Acer Altos R520 SeriesUser’s Guide
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This chapter gives information about the system BIOS and discusses how to configure the system by changing the settings of the BIOS parameters.
91BIOS setup BIOS setup is a hardware configuration program built into the system's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Since most systems are alre
4 BIOS setup92Entering BIOS setupPower on the server to start the system POST process. During bootup, press F2 to enter the BIOS setup screen. Note:
93•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 setup94Using the BIOS menusMainThe Main menu displays basic and important information about the system. These information are necessary for tr
95Processor Specification of the processor currently installed in the server. Total Memory Indicates the size of the system memory.Quiet Boot When Ena
4 BIOS setup96AdvancedThe Advanced menu contains parameter values that define how the system behaves on startup. Warning! Be cautious in setting para
97ProcessorThe Processor submenu displays CPU settings such as type, actual speed, cache size and other CPU related settings. Parameter Description Op
4 BIOS setup98Virtualization TechnologyEnables or disables the system to run multiple operating systems and applications in different partition. Dis
99Processor # InformationThe screen below appears when you select the Processor #1 or 2 Information menu.
1 System tour
4 BIOS setup100MemoryThe Memory submenu displays the total amount of memory installed, the number of memory modules installed, and the current memory
101Configure Memory RAS and PerformanceThe screen below appears when you select the Configure Memory RAS and Performance menu. This submenu allows you
4 BIOS setup102Memory MIrroring PossibleIndicates whether a mirrored configuration is possible with the current installed memory. If No is displayed,
103ATA ControllerThe ATA Controller submenu lets you define the parameter settings related to the hard disk(s). Parameter Description OptionOnboard P
4 BIOS setup104AHCI Mode Enables or disables access to all six SATA connectors via the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) Option ROM. AHCI is
105Mass Storage The Mass Storage submenu displays the status of the mass storage controller. Parameter Description OptionSAS Controller Enables or
4 BIOS setup106Serial PortThe Serial Port submenu lets you define the parameter settings for the system’s serial port. Parameter Description OptionSe
107USB ConfgurationThe USB Configuration submenu allows you specify settings for USB devices. Address Set the base I/O address for the serial B port.
4 BIOS setup108Legacy USB SupportEnables or disables the support for legacy USB devices. EnabledDisabledAutoPort 60/64 EmulationEnables or disables t
109PCIThe PCI submenu lets you specify settings that are related to the onboard controllers. enable or disable the ROM scan of a device installed in t
The Acer Altos R520 is a 1U dual-core Intel Xeon- based server equipped with numerous high performance features designed to provide easy server set
4 BIOS setup110Onboard NIC ROMEnables or disables both channels of the embedded LAN. Note: If disabled, NIC1 and NIC2 cannot be used to boot the syst
111System Acoustic and Performance ConfigurationThe System Acoustic and Performance Configuration submenu lets you set the system fan performance opti
4 BIOS setup112SecurityThe Security menu allows you to safeguard and protect the system from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords. Paramet
113To set a Administrator/User password1 Use the up/down keys to highlight a password parameter (Set Administrator Password or Set User Password) then
4 BIOS setup114Server Management The Server Management submenu lets you specify the appropriate settings for the system’s event handling function. Th
115Resume on AC Power LossDefines the mode of operation if a power loss occurs.When set to Stay Off, the system remains off after power shutdown.When
4 BIOS setup116Console RedirectionThe Console Redirection submenu lets you enable or disable the console redirection parameters for server managemen
117System InformationThe System Information submenu displays basic information about the server unit.
4 BIOS setup118Boot OptionsThe Boot Options menu allows you to set the network device priority during system bootup. It also displays information abo
119CD-ROM Order Specifies the boot device priority sequence for available CD drives. Floppy Order Specifies the boot device priority sequence for avai
3System featuresListed below are the key features of the Acer Altos R520 server. PerformanceProcessor• Supports two dual-core or quad-core Intel® Xeon
4 BIOS setup120Network Device #The Network Device # submenu lets you specify the preferred settings for system bootup. Parameter Description Op
121Boot ManagerThe Boot Manager menu lets you set the device priority during system bootup. The server will attempt to boot from the first device on t
4 BIOS setup122Error ManagerThe Error Manager menu lets you view the system POST errors detected by the system.
123ExitThe Exit menu displays the various options to quit from the BIOS setup. Highlight any of the exit options then press Enter. Parameter Descripti
4 BIOS setup124Save as User Default ValuesSaves current values to be restored later. Restore User Default ValuesRestores previously saved user defaul
125Upgrading the BIOSThe upgrade utility allows you to upgrade the BIOS in the flash memory. To prepare to upgrade the BIOS, you need to record the cu
4 BIOS setup126
5 Troubleshooting
This chapter provides possible solutions for specific problems. If you cannot correct the problem, contact your local Acer representative or authorize
129TroubleshootingThis chapter helps you identify and solve problems that might occur while you are using the system.For any issue, first ensure that
1 System tour4• For SATA models, the embedded SATA controller support- Passive mid-plane board- Six onboard SATA connectors - Up to six hot-plug 2.5”
5 Troubleshooting130First steps checklist• AC power available at the wall outlet?• Are the power supplies plugged in? Check the AC cable(s) on the ba
131Hardware diagnostic testingThis section provides a more detailed approach to identifying a hardware problem and locating its source.Caution! Before
5 Troubleshooting132Confirming loading of the OSOnce the system boots up, the operating system prompt appears on the screen. The prompt varies accord
133Server boot does not complete POSTDo the following:• Make sure the CPU is properly seated. • Check the BIOS release notes to ensure the BIOS instal
5 Troubleshooting134ODD tray cannot be ejected.• Insert the tip of a paperclip into the small hole on the ODD drive. Slowly pull the tray out from th
135• Make sure the memory modules have been populated according to the system requirements. External device connected to a USB connector does not work
5 Troubleshooting136The controller stopped working when an adapter was installed.• Make sure the cable is connected to the port from the onboard netw
137• If other software runs correctly on the system, contact your vendor about the defective software.No characters appear on the screen.Check the fol
5 Troubleshooting1385 If you do not receive a beep code and characters do not appear, the video display monitor or video controller may have failed.
139Error beep codesBIOS POST error beep codesThe following table lists the POST error beep codes. Prior to system video initialization, BIOS uses thes
5Networking• Intel ESB2 I/O controller • Intel 82563EB Gigabit controller with dual ports• Supports Intel I/O Acceleration TechnologyPCI I/O • Low pro
5 Troubleshooting140Troubleshooting BIOS POST error beep codesThe following table lists the possible beep codes thay may occur while using the system
141ARMC/3 module error beep codesIn addition to the beep codes above, additional beep codes are provided if an ARMC/3 module is installed. The managem
5 Troubleshooting142Diagnostic POST code LEDsDuring the system boot process, BIOS executes a number of platform configuration processes, each of whic
1430x13h OFF OFF G A SMM initializationChipset0x21h OFF OFF R G Initializing a chipset componentMemory0x22h OFF OFF A OFF Reading configuration data f
5 Troubleshooting144ATA / ATAPI / SATA0x5Ah G R G R Resetting PATA / SATA bus and all devices0x5Bh G R G A Reserved for ATASMBUS0x5Ch G A OFF R Reset
1450x9Bh A OFF G A Enabling the mouseFixed Media0xB0h R OFF R R Resetting fixed media device0xB1h R OFF R A Disabling fixed media device0xB2h R OFF A
5 Troubleshooting1460xDB A R G A Trying boot device selection 0xDC A A OFF R Trying boot device selection 0xDE A A G R Trying boot device selection 0
1470xF8h ARRROperating system has requested EFI to close boot services (Exit Boot Services has been called)0xF9h A R R A Operating system has switched
5 Troubleshooting148
Appendix A: Acer Altos R520rack installation guide
1 System tour6• Rear• PS/2 keyboard port• PS/2 mouse port• Serial B port (RJ-45)• Two Gigabit (10/100/1000 Mbps) LAN ports (RJ-45) • Server managemen
This appendix shows you how to set up the Acer Altos R520 server in a rack mount configuration.
151Setting up the system rackImportant! Observe the electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions indicated on page 39 when perfoming the following proced
Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide152• Elevated operating ambient temperature The maximum operating temperature of the system is 35
153System rack installation The Acer Altos R520 server should be mounted into a rack. A tool-less rack rail and CMA (cable management arm) kit is avai
Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide154Vertical mounting hole patternThe four vertical rails of the system rack contain mounting holes
155Installing 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 R520 rack installation guide156(3) Do the same thing to the other mounting rail.Caution! To avoid personal injury, care should
1573 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 R520 rack installation guide158(6) Fully extend the mounting rails on the rack.
1594 Install the server into the rack.Caution! To avoid personal injury, care should be taken when pressing the inner rail release latches and sliding
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 R520 rack installation guide1605 Attach the CMA (cable management arm) to the rear of the server.The CMA allows you to tie-wra
161(6) Connect the power, peripheral and networking cables into their appropriate ports. Refer to “Connecting peripherals” on page 32 for detailed ins
Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide162
Appendix B: RAIDconfiguration
This appendix gives an overview of the different RAID configuration that you can use to configure RAID settings for the system hard drives.
165Configuring integrated SAS RAIDThis section briefly shows how to create RAID volume with integrated SAS RAID when the hardware RAID components: RAI
Appendix B: RAID configuration1665 Select the RAID Level you want to configure. Create the logical volume by specify the size at Select Size and clic
167Configuring the integrated SAS SW RAIDThis section briefly shows how to create RAID 1 (mirror) volume with integrated SAS SW RAID function.Load BIO
Appendix B: RAID configuration1682Select New Configuration from the Configuration menu and select Yes to continue. An array selection menu displays t
169Configuring the onboard SATA RAIDThis section briefly shows how to create RAID 1 (mirror) volume with onboard SATA RAID function.Load BIOS default
1 System tour8Front panel * The Acer Altos R520 dual-purpose bay supports either the standard control panel or two2.5” hot-plug HDD drives. Item Com
Appendix B: RAID configuration1702Select New Configuration from the Configuration menu and select Yes to continue. An array selection menu displays t
171IndexAARMC/3 moduleinstalling 80removing 79specifications 5BBIOS menusAdvanced 96ATA Controller 103Mass Storage 105Memory 100C
172NNIC moduleinstalling 81removing 79Oopening the system 41installing the front bezel 42installing the top cover 44removing the front
173system jumpers 27system memoryreconfiguring 75system tour 1system upgrade 37ESD precautions 39installation precautions 39post-ins
9Rear panel 1 The system power can be configured to support redundant (1+1) and non-redundant (1+0)configuration. 2 Reserved for remote management of
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 tour10Internal components Item Component Item ComponentA Power distribution board G Memory modules B Power distribution board coverH CP
11System boardsMainboardThe mainboard becomes accessible once you open the system. It should look like the figure shown below.Item Description Item D
1 System tour12C Diagnostic POST code indicatorsY Dual port USB 2.0 connectorD Full height PCI riser slot Z SATA 0 connectorE Low profile PCI riser s
13Backplane boardSAS/SATA backplane boardThe backplane board installed on the rear side of the hot-plug drive bay provides support for both SAS and SA
1 System tour14Rear view Item Description Item DescriptionA Control panel connector D Mid-plane connectorsB USB connector E Backplane power connecto
15Mid-plane boardThe mid-plane boad serves as the primary interface between the mainboard, backplane, and control panel. It is used to determine the d
1 System tour16Passive mid-plane board (SATA model)The passive mid-plane board is used to provide SATA support for the onboard SATA controller and si
17Control panelThe Acer Altos R520 server supports either the mini control panel, providing basic functionality, or the standard control panel, which
1 System tour18Standard control panel (optional) Item Component Item ComponentA LAN 2 activity indicator G System ID indicatorB LAN 1 activity indica
19Control panel button function overviewThe following table list and describe the function of the control buttons available on the control panel. Con
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 tour20System LED indicatorsThis section describes the different LED indicators located on • Mainboard• Control panel• Hot-plug HDD carrier•
21Mainboard diagnostic LED indicators Item Description Color State DescriptionA Diagnostic POST code indicatorsDuring the system boot process, BIOS ex
1 System tour22B System ID indicatorBlue On The system ID buton on the control panel is activated Off System identification is disabledBlink Appropri
23Systemstatus indicator (cont.)Amber On Critical or non-recoverable condition• DIMM failure when there is one DIMM present• Run-time memory uncorrect
1 System tour24Control panel LED indicators The following table list and describe the LED indicators available on the mini or optional standard co
25Hot-plug HDD LED indicators There are two status LED indicators mounted for each hot-plug HDD carrier. The table below list the possible drive sta
1 System tour26Hot-plug power supply module LED indicatorThe table below list and describe the bi-color LED indicator located on the power supply mod
27System jumpers Jumper name Settings FunctionJ1D2Password clear1-2 (default)2-3Password enabledPassword disabled/clearedJ1D3Clear CMOS1-2 (default)2-
1 System tour28
2 System setup
ivCaution! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority, which is granted by the Federal Commun
This chapter gives you instructions on how to set up the system. Procedures on how to connect peripherals are also explained.
31Setting up the systemPre-installation requirementsSelecting a siteBefore unpacking and installing the system, select a suitable site for the system
2 System setup32Connecting peripheralsCaution! The server operates on 100-127/200-240 VAC only. Do not connect the system to an incorrect voltage sou
33Turning 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
2 System setup34Power-on problemsIf the system does not boot after you have applied power, check the following factors that might have caused the boo
35Configuring the system OSThe Acer Altos R520 server comes with Acer EasyBUILDTM that allows you to conveniently install your choice of operating sys
2 System setup36Turning off the systemThere are two ways to turn off the server. These include:• Software power offIf you are using a Windows OS on y
3 System upgrade
This chapter discusses the precautionary measures and installation procedures you need to know to upgrade the system.
39Installation precautionsBefore you install any server component, we recommend that you read the following sections. These sections contain important
vImportant safety instructionsRead these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference.1 Follow all warnings and instructions m
3 System upgrade40Warning! Failure to properly turn off the server before you start installing components may cause serious damage. Do not attempt th
41Opening 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 upgrade42To 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
43Removing and installing the top coverTo remove the top cover:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2
3 System upgrade44To install the top cover:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Place the top cover
45Removing and installing the CPU air ductCaution! Always operate your server with the CPU air duct installed to ensure reliable and continued operati
3 System upgrade46To install the CPU air duct:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Place the CPU ai
47Removing the CPU air damTo remove the CPU air dam:Important: Do not remove the CPU air dam from the CPU air duct except when installing a second CPU
3 System upgrade48Removing and installing the power distribution board coverTo remove the power distribution board cover:You will need to remove the
49To install the power distribution board cover:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Lower the power
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 upgrade50Configuring the storage devices The system supports 2.5-inch storage devices. It accommodates slim-line optical drives and dependi
51To remove a HDD:1 Observe the ESD precautions described on page 39.2 If you are removing a failed HDD, determine which drive has failed by checking
3 System upgrade52To install a HDD: Note: To puchase a HDD carrier, contact your local Acer representative. 1 Perform steps 1 to 4 listed on the “To
538 When the lever begins to close by itself, push on it to lock the drive assembly into place (B). Removing and installing a slim-line optical driveN
3 System upgrade542 Press the blue release lever to unlock the optical drive tray (A) and slide the optical drive tray out through the front of the s
555 Install the plastic guide on the rear of the optical device, then secure it with the two screws that came with the optical drive kit.6 Slide the o
3 System upgrade56Removing and installing a PCI riser assemblyNote: The PCI riser assembly includes an intrusion switch that engages the system cover
575 Lift the riser assembly from the chassis. 6 Place the riser assembly on a clean, static-free work surface. 7 If you need to replace PCI cards. See
3 System upgrade58To install the PCI riser assembly:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Lower the
595 When removing a full height PCI card, open the full length PCI card retention clip on the front of the riser assembly by rotating it 90 degrees ou
ContentsNotices iiiFCC notice iiiLaser compliance statement ivImportant safety instructions v1 System tour 1System features 3Performance 3External
3 System upgrade605 When installing a full height PCI card, open the full length PCI card retention clip on the front of the riser assembly by rotati
61Upgrading the CPUThe server supports two dual-core or quad-core Intel Xeon processors 5000 sequence with system bus speeds of 667 MHz, 1066 MHz or 1
3 System upgrade625 Push the socket retainer lever handle down and away from the socket to release it (A), then pull the lever to a fully open, uprig
63 10 Remove the protective socket cover by grasping the socket cover tab (A) and pulling it away from the load plate (B). 11 Store the protective s
3 System upgrade6413 If the heat sink does not have thermal grease on the bottom, apply thermal grease to the heat sink base. 14 Install the heatsink
65To remove a CPU:If you are replacing a CPU on the system, the heat sink must first be removed. Important: Before removing a CPU from the mainboard,
3 System upgrade66(3) Lift the heat sink from the processor. Caution! If it does not pull up easily, twist the heat sink again. Do not force the heat
67Upgrading the system memoryAcer Altos R520 server supports eight DDR2 fully buffered DIMM slots with four FBDIMM memory channels. Each channel can s
3 System upgrade68Memory module installation guidelinesThe following rules apply when installing fully-buffered memory modules to the server:• The sy
69Memory module population orderThe tables below list the suggested DDR2 FBDIMM module population for standard, mirrored or sparing configuration. Sta
viiiRemoving the CPU air dam 47Removing and installing the power distribution board cover 48Configuring the storage devices 50Removing and installing
3 System upgrade70Sparing configurationMemory configuration overviewThe system supports the following memory configuration that allow flexibility in
71Standard memory configurationThe system is capable of supporting a minimum of only one FBDIMM installed on the DIMM A1 slot. However, for system pe
3 System upgrade72To upgrade to a four FBDIMM mirrored memory configuration, four additional FBDIMMs must be added to the system. All four memory mod
73• The following FBDIMM slots must be identical in organization, size and speed.• The following DIMM slots need not be identical in organization, siz
3 System upgrade744 Open the clips on the DIMM slot(s) (A). 5 Align (B) then insert the FBDIMM into the socket (C). 6 Press the holding clips inward
75Caution! Use extreme care when removing DIMMs. Too much pressure can damage the connector. Apply only enough pressure on the plastic levers to relea
3 System upgrade76Installing and removing a power supply moduleThe server has two power supply module bays on the rear panel that accept hot-plug pow
77To install a second power supply module:1 Remove the top cover. Perform the instructions described in “To remove the top cover” section on page 43.2
3 System upgrade78To remove a power supply module:Caution! Power supply hot-plug operations should be performed only if a failure occurs in the power
79Removing and installing an ARMC/3 moduleThe optional ARMC/3 module provides server management firmware and functionality to the system. To remove an
ixHardware diagnostic testing 131Verifying proper operation of key system lights 131Specific problems and corrective actions 132Error beep codes 139BI
3 System upgrade805 Pull up the module to remove it from the connector (B). 6 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40.To inst
814 Attach the module to the ARMC/3 module connector on the mainboard and snap the standoff into the matching hole on the mainboard (B). 5 Install the
3 System upgrade82Installing and removing the SAS hardware RAID componentsThe system supports SAS hardware RAID through the active mid-plane and back
836 Open the clips on the slot (B). 7 Align then insert the RAID cache into the slot (C). 8 Press the holding clips inward to lock the RAID cache in p
3 System upgrade846 Gently pull the RAID cache upward to remove it from the slot (C). 7 Close the clips. 8 Store the RAID activation key and RAID ca
854 Close and latch the BBU case lid. 5 Align the two hooks on the underside of the RAID BBU with the matching chassis tabs, then slide toward the pow
3 System upgrade864 Slide the RAID BBU forward and lift from the chassis (B). 5 Store the RAID BBU in an antistatic protective wrapper. 6 Observe the
87Installing and removing the SATA software RAID activation keyThe system supports SATA software RAID 5 through the installation of a RAID activation
3 System upgrade88To remove the RAID activation key:1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Remove the
4 BIOS setup
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