Supero SC836E2-R800B, SC836TQ - R800B, SC836E2-R800V, SC836TQ-R710B, SC836TQ-R800V User Manual

SC836 Chassis

Series

SC836A-R1200B SC836E1-R800B

SC836E1-R800V SC836E2-R800B

SC836E2-R800V SC836S2-R800B

SC836S2-R800V SC836TQ-R710B

SC836TQ - R800B SC836TQ-R800V

User’s Manual

2.0c

SUPER

®

SC836 Chassis Manual

ii

Manual Revision 2.0c
Release Date: February 4, 2010

The information in this User’s Manual has been carefully reviewed and is believed to be accurate.
The vendor assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this document,
makes no commitment to update or to keep current the information in this manual, or to notify any
person or organization of the updates. Please Note: For the most up-to-date version of this

manual, please see our web site at www.supermicro.com.

Super Micro Computer, Inc. ("Supermicro") reserves the right to make changes to the product
described in this manual at any time and without notice. This product, including software, if any,
and documentation may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or
reduced to any medium or machine without prior written consent.

IN NO EVENT WILL SUPERMICRO BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
SPECULATIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO
USE THIS PRODUCT OR DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. IN PARTICULAR, SUPERMICRO SHALL NOT HAVE LIABILITY FOR ANY
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR DATA STORED OR USED WITH THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING THE
COSTS OF REPAIRING, REPLACING, INTEGRATING, INSTALLING OR RECOVERING SUCH
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR DATA.

Any disputes arising between manufacturer and customer shall be governed by the laws of Santa
Clara County in the State of California, USA. The State of California, County of Santa Clara shall
be the exclusive venue for the resolution of any such disputes. Super Micro's total liability for all
claims will not exceed the price paid for the hardware product.

California Best Management Practices Regulations for Perchlorate Materials: This Perchlorate
warning applies only to products containing CR (Manganese Dioxide) Lithium coin cells. “Perchlorate
Material-special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”

WARNING: Handling of lead solder materials used in this
product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to
the State of California to cause birth defects and other
reproductive harm.

Unless you request and receive written permission from Super Micro Computer, Inc., you may not
copy any part of this document.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies
referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark
holders.

Copyright © 2010 by Super Micro Computer, Inc.
All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

iii

Preface

Preface

About This Manual

This manual is written for professional system integrators and PC technicians. It

provides information for the installation and use of the SC836 3U chassis. Installa-

tion and maintenance should be performed by experienced technicians only.

Supermicro’s SC836 3U chassis features a unique and highly optimized design for

dual-core Xeon platforms. The chassis is equipped with a redundant 710W, 800W

or 1200W high-efciency power supply. High-performance fans provide ample op-

timized cooling for FB-DIMM memory modules and 16 hot-swap drive bays offers

maximum storage capacity in a 3U form factor.

This document lists compatible parts available when this document was published.

Always refer to the our Web site for updates on supported parts and congura-

tions.

SC836 Chassis Manual

iv

Manual Organization

Chapter 1: Introduction

The rst chapter provides a checklist of the main components included with the

SC836 chassis and describes the main features of the chassis. This chapter also

includes contact information.

Chapter 2: System Safety

This chapter lists warnings, precautions, and system safety. You should thoroughly

familiarize yourself with this chapter for a general overview of safety precautions

that should be followed before installing and servicing this chassis.

Chapter 3: Chassis Components

Refer here for details on this chassis model including the fans, bays, airow shields,

and other components.

Chapter 4: System Interface

This chapter provides details on the system interface, which includes the functions

and information provided by the control panel on the chassis as well as other LEDs

located throughout the system.

Chapter 5: Chassis Setup and Maintenance

Refer to this chapter for detailed information on this chassis. You should follow the

procedures given in this chapter when installing, removing, or reconguring your

chassis.

Chapter 6: Advanced Setup

This chapter includes detailed instructions for advanced setup congurations includ-

ing multiple chassis connections.

Chapter 7: Rack Installation

Refer to this chapter for detailed information on chassis rack installation. You should

follow the procedures given in this chapter when installing, removing or reconguring

your chassis into a rack environment.

v

Preface

Compatible Backplanes

This section lists compatible cables, power supply specications, and compatible

backplanes. Not all compatible backplanes are listed. Refer to our Web site for the

latest compatible backplane information.

Appendix A SC836 Chassis Cables

Appendix B SC836 Power Supply Specications

Appendix C SAS-836EL Series Backplane Specications

Appendix D SAS-836TQ Backplane Specications

Appendix E SAS-836A Backplane Specications

Appendix F PCC-JBWR2 and CSE-PTJBOD-CB1 Power Control

Card Specications

SC836 Chassis Manual

vi

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

1-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 1-1

1-2 Shipping List .................................................................................................... 1-2

Part Numbers .................................................................................................. 1-2

1-3 Chassis Features ............................................................................................ 1-3

CPU Support ................................................................................................... 1-3

I/O Expansion slots ......................................................................................... 1-3

Peripheral Drives ............................................................................................. 1-3

Other Features ................................................................................................ 1-3

1-4 Contacting Supermicro .................................................................................... 1-4

1-5 Returning Merchandise for Service................................................................. 1-5

Chapter 2 System Safety

2-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 2-1

2-2 Warnings and Precautions .............................................................................. 2-1

2-3 Preparing for Setup ......................................................................................... 2-1

2-4 Electrical Safety Precautions .......................................................................... 2-2

2-5 General Safety Precautions ............................................................................ 2-3

2-6 System Safety ................................................................................................. 2-3

Chapter 3 Chassis Components

3-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 3-1

3-2 Components .................................................................................................... 3-1

Chassis and Chassis Bays ............................................................................. 3-1

Backplane ........................................................................................................ 3-1

Fans ................................................................................................................3-1

Mounting Rails ................................................................................................ 3-1

Power Supply .................................................................................................. 3-2

Air Shroud ....................................................................................................... 3-2

3-3 Where to get Replacement Components ........................................................ 3-2

Chapter 4 System Interface

4-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 4-1

4-2 Control Panel Buttons ..................................................................................... 4-2

4-3 Control Panel LEDs ........................................................................................ 4-2

4-4 Drive Carrier LEDs .......................................................................................... 4-4

Chapter 5 Basic Chassis Setup and Maintenance

5-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 5-1

5-2 Installation ....................................................................................................... 5-1

vii

Preface

5-3 Removing the Chassis Cover ......................................................................... 5-2

5-4 Installing the Hard Drives ................................................................................ 5-3

Removing Hard Drive Carriers from the Chassis ........................................... 5-3

Installing a Hard Drive to the Hard Drive Carrier ........................................... 5-3

5-5 Installing the Motherboard .............................................................................. 5-5

Permanent and Optional Standoffs ................................................................. 5-5

Standoffs Labeling .......................................................................................... 5-5

Motherboard Installation .................................................................................. 5-5

Power Supply Connections ............................................................................. 5-6

I/O Shield and Expansion Card Setup ............................................................ 5-7

Installing an I/O Port Panel ............................................................................. 5-7

Installing an Expansion Card .......................................................................... 5-8

5-6 Installing the Air Shroud, Rear Fan, and Checking Air Flow .......................... 5-9

Installing the Air Shroud .................................................................................. 5-9

Installing Rear System Fans ......................................................................... 5-10

Checking the Server's Air Flow ......................................................................5-11

5-7 Chassis Maintenance .................................................................................... 5-12

Replacing a System Fans ............................................................................. 5-12

Replacing the Power Supply ......................................................................... 5-13

Replacing the Power Distributor ................................................................... 5-14

Replacing the Front Panel ............................................................................ 5-15

Replacing or Installing the Front Port Panel ................................................. 5-15

Chapter 6 Advanced Setup

6-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 6-1

6-2 Dual Port and Expanders ................................................................................ 6-2

Single Ports ..................................................................................................... 6-2

Dual Ports ....................................................................................................... 6-2

6-3 Failover ............................................................................................................ 6-3

Single Host Bus Adapter ................................................................................. 6-3

Single Host Bus Adapter Failover ................................................................... 6-3

Dual Host Bus Adapter .................................................................................. 6-4

Dual Host Bus Adapter Failover...................................................................... 6-4

6-4 Cascading Backplanes .................................................................................... 6-4

Power Control Card ........................................................................................ 6-4

Chapter 7 Rack Installation

7-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 7-1

7-2 Unpacking the System .................................................................................... 7-1

7-3 Preparing for Setup ......................................................................................... 7-1

SC836 Chassis Manual

viii

Choosing a Setup Location ............................................................................. 7-1

7-4 Warnings and Precautions .............................................................................. 7-2

Rack Precautions ............................................................................................ 7-2

General Server Precautions ............................................................................ 7-2

7-5 Rack Mounting Considerations ....................................................................... 7-3

Ambient Operating Temperature ..................................................................... 7-3

Reduced Airow .............................................................................................. 7-3

Mechanical Loading ........................................................................................ 7-3

Circuit Overloading .......................................................................................... 7-3

Reliable Ground .............................................................................................. 7-3

7-6 Rack Mounting Instructions ............................................................................. 7-4

Identifying the Sections of the Rack Rails ...................................................... 7-4

Locking Tabs ................................................................................................... 7-5

Releasing the Inner Rail ................................................................................. 7-5

Installing The Inner Rails on the Chassis ....................................................... 7-6

Installing the Outer Rails on the Rack ............................................................ 7-7

Standard Chassis Installation ......................................................................... 7-8

Optional Quick Installation Method ................................................................. 7-9

Appendix A SC836 Chassis Cables

Appendix B SC836 Power Supply Specications

Appendix C SAS-836EL Backplane Specications

Appendix D SAS-836TQ Backplane Specications

Appendix E SAS-836A Backplane Specications

Appendix F PCC-JBPWR2 and CSE-PTJBOD-CB1 Power Control Card
Specications

1-1

Chapter 1: Introduction

Chapter 1

Introduction

1-1 Overview

Supermicro's SC836 storage chassis supports up to sixteen hot-swappable 3.5"

SAS/SATA hard drive bays, the industry's highest storage density for a 3U system.

The SC836 includse 100% cooling redundancy and high efciency (1+1) redundant

710W, 800W, or 1200W (93%) Gold Level power supplies with PM BUS functionality

for enhanced power management. The SC836 is optimized for the next-generation

dual-processor Intel® Xeon® (5500 series) and AMD Opteron™ platforms. Direct

attached HDD backplane (TQ version), multilane backplane (A version) and ex-

panders' backplane (E1, E2 versions) are available for application specic solution

optimization. Heavy duty palletized packaging is available to ensure secure system

reliability during shipping and tool-less, roller rail designs for easy installation and

maintenance are standard with each system.

SC836 Chassis Series

Model CPU HDD I/O Slots

Power

Supply

SC836A-R1200B

DP/UP 16x SAS / SATA 7x FF

1200W

Redundant

(Gold Level)

SC836TQ-R800V /
SC836TQ-R800B

DP/UP

16x SAS / SATA

7x FF

R800W

Redundant

SC836TQ-R710B

DP/UP 16x SAS / SATA 7x FF

710W DC

Redundant

SC836S2-R800V /
SC836S2-R800B

DP/UP

16x U320 SCSI

Dual Channel

7x FF

800W

Redundant

SC836E1-R800V /
SC836E1-R800B

DP/UP

16x SAS / SATA

Bays (+) 1x

28-Port SAS

Expander

7x FF

R800W

Redundant

SC836E2-R800V /
SC836E2-R800B

DP/UP

16x SAS / SATA

Bays (+) 2x

28-Port SAS

Expander

7x FF

800W

Redundant

SC836 Chassis Manual

1-2

1-2 Shipping List

Part Numbers

Please visit the following link for the latest shipping lists and part numbers for

your particular chassis model:

http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/3U/?chs=836

1-3

Chapter 1: Introduction

1-3 Chassis Features

The SC836 3U high-performance chassis includes the following features:

CPU Support

The SC836 chassis supports a DP Dual-core Xeon processor. Please refer to the

motherboard specications pages on our Web site for updates on supported pro-

cessors for this chassis

Hard Drives

The SC836 chassis features sixteen slots for U320 SCSI or SAS/SATA drives. These

drives are hot-swappable. Meaning thtat once set up correctly, these drives may

be removed without powering-down the server. In addition, these drives support

SAF-TE (SCSI) and SES2 (SAS/SATA).

I/O Expansion slots

Each version of the SC836 chassis includes seven full I/O expansion slots.

Peripheral Drives

Each SC836 chassis supports one slim DVD-ROM drive (optional) These drives

allow you to quickly install or save data.

Other Features

Other onboard features are included to promote system health. These include

various ve cooling fans, a convenient power switch, reset button, and LED indica-

tors.

SC836 Chassis Manual

1-4

1-4 Contacting Supermicro

Headquarters

Address: Super Micro Computer, Inc.

980 Rock Ave.

San Jose, CA 95131 U.S.A.

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] (General Information)

[e-mail] (Technical Support)

Web Site: www.supermicro.com

Europe

Address: Super Micro Computer B.V.

Het Sterrenbeeld 28, 5215 ML

's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] (General Information)

[e-mail] (Technical Support)

[e-mail] (Customer Support)

Asia-Pacic

Address: Super Micro Computer, Inc.

4F, No. 232-1, Liancheng Rd.

Chung-Ho 235, Taipei County

Taiwan, R.O.C.

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Web Site: www.supermicro.com.tw

Technical Support:

Email: [e-mail]

Tel: [phone]

1-5

Chapter 1: Introduction

1-5 Returning Merchandise for Service

A receipt or copy of your invoice marked with the date of purchase is required be-

fore any warranty service will be rendered. You can obtain service by calling your

vendor for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. When returning

to the manufacturer, the RMA number should be prominently displayed on the

outside of the shipping carton, and mailed prepaid or hand-carried. Shipping and

handling charges will be applied for all orders that must be mailed when service

is complete.

For faster service, RMA authorizations may be requested online (http://www.

supermicro.com/support/rma/).

Whenever possible, repack the chassis in the original Supermicro carton, using the

original packaging material. If these are no longer available, be sure to pack the

chassis securely, using packaging material to surround the chassis so that it does

not shift within the carton and become damaged during shipping.

This warranty only covers normal consumer use and does not cover damages in-

curred in shipping or from failure due to the alteration, misuse, abuse or improper

maintenance of products.

During the warranty period, contact your distributor rst for any product problems.

2-1

Chapter 2: System Safety

Chapter 2

System Safety

2-1 Overview

This chapter provides a quick setup checklist to get your chassis up and running.

Following the steps in order given should enable you to have your chassis setup and

operational within a minimal amount of time. These instructions assume that you are

an experienced technician, familiar with common concepts and terminology.

2-2 Warnings and Precautions

You should inspect the box the chassis was shipped in and note if it was damaged

in any way. If the chassis itself shows damage, le a damage claim with the carrier

who delivered your system.

Decide on a suitable location for the rack unit that will hold the chassis. It should be

situated in a clean, dust-free area that is well ventilated. Avoid areas where heat,

electrical noise and electromagnetic elds are generated.

You will also need it placed near at least two grounded power outlets. The SC836

chassis includes two redundant power supplies which require two grounded out-

lets.

2-3 Preparing for Setup

The SC836 chassis includes a set of rail assemblies, including mounting brackets

and mounting screws you will need to install the systems into the rack. Please read

this manual in its entirety before you begin the installation procedure.

SC836 Chassis Manual

2-2

2-4 Electrical Safety Precautions

Basic electrical safety precautions should be followed to protect yourself from harm

and the SC836 from damage:

Be aware of the locations of the power on/off switch on the chassis as well •

as the room’s emergency power-off switch, disconnection switch or electrical

outlet. If an electrical accident occurs, you can then quickly remove power from

the system.

Do not work alone when working with high voltage components.•

Power should always be disconnected from the system when removing or in-•

stalling main system components, such as the serverboard, memory modules

and the DVD-ROM (not necessary for hot-swappable drives). When discon-

necting power, you should rst power down the system with the operating

system and then unplug the power cords from all the power supply modules

in the system.

When working around exposed electrical circuits, another person who is fa-•

miliar with the power-off controls should be nearby to switch off the power, if

necessary.

Use only one hand when working with powered-on electrical equipment. This •

is to avoid making a complete circuit, which will cause electrical shock. Use

extreme caution when using metal tools, which can easily damage any electrical

components or circuit boards they come into contact with.

Do not use mats designed to decrease electrostatic discharge as protection from •

electrical shock. Instead, use rubber mats that have been specically designed

as electrical insulators.

The power supply power cord must include a grounding plug and must be •

plugged into grounded electrical outlets.

Serverboard battery: CAUTION - There is a danger of explosion if the onboard •

battery is installed upside down, which will reverse its polarities This battery

must be replaced only with the same or an equivalent type recommended by

the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s

instructions.

2-3

Chapter 2: System Safety

Please handle used batteries carefully. Do not damage the battery in any way; •

a damaged battery may release hazardous materials into the environment. Do

not discard a used battery in the garbage or a public landll. Please comply

with the regulations set up by your local hazardous waste management agency

to dispose of your used battery properly.

DVD-ROM laser: CAUTION - this server may have come equipped with a •

DVD-ROM drive. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam and hazardous

radiation exposure, do not open the enclosure or use the unit in any uncon-

ventional way.

2-5 General Safety Precautions

Keep the area around the chassis clean and free of clutter.•

Place the chassis top cover and any system components that have been re-•

moved away from the system or on a table so that they won’t accidentally be

stepped on.

While working on the system, do not wear loose clothing such as neckties and •

unbuttoned shirt sleeves, which can come into contact with electrical circuits or

be pulled into a cooling fan.

Remove any jewelry or metal objects from your body, which are excellent metal •

conductors that can create short circuits and harm you if they come into contact

with printed circuit boards or areas where power is present.

After accessing the inside of the system, close the system back up and secure •

it to the rack unit with the retention screws after ensuring that all connections

have been made.

2-6 System Safety

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is generated by two objects with different electrical

charges coming into contact with each other. An electrical discharge is created to

neutralize this difference, which can damage electronic components and printed

circuit boards. The following measures are generally sufcient to neutralize this

difference before contact is made to protect your equipment from ESD:

Do not use mats designed to decrease electrostatic discharge as protection from •

electrical shock. Instead, use rubber mats that have been specically designed

as electrical insulators.

SC836 Chassis Manual

2-4

Use a grounded wrist strap designed to prevent static discharge.•

Keep all components and printed circuit boards (PCBs) in their antistatic bags •

until ready for use.

Touch a grounded metal object before removing any board from its antistatic •

bag.

Do not let components or PCBs come into contact with your clothing, which may •

retain a charge even if you are wearing a wrist strap.

Handle a board by its edges only; do not touch its components, peripheral chips, •

memory modules or contacts.

When handling chips or modules, avoid touching their pins.•

Put the serverboard and peripherals back into their antistatic bags when not •

in use.

For grounding purposes, make sure your computer chassis provides excellent •

conductivity between the power supply, the case, the mounting fasteners and

the serverboard.

3-1

Chapter 3: Chassis Components

Chapter 3

Chassis Components

3-1 Overview

This chapter describes the most common components included with your chassis.

Some components listed may not be included or compatible with your particular

chassis model. For more information, see the installation instructions detailed later

in this manual.

3-2 Components

Chassis and Chassis Bays

Chassis may include one optional slim CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, one front port panel,

and 16 hard drive bays. Hard drives must be purchased separately. For the latest

shipping lists, visit our Web site at: http://www.supermicro.com.

Backplane

Each SC836 chassis comes with a 3U backplane. Depending upon your order,

your backplane will accept SAS/SATA drives, SAS only, or SCSI drives. For more

information regarding compatible backplanes, view the appendices found at the

end of this manual. In addition, visit our Web site for the latest information: http://

www.supermicro.com.

Fans

The SC836 chassis accepts ve system fans. System fans for SC836 chassis are

powered from the serverboard. These fans are 3U compatible and are powered by

3-pin connectors.

Mounting Rails

The SC836 can be placed in a rack for secure storage and use. To setup your rack,

follow the step-by-step instructions included in this manual.

SC836 Chassis Manual

3-2

Power Supply

Each SC836 chassis model includes redundant high-efciency hot-swappable

power supply rated at 710, 800 or 1200 Watts. In the unlikely event power supply

fails in one power supply, you can remove and replace the faulty power supply

without powering down the system.

Air Shroud

Air shrouds are shields, usually plastic, that funnel air directly to where it is needed.

Always use the air shroud included with your chassis.

3-3 Where to get Replacement Components

Though not frequently, you may need replacement parts for your system. To en-

sure the highest level of professional service and technical support, we strongly

recommend purchasing exclusively from our Supermicro Authorized Distributors /

System Integrators / Resellers. A list of Supermicro Authorized Distributors / System

Integrators /Reseller can be found at: http://www.supermicro.com. Click the Where

to Buy link.

4-1

Chapter 4: System Interface

Chapter 4

System Interface

4-1 Overview

There are several LEDs on the control panel as well as others on the drive carriers

to keep you constantly informed of the overall status of the system as well as the

activity and health of specic components. Most SC836 models have two buttons

on the chassis a control panel- a reset button and an on/off switch. This chapter

explains the meanings of all LED indicators and the appropriate response you may

need to take.

Figure 4-1: SC836 Front Panel

SC836 Chassis Manual

4-2

4-2 Control Panel Buttons

There are two push- buttons located on the front of the chassis. These are (in order

from left to right) a reset button and a power on/off button.

Reset:• The reset button is used to reboot the system.

Power:• The main power switch is used to apply or remove power from the

power supply to the server system. Turning off system power with this button

removes the main power but keeps standby power supplied to the system.

Therefore, you must unplug system before servicing.

4-3 Control Panel LEDs

The control panel located on the front of the SC836 chassis has 6 LEDs. These

LEDs provide you with critical information related to different parts of the system.

This section explains what each LED indicates when illuminated and any corrective

action you may need to take.

Power Failure:• When this LED ashes, it indicates a power failure in the

power supply.

!

4-3

Chapter 4: System Interface

Power:• Indicates power is being supplied to the system's power supply units.

This LED should normally be illuminated when the system is operating.

Overheat/Fan Fail:• When this LED ashes it indicates a fan failure. When

continuously on (not ashing) it indicates an overheat condition, which may be

caused by cables obstructing the airow in the system or the ambient room

temperature being too warm. Check the routing of the cables and make sure

all fans are present and operating normally. You should also check to make

sure that the chassis covers are installed. Finally, verify that the heatsinks are

installed properly. This LED will remain ashing or on as long as the overheat

condition exists.

NIC2:• Indicates network activity on LAN2 when ashing.

NIC1:• Indicates network activity on LAN1 when ashing.

HDD:• Indicates IDE channel activity. SAS/SATA drive, SCSI drive, and/or

DVD-ROM drive activity when ashing.

SC836 Chassis Manual

4-4

4-4 Drive Carrier LEDs

Each SAS drive carrier has two LEDs.

Blue:• When illuminated, this blu e LED (on the front of the drive c arrier) indic ates

drive activity. A connection to the SAS backplane enables this LED to blink on

and off when that particular drive is being accessed.

Red:• The red LED to indicate a drive failure. If one of the SAS drives fail, you

should be refer to your system management software.

5-1

Chapter 5: Chassis Setup and Maintenance

Chapter 5

Basic Chassis Setup

and Maintenance

5-1 Overview

This chapter details the basic steps required to install components to the chassis.

The only tool you will is a Phillips screwdriver. Print this page to use as a reference

while setting up your chassis.

When coupled with an 836E series backplane, this chassis is capable of failover,

and cascading. Review Chapter 6 and the SAS-836EL appendix in this manual for

setup instructions.

5-2 Installation

Removing the Chassis Cover

Installing Hard Drives

Installing the Motherboard (Includes standoffs, I/O shield and exapansion card

installation)

Installing the Air Shroud, Rear Fan and Checking the Airow

Chassis Maintenance (Includes replacing the system fans, power supply, power

distributor and front panel)

Review the warnings and precautions listed in the manual be­fore setting up or servicing this chassis. These include infor­mation in Chapter 2: System Safety and the warning/precau­tions listed in the setup instructions.

!

Note: The SC836E1 and SC836E2 chassis support SAS drives
only. For more information, review the SAS 836EL Backplane

Specications located in the appendices of this document.

!

SC836 Chassis Manual

5-2

5-3 Removing the Chassis Cover

Removing the Cover

Press the release tabs to remove the cover from the locked position. Press 1.

both tabs at the same time. If necessary, you may need to remove the chas-

sis cover screw.

Once the top cover is released from the locked position, slide the cover 2.

toward the rear of the chassis and lift the cover off the unit.

Figure 5-1: Removing the Chassis Cover

Release Tab

Remove this screw

(if necessary)

Warning: Except for short periods of time, do NOT operate the
server without the cover in place. The chassis cover must be in

place to allow proper airow and prevent overheating.

!

1

1

1

1

1

2

5-3

Chapter 5: Chassis Setup and Maintenance

Removing Hard Drive Carriers from the Chassis

Removing HDD Carriers

Press the release button on the drive carrier. This extends the drive carrier 1.

handle.

Use the handle to pull the drive out of the chassis. When replacing the car-2.

rier, use the handle to lock the tray into place.

5-4 Installing the Hard Drives

The drives are mounted in drive trays to simplify their installation and removal from

the chassis.

Installing a Hard Drive to the Hard Drive Carrier

Installing an HDD into a Carrier

Remove the screws (2) securing the dummy drive to the drive tray and sepa-1.

rate the dummy drive.

Figure 5-2: Removing Dummy Drive from Carrier

Drive Carrier

Dummy Drive

Release Button

SC836 Chassis Manual

5-4

Place the hard drive carrier on a at, stable surface such as a desk, table, or 2.

work bench.

Slide the hard drive into the carruer with the printed circuit board side facing 3.

down.

Carefully align the mounting holes in the hard drive and the carrier. Make sure 4.

the bottom of the hard drive and bottom of the hard drive carrier are ush.

Secure the hard drive using all six (6) screws.5.

Replace the drive tray into the chassis. Make sure to close the drive carrier 6.

using the drive carrier handle.

Hard Drive

Carrier

SAS/SATA or SCSI

Hard Drive

Figure 5-3: Installing a SAS or SATA Drive to Hard Drive Carrier

Use a hard, stable

surface when installing

the hard drive

Warning! Enterprise level hard disk drives are recommended for
use in Supermicro chassis and servers. For information on rec­ommended HDDs, visit the Supermicro Web site at http://www.
supermicro.com/products/nfo/files/storage/SAS-1-CompList-

110909.pdf

!

5-5

Chapter 5: Chassis Setup and Maintenance

5-5 Installing the Motherboard

Permanent and Optional Standoffs

Standoffs prevent short circuits by securing space between the motherboard and

the chassis surface. The SC836 chassis includes permanent standoffs in locations

used by most motherboards. These standoffs accept the rounded Phillips head

screws included in the SC836 accessories packaging.

Some motherboard require additional screws for heatsinks, general components

and/or non-standard security. Optional standoffs are included to these mother-

boards. To use an optional standoff, you must secure a hexagonal post by screwing

it into the necessary spot.

Standoffs Labeling

Standoff locations are labeled on the bottom of the SC836 chassis with the letters:

P, D, and A.

P = Most compatible motherboards have a processor or CPU located here. If neces-

sary, place standoffs here for the CPU's heatsink.

D = Place optional standoffs here if your motherboard requires additional posts to

hold the unit in place.

A = A number of older motherboards have processors or CPUs located in areas

designated "A". Place standoffs here for the CPU's heatsink.

Motherboard Installation

Installing the Motherboard

Review the documentation that came with your motherboard. Become familiar 1.

with component placement, requirements, and precautions.

Conrm that the power supply is disconnected and lay the chassis on a at 2.

surface.

Open the chassis cover.3.

SC836 Chassis Manual

5-6

Remove any packaging from the chassis. If the rear fans (set of two fans 4.

nearest the I/O slots) or the air shroud is in place, remove them.

If required by your motherboard, install standoffs in any areas that do not 5.

have a permanent standoff. To do this, tighten a hexagonal optional standoff

into the chassis.

Lay the motherboard on the chassis aligning the permanent and optional 6.

standoffs.

Secure the motherboard to the chassis using the rounded, Phillips head 7.

screws. Do not exceed eight pounds of torque per square inch when tighten-

ing down the motherboard.

Secure the CPU(s) and heatsinks to the motherboard.8.

Power Supply Cables

Name Number

Connects

to:

Description

20-pin or 24-pin
power cable

1

Mother-

board

20-pin or 24-pin power cable provides
electricity to the motherboard. Has 20 ­24 yellow, black, gray, red, orange, green
and blue wires.

HDD (Hard
Drive) power
cable

3 Backplane

Each cable has 3 connectors (two Hard
Drive [HDD] Attach the HDD connectors
to the backplane. .

8-pin mother­board cable

1

Mother-

board

Provides power to the motherboard CPU.
This cable has 2 black and 2 yellow
wires.

4-pin mother­board cable

1

Mother-

board

Provides power to PCI expansion card.
This cable has 2 black and 2 yellow
wires.

5-pin SMBus
power cable
(small)

1

Mother-

board

Allows the SM (System Management)
Bus to monitor power supply

2-pin INT cable 1

Mother-

board

Intrusion detection cable allows the sys­tem to log when the server chassis has
been opened.

Power Supply Connections

Connect each of the following cables, as required, by your motherboard manufac-

turer. In some instances, some cables may not need to be connected.

5-7

Chapter 5: Chassis Setup and Maintenance

PS/2 Ports

USB Ports

Parallel Port

Serial/

COM Ports

VGA or

Video Port

LAN
Port

Figure 5-5: SC836 Chassis Port Panel

Installing an I/O Port Panel

Installing the I/O Panel

Remove the chassis cover.1.

Locate the I/O port panel.2.

Depending on your motherboard, you must remove the existing port shield 3.

and replace with the new one or use the existing the shield to slide the ports

through.

Connect the port panel to the motherboard following the motherboard docu-4.

mentation.

I/O Shield and Expansion Card Setup

The SC836 chassis includes space for an I/O shield and up to seven add-on/

expansion cards.

Figure 5-4: SC836 Chassis Rear Expansion Card Slots and I/O Ports

Expansion Card Slots

I/O Port Panel