Some third-party products claim that

they support the server. However, repair of the server due to a failure or damage resulted
from use of such third-party products will be charged.

 Turn off the cellular phone or pager. Radio interference may cause malfunctions of the

server.

Notes on Using Your Server 1-13

TRANSFER TO THIRD PARTY

The following must be observed when you transfer (or sell) the server or software provided with the
server to a third party:

Make sure to provide this manual along with the server to a third party.

IMPORTANT: About data on the hard disk drive

Be sure to take appropriate measures not to leak important data (e.g.,
customers' information or companies' management information) on the
removed hard disk drive to any third parties.

Data seems to be erased when you empty "Recycle Bin" of Windows or
execute the "format" command of the operating system. However, the
actual data remains written on the hard disk drive. Data not erased
completely may be restored by special software and used for
unexpected purposes.

It is strongly recommended that the software or service (both available
at stores) for data erasure should be used in order to avoid the trouble
explained above. For details on data erasure, ask your sales
representative.

Provided software

To transfer or sell any software application that comes with the server to a third party, the following
requirements must be satisfied:

 All provided software applications must be transferred and no backup copies must be

retained.

 Transfer requirements listed in "Software License Agreement" that comes with each

software application must be satisfied.

 Software applications that are not approved for transfer must be uninstalled before

transferring the server.

1-14 Notes on Using Your Server

DISPOSAL AND CONSUMABLES

 Dispose of the server, all the internal devices and DVD/CD-ROMs according to all

national laws and regulations. Also dispose of the power cord provided with the server to
avoid diversion to some other devices.

IMPORTANT:

 For disposal (or replacement) of the battery on the mother board of

the server, consult with your service representative.

 It is the user's responsibility to completely erase or modify all the

data stored in storage device such as hard disk drive so that the data
cannot be restored.

 Your server contains some components that are only good for a limited period of time and

require replacement, such as fans, internal batteries, and the mouse. For stable operation
of the server, NEC recommends you replace these components on a regular basis. Consult
with your service representative for replacement or the product lives.

WARNING

Do not remove the lithium battery.

Your server contains the lithium battery. Do not remove the battery. Placing the
lithium battery close to a fire or in the water may cause an explosion.

When the server does not operate appropriately due to the dead lithium battery,
contact your service representative. Do not disassemble the server to replace or
recharge the battery by yourself.

Mother board

Notes on Using Your Server 1-15

USER SUPPORT

Before asking for repair, do the following when the server appears to fail:

1. Check if the power cord and the cables to other devices are properly connected.

2. See Chapter 8 to find if your problem fits the description. If it does, take the

recommended measure for it.

3. Check if the software required for operation of the server is properly installed.

If the server still appears to fail after you have taken the above actions, consult with your service
representative immediately. Take notes on LED indications of the server and alarm indications on
the display unit before consultation, which may provide a significant help to your service
representative.

1-16 Notes on Using Your Server

Advice for Health

The longer you keep using the computer equipment, the more you become
tired, which may cause disorders of your body. When you use a computer,
observe the following to keep yourself from getting tired:

Good Working Posture

You have good posture if the following are satisfied when you use a
computer:

• You sit on a chair with your back straight.

• Your hands are parallel with the floor when you put them on the

keyboard.

• You look at the screen slightly lower than your eye height.

You have "good working posture" as described in the above when no part
of your body is under excess strain, in other words when your muscles are
most relaxed.

You have "bad posture" when you sit with your back hunched up or you
operate a display unit with your face close to the screen. Bad working
posture may cause eye strain or poor eyesight.

Adjustment of Display Unit Angles

Most display units are designed for adjustment of the horizontal and
vertical angles. This adjustment is important to prevent the screen from
reflecting bright lights and to make the display contents easy to see. You
will not be able to keep "good working posture" and you will feel more tired
than you should if you operate a display unit without adjusting horizontal
and vertical angles.

Adjustment of Screen Brightness and Contrast

The display unit has brightness and contrast adjustment functions. The
most suitable brightness and contrast depend on the individual and the
working environment (well-lighted room or insufficient light). Adjust
brightness and contrast so that the screen will be easy to see. An
extremely bright or dark screen will give a bad effect to your eyes.

Adjustment of Keyboard Angle

The keyboard provided with the server is designed for adjustment of an
angle. Adjust the keyboard angle at which the keyboard is easy to operate.
The adjustment assists in reducing strain on your shoulders, arms, and
fingers.

Cleaning of Equipment

Clean equipment regularly. It is difficult to see the display contents on a
dusty screen. Keeping equipment clean is also important for your sight.

Fatigue and Rest

If you feel tired, you should stop working and do light exercises.

Chapter 2

General Description

This chapter provides information that you should be familiar with before using the server. It
includes names and functions of the components and features of the server.

2-2 General Description

OVERVIEW

Your server is a modular, multiprocessing server based on the Quad-Core or Dual-Core Intel®
Xeon® processor. It is a solid performer and offers the latest technology. The combination of
compute performance, memory capacity, and integrated I/O provides a high performance
environment for many server market applications. These range from large corporations supporting
remote offices to small companies looking to obtain basic connectivity capability such a file and
print services, e-mail, web access, web site server, etc.

Your server is housed and available as a rack-mount system. Your server conveniently installs into a
standard EIA 19-inch rack assembly.

As application requirements increase, you can expand your server with an additional memory, add­in boards and peripheral devices; tape devices, optical disk drive, and hard disk drives. The server
features the following major components.

 A high-performance Quad-Core or Dual-Core Intel® Xeon® processor

 Up to 24GB of memory (using 4GB DIMMs)

Minimum configuration is 1GB of memory

 Dual channel memory configuration

 One PCIe (x4) slot for low-profile board and one PCIe (X8) slot for full-height board are

factory-installed.

When optional riser card is intalled, one PCIe (x8) slot for low-profile board and one 64­bit/133 MHz PCI-X slot for full-height board can be used.

 Onboard enhanced IDE interface controller
 Onboard RAID controller (LSI Embedded MegaRAID)

 Onboard 1000/100/10 network controller

 Embedded PC-compatible support (serial, mouse, keyboard, USB, LAN, and video)

SYSTEM CHASSIS

Names and functions of the components are shown below.

Front View

General Description 2-3

6

1 POWER LED (green)

This LED turns green when the power is turned on.

2 DISK ACCESS LED (green/amber)

This LED is green during access to the internal hard disk drives.
In RAID system, the LED turns amber when any one of the internal hard disk drives fails, or
blinks during rebuild.

3 ACT/LINK LED (green)

This LED is on while the system is connected to the network.

4 UID (Unit ID) LED (blue)

This LED goes on when the UID switch is pressed. (The LED also goes on or blinks when
software issues a command.)

5 STATUS LED (green/amber) (on the front panel)

This LED indicates the server status. The LED is green during normal operation. The LED
blinks amber or turns off when the server enters the abnormal state.

6 Serial port B (COM B) connector

The connector is used to connect the server to a device with the serial interface.

7 USB connector

These connectors are used to connect the server to a device with the USB interface.

8 Reset switch

Press this switch to reset the system. In normal operation, this switch is not used.

7

13-1 46

23-2 5

12-1 13 12-2 13 12-3 13

9

10

11

2-4 General Description

9 UID (Unit ID) switch

Press the UID switch to turn on/off the UID LED. Pressing the switch once turns on the LED.
Pressing it again turns it off.

10 POWER switch

The POWER switch is used to turn the power of the server ON/OFF. If you press this switch
once, the power is turned on with the POWER LED going on green. If you press the switch
again, the power is turned off with the LED going off. Keep pressing the switch for 4 seconds
or more forcibly shuts down the system. This switch can be used as a SLEEP switch if the OS
supports sleep feature. In SLEEP Mode, this LED blinks.

11 NMI (DUMP) switch

Press this switch to dump system memory. In normal operation, this switch is not used.

12 Hard disk drive bays

Up to three hard disk drives can be installed in the bays. The last-digit number indicates the
channel number. In the standard configuration, the dummy sponge blocks are installed in all
the bays.

13 DISK LED (green/amber)

LED on the hard disk drive. Each LED is green during access to the hard disk drive. The LED
turns amber when the hard disk drive fails. The LED blinks green and amber alternately
during rebuild processing (in disk array configuration).

Rear View

General Description 2-5

123456-1 78-1 8-2

9106-2 12-1 12-2

1 AC inlet

Connect the AC power cord to this socket.

2 Mouse connector

The connector is used to connect a PS/2 mouse.

3 LINK/ACT LED (green)

The ACT/LINK LED is lit green when the network port is being linked with the connected device
such as a hub (LINK state). If a data is transferred through a network port, the LED blinks green
(ACT state).

4 Management LAN port

This LED indicates the transfer rate of the LAN port.

5 100/10 LED

This LED indicates the transfer rate of management LAN port.

6 USB connectors 1/2

The connector is used to connect a device compliant with the USB interface. The last digit
number "1" indicates connector 1, and the number "2" indicates connector 2.

7 1000/100/10 LED

This LED indicates the transfer rate of LAN port.

8 PCI board extension slot

Install the optional PCI board into these slots.
8-1 Low-profile PCI board
8-2 Full-height PCI board

9 Keyboard connector

The connector is used to connect a PS/2 keyboard.

10 Serial port (COM A) connector

The connector is used to connect a device with the serial interface.

11 Monitor connector

The connector is used to connect a display unit.

12 LAN connectors

The connectors are used to connect the network systems on LAN through 1000BASE­T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T interface.
The last digit number indicates LAN port number.
* The number may differ from that shown on OS.

13 UID (Unit ID) switch / UID LED (blue)

Press the UID switch to turn on/off the UID LEDs on the front and rear panels of the server. The
LED blinks when software issues a command.

6113 73

13

2-6 General Description

Internal View

2-1

10

4-7

4-9

4-11

1

2-2

2-3

9

8

7

6

5

4-5

4-3

3

1 Front panel board

2 Hard disk drive bays

The last digit number indicates the drive bay number. Hard disk drive is optional.

3 Backplane board

4 Cooling fan (The last digit number indicates the fan number.)

5 Power supply unit

6DIMM

7 Heat sink

8 Air duct

9 PCI riser card

10 Mother board

MOTHER BOARD / BACKPLANE BOARD

General Description 2-7

22

21

20

19

18

17

16

6-1

6-2 10 9-1 9-2

15 14 13 12 11

2-2

4

8

2-1

2-0

6-3

6-4

7-3

7-5

7-7

7-9

7-11

1-2

2-2
3-1

1-1

2-1

5

1-0

3-2

8

3-3
2-0

14

1

HDD connector

6

Power connector

(The last digit indicates connector number.) 6-1: 24-pin for P3

2

SATA/SAS connector 6-2: 8-pin for P4
(The last digit indicates connector number.) 6-3 and 6-4: 8-pin

3

Hard disk drive / redundant fan configuration
jumper switch
3-1 Redundant fan configuration jumper (J14)

3-2 Hard disk drive configuration jumper

SATA HDD LED.

SATA HDD LED SAS HDD LED

7

System fan connector
(The last digit indicates fan number.)

8

SGPIO2 connector

9

Processor socket

10

DIMM sockets (#1 to #6 from bottom)

11

Speaker

12

Front panel board connector

13

USB connector* With N8103-116/117/118, use setting for

14

USB connector (for internal option)

15

Serial port B (COM B) connector

16

Lithium battery

17

SW RAID jumper switch

3-3 RAID configuration jumper

Non-RAID/SW RAID DAC Board

18

SGPIO1 connector

19

Password clear jumper switch

20

CMOS configuration jumper switch

4

Front panel connector

5

IPMB connector

21

PCI riser card slot

22

Connectors and switches for the external
devices

Improper connection
will cause startup
failure.

3

21321

Enable Disable

2-8 General Description

STANDARD FEATURES

High performance High-reliability

 Quad-Core Intel® Xeon® Processor

– N8100-1452F: 2.33GHz
Dual-Core Intel® Xeon® Processor
– N8100-1453F: 3.00GHz

 High-speed memory access (DDR2-667)
 High-speed 1000BASE-T/100BASE-

TX/10BASE-T interface (2 ports)
(1Gbps/100Mbps/10Mbps supported)

 High-speed disk access

(SATA and SAS (option))

 Dual channel memory configuration

Many Available Features Management Utilities

 Power switch mask feature
 Software power-off feature
 Remote power-on feature
 AC-LINK feature
 Remote console feature
 IPMI v2.0 compliant Baseboard

Management Controller (BMC)

Power Saving Feature Easy and Fine Setup

 Sleep feature

(available for Windows Server 2003)

 Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
 Enhanced Halt State supported
 CPU frequency control feature

Self-diagnosis Maintenance Features

 Power On Self-Test (POST)
 Test and Diagnosis (T&D)

 Memory monitoring feature (error

correction/error detection)

 BIOS password feature
 Temperature monitoring feature
 Cooling fan monitoring feature
 Internal voltage monitoring feature
 RAID System (SATA2/SAS)
 Bus parity error detection
 Error notification

Expandability

 Integrated I/O expansion PCI slots

– PCI Express (x8): 1 slot
– PCI Express (x4): 1 slot (x8 connector)
Or, with optional riser card installed
– PCI Express (x8): 1 slot
– PCI-X (64-bit/133 MHz): 1 slot

 Large memory of up to 24GB

(six 4GB DIMMs)

 USB interface (USB 2.0)
 Two LAN ports

 NEC ESMPRO
 NEC DianaScope
 NEC EXPRESSSCOPE Engine 2
 RAID System Management Utility

 NEC EXPRESSBUILDER (system setup

utility)

 BIOS SETUP utility
 Parameter File Creator

 Off-line Maintenance Utility
 Memory dump feature using the DUMP

switch

General Description 2-9

Remote Power-On Feature (Wake On LAN)

The remote power-on function turns on the server through a network. It sends a special packet from
the management computer to a remote server to turn it on if the server is off-powered.

To enable this feature, you must select "Enabled" for each submenu in the Power Management
Setup of the Advanced menu of the BIOS setup utility, "SETUP." (See Chapter 4.)

The remote power-on feature is not available in the following cases. Press the POWER switch once
to start the OS, and turn off the server in an appropriate procedure.

 Abnormal previous system shut-down

 No power supply to the server (due to turned-off breaker, disconnected power cord, power

blackout, etc.)

AC LINK Feature

When the power cord of the server is connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit, the
server supports the power linkage feature that enables control over the power supply from the UPS
to the server. The AC LINK feature can be enabled or disabled with Power Management Setup in
the Server menu of the BIOS setup utility, "SETUP." (See Chapter 4.)

Security

The BIOS setup utility provides a number of security features to prevent unauthorized or accidental
access to the system. Once the security measures are enabled, access to the system is allowed only
after the user enters the correct password(s). For example:

 Set and enable an administrative password.

 Set and enable a user password

 Check the user account when entering the BIOS setup utility or booting the system.

2-10 General Description

NEC EXPRESSBUILDER

The DVD-ROM that comes with the server contains a setup utility called "NEC
EXPRESSBUILDER."

The major functions of the NEC EXPRESSBUILDER are:

 To install the Operating System.

"Express Setup" helps you to install the Windows Operating System. (See Chapter 5.)

 To diagnose the system.

NEC EXPRESSBUILDER includes the System Diagnostics to check your server. (See
Chapter 6.)

 To create a support disk.

Use this function to create the support disks used to boot the utilities from the floppy disk,
or the OEM-disk used for a manual installation of Windows. (See Chapter 6.)

 To update the BIOS.

Use this function to update the system BIOS or firmware of the server. (See Chapter 6.)

 To update the Windows System*

"Update Express5800 system" in Windows Autorun Menu (Windows-based NEC
EXPRESSBUILDER feature) updates the several resources of Microsoft Windows Server

2003. (See Chapter 6.)

 To install the utilities.

NEC EXPRESSBUILDER DVD includes some management software for Windows
(NEC ESMPRO, NEC DianaScope and so on).
You can install the applications for Windows from Windows Autorun Menu.
(See Chapter 6.)

 To read the online documents*

You can refer to the online documents from Windows Autorun Menu. (See Chapter 6.)

* These functions are available under the Windows system.

NOTE: Some features among those listed above can be used from the

remote computer via cross cable (COM), or LAN. See Chapter 6 for
details.

NEC ESMPRO

The NEC ESMPRO is server management software that runs on the OS. The NEC ESMPRO
includes the NEC ESMPRO Manager for the server monitoring terminal and the NEC ESMPRO
Agent for the NEC Express server.

NOTE: For details of major functions of the NEC ESMPRO, system

configuration and setups with the NEC ESMPRO, see Chapter 6.
Available functions of the NEC ESMPRO depend on the OS you install.
Ask your service representative for details.

General Description 2-11

Maintenance Tools

The Maintenance Tools is used for maintenance and fault analysis of the server. This tool is usually
used by the service representative.

See Chapter 8 for details.

System Diagnostic Utility

The system diagnostic utility contained in the NEC EXPRESSBUILDER is useful to detect
hardware failures. See Chapter 7 for details.

Remote Management

The server may be monitored and managed via LAN/WAN by using EXPRESSSCOPE Engine 2
and NEC DianaScope utility stored in NEC EXPRESSBUILDER DVD.

The EXPRESSSCOPE Engine 2 provides the following features:

 Monitoring of temperature, voltage, fans, and hard disk drives

 Monitoring of power supply unit

 Monitoring of hard disk drives

 Generation of SEL (system event log) at occurrence of hardware failure

 Monitoring of the system management watchdog timer

 Monitoring of the periodic SMI timer

 Remote management by using Web browser and Telnet/SSH client (e.g., resetting the

server, power on/off, viewing System Event Log (SEL))

 Remote KVM and remote device features (A separately priced remote management

license is required.)

 Remote management via LAN/WAN by using NEC DianaScope and centralized

management of several systems

 Management of power consumption control by using Telnet/SSH client.

For more information about remote management using Web browser, remote KVM feature, and
remote device feature, and remote management using Telnet/SSH client, and power consumption
control, refer to the "EXPRESSSCOPE Engine 2 User's Guide" stored in NEC EXPRESSBUILDER
DVD.

2-12 General Description

USING YOUR SERVER

This section describes basic operations of the server. See Appendix B for notes on using the disc and
accessories including the keyboard and the mouse.

POWER Switch

Use the POWER switch to turn on/off the server.

Power On

Press the POWER switch on the front of the computer chassis.

The POWER LED lights in green.

POWER LED

POWER switch

IMPORTANT:

 If the power cord is connected to a power control device such as a

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), make sure that the power
control device is powered.

 Do not turn off the server until characters appear on the screen.

General Description 2-13

POST

POST (Power On Self-Test) is the self-diagnostic program stored in the system memory.

When you power on the server, the system automatically runs POST to check the mother board,
ECC memory module, CPU module, keyboard, and mouse. POST also displays messages of the
BIOS Setup utility, such as the start-up message, while in progress.

With the factory setup of the server, the NEC logo appears on the display unit while POST is in
progress. (To display the POST check results, press Esc.)

NOTE: You can set the POST check results to appear on the display

unit without pressing Esc. To do so, select "Enabled" for "Boot-time
Diagnostic Screen" under the Advanced menu of the BIOS setup utility.

You don't always need to check the POST check results. Check messages that POST displays when:

 you use the NEC Express server for the first time.

 the server appears to fail.

 the server beeps for many times between power-on and OS start-up.

 an error message appears on the display unit.

POST Execution Flow

The following describes the progress of POST in the chronological order.

IMPORTANT:

 Do not make key entries or perform mouse operations while POST

is in progress.

 Some system configurations may display the message "Press Any

Key" to prompt a key entry. This message is driven by BIOS of an
installed optional board. Make sure to read the manual that comes
with the optional board before any key entry.

 Powering on the server, after you installed or removed an optional

PCI board or moved it to another slot, may display the message that
indicates incorrect board configuration and suspend POST.
In such a case, press F1 to continue POST. Board configuration can
be made using the utility described later.

2-14 General Description

1. After a few seconds from power-on, POST starts checking the memory. The count

message of the basic and expansion memory appears at top left on the display unit screen.
The memory check may takes a few minutes to complete depending on the memory size
of the server. Also, it may take approximately one minute for the screen display to appear
after rebooting the server.

2. Some messages appear upon completion of the memory check. These messages appear to

indicate that the system has detected the CPU, keyboard, and mouse.

3. After a few seconds, POST displays the following message prompting you to launch the

BIOS setup utility, stored in the system memory of the server. This message appears at
bottom left on the screen.

Press <F2> to enter SETUP or Press <F12> to boot from Network

Launch the BIOS setup utility when you need to change the settings to meet the
requirements for the server. As long as the above message is not displayed with an error
message, you don't have to launch the utility. (Ignore the message. POST will
automatically proceed.)

To launch the BIOS setup utility, press F2 while the above message is displayed. See
Chapter 4 for setup and parameters.

The server automatically restarts POST all over again when you exit the BIOS setup
utility.

4. If the Onboard RAID Controller (LSI Embedded MegaRAID) is enabled, the following

message is displayed on the screen to prompt you to run the RAID System Configuration
Utility.

Press Ctrl-M to run LSI Software RAID Configuration Utility

Press Ctrl + M to run the utility. For detail explanation, see Chapter 4 for detail.

5. If the server has an optional RAID controller or SCSI card, POST displays the message

prompting you to launch the configuration utility.

POST will automatically proceed a few seconds later.

6. If you have set a password using the BIOS setup utility, the password entry screen appears

upon successful completion of POST.

Up to three password entries will be accepted. If you fail to enter the password correctly
for three consecutive times, the server halts. (You can no longer proceed.)

Power off the server, wait for about 10 seconds, then power on again.

IMPORTANT: Do not set a password before installing an OS.

7. The OS starts when POST completes.

General Description 2-15

POST Error Messages

When POST detects an error, it displays an error message on the display unit screen or emits beep
code. See Chapter 8 for POST error codes.

IMPORTANT: Take a note on the messages displayed before

consulting with your service representative. Alarm messages are useful
information for maintenance.

2-16 General Description

Power Off

Follow the procedure below to power off the server. If the power cord of the server is connected to a
UPS, refer to the manual that comes with the UPS or the manual for the application that controls the
UPS.

IMPORTANT: Always allow POST to complete before turning off the
server.

1. Shut down the OS.

2. Press the POWER switch on the front of the server.

The POWER LED goes out.

3. Power off peripheral devices.

Power-saving Mode

The server can be entered into standby state that hardly consumes electric power if the ACPI
compliant operating system is installed in your system.

Select "Standby" from OS shutdown menu, or press the POWER switch if the standby state is
enabled for POWER switch. (The POWER LED blinks.)

In the power-saving mode, the server retains the memory data and the status of the previous
operations.

To resume the original state, press the POWER switch again.

POWER switch

NOTE: The operational level in the power-saving mode depends on

the OS in use. (Available for Windows Server 2003.)

IMPORTANT: Do not change system configuration while turning into

the power-saving mode or in the power-saving mode. Otherwise, you
may fail to resume the original state.

General Description 2-17

Identification of Servers ~ UID Switch ~

An "UID (Unit ID) LED" is provided on the front panel and rear panel. If more than one server is
mounted in a single rack, the LED identifies the server you are going to maintain.

Front

UID LED

UID switch

Rear

UID switch / LED

The UID LED goes on when the UID (Unit ID) switch is pressed. It goes off when the switch is
pressed again.

The UID LED blinks upon reception of command from software.

Maintenance from the rear of the rack has to be carried out in a dark, narrow space. The interface
cable of a server or power supply unit in normal state may be disconnected by accident in this
situation. To prevent this problem, you should start maintenance after confirming the target server
by using the UID switch.

2-18 General Description

Optical Disk Drive

Your server is not equipped with the optical disk drive (CD/DVD drive). You may use the external
USB drive to read or write data from/to the disc. Refer to the manual that comes with the optical
disk drive for more information.

Chapter 3

Setting Up Your Server

This chapter describes how to set up the server appropriate for your system, on a step-by-step basis.

3-2 Setting Up Your Server

SETUP FLOW

Follow the flowchart below to set up the server.

Selecting the server site

Select a suitable site for the server and assemble the 19-inch rack assembly.

Unpacking the system

Unpack the server and accessories from the chipping carton box.

Install the server

Install the server into the rack assembly.

Connecting peripheral devices

Connect peripheral devices to the server.

Connecting the power cord

Connect the power cord to the server.

Turning on the server

Power on the server to start software setups. Setups depend on the optional
internal devices installed and the peripheral devices connected.

Installing the operating system

Install an operating system to the server. See Chapter 5.

Installing the utilities

Install the utilities in the provided NEC EXPRESSBUILDER DVD. See Chapter 6.

Making backup copies of system information

After all the system setup procedures are completed, make backup copies of
system information.
System information is required for recovering the server from the trouble or after
replacing the system board.

Setting Up Your Server 3-3

SELECTING SERVER SITE

To use the server, install it on a standard EIA 19-inch rack assembly.

Refer to the documentation attached to the rack or contact your service representative for the
installation of the server on the rack.

WARNING

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in death or serious personal injury. See pages 1-3 to 1-11
for details.

 Do not use the server in any unapproved place.
 Do not connect the ground line to a gas pipe.

CAUTION

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow these
instructions may cause a fire, personal injury, or property damage. See pages 1­3 to 1-11 for details.

 Do not carry or install the server only by a single person.
 Do not install the server where the load may be concentrated on a specific

point.

 Do not install any component on the server only by a single person.
 Insert the hinge pins completely.
 Do not pull out a device from the rack if the rack is unstable.
 Do not leave more than one device being pulled out from the rack.
 Do not provide the wiring exceeding the rating power.
 Do not use the server in a place where corrosive gases exist.

3-4 Setting Up Your Server

Do not install the rack in the places listed below. Installing the rack or mounting the server on the
rack in such a place may cause some malfunction to occur.

 Narrow space from which devices cannot be pulled out from the rack completely

 Place that cannot bear the total weights of the rack and devices mounted on the rack

 Place where stabilizers cannot be installed or where the rack can be installed only after the

practice of proper earthquake-resistant construction

 Place of uneven or slanting floor

 Place of drastic temperature change (near a heater, air conditioner, or refrigerator)

 Place where intense vibration may be generated

 Place where corrosive gases (sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine,

ammonia, ozone, etc) exist.
Place where the air (or dust) includes components accelerating corrosion (ex. sulfur,
sodium chloride) or conductive metals.
Place where chemicals may be accidentally sprayed over

 Place where a carpet not subject to anti-static process is laid.

 Place where some objects may be fallen on the rack

 Place near a device generating intense magnetic field (such as a TV, radio,

broadcast/communication antenna, power transmission wire, and electromagnetic crane) is
placed (If unavoidable, contact your service representative to request proper shield
construction.)

 Place where the power cord of the server must be connected to an AC outlet that shares

the outlet of another device with large power consumption.

 Place near equipment that generates power noise (e.g., contact spark at power-on/power-

off of commercial power supply through a relay). If you must install the server close to
such equipment, request your service representative for separate power cabling or noise
filter installation.

IMPORTANT: Increase in temperature within rack and air flow

If more than one server are installed on the rack or the ventilation
within the rack is not enough, the temperature in the rack may be raised
by the heat generated from the units to be higher than the operation
temperature of the server (10 to 35°C).

It causes the server to operate improperly. Review the air flow within
the rack or in the room and take sufficient measures so that the
temperature within the rack does not exceed the warranted temperature
range during the system operation.

The server takes in the air from the front and exhausts it to the rear.

Setting Up Your Server 3-5

INSTALLING THE SERVER

This subsection provides the instructions for installing the server into a rack cabinet. (This
subsection also describes the removal procedures.)

WARNING

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow
these instructions may result in death or serious personal injury. See pages
1-3 to 1-11 for details.

 Do not use any rack which does not conform to the relevant standard.
 Always use the server in the specified place.

CAUTION

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow
these instructions may cause a fire, personal injury, or property damage. See
pages 1-3 to 1-11 for details.

 Do not install/remove the server in/from the rack only by a single person.
 Do not install the server on the rack leaving the cover removed.
 Do not pinch your finger with mechanical components.
 Do not apply any load on the server being pulled out from the rack.

3-6 Setting Up Your Server

Installation

This server can be installed in either the NEC rack or a third vendor's rack. Take the following steps
to install the server in the rack.

Preparation for installation

When shipped from factory, the left and right slide rails are fixed with tapes at the front and side
faces to prevent from falling off during transportation. Peel off the tape before you install the server
in the rack.

Tape

Removing rail assemblies

Remove the sliding rails from left and right sides of the server.

1.

Setting Up Your Server 3-7

2. While pushing the unlock button on the front of the server, hold the rails and slowly move

them toward the rear of the server.

Press this button to
unlock the server.

3. Only the inner rails remain screwed to the server when the rail assemblies have been

removed.

Inner rail

IMPORTANT:

 The removed rail assemblies are to be installed on the inner rails

later.

 Be very careful not to get your finger caught in the levers or rails.

3-8 Setting Up Your Server

Installing rail assemblies

Insert the square projection of the rail assembly into the angle hole on the 19-inch rack

1.

until it is locked with clicking sound.

The figure below shows the right side (front) of the rack. Install the rail assemblies to the
right side (rear), and left side (front and rear) of the rack in the same procedure.

Make sure that the rail assembly is installed at the same level as the other slide rail
assembly already installed.

NOTES:

 There may be some backlashes in the front and rear, however, it is

not a deficiency.

 Make sure that the rail assembly is surely locked to the rack.

Setting Up Your Server 3-9

Installing the Server

CAUTION

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow
these instructions may cause a fire, personal injury, or property damage. See
pages 1-3 to 1-11 for details.

 Do not lift the server only by a single person.
 Do not pinch your finger with mechanical components.

1. At least two persons are required to install the server. Securely hold the server and install

it in the rack.

Slowly and carefully push the inner rails on the sides of the server into the rail assemblies
that are installed on the rack.

Rail assembly

Inner rail at server side

When the server is completely pushed into the rack, the server is locked.

3-10 Setting Up Your Server

IMPORTANT:

 Be very careful not to get your finger caught in the levers or rails.

 Insert both sides of inner rails straight into the rack.

 Hold the thumbscrews on both sides of the server, and install the

server carefully while making sure the installation position.

NOTES:

 At the first installation, you may feel strong friction in pushing

because the mechanical components cannot be completely engaged
with each other. Push the server intensely.

 If the installation is incomplete, either of rails may not go further on

its way. In such a case, pull out the server completely until it is
locked. Then, push the server in while unlocking the right and left
sides of it.

2. Make sure that the sliding rails move smoothly by pulling the server out of the rack and

pushing it in several times.

NOTES:

 To install the server in the location adjacent to the other device, pay

attention to interference. If the installing server disturbs the other
devices already been installed, adjust the position, and install the
rail assembly again.

 Make sure that the sliding rails move smoothly. If the sliding rails

are stuck to the rack frame and do not come out, reinstall them.

Setting Up Your Server 3-11

Removal

Remove the server from the rack in the following procedure.

CAUTION

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow
these instructions may cause a fire, personal injury, or property damage. See
pages 1-3 to 1-11 for details.

 Do not install/remove the server in/from the rack only by a single person.
 Do not pinch your finger with mechanical components.
 Do not apply any load on the server being pulled out from the rack.
 Do not pull out a device from the rack if the rack is unstable.
 Do not leave more than one device being pulled out from the rack.
 Do not pull out the server from the rack while it is operating.

1. Make sure that the server is off-powered, and disconnect the power cords and all the

interface cables from the server.

2. <This step is required only when the optional cable arm is mounted.>

Remove the cable arm from the server.

3. While pushing the left and the right unlock buttons on the front of the server, pull out the

server from the rack slowly and carefully.

Press this button to
unlock the server.

IMPORTANT: Do not apply any load on the server pulled out from

the rack. Doing so may cause personal injury if the server drops.

3-12 Setting Up Your Server

4. Firmly hold the server, and take it out from the rack.

IMPORTANT:

 Pull out the server slowly holding the bottom of the server by at

least two persons.

 Do not apply any load on the server pulled out from the rack. Doing

so may cause personal injury if the server drops.

 Be very careful not to get your finger caught in the levers or rails.

5. To remove the rail assembly, pull out the rail toward you while pushing the lever.

Lever

Setting Up Your Server 3-13

CONNECTING PERIPHERAL DEVICES

Connect peripheral devices to the server. The server is provided with connectors for wide variety of
peripheral devices on its front and rear. The figure on the next page illustrates available peripheral
devices for the server in the standard configuration and locations of the connectors for the devices.

CAUTION

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow these
instructions may cause a fire, personal injury, or property damage. See pages 1-3
to 1-11 for details.

 Do not connect any interface cable with the power cord of the NEC Express

Server plugged to a power source.

 Do not use any unauthorized interface cable.

IMPORTANT:

 Power off the server and a peripheral device before connection.

Connecting a powered peripheral device to the powered server will
cause malfunctions and failures.

 To connect a third-party peripheral device or interface cable to the

server, consult with your service representative for availability of
such a device or cable. Some third-party devices may not be used
for the server.

 To connect a SCSI device, an optional SCSI controller must be

installed. The total length of a cable (including the connection cable
in SCSI device) must be 3 m or shorter.

 A leased line cannot be connected directly to the serial port

connectors.

 Secure the power cord(s) and interface cables with a tie wrap.

 Form the cables in such a way that they will not come into contact

with the door or the guide rails on the sides of the server.

 Do not apply any pressure to the plug of the power cord.

 If an additional LAN device is installed in PCI slot, it is hard to

push the catch of the connector with your finger that is connected to
the LAN port. Disconnect the connector pushing the catch with a
standard screwdriver. At this time, be very careful for the
screwdriver not to damage the LAN port or other ports.

3-14 Setting Up Your Server

Display unit

FRONT

Finally connect the provided
power cord to the receptacle.
If connecting the server to UPS,
see the explanation below.

USB device

Mouse

Network system

on LAN

(connected via a hub)

USB device

REAR

Keyboard

USB device

Device with the

serial interface

Display unit

Network system on LAN

(connected via a hub)

CONNECTING POWER CORD

Connect the provided power cord to the server.

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow these
instructions may result in death or serious personal injury. See pages 1-3 to 1-11
for details.

 Do not hold the power plug with a wet hand.
 Do not connect the ground wire to a gas pipe.

Observe the following instructions to use the server safely. Failure to follow these
instructions may cause a fire, personal injury, or property damage. See pages 1-3
to 1-11 for details.

Setting Up Your Server 3-15

WARNING

CAUTION

 Do not plug the power cord in to an improper power source.
 Do not connect the power cord to an outlet that has an illegal number of

connections.

 Insert the power plug into the outlet as far as it goes.
 Use the authorized power cord only.

1. Plug the provided power cord into the power receptacle on the rear of the server.

2. Plug the other end of the power cord into the wall outlet.

IMPORTANT: Secure the power cord with a tie wrap.

3-16 Setting Up Your Server

To connect the power cord from the server to an interruptive power supply (UPS), use outlet socket
on the rear of the UPS. Refer to the manual that comes with the UPS for details.

Computer interface port (COM)

Option slot

Input connector
(NEMAL5-15P)

Reset button for

overload prevention

Computer interface port (COM)

Voltage sensitivity setting button

Outlet socket

Connector for TVSS device

When the power cord from the server to a UPS, change the BIOS setup of the server to link with
power supply from the UPS.

Change a parameter for "AC-LINK" under the Server menu of the BIOS SETUP utility. See Chapter
4 for details.

Setting Up Your Server 3-17

TURNING ON THE SERVER

Power on your system as follows.

1. Make sure all external devices, such as a video display, keyboard, and mouse (optional)

have been connected, and the power cords are connected.

2. Power on the video display and any other external devices.

NOTE: If the server power cord(s) is connected to a power control

unit such as an UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), make sure that the
power control unit is powered on.

3. Press the POWER switch.

The POWER LED on the front of the server comes on.

POWER LED

POWER switch

NOTE: Connect the power cord and wait about five seconds before

pressing the POWER switch. The POWER switch does not work in a
few seconds after connecting the power cord due to firmware start-up.

The Power On Self-Test (POST) runs while "NEC" logo is displayed to diagnose the system
hardware. See "POST" described later for details.

Upon completion of POST, the OS starts.

NOTES:

 When the POST detects any error, it displays an error message and

its measure on the display unit. See Chapter 8 for details of POST
error message.

 The DC power is turned off at the first power-on after connecting

the power cord or at rebooting of the server by the Reset switch.
After several seconds, the DC power is turned on again. This is not
a power failure.

3-18 Setting Up Your Server

INSTALLING OPERATING SYSTEM

See Chapter 5 for installing the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating systems.

To install the other operating system listed above, contact your service representative.

IMPORTANT: Before installing the operating system, adjust the

system date and time by using the BIOS setup utility "SETUP." See the
next chapter for detail.

INSTALLING UTILITIES

Install the utilities that come with the server. See Chapter 6 for details.

MAKING BACKUP COPIES OF SYSTEM INFORMATION

The system information includes the current BIOS settings and any specific information for the
server.

Save the information after completing the system setup.

Without the backup data, you will not be able to recover the information.

You can save the information by the following process.

1. Insert the NEC EXPRESSBUILDER DVD into the optical disk drive and reboot the

system.

2. Select [Tool menu (Normal mode)].

3. Select [English].

4. Select [Maintenance Utility].

5. Select [System Information Management].

6. Insert a floppy disk into the floppy disk drive.

7. Select [Save].

Chapter 4

Configuring Your Server

Configuration and setup utilities are used to change your system configuration. You can configure
your system, as well as option boards you may add to your system, using the BIOS SETUP Utility.
Several unique system parameters are configured using the BIOS SETUP, which is stored in the
system FLASH memory.

The RAID configuration utility configures the RAID System and logical drives connected to the
Onboard RAID controller.

If your system has been factory configured, the BIOS SETUP or RAID configuration utility do not
need to be run unless you want to change the password or security features, add certain types of
option boards or devices, upgrade your system board, or change the RAID configuration.

This chapter also provides information on several system configuration parameters that are set by
jumpers on the system board. However, these parameters do not usually require change.

SYSTEM BIOS (SETUP)

The SETUP utility is used to change system configuration parameters. This utility is pre-installed in
the flash memory of the server and ready to run.

The server is configured with the correct parameters using the SETUP utility and shipped in the best
conditions. Thus, you don't need to use the SETUP utility in most cases. However, you might wish
to use the SETUP utility in the cases described below.

IMPORTANT:

 The SETUP utility is intended for system administrator use only.
 The SETUP utility allows you to set a password. The server is

provided with two levels of password: Supervisor and User. With
the Supervisor password, you can view and change all system
parameters of the SETUP utility. With the User password, system
parameters available for viewing and changing are limited.

 Do not set any password before installing the OS.
 The server contains the latest version of the SETUP utility. Dialog

boxes appear on your SETUP utility, thus, may differ from
descriptions in this manual. If you find anything unclear, see the
online help or ask your service representative.

 Use the Exit menu when exiting the SETUP utility. Exiting the

utility with the POWER switch or reset operation causes the stored
parameters to lose.

4-2 Configuring Your Server

Starting SETUP Utility

Powering on the server starts POST (Power On Self-Test) and displays its check results. If the NEC
logo is displayed, press Esc.

After a few seconds, the following message appears at bottom left on the screen.

Press <F2> to enter SETUP

Press F2 to start the SETUP utility and display its Main menu.

If you have previously set a password with the SETUP utility, the password entry screen appears.
Enter the password.

Enter password:[ ]

Up to three password entries will be accepted. If you fail to enter the password correctly for three
consecutive times, the server halts. (You can no longer proceed.) Power off the server.

NOTE: The server is provided with two levels of password:

Supervisor and User. With the Supervisor password, you can view and
change all system parameters. With the User password, system
parameters available for viewing and changing are limited.

Configuring Your Server 4-3

(s)

Description on On-Screen Items and Key Usage

Use the following keyboard keys to work with the SETUP utility. (Key functions are also listed at
the bottom of the screen.)

Indicates the current menu.

Indicates there
are submenus.

Setup item

*

menu

Explanation of key
functions menu

* The menus displayed in gray indicates the information only or unchangeable secured by BIOS

password.

Cursor (↑, ↓):

Selects an item on the screen. The highlighted item is currently

Parameter (high-lights upon selection) menu

selected.

Cursor (←, →):

– and +:

Selects the Main, Advanced, Security, Server, Boot, or Exit menu.

Changes the value (parameter) of the selected item. When a
submenu option (an option preceded by "

³") is selected, these

keys are disabled.

Enter Press Enter to select (determine) parameters.

Esc

F9:

Exit SETUP and return to the previous screen.

Sets the parameter of the currently displayed item back to the
factory set parameter.

F10:

Save and exit the SETUP utility.

Online help
window

4-4 Configuring Your Server

Configuration Examples

The following describes examples of configuration required to use software-link features or for
system operations.

Time and Date Settings

Select [Main] - [System Time].

Select [Main] - [System Date].

UPS

To link power supply with the UPS

 To power on the server when power is supply from the UPS

Select [Server] - [AC LINK] - [Power On].

 To keep the server off-powered even when power is supplied from the UPS, when the

POWER switch is used to turn off the server.

Select [Server] - [AC LINK] - [Last State].

 To keep the server off-powered even when power is supplied from the UPS

Select [Server] - [AC LINK] - [Stay Off].

Boot

To change the boot order of devices connected to the server

Select [Boot] and specify the boot order.

To display POST check results

Select [Advanced] - [Boot-time Diagnostic Screen] - [Enabled].

You can also press Esc while the NEC log is on the screen to display POST check results.

To use the remote wakeup feature

Select [Advanced] - [Advanced Chipset Control] - [Wake on Ring] - [Enabled].

Select [Advanced] - [Advanced Chipset Control] - [Wake on RTC Alarm] - [Enabled].

To control from the HW console

Select [Server] - [Console Redirection] and set each item.

Memory

To check the installed memory (DIMM board) status

Select [Advanced] - [Memory Configuration] - [DIMM Group #n Status], and check the
status indications (n: 1, 2, or 3).

The on-screen DIMM group numbers and socket locations on the mother board are
associated as shown in the following figure.

Configuring Your Server 4-5

Group #1

Group #2

Group #3

DIMM #6
DIMM #5
DIMM #4
DIMM #3
DIMM #2
DIMM #1

Mother board

To clear the memory (DIMM board) error information

Select [Advanced] - [Memory Configuration] - [Memory Retest] - [Yes] and reboot.

CPU

To check the installed CPU status

CPU #1

CPU #2

FRONTREAR

Select [Main] - [Processor Settings] and check the status indications.

The on-screen CPU numbers and socket locations on the mother board are associated as
shown in the above figure.

To clear the CPU error information

Select [Main] - [Processor Settings] - [Processor Retest] – [Yes] and reboot.

4-6 Configuring Your Server

Keyboard

To set Numlock

Select [Advanced] - [Numlock] – [On]/[Off].

System Event Logs

To clear system event logs

Select [Server] - [Event Log Configuration] - [Clear All Event Logs] - [Enter] - [Yes].

Security

To set passwords on the BIOS

Select [Security] - [Set Supervisor Password] and enter a password.

Select [Security] - [Set User Password] and enter a password.

Set Supervisor password first, then User password.

External Devices

To setup I/O ports

Select [Advanced] - [Peripheral Configuration] and set up each I/O port.

Internal Devices

To configure the internal PCI device

Select [Advanced] - [PCI Configuration] and setup each devices.

To install the RAID controller

Select [Advanced] - [PCI Configuration] - [PCI Slot n Option ROM] - [Enabled].
n: PCI slot number

To clear the hardware configuration data (after installing/removing internal devices)

Select [Advanced] - [Reset Configuration Data] - [Yes] and reboot.

Configuring Your Server 4-7

Saving the Configuration Data

To save the current configuration data and exit from SETUP

Select [Exit] - [Exit Saving Changes].

To discard changes to the current configuration data and exit from SETUP

Select [Exit] - [Exit Discarding Changes].

To discard changes to the current configuration data

Select [Exit] - [Discard Changes].

To load the default setup

Select [Exit] - [Load Setup Defaults].

To save the current configuration data

Select [Exit] - [Save Changes].

To save the current configuration data as Custom Defaults

Select [Exit] - [Save Custom Defaults].

To load the Custom Defaults

Select [Exit] - [Load Custom Defaults].

4-8 Configuring Your Server

Menu and Parameter Descriptions

The SETUP utility has the following six major menus:

 Main

 Advanced

 Security

 Server

 Boot

 Exit

To set minute functions, select a submenu from the above menus. The following describes available
functions and parameters, as well as the factory-set, for each menu.

Configuring Your Server 4-9

Main

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

System Time HH:MM:SS Set the system time.
System Date MM/DD/YYYY Set the system date.
Hard Disk Pre-Delay [Disabled]

3 seconds
6 seconds
9 seconds
12 seconds
15 seconds
21 seconds
30 seconds

IDE Channel 0 Master Select submenu

IDE Channel 0 Slave Select submenu Shows the information on the

SATA Port 1-3 Select submenu

Processor Settings Select submenu Shows the processor settings

Language [English]

Français
Deutsch
Español
Italiano

When accessing the internal
hard disk drive for the first time
during POST, the system waits
for the specified time until the
drive becomes ready.

Shows the information on the
device connected to each
channel on the submenu. The
settings of some items may be
changed. However, leave the
items as they are at the
shipment.

device connected to each
channel on the submenu. The
settings of some items may be
changed. However, leave the
items as they are at the
shipment.

Shows the information on the
device connected to each
channel on the submenu. The
settings of some items may be
changed. However, leave the
items as they are at the
shipment.

submenu.
Select which language BIOS

displays.

[ ]: Factory-set

4-10 Configuring Your Server

IMPORTANT: Check and adjust the system clock before the

operation if any of the following conditions is applicable.

 After carriage of device
 After storage of device
 After the device is entered into the pause state under the

environmental condition enduring device operation (temperature:

10°C - 35°C, humidity: 20% - 80%)
Check the system clock at the rough rate of once per month. When the
system clock is installed in a system requiring high time precision, it is

recommended to use a time server (NTP server).

If the system clock is remarkably delayed or advanced as the passage of
time in spite of adjustment, contact your service representative for
maintenance.

Configuring Your Server 4-11

Processor Settings

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

Processor Retest [No]

Yes

Processor Speed –

Processor 1 CPUID Numeral (0xxx)

Disabled
Not Installed
Error

Processor 1 L2 Cache – Displays L2 cache size for processor

Processor 2 CPUID Numeral (0xxx)

Disabled
Not Installed
Error

Processor 2 L2 Cache –

Execute Disable Bit [Enabled]

Disabled

Intel SpeedStep(R)
Technology

C1 Enhanced Mode [Enabled]

Virtualization
Technology

Hardware Prefetcher [Enabled]

Adjacent Cache Line
Prefetch

[Enabled]
Disabled

Disabled
[Enabled]
Disabled

Disabled
[Enabled]
Disabled

If yes, BIOS will clear historical
processor status and retest the
processor on the next boot.
Automatically reset to "No" in the
next boot.

Displays clock speed for the
processor.

Displays CPU ID for processor 1.
"Disabled" indicates that the
processor is defected.
"Not Installed" indicates that no
processor is installed.
"Error" indicates that the processor
is forcedly booted.

1.
Displays CPU ID for processor 2.
"Disabled" indicates that the

processor is defected.
"Not Installed" indicates that no

processor is installed.
"Error" indicates that the processor
is forcedly booted.
Displays L2 cache size for processor

2.
Enables or disables the feature.
Displayed only when the CPU

supports Execute Disable Bit.
Enables or disables the Intel(R)

SpeedStep technology.
Enables or disables the C1

Enhanced Mode.
Enables or disables the Intel(R)

virtualization technology.
Enables or disables the hardware

prefetcher.
Disables or enables the Adjacent

Cache Line Prefetch of the
processor.

[ ]: Factory-set

4-12 Configuring Your Server

Advanced

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

Boot-time Diagnostic
Screen

Reset Configuration Data [No]

NumLock On

Memory/Processor Error [Boot]

Enabled
[Disabled]

Yes

[Off]

Halt

When enabled, the BIOS will display
the POST execution screen.
When disabled, the BIOS will display
the NEC logo during POST.

Cannot be disabled during Console
Redirection.

Select "Yes" if you want to clear the
system configuration data at the next
boot. Automatically reset to "No" in
the next boot.

Specify whether the numlock is
enabled or disabled on booting.

If "Halt" is selected, the boot is
stopped when POST detected a
processor or memory error.

[ ]: Factory-set

IMPORTANT: Be sure to take a note of boot priority before selecting

"Yes" for [Reset Configuration Data], because the information on boot
device will be cleared. Select [Exit Saving Changes] to reboot the
system, run BIOS SETUP utility, and provide settings for boot device
order again.

Configuring Your Server 4-13

Memory Configuration

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

System Memory – Indicates the total capacity of the base

memory. (View only)

Extended Memory – Indicates the total capacity of the

extended memory. (View only)

DIMM Group #1 ­#3 Status

Memory Retest Yes

Extended RAM
Step

Online Spare
Memory

Normal
Disabled
Not installed
Error

[No]

1MB
1KB
Every location
[Disabled]

[Disabled]
Enabled

Indicates the current memory status.
"Normal" indicates the normal status,
"Disabled" indicates a memory error, "Not
installed" indicates no DIMM installed, and
"Error" indicates the system is forcibly
started with memory error (view only).

DIMM Group #1: DIMM sockets #5 and #6
DIMM Group #2: DIMM sockets #3 and #4
DIMM Group #3: DIMM sockets #1 and #2
Causes BIOS to retest all memory on the
next boot. Automatically reset to "No" at
the next boot.
"1MB" indicates that the memory test is

done in the unit of 1MB.
"1KB" indicates that the memory test is
done in the unit of 1KB.
"Every location" tests every memory
location.
"Disabled" indicates that only memory
initialization is done.
Only pressing Space is acceptable to
suspend the test during the memory test.

Disables or enables online spare memory
feature. See "DIMM" in Chapter 9 for
details.

[ ]: Factory-set

4-14 Configuring Your Server

PCI Configuration

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

PCI Slot 1-2
Option ROM

[Enabled]
Disabled

Disables or enables option ROM scan for
PCI board in PCI slot.

[ ]: Factory-set

IMPORTANT: If you want to boot the OS contained in the internal

hard disk drive when either of PCI slots #1 or #2 contains a PCI card,
the parameter for "PCI Slot x Option ROM" (x: slot containing the PCI
card) must be set to "Disabled".

– Onboard LAN 1-2 submenu

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

LAN Controller 1-2 Disabled

[Enabled]

Option ROM Scan Disabled

[Enabled]

Enables or disables onboard LAN controller.

Enables or disables an option ROM of
onboard LAN controller.

[ ]: Factory-set

Configuring Your Server 4-15

Peripheral Configuration

IMPORTANT: Note that the interrupt and/or base I/O address are not

overlapped with others. If the value set for the interrupt or base I/O
address is used in another resource, the yellow asterisk (*) appears.
Reset any item with the yellow asterisk properly.

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

Serial Port B Disabled

[Enabled]
Base I/O
address

Interrupt [IRQ 3]

USB Controller [Enabled]

USB 2.0 Controller Disabled

Parallel ATA Disabled

Serial ATA Disabled

SATA Controller
Mode Option

Native Mode
Operation
SATA AHCI Disabled

SATA RAID Disabled

3F8

[2F8]

3E8

2E8

IRQ 4

Disabled

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

Compatible

[Enhanced]

AUTO

[Serial ATA]

[Enabled]

[Enabled]

Selects whether serial port B is enabled or
disabled.
Selects the base I/O address for serial port
B.

Selects the interrupt for a serial port B.

Selects the USB controller is enabled or
disabled.
Selects the USB 2.0 controller is enabled or
disabled.
Selects parallel ATA controller on mother
board is enabled or disabled.
Selects whether the serial ATA controller on
mother board is enabled or disabled.
Selects an operation mode of onboard
SATA controller. Displayed only when Serial
ATA is enabled.
Compatible mode:

SATA drives are automatically detected
and controlled in legacy mode.

Enhanced mode:

SATA drives are automatically detected
and controlled in native mode.

–

Selects whether AHCI (Advanced Host
Controller Interface) is enabled or disabled.
Displayed only when [Enhanced] is selected
for [SATA Controller Mode Option].
When set to [Enabled], this menu appears if
RAID configuration jumper switch is set to
[RAID enable] position. See Chapter 4 for
details.

[ ]: Factory-set

4-16 Configuring Your Server

Advanced Chipset Control

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

Multimedia Timer [Disabled]

Enabled

Intel(R) I/O AT Disabled

[Enabled]

Wake On
LAN/PME

Wake On Ring [Disabled]

Wake On RTC
Alarm

Disabled
[Enabled]

Enabled

[Disabled]
Enabled

Specify whether the system supports
the multimedia timer feature.

Specify whether the Intel(R)
Acceleration technology is enabled or
disabled.

Specify whether the remote power-on
function via the network is enabled or
disabled.

Specify whether the remote power-on
function through a serial port is
enabled or disabled.

Specify whether the remote power-on
function by using RTC alarm feature is
enabled or disabled.

[ ]: Factory-set

IMPORTANT: If the AC power is turned off while the Wake On Ring

feature is enabled, this feature is disabled at the next system boot after
AC power-on. You need to press the Power switch to boot the system. If
the AC power is turned off, Wake On Ring feature on power
management chip is disabled until the next DC power-on.

Configuring Your Server 4-17

Security

Press Enter on "Set Supervisor Password" or "Set User Password," to display the password entry
screen.

Enter the passwords on the dialog box.

IMPORTANT:

 User password can be set only when Supervisor password is already

set.

 Set the passwords only after OS is installed.

 If you forget the passwords, contact your service representative.

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

Supervisor
Password Is

User Password Is Clear

Set User
Password

Set Supervisor
Password

Password on boot [Disabled]

Fixed disk boot
sector

Power Switch
Inhibit

Disable USB Ports [Disabled]

Clear

Set

Set

Up to eight

alphanumerics

Up to eight

alphanumerics

Enabled

[Normal]

Write Protect

[Disabled]

Enabled

Front

Rear

Front + Rear

Indicates the password setting status.

Indicates the password setting status.

Press Enter to display the user
password entry screen. For this
password, accessing to the SETUP
menu is restricted.

Press Enter to display the supervisor
password entry screen. This password
enables all the SETUP menus to be
accessed. This setting can be done
only on login with the password input
of "Supervisor" at start of SETUP.

Specify whether the passwords are
entered or not on booting. At first the
supervisor password must be set. If
the supervisor password is set and
this option is disabled, BIOS
determines that a user is booting.

Specify whether to permit writing into
boot sector of the IDE hard disk drive
or not. The server does not support
IDE hard disk drive.

Specify whether to enable or disable
the power switch feature.
(Forced shutdown (pressing the
POWER switch for at least four
seconds) feature is always acceptable
to the server.

Select the USB port to be disabled or
enabled.

[ ]: Factory-set

4-18 Configuring Your Server

Security Chip Configuration Submenu

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

TPM Support [Disabled]

Enabled

Current TPM
State

Change TPM
State

– Displays the current TPM state.

[No Change]
Enabled & Activate
Deactivate & Disable
Clear

Disables or enables TPM feature.

Changes TPM state.

[ ]: Factory-set

Configuring Your Server 4-19

IMPORTANT: If you select any parameter except for [No Change] to

change TPM State, a confirmation screen as shown below appears at
the end of POST after restarting the system. Select [Execute] on the
confirmation screen to determine the change you have made.

When [Enable & Activate] is selected:

When [Deactivate & Disable] is selected:

When [Clear] is selected:

4-20 Configuring Your Server

Server

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

Assert NMI on
PERR
Assert NMI on
SERR
FRB-2 Policy Disable FRB2 Timer

Boot Monitoring [Disabled]

Boot Monitoring
Policy

Thermal Sensor Disabled

BMC IRQ Disabled

Post Error Pause Disabled

AC-LINK Stay Off

Disabled
[Enabled]
Disabled
[Enabled]

Disable BSP
Do Not Disable BSP
[Retry 3 Times]

5 Minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
30 minutes
35 minutes
40 minutes
45 minutes
50 minutes
55 minutes
60 minutes
[Retry 3 Times]
Always Reset

[Enabled]

[IRQ 11]

[Enabled]

[Last State]
Power On

Specify whether to support PCI
PERR or not.
Specify whether to support PCI
SERR or not.
Specify whether the processor is
disabled or not when FRB level 2
error occurred in BSP.

Specify whether to enable or disable
the boot monitoring function on
booting, or select the time limit for
timeout.

To use this function, install NEC
ESMPRO Agent. Set this item to
"Disabled" if the system is booted
from OS without installation of NEC
ESMPRO Agent.

Specify the processing at the
occurrence of timeout during boot
monitoring.
If [Retry 3 times] is selected, the
system is reset after the occurrence
of timeout and OS boot is retried up
to three times.
If [Always Reset] is selected, the
system is reset after the occurrence
of timeout and OS boot is retried
repeatedly.
* If no service partition exists in the

system, OS boot is retried
repeatedly from the system
partition.

Specify whether to enable or disable
the thermal sensor monitoring
function. If a thermal error is
detected with this item being set to
"Enabled", the system stops at the
end of POST.

Specify whether to assign IRQ for
BMC.

Specify whether to stop the POST
once at the end of POST if an error
occurs during the POST.

Specify the state of power when the
AC power to the server is turn off
once and then on.

Configuring Your Server 4-21

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

Power ON Delay
Time (Sec)

Platform Event
Filtering

[20] - 255 Specify the power on delay time

within the range between 20 and
255 seconds. The time specified is
valid when "Power On" or "Last

State" is specified for AC LINK.
Disabled
[Enabled]

Specify whether to enable or disable

the platform event filtering (PEF)

feature.

[ ]: Factory-set

IMPORTANT: To power on the server from the UPS (Uninterruptible

Power Supply), select [Server] - [AC LINK] - [Power On].

The table below shows the operation when the AC power to the server is turn off once and then on
again, depending on the setting of "AC LINK."

System status before AC power off

Operating Off On On
Aborting (DC power being off also) Off Off On
Forced shutdown Off Off On

* Press the power switch continuously for four seconds or longer. This forcibly turns off the power.

Setting of AC LINK
Stay Off Last State Power On

4-22 Configuring Your Server

System Management Submenu

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

BIOS Version – Displays the current BIOS version.

(View only)

Board Part Number – Displays the part number of mother

board. (View only)

Board Serial Number – Displays the serial number of mother

board. (View only)

System Part Number – Displays the part number of the

system. (View only)

System Serial Number – Displays the serial number of the

system. (View only)

Chassis Part Number – Displays the part number of the

chassis. (View only)

Chassis Serial Number – Displays the serial number of the

chassis. (View only)

Onboard LAN1 MAC
Address

Onboard LAN2 MAC
Address

Management LAN MAC
Address

BMC Device ID – Displays BMC device ID. (View only)
BMC Device Revision – Displays BMC device revision. (View

BMC Firmware Revision – Displays BMC firmware revision.

SDR Revision – Displays revision of the sensor data

PIA Revision – Displays revision of the platform

– Displays the MAC address of the

onboard LAN port 1. (View only)

– Displays the MAC address of the

onboard LAN port 2. (View only)

– Displays the MAC address of the

management LAN port. (View only)

only)

(View only)

record.

information area. (View only)

[ ]: Factory-set

Configuring Your Server 4-23

Console Redirection Submenu

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

BIOS Redirection
Port

Baud Rate 9600

Flow Control None

Terminal Type PC ANSI

Continue
Redirection after
POST

Remote Console
Reset

[Disabled]
Serial Port B

[19.2K]

38.4K

57.6K

115.2K

XON/XOFF
[CTS/RTS]
CTS/RTS+CD

[VT100+]
VT-UTF8
Disabled
[Enabled]

[Disabled]
Enabled

Specify the address/interrupt of the
serial port to which a remote console
is connected.

Specify the baud rate used for the
interface with the remote console
connected.

Specify the flow control method.

Specify the type of remote console.

Specify whether to continue console
redirection feature after completion of
POST.

Specify whether to enable or disable
resetting by Escape command (Esc R)
sent from the remote console.

[ ]: Factory-set

4-24 Configuring Your Server

BMC LAN Configuration Submenu

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

IP Address [192.168.001.001] Specify an IP address for

management LAN.

Subnet Mask [255.255.255.000] Specify a subnet mask for

management LAN.

Default Gateway [000.000.000.000] Specify a default gateway for

management LAN.

DHCP [Disabled]

Enabled

Web Interface – –

HTTP [Disabled]

Enabled

HTTP Port
Number

HTTPS [Disabled]

HTTPS Port
Number

Command Line
Interface

Telnet [Disabled]

Telnet Port
Number

SSH [Disabled]

SSH Port
Number

Clear BMC
Configuration

[80]

Enabled
[443] Specify the TCP port number which

––

Enabled

[23] Specify the TCP port number to be

Enabled

[22] Specify the TCP port number to be

[Enter]

Set to [Enabled] to obtain an IP
address from DHCP server
automatically. If you intend to specify
an IP address manually, set to
[Disabled].

Set to [Enabled] to use HTTP
communication for Web interface.

Specify the TCP port number which
the management LAN uses for HTTP
communication.

Set to [Enabled] to use HTTPS
communication for Web interface.

the management LAN uses for HTTPS
communication.

Set to [Enabled] to use Telnet
communication as a command line
interface.

used for Telnet communication.
Set to [Enabled] to use SSH

communication as a command line
interface.

used for SSH communication.
Press Enter and select "Yes" to

initialize the BMC configuration.

[ ]: Factory-set

IMPORTANT: Notes on performing Clear BMC Configuration

 Executing "Load Setup Defaults" in BIOS SETUP utility does not

restore the default value for settings related to management LAN of
BMC. To restore the default value, you need to execute Clear BMC
Configuration.

 It takes about several tens seconds until initialization completes

after execution of Clear BMC Configuration.

 Executing Clear BMC Configuration also clears settings made in

NEC DianaScope. Before execution, be sure make backup copy of
setting information of NEC DianaScope.

NOTE: Executing [Save Custom Defaults/Load Custom Defaults] of

BIOS SETUP does not save the settings you have made in BMC LAN
Configuration menu.

Event Log Configuration Submenu

Configuring Your Server 4-25

Option Parameter Description Your Setting

Clear All Event
Logs

Enter

Press Enter and select "Yes" to clear
the system event log.

[ ]: Factory-set

System Event Log Submenu

If you select "System Event Log" on the "Event Log Configuration" of Server menu, the System
Event Log submenu appears.

Use ↑, ↓, +, –, Home, or End to view the newer or older system event logs recorded.

NOTE: If a lot of event logs are recorded in the system, it takes about

two minutes at the longest until they are displayed on the screen.

4-26 Configuring Your Server

Boot

If you move the cursor to the position of "Boot," the Boot menu appears, which is used to set the
boot priority.

Indication Device

USB CDROM USB CD-ROM drive
IDE CD ATAPI CD-ROM (including optical disk drive)
USB FDC USB floppy disk drive
USB KEY USB flash memory device
IDE HDD IDE hard disk drives
PCI SCSI Internal hard disk drives installed in your system (“Software RAID” is

displayed in the RAID configuration.)

PCI BEV

IBA GE Slot xxxx

Onboard LAN.
LAN1: Slot 0C00, LAN2: Slot 0C01

Other indication

Optional PCI board connected to the riser card.

1. When BIOS detects a bootable device, it displays the information on the device in the

relevant indication.

To boot the server from a desired device, the device must be registered as a boot device.
(Up to eight boot devices can be registered.)

2. Pressing X after selecting a device allows the selected device to be registered as a boot

device or deleted from the registration.

With eight boot devices being registered, any other device cannot be registered as a boot
device even if you press X. To register a device as a boot device newly, first delete the
registration of a device registered as a boot device but not booted any more.

Pressing Shift + 1 after selecting a device allows the selected device to be made
enabled/disabled.

3. You can change the boot priority (first to eighth) of each device by using ↑, ↓, + and/or –.

To change the priority of a device, move the cursor to the device by using the ↑ or ↓, and
press + or –.

Configuring Your Server 4-27

Exit

The options on the menu are described below.

Exit Saving Changes

Select this item to terminate SETUP after saving the newly selected information in CMOS
(nonvolatile memory). Selecting "Exit Saving Changes" causes the confirmation screen to appear. If
you select "Yes," SETUP is terminated with the newly selected information saved in CMOS
(nonvolatile memory). Then the server automatically reboots the system.

Exit Discarding Changes

Select this item to terminate SETUP without saving the newly selected information in CMOS
(nonvolatile memory). When the confirmation message "Save before exiting?" appears, select "No"
to terminate SETUP without storage of the modified information. Then the server proceeds to Boot
menu. Selecting "Yes" allows SETUP to be terminated with storage of the modified information.
Then the server automatically reboots the system.

Load Setup Defaults

Select this item to return all the values of SETUP to the default values. Selecting "Load Setup
Defaults" causes the confirmation screen to appear. Select "Yes" to return the values to the default
values. Select "No" to return to the Exit menu screen.

Load Custom Defaults

Select this item and press Enter to load the custom defaults stored. This menu does not appear if
the Custom Defaults are not saved.

Save Custom Defaults

Select this item and press Enter to save the parameters currently being edited as custom defaults.
When the parameters are saved, the Load Custom Defaults menu appears.

Discard Changes

Select this item to return the values modified currently to the previous values before saving the
values to CMOS.

Save Changes

Select this item to save the newly selected information to CMOS (non-volatile memory) without the
termination of SETUP.

4-28 Configuring Your Server

RAID SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

This section describes how to use the internal hard disk drives as RAID System by Onboard RAID
Controller (LSI Embedded MegaRAID).

About the optional RAID Controller (N8103-116/117/118), refer to the documents provided with
optional RAID Controller.

RAID

Overview of RAID System

What is RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks)?

RAID is an abbreviation for "Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks". The RAID technology allows
more than one hard disk drive (HDD) to be handled collectively.

In actual, RAID can configure more than one HDDs as a single array (disk group) to operate the
HDDs effectively. This can bring higher performance than a single HDD of a large capacity.

The Onboard RAID Controller (LSI Embedded MegaRAID) has a feature to divide a single disk
group into several logical drives (virtual disks). Operating system recognizes these logical drives as
if it were a single hard disk drive. Operating system accesses to more than one hard disk drive
configuring a disk group in parallel.

Some RAID levels can recover data from remaining data and parity by using rebuild feature if an
error occurs in a single HDD. This can provide high reliability for the system.

Configuring Your Server 4-29

RAID Levels

The record mode enabling the RAID feature includes several levels. Among the levels, the Onboard
RAID Controller (LSI Embedded MegaRAID) supports RAID levels 0 and 1. The number of hard
disk drives required to create a disk group varies depending on the RAID level as shown in the table
below.

RAID level

Number of required HDDs
Min. Max.

RAID 0 1 3
RAID 1 2 2

NOTE: For details of the RAID levels, see "RAID Levels" described

later in this chapter.

Disk Group

A disk group is configured with more than one HDDs.
The allowable number of disk groups is equal to the number of HDDs.

The figure below shows a sample configuration. The three HDDs are connected to the Onboard
RAID Controller (LSI Embedded MegaRAID), creating one disk group (DG).

RAID Controller

Disk Group 0: 108 GB

HDD 1

(36 GB)

HDD 2

(36 GB)

HDD 3

(36 GB)

4-30 Configuring Your Server

Virtual Disk

Virtual disk is a logical drive defined in disk group. It is recognized as a physical drive by OS. The
allowable number of virtual disks is up to 16 per disk group, or up to 64 per controller.

The figure below shows a sample configuration in which the Onboard RAID Controller (LSI
Embedded MegaRAID) is connected with three HDDs, creating one Disk Group. Two RAID5
virtual disks (VD) are defined in the Disk Group.

RAID Controller

DG0 108 GB

VD0-1

20GB

VD1-1
16 GB

HDD 1

(36 GB)

VD0-2

20GB

VD1-2
16 GB

HDD 2

(36 GB)

VD0-3

20GB

VD1-3
16 GB

HDD 3

(36 GB)

VD0 (RAID5)
40 GB

VD1 (RAID5)
32 GB

Parity

The parity means redundant data. A single set of redundant data is created from the data saved in
more than one HDD.

The created redundant data is used for data recovery when a HDD is defected.

Hot-Swap

The hot-swap enables a HDD to be removed (or replaced) under system operation.

Hot-Spare

The hot-spare is prepared as an auxiliary HDD substituting for a defected HDD included in a Disk
Group which is configured at a redundant RAID level. Detecting a HDD fault, the system
disconnects the HDD (or makes it offline) and starts rebuild using the hot-spare.

Configuring Your Server 4-31

RAID Levels

Characteristics of RAID Levels

The table below lists the characteristics of the RAID levels.

Level Function Redundancy Characteristics

RAID0 Striping No • Data read/write at the highest rate

• Largest capacity

• Capacity:

(capacity of single HDD) × (number of HDDs)

RAID1 Mirroring Yes • Two HDDs required

• Capacity: capacity of single HDD

4-32 Configuring Your Server

RAID0

In RAID0, data to be recorded is distributed to HDDs. The mode is called "striping".

In the figure below, data is recorded in stripe 1 (disk 1), stripe 2 (disk 2), and stripe 3 (disk 3)… in
the order. Because RAID0 allows all HDDs to be accessed collectively, it can provide the best disk
access performance.

IMPORTANT: RAID0 cannot have data redundancy. If a HDD is

defected, the data saved in the HDD cannot be recovered.

RAID Controller

HDD 1 HDD 2

Stripe 1

Stripe 4

Stri pe 2

Stri pe 5

HDD 3

Stri pe 3

Stri pe 6

RAID1

In the RAID1 level, data saved in a HDD is written to another HDD without change. The mode is
called "mirroring".

When data is written onto a single HDD, the same data is written onto another HDD. If either of the
HDDs is defected, the other HDD containing the same data can substitute for the defected HDD.
Thus the system can continue to operate without interruption.

RAID Controller

HDD 1 HDD 2

Stripe 1

Stripe 2

Stripe 1

Stripe 2