Acer R920 User Manual

Acer Altos R920 SeriesUser’s Guide

x• Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set. If you need to replace the power cord set, make sure that the new power cord meets th

3 System upgrade82Removing and installing a non-hot-plug PCI cardPCI cards installed in slots 1 and 2 are hot-pluggable. If you are adding or removin

83Configuring server management componentsAltos R920 system provides an upgrade path to advanced server management capabilities through installation o

3 System upgrade846 Insert the module into the I/O expansion module slot on the mainboard. Make sure that the card is properly seated (D).7 Rotate th

85To remove the I/O expansion module:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Rotate the retention latch on the rear of the

3 System upgrade86Installing and removing the ARMC/3 R2 moduleThe optional ARMC/3 R2 module provides server management firmware and functionality for

877 Install the ARMC/3 R2 NIC module.(1) Attach the ARMC/3 R2 NIC module to the I/O expansion module. (2) Secure the ARMC/3 R2 NIC module to the I/O e

3 System upgrade8810 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40.To remove the ARMC/3 R2 module:1 Perform the pre-installation in

89Configuring the hardware RAID componentsAltos R920 system supports SAS hardware RAID through installation of of a SAS module. With the addition of t

3 System upgrade905 Align then insert the SAS module in the SAS module slot on the mainboard. Make sure that the edge of the card is properly seated

917 Attach the SAS expander cables to the SAS connector A (A) and the SAS connector B (B) on the adapter. 8 Attach the SES cable to the SES connector

xiDisposal instructions Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost protection of the

3 System upgrade923 Disconnect any cables attached to the SAS module. 4 While pushing back on the slot divider latch, pull the SAS module away from

93Installing and removing the RAID activation key and RAID cacheThe optional RAID activation key and RAID cache enables enhanced RAID functionality on

3 System upgrade94To remove the RAID activation key and RAID cache:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Remove the proc

95Installing and removing the RAID BBU If power to the SAS controller on the SAS module drops below specifications, the optional RAID BBU maintains th

3 System upgrade96To remove the RAID BBU:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Remove the processor air baffle. Perform

4 System BIOS

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

99BIOS overviewThe Aptio Setup Utility is a hardware configuration program built into the system's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Since most s

4 System BIOS100Entering BIOS setupPower on the server to start the system POST process. During bootup, press F2 to enter the BIOS setup screen. Note

101BIOS setup keyboard commandsUse the following commands to navigate through the Setup Utility.• Left and Right arrow keys - Move between selections

xiiTips and information for comfortable use Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after prolonged use. Users are also at risk of phy

4 System BIOS102Main menuThe Main menu displays basic and important information about the system. These information are necessary for troubleshooting

103Processor TypeCore FrequencyCountSpecification of the processor currently installed in the server.Processor clock speed in GHz or MHz.Number of pro

4 System BIOS104Advanced menuThe Advanced menu display submenu options for configuring the function of various hardware components. Select a submenu

105Processor Configuration Parameter Description OptionCore Frequency Frequency at which the processors currently run in.System Bus FrequencyFrequency

4 System BIOS106Adjacent Cache Line PrefetchWhen enabled, cache lines are fetched in pairs (even line + odd line).When disabled, only the current cac

107Memory Configuration Parameter DescriptionTotal Memory Total amount of onboard memory in MB or GB. The memory size is automatically detected by BIO

4 System BIOS108Current ConfigurationDisplays either one of the following memory configuration:• Maximum performance mode - System memory is configur

109Memory RAS and Performance Configuration Parameter Description OptionMemory Mirroring PossibleIndicates if system memory is configured for memory m

4 System BIOS110Snoop Filter The Snoop Filter component monitors and controls the data transactions between memory and the processor.EnabledDisabledF

111Mass Storage Controller Configuration Parameter Description OptionSAS Option ROMEnables or disables the onboard SAS controller option ROM. EnabledD

xiiiTaking care of your vision Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare, excessive room lighting, poorly focused screens

4 System BIOS112Serial Port ConfigurationParameter Description OptionSerial A Enable Enables or disables the onboard serial A port.EnabledDisabledAdd

113USB Configuration IRQ Set the interrupt request line for the serial B port. 34Parameter Description OptionDetected USB DevicesIndicates the number

4 System BIOS114Port 60/64 EmulationEnables or disables the I/O port 60/64h emulation support.This parameter is enabled for complete USB keyboard leg

115PCI Configuration Parameter Description OptionMemory Mapped I/O Start AddressSelect the start of the reserved memory region for PCI memory mapped I

4 System BIOS116Dual Monitor VideoSelect a graphic controller as a primary boot device. Note: This parameter will be disabled when the Onboard Video

117LAN Configuration Parameter Description OptionIntel (R) I/OAT Enables or disables the onboard LAN’s I/O Acceleration Technology. The I/O AT accele

4 System BIOS118I/O Riser Board NIC ROMLoad the embedded option ROM for the I/O expansion module network controllers.Note: If disabled, the I/O expan

119System Acoustic and Performance Configuration Parameter Description OptionThrottling ModeClosed loop allows the system to achieve higher performanc

4 System BIOS120Security menuThe Security menu allows you to safeguard and protect the system from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords. P

121Setting a system password1 Use the up/down keys to highlight a password parameter (Set Administrator Password or Set User Password) then press Ente

xivDeveloping good work habits Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more relaxing and productive: • Take short breaks regularly

4 System BIOS122Changing a system password1 Use the up/down keys to highlight either change password parameters (Set Administrator Password or Set Us

123Server Management menuThe Server Management submenu lets you specify the appropriate settings for the system’s event handling function. Parameter D

4 System BIOS124FRB-2 Enable When enabled, the BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) will reset the system if BIOS does not complete the POST before

125Console Redirection Parameter Description OptionConsole RedirectionDefine the serial port used for server management tasks. DisabledSerial Port AS

4 System BIOS126* These fields are not shown on the above screenshot.Legacy OS Redirection*Enables or disables the legacy OS redirection (i.e. DOS) o

127System InformationThe System Information submenu displays basic information about the server unit.

4 System BIOS128Intel Remote Management Module InformationThe Remote Management Module submenu displays information about the firmware revisions and

129Boot Options menuThe Boot Options menu allows you to set the network device priority during system bootup. It also displays information about the i

4 System BIOS130Boot Manager menuThe Boot Manager menu lets you set the device priority during system bootup. The server will attempt to boot from th

131Error Manager menuThe Error Manager menu lets you view the system POST errors detected by the system. Parameter Description AttributeError Code

ContentsNotices iiiFCC declaration of conformity iiiLaser compliance statement vMacrovision copyright protection notice vCE Declaration of conformi

4 System BIOS132Exit menuThe Exit menu displays the various options to quit from the BIOS setup. Highlight any of the exit options then press Enter.

133Save as User Default ValuesSaves current values to be restored later. Load User Default Values Restores previously saved user default values. Param

4 System BIOS134Upgrading the BIOSThe upgrade utility allows you to upgrade the BIOS in the flash memory. To prepare to upgrade the BIOS, you need to

5 System troubleshooting

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

137TroubleshootingThis chapter helps you identify and solve problems that might occur while you are using the system.For any issue, first ensure that

5 System troubleshooting138First steps checklist• AC power available at the wall outlet?• Are the power supplies plugged in? Check the power cable(s)

139Hardware diagnostic testingThis section provides a more detailed approach to identifying a hardware problem and locating its source.Caution! Before

5 System troubleshooting140Specific problems and corrective actionsThe following contains specific problems that may arise during the use of your ser

141Server boot does not complete POST.Do the following:• Make sure the processor is properly seated. • Check the BIOS release notes to ensure the BIOS

xvi3 System upgrade 37Installation precautions 39ESD precautions 39Pre-installation instructions 40Post-installation instructions 40Opening the serve

5 System troubleshooting142• Check that drive is properly configured.• Check that onboard IDE controller is enabled in the BIOS Setup Utility.ODD tra

143New memory modules installed are not detected. Do the following:• Make sure the memory modules are properly seated on the memory board’s DIMM slots

5 System troubleshooting144Diagnostics pass but the connection fails.• Make sure the network cable is securely attached. • Make sure you specify the

145• Try a different version of the software to see if the problem is with the copy you are using. • Make sure all cables are properly connected.• If

5 System troubleshooting1462 Verify that the video controller board is fully seated in the mainboard connector.3 Reboot the system for changes to tak

147• Is the fan’s power connector properly connected to the mainboard?• Is the front panel board cable connected to both the mainboard’s front panel b

5 System troubleshooting148

Appendix A: Rack mount configuration

This appendix shows you how to set up the Altos R920 system in a rack mount configuration.

151Rack installation informationImportant! Observe the electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions indicated on page 39 when perfoming the following pro

xviiLAN Configuration 117System Acoustic and Performance Configuration 119Security menu 120Server Management menu 123Console Redirection 125System

Appendix A: Rack mount configuration152• Elevated operating ambient temperature The maximum operating temperature of the system is 35 °C (95°F). Care

153Rack mount configuration The Altos R920 server system should be mounted into a rack cabinet. A rack rail and CMA (cable management arm) kit is avai

Appendix A: Rack mount configuration154Vertical mounting hole patternThe four vertical rails of the system rack contain mounting holes arranged in a

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: Rack mount configuration156(3) Do the same thing to the other mounting rail.Caution! To avoid personal injury, care should be taken when

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: Rack mount configuration158(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

Appendix A: Rack mount configuration1605 Attach the CMA (cable management arm) to the rear of the server.The CMA allows you to tie-wrap all cables to

161(6) Connect the power, peripheral and networking cables into their appropriate ports. Refer to “Connecting peripherals” on page 32 for detailed ins

xviiiSAS configuration utility 180SAS RAID configuration utility 182Index 185

Appendix A: Rack mount configuration162

Appendix B: Memory configuration

This chapter provides details on how to configure the system memory boards. Recommended memory board and FBDIMM installation order and FBDIMM populati

165IntroductionThe system’s memory architecture supports up to four memory boards organized by branches and channels. The MCH (memory controller hub)

Appendix B: Memory configuration166The memory boards connect to the mainboard through the memory board slots A, B, C, and D (Each slot support the x1

167FBDIMM module population order Single and dual channel populationThe tables below list the suggested FBDIMM module population for normal configurat

Appendix B: Memory configuration168Population with four memory boardsDIMM slot Memory board A Memory board B Memory board C Memory board DTota l mem

169Memory sparing populationThe tables below list the suggested FBDIMM module population for memory sparing configuration.Population with two memory b

Appendix B: Memory configuration170Memory mirroring populationThe table below list the suggested FBDIMM module population for memory mirroring config

171Memory configurationThe BIOS configures the system memory into the best possible configuration after comparing the current FBDIMM population with t

1 System tour

Appendix B: Memory configuration1727 Press Y to confirm. The server reboots to activate the changes. Single-channel mode Single-channel mode is a fai

173Memory sparing mode Sparing is only supported in a lock-stepped (dual-channel) configuration. Memory sparing is the use of a lock-stepped FBDIMM ra

Appendix B: Memory configuration174Dual-ranked memory sparingWhen a dual-ranked FBDIMM is used as spare, the BIOS can independently select a physical

175Memory mirroring modeMemory mirroring is a high availability mode providing a redundant image of the system memory. Two identical images of memory

Appendix B: Memory configuration1765 Set the Select Memory RAS Configuration to Mirroring. 6 Return to the Memory Configuration menu option. • Make

Appendix C: SAS and SAS RAID configuration utilities

This appendix gives an overview of the RAID configuration utilities supported by your server.

179OverviewThe system may be equipped with a SAS or SAS RAID configuration utility (depending on your system configuration). You can use these utiliti

Appendix C: SAS and SAS RAID configuration utilities180SAS configuration utilityThis section briefly shows how to create mirror with LSI 1078 integr

181Initializing the RAID volumeYou can skip this procedure if you selected to create a new IM array (or pressed D) while performing the creating a RAI

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

The Altos R920 is a powerful, feature-rich platform designed to deliver superior performance, scalability, and flexibility to meet the needs of variou

Appendix C: SAS and SAS RAID configuration utilities182SAS RAID configuration utility This section briefly shows how to launch the SAS RAID configur

18311 Now you can reboot the system and install the Operating System. Select Exit and click Yes.12 Press <Ctrl+Alt+Del> to reboot the system.Ass

Appendix C: SAS and SAS RAID configuration utilities184

185IndexNumerics5.25-inch driveinstalling 66AARMC/3 R2specifications 5ARMC/3 R2 moduleinstalling 86removing 88BBIOS menusAdvancedLAN Confi

186DVD drive 65front bezel 42front system fan assembly 53HDD 50hot-plug PCI card 62I/O expansion module 83memory board 76non-hot-

187SSAS moduleinstalling 89removing 91setting up the system 31preinstallation requirements 31specificationchipset 3control panel 5gr

188

3Features summaryThis section lists the impressive computing features of the Altos R920 system.Processor• Supports one to four physical processors• Qu

1 System tour4• Memory reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) features - Memory scrub engine- Memory mirroring - Memory sparingNote: For

5Networking• Intel ESB2 I/O controller• Intel 82563EB Gigabit Ethernet controller with dual ports• Intel 82575 Gigabit Ethernet controller with dual p

1 System tour6I/O ports•Front • VGA/monitor port• Three USB 2.0 ports•Rear• Serial port • VGA/monitor port• Two USB 2.0 ports• Four Gigabit LAN ports

7Power supply • Two 110/220-volts,1570-watt hot-swap (1+1) redundant power supply modules System fan• Two hot-swap redundant front system fan modules

1 System tour8External and internal structureFront bezelThe front bezel provides an interface for system management via status LED indicators. The li

9Front panel Item Icon ComponentA DVD drive bayB 5.25-inch drive baysC VGA/monitor portD USB 2.0 portsE Control panelF Hot-swap system fan modulesG H

1 System tour10Rear panel * Reserved for remote management of server. This requires installation of an ARMC/3 R2module.Item ComponentA1 - A7 A1 Hot

11Internal components Item ComponentA DVD drive bayB Processor air baffleC Memory boardD Plastic PCI slot divider and PCI slotsE Rear system fan m

iiiNoticesFCC declaration of conformityThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) t

1 System tour12System boardsMainboardThe mainboard becomes accessible once you open the system. It should look like the figure shown below.Item Descr

13* Reserved for tape drives.C PCI Express x8 (with x4 throughput) - (slot 7)R CPU socket 1D Serial port A (internal) S CPU socket 2E PCI Express x8 (

1 System tour14Memory boardThe memory board connects to the mainboard through x16 PCI Express slots. Item Description Item DescriptionA Power good

15Control panelThe Altos R920 system supports either the button control panel, providing basic functionality, or the LCD control panel, which adds add

1 System tour16Button control panel Item Icon ComponentA HDD (hard disk drive) activity indicator B LAN1 status indicator displays network activity i

17LCD control panel (optional) Item Icon ComponentA LCD displayB Scroll up buttonC Scroll down buttonD Back buttonE Select buttonF System ID indicator

1 System tour18Control panel button function overviewThe following table list and describe the function of the control buttons available on the contr

19System LED indicatorsThis section describes the different LED indicators located on• Control panel• Hot-plug HDD carrier• Hot-swap fan module• Hot-p

1 System tour20Control panel LED indicators The following table list and describe the LED indicators available on the mini or optional full-function

21B LAN1, LAN2 status Green On • LAN1 active•LAN2 active• Network activity in either LAN ports on the mainboard.• Network activity in either LAN ports

ivHowever, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to radi

1 System tour22Hot-plug HDD carrier LED indicators D Power — Off Power off System is not powered on. Green On Power on System has power applied to

23Hot-swap fan module LED indicatorsB Green On HDD is installed and working correctly.Flashing HDD is active.Off • No HDD is installed.• HDD is initi

1 System tour24Hot-plug power supply module LED indicatorsItemLED indicatorColor Status DescriptionA Power good Green On System has power applied to

25LAN port LED indicatorsHot-plug PCI Express slot LED indicatorsThe PCI slots 1 and 2 have a LED indicator to display the PCI hot-plug status. ItemLE

1 System tour26Memory board LED indicatorsThe LEDs on the memory board indicate the status of the memory board power and DIMM. Attention Off Normal N

27System jumpers Item Name Location Default SettingsA Rolling BIOS J3D1 1-2 (Empty)2-3 (Stuff)Force other bankNormal modeB Password disable or clearJ3

1 System tour28E BMC flash write protectJ6D1 1-2 (Stuff)2-3 (Empty)Disable flash write protectEnable flash write protectF Circuit breaker J6F1 1-2 (E

2 System setup

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

vRemarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Laser complia

2 System setup32Connecting peripheralsRefer to the illustration below for specific connection instructions on the peripherals you want to connect to

33Turning on the systemAfter making sure that you have properly set up the system, applied power, and connected all the necessary peripherals, you can

2 System setup34Note: 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 b

35Configuring the system OSThe Altos R920 system comes with Acer EasyBUILD that allows you to conveniently install your choice of operating system. To

2 System setup36Turning off the systemThere are two ways to turn off the server—via software or via hardware. The software procedure below applies to

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

3 System upgrade40Pre-installation instructions Perform the steps below before you open the server or before your remove or replace any component.War

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

viCE Declaration of conformityWe, Acer Computer (Shanghai) Limited3F, No. 168 Xizang Medium Road, Huangpu District,Shanghai, ChinaContact Person: Mr.

3 System upgrade42To install the front bezel:Slide the front bezel onto the chassis.

43Removing and installing the top coverTo remove the top cover:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Loosen the two capti

3 System upgrade44To install the top cover:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Place the top cover on the chassis so t

45Removing and installing the processor air baffleTo remove the processor air baffle:You will need to remove the processor air baffle to perform the f

3 System upgrade46To install the processor air baffle:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Insert the front of the proc

473 Lower the rear of the baffle into place (A), making sure the guides on each side of the air baffle will correctly engage in the left and right cha

3 System upgrade48Configuring hot-pluggable componentsHot-pluggable components are the components that can be removed and replaced while the system i

49Removing and installing a hard disk driveThe system supports eight hot-plug drive carriers. Each carrier holds a standard 2.5-inch SAS hard drive. N

3 System upgrade505 Pull the lever and slide the carrier from the chassis (B). 6 Place the HDD carrier on a clean, static-free work surface. 7 If you

512 Remove the four screws that secure the air baffle to the HDD carrier (A). 3 Remove the air baffle from the HDD carrier (B).4 Save the air baffle a

viiDeclaration of conformity for EU countriesHereby, Acer, declares that this PC series is in compliance with the essential requirements and other rel

3 System upgrade528 Use the lever to push the HDD carrier until it docks into place, then close the HDD carrier lever (B). 9 Setup the new hard drive

53Determining fan statusEach fan or fan assembly has an amber LED to indicate a failed fan condition. If the amber LED is on, the fan assembly needs t

3 System upgrade543 Push the handle closed until it clicks into place (B). To remove a rear system fan:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions de

55To install a rear system fan:Warning! To ensure proper system cooling, the replacement of a failed system fan module should be completed within one

3 System upgrade56Removing and installing a power supplyThe server has two power supply bays on the rear panel that accept hot-swap redundant power s

57To remove a power supply:Caution: Power supply hot-swap operations should be performed only if a failure occurs in the power supply. 1 Observe the E

3 System upgrade58To install a power supply:1 If necessary, remove the old power supply. See previous section.2 With the handle in the open position,

59Removing and installing a PCI cardImportant: Only PCI add-in cards in PCI slots 1 and 2 are hot-pluggable. If you are installing or removing a PCI c

3 System upgrade605 Open the yellow caution plate (A).6 Rotate the slot retention latch on the rear of the card slot upward (B). 7 Release the vertic

61Note: Press the attention button again within five seconds to abort the hot-plug operation. 3 Make sure that the power LED on the rear of the PCI sl

viiiInformation for your safety and comfort Safety instructionsRead these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future reference. Follow all

3 System upgrade62To install a new hot-plug PCI card: 1 If your server is operating, use your OS to power down the PCI slot. 2 Perform the pre-instal

63Configuring cold-pluggable componentsCold-pluggable components are the components that require the system to be powered down before you can remove o

3 System upgrade64Removing and installing the DVD driveTo remove the DVD drive:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Dis

657 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40.To install the DVD drive:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on

3 System upgrade66Installing a 5.25-inch driveThe 5.25-inch drive bay allows you to install a tape drive to provide the system with additional storag

677 Slide the 5.25-inch peripheral device into the server until it clicks into place. 8 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 4

3 System upgrade68Upgrading the processorThe server supports up to four processors, the following models are supported.• Quad-core Intel Xeon process

693 Remove the thermal blank. (1) Loosen the four screws on the thermal blank. (2) Pull the thermal blank away from the CPU socket. (3) Store the ther

3 System upgrade70(2) Position the processor over the socket, matching the two triangle markers (A) and lining up the processor pins with the socket

71(2) Tighten the screws in the order shown, approximately one full turn at a time until each is evenly tightened. Do not fully tighten one screw at a

ix• Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could re

3 System upgrade72(2) Pull the heat sink away from the CPU socket. (3) Lay down the heat sink in an upright position—with the thermal patch facing up

73(2) Pull out the processor from the socket. (3) Store it in an antistatic bag.5 If you are not installing a new processor, reinstall the processor t

3 System upgrade74Removing and installing a memory board assemblyThe server supports up to four memory boards. At least one memory board and two FBDI

752 Lift the latches on the memory board to disengage the memory board from the mainboard (A). 3 Lift the memory board by the latches (B).4 Observe th

3 System upgrade76To install the memory board assembly:1 Perform the pre-installation instructions described on page 39.2 Locate an empty memory boar

77Installing and removing DIMM modulesThe server’s memory board supports eight DIMM slots. Each slot supports 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB DDR2-667 (PC2-5300)

3 System upgrade78DIMM population guidelinesThe following rules apply when adding DIMMs to the memory boards.• DIMMs must be populated beginning with

79To install DIMMs in the memory board:Caution! Use extreme care when installing a DIMM. Applying too much pressure can damage the connector. DIMMs ar

3 System upgrade805 Open the clips on the DIMM slot(s) (A). 6Align (B) then insert the DIMM into the socket (C). 7 Push down on the top edge of the D

81To remove DIMMs on the memory board:Before you can install a new DIMM in a socket, remove first any previously installed DIMM from that socket. Impo