Acer Altos R720 Series User Manual

Acer Altos R720 SeriesUser’s Guide

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3 System upgrade90To install the SAS/SATA backplane board:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 35.2 Remo

91Configuring the integrated SAS hardware RAID componentsThe system supports hardware RAID through the SAS mid-plane and backplane board. The server p

3 System upgrade925 Store the activation key in an anti-static bag. 6 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 36.To install the

934 Gently pull the RAID cache upward to remove it from the slot (B). 5 Close the clips. 6 Replace the air baffles and CPU air duct. 7 Observe the pos

3 System upgrade94Removing and installing the RAID BBU To remove the RAID BBU:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions describ

958 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 36.To install the RAID BBU1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instruct

3 System upgrade966 Engage the hooks on the back of the battery into the matching chassis tabs, then slide it toward the power supply to lock into pl

4 BIOS setup

This chapter gives information about the system BIOS and discusses how to configure the system by changing the settings of the BIOS parameters.

99BIOS setup BIOS setup is a hardware configuration program built into the system's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Since most systems are alre

1 System tour

4 BIOS setup100Entering BIOS setupPower on the server to start the system POST process. During bootup, press F2 to enter the BIOS setup screen. Note:

101•Press F1 for General Help on using the BIOS setup.•Press F9 to load the default configuration.•Press F10 to save changes and close the BIOS setup.

4 BIOS setup102Using the BIOS menusMainThe Main menu displays basic and important information about the system. These information are necessary for t

103Processor Specification of the processor currently installed in the server. Total Memory Indicates the size of the system memory.Quiet Boot When En

4 BIOS setup104AdvancedThe Advanced menu contains parameter values that define how the system behaves on startup. Warning! Be cautious in setting par

105ProcessorThe Processor submenu displays CPU settings such as type, actual speed, cache size and other CPU related settings. Parameter Description O

4 BIOS setup106Virtualization TechnologyEnables or disables the system to run multiple operating systems and applications in different partition. Di

107Processor # InformationThe screen below appears when you select the Processor #1 or 2 Information menu.

4 BIOS setup108MemoryThe Memory submenu displays the total amount of memory installed, the number of memory modules installed, and the current memory

109Configure Memory RAS and PerformanceThe screen below appears when you select the Configure Memory RAS and Performance menu. This submenu allows you

The Acer Altos R720 is a 2U rack optimized server that features single or dual-core Intel Xeon processors, fully buffered DIMMs, integrated SAS RAID,

4 BIOS setup110ATA ControllerThe ATA Controller submenu lets you define the parameter settings related to the hard disk(s). Thermal ThrottlingEnable

111Onboard SATA ControllerEnables or disables the integrated Serial ATA controller. EnabledDisabledSATA Mode When set to Enhanced, it will enable all

4 BIOS setup112Mass Storage The Mass Storage submenu displays the status of the mass storage controller. Parameter Description OptionSAS Controll

113Serial PortThe Serial Port submenu lets you define the parameter settings for the system’s serial port. Parameter Description OptionSerial A Enable

4 BIOS setup114USB ConfgurationThe USB Configuration submenu allows you specify settings for USB devices. Parameter Description OptionUSB Controller

115Storage EmulationWhen set to Auto, USB mass storage devices with less than 530 MB will be emulated as a floppy and the remaining as hard drives. Th

4 BIOS setup116PCIThe PCI submenu lets you specify settings that are related to the onboard controllers. enable or disable the ROM scan of a device i

117Onboard NIC ROMEnables or disables both channels of the embedded LAN. Note: If disabled, NIC1 and NIC2 cannot be used to boot the system. EnabledD

4 BIOS setup118System Acoustic and Performance ConfigurationThe System Acoustic and Performance Configuration submenu lets you set the system fan per

119SecurityThe Security menu allows you to safeguard and protect the system from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords. Parameter Descriptio

3Features summaryListed below are the system’s key features:Processor• Supports two dual-core Intel® Xeon™ processors 5000 sequence with 2 x 2 MB L2 c

4 BIOS setup120To set a Administrator/User password1 Use the up/down keys to highlight a password parameter (Set Administrator Password or Set User P

121Server Management The Server Management submenu lets you specify the appropriate settings for the system’s event handling function. The system even

4 BIOS setup122Resume on AC Power LossDefines the mode of operation if a power loss occurs.When set to Stay Off, the system remains off after power s

123Console RedirectionThe Console Redirection submenu lets you enable or disable the console redirection parameters for server management tasks over

4 BIOS setup124System InformationThe System Information submenu displays basic information about the server unit.

125Boot OptionsThe Boot Options menu allows you to set the BEV device priority during system bootup. It also displays information about the installed

4 BIOS setup126BEV Device #The BEV Device # submenu lets you specify the preferred settings for system bootup. Parameter Description OptionBoot Time

127CD-ROM Order Specifies the boot device priority sequence for available CD drives. Floppy Order Specifies the boot device priority sequence for avai

4 BIOS setup128Boot ManagerThe Boot Manager menu lets you set the device priority during system bootup. The server will attempt to boot from the firs

129Error ManagerThe Error Manager menu lets you view the system POST errors detected by the system.

1 System tour4- 3.5-inch half-height tape driveSAS controller• LSI SAS 1068 3Gb/s SAS controller• Supports integrated SAS RAID• Supports RAID levels

4 BIOS setup130ExitThe Exit menu displays the various options to quit from the BIOS setup. Highlight any of the exit options then press Enter. Parame

131Restore User Default ValuesRestores previously saved user default values. Parameter Description

4 BIOS setup132Upgrading the BIOSThe upgrade utility allows you to upgrade the BIOS in the flash memory. To prepare to upgrade the BIOS, you need to

5 Troubleshooting

This chapter provides possible solutions for specific problems. If you cannot correct the problem, contact your local Acer representative or authorize

135TroubleshootingThis chapter helps you identify and solve problems that might occur while you are using the system.For any issue, first ensure that

5 Troubleshooting136First steps checklist• AC power available at the wall outlet?• Are the power supplies plugged in? Check the AC cable(s) on the ba

137Hardware diagnostic testingThis section provides a more detailed approach to identifying a hardware problem and locating its source.Caution! Before

5 Troubleshooting138Confirming loading of the OSOnce the system boots up, the operating system prompt appears on the screen. The prompt varies accord

139Server boot does not complete POSTDo the following:• Make sure the CPU is properly seated. • Check the BIOS release notes to ensure the BIOS instal

5Graphic interface•ATI® ES1000 video controller with 16MB DDR SDRAM Baseboard Management Controller• Integrated BMC• IPMI (Intelligent Platform Manage

5 Troubleshooting140If you have installed one or more hard drives in the system, do the following:• Make sure the power and signal cables are connec

141Hard drives are not recognized.Do the following:• Make sure the disk controller is not disabled in the BIOS setup.• Make sure the drive is compatib

5 Troubleshooting142Problems with the networkNetwork status indicator does not light.Do the following:• Check the cabling and network equipment to ma

143• Network might be idle. Try accessing the server.Server hangs when the drivers are loaded.Change the PCI interrrupt settings. There is problem wit

5 Troubleshooting144• Make sure the memory modules comply with the system requirements.• Make sure the memory modules have been populated according t

145Check the following:• Is the power indicator lit? If not, see “Power indicator does not light.” on page 138 .• Have any of the fan motors stopped?

5 Troubleshooting146Error beep codesBIOS POST error beep codesThe following table lists the POST error beep codes. Prior to system video initializati

147Troubleshooting BIOS POST error beep codesThe following table lists the possible beep codes thay may occur while using the system and is followed b

5 Troubleshooting148ARMC/3 module error beep codesIn addition to the beep codes above, additional beep codes are provided if an ARMC/3 module is inst

149Diagnostic POST code LEDsDuring the system boot process, BIOS executes a number of platform configuration processes, each of which is assigned a sp

1 System tour6Operating system and utilities• Operating system options:• Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, x64 edition• Microsoft Windows Server 2003•

5 Troubleshooting1500x13h OFF OFF G A SMM initializationChipset0x21h OFF OFF R G Initializing a chipset componentMemory0x22h OFF OFF A OFF Reading co

151ATA / ATAPI / SATA0x5Ah G R G R Resetting PATA / SATA bus and all devices0x5Bh G R G A Reserved for ATASMBUS0x5Ch G A OFF R Resetting SMBUS0x5Dh G

5 Troubleshooting1520x9Bh A OFF G A Enabling the mouseFixed Media0xB0h R OFF R R Resetting fixed media device0xB1h R OFF R A Disabling fixed media de

1530xDB A R G A Trying boot device selection 0xDC A A OFF R Trying boot device selection 0xDE AAGR Trying boot device selection 0xDF AAGATrying boot d

5 Troubleshooting1540xF8h A R R R Operating system has requested EFI to close boot services (Exit Boot Services has been called)0xF9h A R R A Operati

Appendix A: Acer Altos R720rack installation guide

This appendix shows you how to set up the Altos R720 server in a rack mount configuration.

157Setting up the system rackImportant! Observe the electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions indicated on page 35 when perfoming the following proced

Appendix A: Acer Altos R720 rack installation guide158• Elevated operating ambient temperature The maximum operating temperature of the system is 35

159System rack installation The Altos R720 server system should be mounted into a rack. A tool-less rack rail and CMA (cable management arm) kit is av

7External and internal structureFront bezelThe front bezel provides an interface for system management via status LED indicators. The light pipes on t

Appendix A: Acer Altos R720 rack installation guide160Vertical mounting hole patternThe four vertical rails of the system rack contain mounting holes

161Installing the system into the rackCaution! To minimize the chances of injuries, make sure that two or more people help in installing the server. T

Appendix A: Acer Altos R720 rack installation guide162(3) Do the same thing to the other mounting rail.Caution! To avoid personal injury, care should

1633 Install the mounting rails to the rack posts. (1) Determine the vertical position in the rack. Refer to “Vertical mounting hole pattern” on page

Appendix A: Acer Altos R720 rack installation guide164(6) Fully extend the mounting rails on the rack.

1654 Install the server into the rack.Caution! To avoid personal injury, care should be taken when pressing the inner rail release latches and sliding

Appendix A: Acer Altos R720 rack installation guide1665 Attach the CMA (cable management arm) to the rear of the server.The CMA allows you to tie-wra

167(6) Connect the power, peripheral and networking cables into their appropriate ports. Refer to “Connecting peripherals” on page 28 for detailed ins

Appendix A: Acer Altos R720 rack installation guide168

Appendix B: SAS hardware RAID configuration

1 System tour8Front panel * The dual purpose drive bay is covered by two filler panels. To configure the drive bay tosupport a sixth hot-plug SAS HD

This appendix shows you how to create a RAID volume with integrated SAS hardware RAID.

171Configuring the integrated SAS hardware RAID This section briefly shows how to create RAID with integrated SAS hardware RAID.Starting integrated SA

Appendix B: SAS hardware RAID configuration1729 Click Yes to initialize the new logical drives. The logical drives will be listed.10 Click Home to go

173IndexAair bafflesinstalling 45removing 45ARMC/3 moduleinstalling 85removing 84BBIOS menusAdvanced 104ATA Controller 110Mass Stora

174removing 52Llarge air baffleinstalling 47removing 46Mmemory 81reconfiguring 80NNIC moduleinstalling 86removing 84Oopening the

175OS 6PCI I/O 4power supply 5processor 3SAS mid-plane board 4serial ATA port 4system fan 5system boards 17backplane 19SAS

176

9Front panel control button functionsBelow table lists the functions of the front panel control buttons. Item FunctionNMI button Puts the server in a

Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such cha

1 System tour10Front panel LED indicatorsThe illustration below shows the LED indicators available on the control panel and hot-plug HDD. ItemLED in

11CPower/Sleep indicator Green, off Power off System is not powered on. Green, on Power on System has power applied to it.Green, off S4/S5 System is

1 System tour12D Status/fault indicator (cont.)Amber, blinking Non-critical condition• Non-critical temperature, voltage, or fan threshold crossing.•

13Rear panel 1 The system power can be configured to support non-redundant (1+0) configuration. 2 Reserved for remote management of server. This requ

1 System tour14Rear panel LED indicatorsThe illustration below shows the LED indicators located on the rear panel. ItemLED indicatorFunction/StatusC

15* For more information on how to troubleshoot during a system hang, refer to the Diagnostic POST Code table on page 149. C System ID indicatorID Blu

1 System tour16Internal components Item Component Item ComponentA SAS/SATA backplane board F MainboardB Air baffles G Memory modules C Power dis

17System boardsMainboardThe mainboard becomes accessible once you open the system. It should look like the figure shown below.Item Description Item D

1 System tour18C Diagnostic POST code indicatorsCC SATA 0 connectorD Full height riser slot DD SATA 1 connectorE Low profile riser slot EE SATA 2 con

19* Reserved for remote management of server. This requires installation of an ARMC/3 module.Backplane and mid-plane boardSAS/SATA backplane boardFron

iiiNoticesFCC notice Class A equipmentThis device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15

1 System tour20Rear view Item Description Item DescriptionA Flex bay power cable connectorD Backplane power connectorB Flex bay data cable connector

21SAS mid-plane board Item Description Item DescriptionA Fan 1 power connector G Integrated SAS hardware RAID BBU (battery backup unit) connectorB Fa

1 System tour22System diagnostic LEDs * For more information on how to troubleshoot during a system hang, refer to the Diagnostic POST code table on

23System jumpers Jumper name Settings FunctionJ1D2Password clear1-2 (default)2-3Password enabledPassword disabled/clearedJ1D3Clear CMOS1-2 (default)2-

1 System tour24

2 System setup

This chapter gives you instructions on how to set up the system. Procedures on how to connect peripherals are also explained.

27Setting up the systemPre-installation requirementsSelecting a siteBefore unpacking and installing the system, select a suitable site for the system

2 System setup28Connecting peripheralsCaution! The server operates on 100-127/200-240 VAC only. Do not connect the system to an incorrect voltage sou

29Turning on the systemAfter making sure that you have properly set up the system and connected all the required cables, you can now power on the syst

ivCaution! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority, which is granted by the Federal Commun

2 System setup30If the POST finds any problems, the system will emit a beep code followed by an error message displayed on the monitor. Aside from th

31Configuring the system OSThe Altos R720 comes with Acer EasyBUILDTM that allows you to conveniently install your choice of operating system. To star

2 System setup32Turning off the systemThere are two ways by which you can turn off the server. These include:• If you are using a Windows OS on your

3 System upgrade

This chapter discusses the precautionary measures and installation procedures you need to know to upgrade the system.

35Installation precautionsBefore you install any server component, we recommend that you read the following sections. These sections contain important

3 System upgrade36Warning! Failure to properly turn off the server before you start installing components may cause serious damage. Do not attempt th

37Opening the serverCaution! Before you proceed, make sure that you have turned off the system and all peripherals connected to it. Read the “Pre-inst

3 System upgrade38Removing and installing the front bezelTo remove the front bezel:1 If the bezel is locked, unlock it. 2 Disconnect any cables atta

39To install the front bezel:1 Line up the center notch on both ends of the bezel with the center guide on the rack handles. 2 Slide the front bezel o

vImportant safety instructionsRead these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference.1 Follow all warnings and instructions m

3 System upgrade40Removing and installing the top coverTo remove the top cover:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions descri

41To install the top cover:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 35.2 Place the top cover on the chassis s

3 System upgrade42Removing and installing the CPU air ductCaution! Always operate your server with the CPU air duct installed to ensure reliable and

43To install the CPU air duct:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 35.2 Place the CPU air duct over the t

3 System upgrade44Removing the CPU air damTo remove the CPU air dam:Important: Do not remove the CPU air dam if only one processor is installed. Do n

45Removing and installing the air bafflesCaution! Always operate your server with both the air baffles installed to ensure reliable and continued ope

3 System upgrade46To remove the large air baffle:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 35.2 Note how the

47To install the large air baffle1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 35.2 Lower the air baffle into the

3 System upgrade48Removing and installing storage devices The system supports 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch storage devices. The system comes pre-installed

494 Pull out the lever and slide the carrier from the chassis (B). 5 Place the HDD carrier on a clean, static-free work surface. 6 If you are replacin

vid If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operatin

3 System upgrade506 Install a hard disk on the HDD carrier, then secure it with the four screws (A) that came with the HDD carrier (B). 7 With the le

51Removing and installing a slim-line optical driveNote: The slim-line optical drive is not hot-swappable. Before removing or replacing the drive, you

3 System upgrade524 Remove the screw that secures the interposer board to the optical drive tray. 5 Pull the interposer board to remove it, then stor

539 Install the filler panel into the drive bay.If installing a new optical drive, see succeeding section. To install a slim-line optical drive:1 Obse

3 System upgrade546 Install the new optical drive into the optical drive tray by aligning the two holes on the left edge of the optical device with t

5511 For installing an optional USB floppy drive, note the location of the USB connector (C) on the backplane board and refer “To install a FDD in a c

3 System upgrade56Installing and removing a FDDYou can choose to install a FDD into either the slim-line optical drive bay or the top, left-hand HDD

573 Remove the slim-line optical drive. See “To remove a slim-line optical drive” section on page 51.4 If a drive carrier cover is installed, remove t

3 System upgrade589 Secure the FDD into the carrier with the two screws that came with your diskette drive conversion kit. 10 Attach the slide rails

5913 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 36.To remove the FDD from the optical drive bay: 1 Observe the ESD precautions and p

ContentsNotices iiiFCC notice iiiLaser compliance statement ivImportant safety instructions v1 System tour 1Features summary 3External and internal

3 System upgrade606 Install an empty hot-plug HDD carrier or a filler panel into the HDD bay. If installing a new FDD, see “To install a FDD in a con

613 Remove the empty HDD carrier from the sixth drive bay. See “To remove a HDD” section on page 48.4 Attach the tape drive to the tape drive carrier

3 System upgrade625 Slide the tape drive assembly into the combined tape drive or sixth drive bay until the carrier clicks into place. 6 Plug the dat

633 Remove the empty HDD carrier from the sixth drive bay. See “ To remove a HDD” section on page 48.4 Slide the sixth HDD bracket into the backplane

3 System upgrade64Note: Make sure the board seats securely into the plastic retainer at the bottom of the opening in the backplane board. 7 Install a

65Removing and installing a PCI cardNote: The PCI riser assembly includes an intrusion switch that engages the system cover. The intrusion switch is p

3 System upgrade665 Lift the riser assembly from the chassis (B). 6 Place the riser assembly on a clean, static-free work surface. 7 Add or remove PC

67To install the PCI riser assembly:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 35.2 Lower the PCI riser assembl

3 System upgrade68To remove a PCI riser board1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 35.2 Remove the CPU ai

693 Remove the PCI riser assembly from the server. See “To remove the PCI riser assembly” section on page 65.4 While holding the blue release lever in

viiiRemoving and installing a slim-line optical drive 51Installing and removing a FDD 56Installing a tape drive 60Installing a sixth HDD 62Removing an

3 System upgrade70Note: The install sequence for low profile PCI cards on the opposite side of the riser assembly is the same. 6 Pull up the card to

715 When removing a full height PCI riser board, open the full length PCI card retention clip on the front of the riser assembly by rotating it 90 deg

3 System upgrade72Replacing a system fan The system fans on the server can be individually replaced or hot-swapped in the event of failure. To provid

733 Grasp the defective fan and lift it up the fan bay. 4 Install the new fan by sliding the new fan into an empty fan socket. 5 Observe the post-inst

3 System upgrade74Upgrading the CPUThe server supports two dual-core Intel Xeon processors 5000 sequence with 2 x 2 MB L2 cache and 1066 MHz or 1333

754 Loosen the four screws on the heat sink. 5 Lift the heat sink to remove it. 6 Place the heat sink upside down on a flat surface.Note: Wipe off the

3 System upgrade763 Push the socket retainer lever handle down and away from the socket to release it, then pull the lever to a fully open, upright p

77Upgrading the system memoryAltos R720 supports eight DDR2 fully buffered DIMM slots. Each slot supports 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2GB DDR2-533/667 FBDIMM. T

3 System upgrade78DDR2 module population orderTo install DIMMsCaution! Use extreme care when installing a DIMM. Applying too much pressure can damage

796 Press the holding clips inward to lock the DIMM in place (D). Note: The DIMM slot is slotted to ensure proper installation. If you insert a DIMM b

ixFirst steps checklist 136Hardware diagnostic testing 137Verifying proper operation of key system lights 137Specific problems and corrective actions

3 System upgrade80Caution! Use extreme care when removing DIMMs. Too much pressure can damage the connector. Apply only enough pressure on the plasti

81Installing and removing a power supplyThe server has two hot-swap power supply module bays on the rear panel that accept hot-swap redundant power su

3 System upgrade82To install a power supply module1 If a filler panel is installed, press the release lever (A) and use the finger hole to remove the

83To remove a power supply moduleCaution! Power supply hot-swap operations should be performed only if a failure occurs in the power supply. 1 If the

3 System upgrade84Removing and installing an ARMC/3 moduleThe optional ARMC/3 module provides server management firmware and functionality to the sys

855 Pull up the module to remove it from the connector (B). 6 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 36.To install an ARMC/3 mod

3 System upgrade864 Attach the module to the ARMC/3 module connector on the mainboard and snap the standoff into the matching hole on the mainboard (

87Removing and installing the SAS mid-plane boardTo remove the SAS mid-plane board:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions des

3 System upgrade88To install the SAS mid-plane board1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 35.2 Remove the

89Removing and installing the SAS/SATA backplane boardTo remove the SAS/SATA backplane board:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instru