Acer Altos G540 User's Guide

Acer Altos G540 SeriesUser’s Guide

4 System BIOS90 Setting a system password1 Use the up/down keys to select a password parameter (Set Supervisor Password or Set User Password), then p

91Changing a system password1 Use the up/down keys to select a password parameter (Set Supervisor Password or Set User Password), then press Enter. 2

4 System BIOS92Server menu Parameter DescriptionSystem Management Displays basic system ID information, as well as BIOS and BMC firm

93System ManagementThe System Management submenu is a simple display page for basic system ID information, as well as BIOS and BMC firmware versions.

4 System BIOS94Parameter Description OptionCOM Port AddressSelect whether to enable console redirection.Console redirection enables users to manage t

95Event Log Configuration Parameter Description OptionClear All Event LogsPress Enter then select whether to clear all entries in the system event

4 System BIOS96Boot menu The Boot menu allows you to set the drive priority during system boot-up. BIOS setup will display an error message if the

97Exit menuThe Exit menu displays the various options to quit from the BIOS setup. Highlight any of the exit options then press Enter. Parameter D

4 System BIOS98

5 Systemtroubleshooting

1 System tour

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

101Resetting the system Before going through in-depth troubleshooting, attempt first to reset the system using one of the methods below. Perform

5 System troubleshooting102Initial system startup problemsProblems that occur at initial system startup are usually caused by an incorrect installati

103Initial troubleshooting checklistUse the checklist below to eliminate the possible cause for the problem you’re encountering. • AC power is availab

5 System troubleshooting104Hardware diagnostic testing This section provides a detailed approach to identifying a hardware problem and its cause.C

105Verifying the condition of the storage devicesAs POST determines the system configuration, it tests for the presence of each mass storage device in

5 System troubleshooting106Specific problems and corrective actionsListed below are specific problems that may arise during the use of your server an

107HDD activity indicator does not light. Do the following:• Make sure the data and power cables are connected correctly.• Check that relevant switch

5 System troubleshooting108Network connection indicators do not light. Do the following:• Check the cabling and network equipment to make sure that t

109No characters appear on the display monitor.Check the following:• Is the keyboard functioning? Test it by turning the Num Lock function on and off

The Acer Altos G540 server is a fully modular dual-processor system featuring the latest in computing technology. It host a range of powerful and fl

5 System troubleshooting110

Appendix A: Server management tools

This appendix gives an overview of the different server management tools supported by your server.

113Server management overviewThe server management tools supported by the Altos G540 system is listed in the table below.Tool FunctionPhoenixBIOS Setu

Appendix A: Server management tools114RAID configuration utilitiesRAID option for the Altos G540 system is provided through either the onboard SATA c

115To initialize the Onboard SATA RAID Configuration Utility:Note: There must be more than two SATA hard drives installed in the system, otherwise th

Appendix A: Server management tools116LSI 1068 SAS Configuration Utility This section explains how to create a RAID 1 volume when the LSI 1068 SAS co

1178 Move the cursor to the Hot Spr column and select another disk.9 Press the space bar to change the setting from No to Yes. The Drive Status will b

Appendix A: Server management tools118To create and initialize a RAID volume:1 Access the Configuration menu.2 Click Configuration Wizard.3 Click Add

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration

3System specificationsThis section lists down the impressive computing features of the Altos G540 system.PerformanceProcessor • Two Intel LGA771 proc

This appendix shows you how to set up the Altos G540 server in a rack mount configuration.

121Rack installation informationThe Altos G540 server system can also be mounted in a rack-model position. A rack mount kit is available for customer

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration122• Elevated operating ambient temperature The maximum operating temperature of the system is 35°C (95°F). Care

123Screw typesThe following screws are used in the assembly of the Altos G540 system and bundled rack-mountable components. Front brackets 2 Attach th

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration124Vertical mounting hole patternThe four vertical rails of the system rack contain mounting holes arranged in a

125Rack installation procedures Preparing the server for rack installation1 Remove the foot stands from the server.(1) Lay the server on its side on a

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration1263 Remove the inner rails from the mounting rails.(1) Extend the inner rail from the mounting rail until the ra

127Preparing the rack for server installation1 Install eight distands into the vertical rails of the system rack. 2 Adjust the front bracket to the p

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration1283 Install the mounting rails to the system rack. (1) Install the mounting rails to the rack by using four M6 x

129Installing the server in the system rackWarning! To avoid injury, care should be taken when pressing the inner rail release latches and sliding th

1 System tour4PCI interface • Six PCI bus slots with three separate bus segments• Three PCI Express x8 bus slots• Two 64-bit, 66/100 MHz PCI-X bus sl

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration130Installing the cable arm optionThe cable arm option allows you to tie-wrap all cables to and from the system.

1313 Extend the cable arm enough to attach it to the installed M6 cage nuts, and secure it with two M6 x 18 screws. 4 Arrange the server cables.(1) Co

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration132

133IndexNumerics5.25 inch device baysinstall 48location 9supported devices 4AAcer EasyBUILDscope 31using 31air ductlocation 13remove

134Ffloppy disk driveBIOS setting 85location 10mainboard connector 16replace 49troubleshooting 106front bezelremove 40view 8front

135PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility, see BIOS Setup 72POSTerror pause 86turn-on procedure 29powerboot-up problems 30boot-up sequence 96button,

136mainboard 14SAS controller board 18system fancable connectors 15location 13system jumpersBIOS recovery 16clear CMOS 16clear passw

5I/O ports Power supply and system fan• 610-watts power supply with redundant option • System fan with redundant optionHardware monitoring and serve

1 System tour6Mechanical • Chassis • Tool-less chassis design for easy hardware access and configuration• Tower and rack-mount (5U, tray-less) setu

7Hardware optionsNote: To purchase the any of the following hardware options, contact your local Acer representative. • Media storage • LSI 1068 SAS

1 System tour8External and internal structureFront bezel No. Component1 Side panel release button2 Security keylockThis lock secures the bez

9Front panel No. Icon Component Description1 DVD-ROM drive Eject button Press this button to open the DVD drive tray.2 DVD-ROM drive activity in

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 tour109 LAN port 1/2 status indicatorsIndicate the system network connection status. 10 Hot-plug HDD activity indicator Indicates the status

11Rear panel No. Icon Component Description1 Power supply module release latchPush down the latch to disengage the module from the chassis.2 Power

1 System tour129Unit identification (UID) switch/indicator Press to mark a particular server unit within a server group (when rack-mounted) for purpo

13Internal components No. Component1 Redundant power supply module bay2 Air duct3 Heat sink fan (HSF) assemblies4 Release sliders for the 5.25-inc

1 System tour14System boardsMainboard

15No. Code Description1 CN2 Top: PS/2 mouse portBottom: PS/2 keyboard port2 COM1 Serial port 3 LPT1 Parallel/printer port4 VGA1 Monitor port5 SW1 UID

1 System tour16No. Code Description20 JP_PASS1 Clear password jumperOpen – Normal (default)Close – Clear password21 JP_REC1 BIOS recovery jumper1-2 –

17Backplane board The backplane board attached to rear of the hot-plug HDD cage is what differentiate it from the easy-swap HDD cage model. No. Code

1 System tour18SAS controller board This controller board enables the installation of a SAS HDD. 6 792D_ID1 HDD cage ID setting jumperClose 1-2

19BMC module The optional BMC module is the meeting point between the server hardware and the system management software. In conjunction with the ma

iiiNoticesFCC noticeClass A devices do not have an FCC logo or FCC IDE on the label. Class B devices have an FCC logo or FCC IDE on the label. Once

1 System tour20ARMC/3 module The optional ARMC/3 module expands the server’s remote management function through its own dedicated NIC port. System a

21System LED indicatorsThis section discusses the different LED indicators located on the:• Front panel• Hot-plug HDD carrier• LAN port• Power supply

1 System tour22Hot-plug HDD LED indicator A drive activity LED indicator is mounted on the hot-plug HDD carrier. The table below lists the possibl

23Power supply module LED indicators Indicator Color Status DescriptionStatus (top) Green On Output requirements are met.Off AC power is disconnec

1 System tour24

2 System setup

This chapter gives you instructions on how to prepare the system for operation. Procedures for connecting 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 peripheralsThe color-coded I/O port panel on the system rear accepts a variety of compatible peripherals. Refer to the fi

29Turning on the system After making sure that you have properly set up the system, applied power, and connected all the necessary peripherals, you ca

ivNotice: Shielded cablesAll connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations.No

2 System setup30Note: If the system does not turn on or boot after pressing the power button, go to the next section for the possible causes of the

31Configuring the system OS The Altos G540 comes with Acer EasyBUILD that allows users to conveniently install the preferred operating system. To

2 System setup32Rack mount configurationThe Altos G540 server is a dual-platform system that can be set up in both tower and rack-mount configuration

33Turning off the system There are two ways to turn off the server—via software or via hardware. The software procedure below applies to a system

2 System setup34

3 System upgrade

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

37Installation precautions Before you install any server component, it is recommended that you read the following sections first. These sections c

3 System upgrade38Pre-installation instructions Perform the steps below before you open the server or before your remove or replace any component.

39Opening the serverCaution: Before you proceed, make sure that you have turned off the system and all peripherals connected to it. Read the “Pre-in

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

3 System upgrade40Removing the front bezel 1 Remove the side panel. Refer to the previous section for instructions.2 Remove the front bezel.(1) Relea

41Configuring the hard drive The two HDD cage bays of the Altos G540 accommodates both hot-plug and easy-swap HDD cage models. The main difference b

3 System upgrade423 Install the HDD cage.(1) Slide the cage into the lower bay with the HDD carriers facing front. The cage locked to the chassis wit

43(3) Connect the other end of the SAS/SATA2 cable to the SAS1-1 connector of the SAS controller board.4 Remove the HDD cage bay plastic cover from th

3 System upgrade44Removing a HDD cage1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 37.2 Prepare the HDD cage for removal. • For a hot

45Installing an additional hard driveThe Altos G540 HDD cage models supports both SATA2 and SAS hard drives in different capacities. Note: If you in

3 System upgrade464 Align the new hard disk with the HDD carrier, then secure it with the four screws you removed in step 3-1. 5 Install the new hard

47To install an easy-swap hard drive: 1 Remove the side panel from the chassis. Go to page 39 for instructions. 2 Observe steps 2 through 5 of the pr

3 System upgrade48Configuring a 5-25 inch storage device The three 5.25-inch device bays support a variety of storage devices for additional storage

495 Remove the two screws that secure the cover of the empty 5.25-inch drive bay (1), then detach the cover (2).Keep this cover for future reinstallat

vi11 Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:a When the power cord

3 System upgrade50Upgrading the processor This section explains the procedures for removing and installing the processor and heat sink fan (HSF) ass

514 Remove the HSF assembly. (1) Use a long-nosed screwdriver to loosen the four HSF mounting pins. (2) Once you have loosened all four mounting pins

3 System upgrade526 Store the old processor inside an anti-static bag.7 Remove the new processor from its protective packaging. 8 Install the new pro

5310 Reinstall the HSF assembly. (1) Align then insert the HSF on top of the retention plate.(2) Use a long-nosed screwdriver to tighten the four HSF

3 System upgrade544 Reinstall the HSF assembly. (1) Align then insert the HSF on top of the retention plate.(2) Use a long-nosed screwdriver to tight

55Upgrading the system memoryThis section explains the procedures for removing and installing a fully-buffered memory module. System memory interface

3 System upgrade56• Observe the population sequence illustrated in the table below when installing a memory module. The installation sequence list

57• Install FBD pair upgrades in the following sequence: – First FBD pair: DIMMA1 and DIMMB1 slots – Upgrade 1: DIMMC1 and DIMMD1 slots– Upgrade

3 System upgrade584 Remove the FBD. (1) Press the holding clips on both sides of the socket outward to release the DIMM.(2) Gently pull the DIMM upwa

59(2) Firmly press the holding clips inward to lock the FDB in place. If the holding clips do not close, the FBD is not properly inserted.6 Reinstall

Contents1 System tour 1System specifications 3Performance 3Mechanical 6Environmental 6Hardware options 7External and internal structure 8Front bezel

3 System upgrade60Installing an expansion card This section explains how to install an expansion card.I/O interface Altos G540 has six PCI bus slot

61(3) Insert the card into the selected slot. Make sure that the card is properly seated.(4) Press the release latch to secure the card in place. (5)

3 System upgrade62Installing the SAS controller board If you intend to install a SAS hard drive, you need to first install the LSI 1068 SAS cont

63Installing the BMC module The optional BMC module allows system administrators to manage the Altos G540 system remotely over a network. To install t

3 System upgrade64Installing the ARMC/3 module Remote system management just got easier with the new ARMC/3 module. The module provides high perform

656 Install the dedicated NIC port card.(1) Press the release latch of the slot cover opposite the IPMB_6 slot.The release latch highlighted in the fi

3 System upgrade66Installing a redundant power supply module The Altos G540 supports two 610-watts hot-swap power supply modules. The system ships

67To install a hot-swap power supply module:1 Detach the cover from the chassis.Keep the cover for future reassembly.2 Slide the module into the empty

3 System upgrade68

4 System BIOS

viiiInstalling a HDD cage 41Removing a HDD cage 44Installing an additional hard drive 45Configuring a 5-25 inch storage device 48Upgrading the process

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

71BIOS overview BIOS setup is a hardware configuration program built into the system's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Since most systems a

4 System BIOS72Entering BIOS setup 1 Turn on the server and the monitor. If the server is already turned on, close all open applications, then rest

73BIOS setup navigation keysUse the following keys to move around the Setup utility.• Left and Right arrow keys – Move between selections on the menu

4 System BIOS74Main menu Parameter DescriptionSystem Time Set the system time following the hour-minute-second format.System Date Set the da

75Advanced menu The Advanced menu display submenu options for configuring the function of various hardware components. Select a submenu item, th

4 System BIOS76Advanced Processor Options Parameter Description OptionProcessor Retest Select whether to delete the historical process

77CPU Cache Control Intel Virtualization TechnologySelect whether to enable the Intel Virtualization Technology function. VT allows a single

4 System BIOS78Memory Configuration Parameter Description OptionExtended MemoryTotal size of extended memory detected during POSTDIMM Group

79Advanced Chipset Control Parameter Description OptionAdvanced Multimedia TimerSelect whether to enable the system multimedia timer.YesNoCrystal

ix5 System troubleshooting 99Resetting the system 101Initial system startup problems 102Initial troubleshooting checklist 103Hardware diagnostic t

4 System BIOS80PCI Configuration Parameter Description OptionPCI Slot 1 - 6 Option ROMWhen enabled, this setting will initialize the device expa

81I/O Device Configuration Parameter Description OptionSerial Port A/B When enabled allows you to configure the serial port settings. When set to

4 System BIOS82Base I/O address Base I/O address and IRQ setting for the selected serial port3F8/IRQ42F8/IRQ33E8/IRQ42E8/IRQ3Parallel Port When enabl

83IDE Configuration The IDE Configuration submenu lets you define the parameter settings related to the system hard drive(s). Parallel AT

4 System BIOS84I/O Channel 0/Secondary Master/Slave Parameter Description OptionType Selects the drive type. AutoNoneCD-ROMATAPI RemovableIDE Remov

85Floppy Configuration The Floppy Configuration submenu displays the type of floppy disk drive installed in the server. Transfer ModeSelect a transf

4 System BIOS86Boot Configuration Parameter Description OptionBoot-time Diagnostic ScreenChoose whether to display the boot-time diagnostic scre

87DMI Event Logging After Power FailureDefines the power state to resume to after a system shutdown that is due to an interruption in AC power.Wh

4 System BIOS88View DMI Event LogPress Enter to view the DMI (Desktop Management Interface) event log. To return to the DMI Event Logging submenu, cl

89Security menuThe Security menu allows you to safeguard and protect the system from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords.There are three t