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Installing System Board Options

Dell™ PowerEdge™ 2550 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

  Expansion Cards

  Adding Memory

  Upgrading the Microprocessor or Installing a Secondary Microprocessor

  Activating the Integrated RAID Controller

  Replacing the Battery

This section describes how to install expansion cards, memory, and microprocessors and how to activate the system's integrated redundant array of independent disks (RAID) controller. Instructions for replacing the system battery are also included.

WARNING: Before you perform the procedures in this section, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its electrical outlet. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your Computer" in "Checking Inside the System."

Use Table 8-1 and Figure 8-1 to locate the system board features.

Table 8-1. System Board Connectors and Sockets 

Connector or Socket	Description
BACKPLANE	SCSI backplane board interface cable connector
BATTERY	Battery connector
COMn	Serial port connectors
DIMM_x	Memory module sockets
DIMM_RAID	Memory module socket for integrated RAID controller
INTRUS	Intrusion-alarm switch connector
KYBD	Keyboard connector
MOUSE	Mouse connector
NICn	NIC connector
PANEL	System control panel connector
PARALLEL	Parallel port connector
POWERn	Power connectors
PROC_n	Microprocessor connectors
RAID_KEY	Socket for integrated RAID controller hardware key
RAID_BATTERY	Connector for integrated RAID controller battery
RISER	PCI riser board connector
SCSIA, SCSIB	SCSI host adapter connectors
USBn	USB connectors
VGA	Video connector
VRMn	Primary and secondary VRM connectors
NOTE: For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this table, see "Abbreviations and Acronyms."

Figure 8-1. System Board Features

Expansion Cards

Expansion cards are installed on the system's riser board (see Figure 8-2). The riser board plugs into the RISER connector on the system board (see Figure 8-1) and is considered an extension of the system board.

The riser board contains three full-length 64-bit, 33-megahertz (MHz), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion-card connectors. All three expansion card connectors support 5-V or universal PCI cards. Connector PCI2 supports an optional Dell OpenManage™ Remote Assistant Card 2 (DRAC 2).

Figure 8-2. Riser-Board Expansion-Card Connectors

Installing an Expansion Card

To install an expansion card, perform the following steps.

WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its AC power source. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your Computer" in "Checking Inside the System."

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
   
   
2. Prepare the expansion card for installation, and open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   

WARNING: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in your System Information document.

See the documentation that came with the expansion card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or otherwise customizing the card for your system.

3. Remove the expansion-card cage (see "Removing and Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   

NOTE: Verify that the power LED on the riser board (see Figure 8-2) is off before removing the expansion-card cage.

4. Open the expansion-card latch (see Figure 8-3) and remove the filler bracket from the expansion slot.
   
   

Figure 8-3. Installing an Expansion Card

5. Install the new expansion card (see Figure 8-3).
   
   

Position the expansion-card cage so that the riser board lies horizontally on your work surface. Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector on the riser board until the card is fully seated.

6. When the card is seated in the connector and the card-mounting bracket is aligned with the brackets on either side of it, close the expansion-card latch.
   
   
7. If the expansion card is a full-length card, secure the inner end of the card by closing the latch on the card guide over the top edge of the card (see Figure 8-3).
   
   
8. Replace the expansion-card cage in the chassis (see "Removing and Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage" in "Checking Inside Your System").
   
   
9. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card. See the documentation that came with the card for information about its cable connections.
   
   
10. Close the system doors, reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    

Removing an Expansion Card

To remove an expansion card, perform the following steps.

WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its electrical outlet. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your Computer" in "Checking Inside the System."

1. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.
   
   
2. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   
3. Disconnect any cables connected to the card.
   
   
4. Remove the expansion-card cage (see "Removing and Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   
5. Position the expansion-card cage so that the riser board lies horizontally on your work surface.
   
   
6. To release the expansion card from the card cage, rotate the latch away from the expansion-card bracket.
   
   
7. If the expansion card is a full-length card, release the card's inner end by opening the latch on the card guide (see Figure 8-3).
   
   
8. Grasp the expansion card by its top corners, and carefully remove it from the expansion-card connector.
   
   
9. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty card-slot opening.
   
   

NOTE: Installing a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot is necessary to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

10. Replace the expansion-card cage in the chassis (see "Removing and Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage" in "Checking Inside the System").
    
    
11. Close the system doors, reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    

Adding Memory

The four dual in-line memory module (DIMM) sockets on the system board (see Figure 8-1) can accommodate from 128 megabytes (MB) to 4 gigabytes (GB) of registered synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM).

Memory Upgrade Kits

The system is upgradable to 4 GB by installing combinations of 64-,128- 256-, 512-MB, or 1-GB registered memory modules. You can purchase memory upgrade kits from Dell as needed.

NOTE: The memory modules must be PC-133 compliant.

Memory Module Installation Guidelines

Starting with the socket nearest to the system power supply (or supplies), the memory module sockets are labeled "DIMM_A" through "DIMM_D" (see Figure 8-4). When you install memory modules, follow these guidelines:

• You must install memory modules in matched pairs.
  
  
• Install a pair of memory modules in socket DIMM_A and DIMM_B before installing a second pair in sockets DIMM_C and DIMM_D.
  
  
• If you install different-sized pairs of memory modules, install them in order of descending capacity, beginning with the highest-capacity memory modules in sockets DIMM_A and DIMM_B.
  
  

Figure 8-4. Memory Module Sockets

Table 8-2 illustrates several sample memory configurations based on these guidelines.

Table 8-2. Sample Memory Module Configurations 

Total Desired Memory	Memory Module Sockets
	DIMM_A	DIMM_B	DIMM_C	DIMM_D
128 MB	64 MB	64 MB	none	none
256 MB	128 MB	128 MB	none	none
512 MB	256 MB	256 MB	none	none
1 GB	256 MB	256 MB	256 MB	256 MB
4 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB	1 GB

Performing a Memory Upgrade

To perform a memory upgrade to the system board, perform the following steps.

WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its electrical outlet. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your Computer" in "Checking Inside the System."

WARNING: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in the System Information document.

1. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   
2. Locate the memory module sockets in which you will install or replace memory modules.
   
   

Figure 8-1 shows the general location of the memory module sockets on the system board. Figure 8-4 shows the order of the memory module sockets.

3. Install or replace the memory modules as necessary to reach the desired memory total (see "Installing Memory Modules" or "Removing Memory Modules").
   
   
4. Close the system doors, reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system. After the system completes the power-on self-test (POST) routine, it runs a memory test. The system detects that the new memory does not match the system configuration information and displays an error message.
   
   
5. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program, and check the System Memory setting on the System Setup screens. The system should have already changed the value in the System Memory setting to reflect the newly installed memory.
   
   
6. If the System Memory value is incorrect, one or more of the memory modules may not be installed properly. Repeat steps 1 through 5, checking to make sure that the memory modules are firmly seated in their sockets.
   
   
7. Run the system memory test in the Dell™ Diagnostics.
   
   

Installing Memory Modules

To install a memory module, perform the following steps:

1. Press down and outward on the ejectors on the memory module socket, as shown in Figure 8-5, to allow the memory module to be inserted into the socket.
   
   

Figure 8-5. Installing a Memory Module

2. Align the memory module's edge connector with the slot in the center of the memory module socket, and insert the memory module into the socket (see Figure 8-5).
   
   

The memory module socket has two alignment keys that allow the memory module to be installed in the socket in only one way.

3. Press down on the memory module with your thumbs while pulling up on the ejectors with your index fingers to lock the memory module into the socket (see Figure 8-5).
   
   
4. When the memory module is properly seated in the socket, the ejectors on the memory module socket should align with the ejectors on the other sockets with memory modules installed.
   
   
5. Repeat steps 1 through 3 of this procedure to install the remaining memory modules.
   
   
6. Perform steps 4 through 7 of "Performing a Memory Upgrade."
   
   

Removing Memory Modules

To remove a memory module, press down and outward on the ejectors on each end of the socket until the memory module pops out of the socket (see Figure 8-6).

Figure 8-6. Removing a Memory Module

Upgrading the Microprocessor or Installing a Secondary Microprocessor

To take advantage of future options in speed and functionality, you can add a second processor or replace either the primary or secondary processor.

NOTICE: The second processor must be of the same type and speed as the first processor.

Each processor and its associated level 2 (L2) cache memory are contained in a Flip Chip Pin Grid Array (FC-PGA) package that is installed in a zero insertion force (ZIF) socket on the system board. The following subsection describes how to install or replace the microprocessor in either the primary or secondary processor connector.

Adding or Replacing a Microprocessor

In addition to the ZIF socket for the primary microprocessor on the system board, there is a second ZIF socket to accommodate a secondary microprocessor. The secondary microprocessor must have the same operating frequency as the primary micro-processor.

The following items are included in the microprocessor upgrade kit:

• A microprocessor chip
  
  
• A heat sink
  
  
• A retention clip
  
  
• A voltage regulator module (VRM), used if adding a second processor
  
  

NOTICE: Dell recommends that only a technically knowledgeable person perform this procedure.

1. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   

NOTICE: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in the System Information document.

2. To remove the retention clip that secures the heat sink to the microprocessor socket, press down firmly on the tab on the retention clip, and then remove the clip from the heat sink (see Figure 8-7).
   
   

NOTICE: Never remove the heat sink from a microprocessor unless you intend to remove the microprocessor. The heat sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.

CAUTION: The microprocessor chip and heat sink can become extremely hot. Be sure that the microprocessor has had sufficient time to cool before handling.

Figure 8-7. Retention Clip

3. Remove the heat sink.
   
   

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when removing the microprocessor chip. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor chip.

4. Remove the microprocessor chip from the socket by pulling the socket release lever straight up until the chip is released (see Figure 8-8) and then lift the chip out of the socket.
   
   

Leave the release lever up so that the socket is ready for the new microprocessor.

Figure 8-8. Removing the Microprocessor

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when unpacking the microprocessor chip. Bending the pins can permanently damage the microprocessor chip.

5. Unpack the new microprocessor.
   
   

If any of the pins on the microprocessor appear bent, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance from Dell.

NOTICE: Identifying the pin-1 corners is critical to positioning the chip correctly.

6. Identify the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor by turning the chip over and locating the tiny gold triangle that extends from one corner of the large central rectangular area. The gold triangle points toward pin 1, which is also uniquely identified by a square pad.
   
   
7. Align the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor chip (see Figure 8-9) with the pin-1 corner of the microprocessor socket.
   
   

Figure 8-9. Pin-1 Identification

NOTICE: Positioning the microprocessor incorrectly can permanently damage the chip and the system when you turn on the system.

8. Install the microprocessor chip in the socket (see Figure 8-10).
   
   
   1. If the release lever on the microprocessor socket is not all the way up, move it to that position now.
      
      

NOTICE: When placing the microprocessor chip in the socket, be sure that all of the pins on the chip go into the corresponding holes of the socket. Be careful not to bend the pins.

2. With the pin-1 corners of the chip and socket aligned, set the chip lightly in the socket and make sure that all pins are matched with the correct holes in the socket.
   
   

Because the system uses a ZIF microprocessor socket, there is no need to use force (which could bend the pins if the chip is misaligned). When the chip is positioned correctly, it should drop down into the socket with minimal pressure.

3. When the chip is fully seated in the socket, rotate the socket release lever back down until it snaps into place, securing the chip.
   
   

Figure 8-10. Installing the Microprocessor Chip

9. Place the new heat sink on top of the microprocessor chip (see Figure 8-11).
   
   

NOTE: To avoid possible damage to the microprocessor, you must align the heat sink so that the triangular mark on the heat sink points toward the triangular mark on the system board.

10. To replace the retention clip, orient the clip so that the release tab is adjacent to the triangular marks on the heat sink and the system board. Hook the unfolded end of the clip over the tab on the edge of the socket closest to the cooling fans; then press down on the release tab on the free end of the clip to snap the clip over the tab on the socket (see Figure 8-11).
    
    

Figure 8-11. Installing the Heat Sink

11. If you are adding a second microprocessor, insert the VRM in the secondary VRM socket as shown in Figure 8-12, making sure that the latches at each end of the socket engage.
    
    

Figure 8-12. Installing the VRM

12. Close the system doors.
    
    
13. Reconnect your system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
    
    
14. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program, and check that the microprocessor categories match the new system configuration. See the system's User's Guide for instructions.
    
    
15. As the system boots, it detects the presence of the new processor and automatically changes the system configuration information in the System Setup program.
    
    

NOTE: After you remove and replace the cover, the chassis intrusion detector will cause an alert message to be displayed at the next system start-up.

16. Enter the System Setup program, and confirm that the top line in the system data area correctly identifies the installed processor(s). See "Using the System Setup Program" in your User's Guide.
    
    
17. While in the System Setup program, reset the chassis intrusion detector.
    
    

NOTE: If a setup password has been assigned by someone else, contact your network administrator for information on resetting the chassis intrusion detector.

18. Run the Dell Diagnostics to verify that the new microprocessor is operating correctly. See "Running the Dell™ Diagnostics," for information on running the diagnostics and troubleshooting any problems that may occur.
    
    

Activating the Integrated RAID Controller

To activate the integrated PowerEdge™ Expandable RAID Controller (PERC) 3/Di, perform the following steps.

WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its electrical outlet. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your Computer" in "Checking Inside the System."

NOTICE: To avoid possible data loss, back up all data on the hard-disk drives before changing the mode of operation of the integrated SCSI controller from SCSI to RAID.

WARNING: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in the System Information document.

1. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   
2. Remove the expansion-card cage (see "Removing and Replacing the Expansion-Card Cage" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   

NOTE: Verify that the power LED on the riser board (see Figure 8-2) is off before removing the card cage.

3. Open the ejectors on the RAID controller memory module socket by pressing down and outward, as shown in Figure 8-5, to allow the memory module to be inserted into the socket.
   
   

See Figure 8-1 for the location of the socket on the system board.

4. Align the memory module's edge connector with the slot in the center of the memory module socket, and insert the memory module into the socket (see Figure 8-5).
   
   

The memory module socket has two alignment keys that allow the memory module to be installed in the socket in only one way.

NOTE: The RAID controller memory module must be an unbuffered memory module, rated to run at 100 MHz or faster. Do not substitute registered memory modules such as those used for system memory.

5. Press on the memory module with your thumbs while pulling on the ejectors with your index fingers to lock the memory module into the socket (see Figure 8-5).
   
   
6. Examine the RAID hardware key (see Figure 8-13) to ensure that it is labeled "PE25X0." Hardware keys intended for use in other systems will not enable the RAID controller. If the key is the correct type, install the key in its socket on the system board (see Figure 8-1) and secure the key with the latches on each end of the socket (see Figure 8-13).
   
   

Figure 8-13. Installing the RAID Hardware Key

7. Insert the RAID battery into the bracket on the underside of the system door (see Figure 8-14).
   
   

Figure 8-14. Installing the RAID Battery

8. Connect the battery cable to the RAID battery connector on the system board (see Figure 8-1).
   
   
9. Close the system doors, reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   
10. Install the RAID software. For details, see the RAID controller documentation.
    
    
11. Enter the System Setup program and check that the setting for the SCSI controller has changed to reflect the presence of the RAID hardware. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.
    
    

Replacing the Battery

The system battery maintains system configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when you turn off the system. The operating life of the battery ranges from 2 to 5 years, depending on how you use the system (for example, if you keep the system on most of the time, the battery gets little use and thus lasts longer). You may need to replace the battery if an incorrect time or date is displayed during the boot routine along with the following or similar message:

Time-of-day not set -- please run SETUP program
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

or

System CMOS checksum bad -- Run SETUP
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

or

Invalid configuration information -- please run SETUP program
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

To determine if the battery needs to be replaced, re-enter the time and date through the System Setup program (see "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions). Turn off and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet for a few hours, and then reconnect and turn the system on again. Enter the System Setup program. If the date and time are not correct in the System Setup program, replace the battery.

NOTE: Some software may cause the system time to speed up or slow down. If the system seems to operate normally except for the time kept in the System Setup program, the problem may be caused by software rather than by a defective battery.

NOTE: If the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the nonvolatile random-access memory (NVRAM) may lose its system configuration information. This situation is not caused by a defective battery.

You can operate the system without a battery; however, the system configuration information maintained by the battery in NVRAM is erased each time you shut down the system. Therefore, you must re-enter the system configuration information and reset the options each time the system boots until you replace the battery.

The battery is a 3.0-volt (V), coin-cell CR2032-type battery. To remove the battery, perform the following steps.

WARNING: Before you perform this procedure, you must turn off the system and disconnect it from its electrical outlet. For more information, see "Safety First—For You and Your Computer" in "Checking Inside the System."

WARNING: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

1. Enter the System Setup program and, if possible, make a printed copy of the System Setup screens. See "Using the System Setup Program" in the User's Guide for instructions.
   
   
2. Shut down the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
   
   

WARNING: See "Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge" in the safety instructions in the System Information document.

3. Open the system doors (see "Opening the System Doors" in "Checking Inside the System").
   
   
4. To remove the battery, pry the battery out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object such as a plastic screwdriver.
   
   
5. Install the new battery with the side labeled "+" facing up (see Figure 8-15).
   
   

Figure 8-15. Installing the Battery

6. Close the system doors, reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn them on.
   
   
7. Enter the System Setup program to confirm that the battery is operating properly.
   
   
8. Enter the correct time and date through the System Setup program's Time and Date settings. Also re-enter any system configuration information that is no longer displayed on the System Setup screens, and then exit the System Setup program.
   
   
9. To test the newly installed battery, turn off and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet for at least an hour.
   
   
10. After an hour, plug in and turn on the system and enter the System Setup program. If the time and date are still incorrect, see "Getting Help" for instructions on obtaining technical assistance.
    
    

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