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Installing System Components

Dell™ PowerEdge™ SC1420 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide

  Processor Cooling Shrouds

  Processor Cooling Shroud Blank

  Expansion Card Fan

  Expansion Cards

  System Memory

  Processor

  System Battery


This section describes how to install the following system components:

Processor Cooling Shrouds

Your system contains up to two processor cooling shrouds with fans to direct air flow over the processor(s). If your system contains two processor cooling shrouds, you must remove the cooling shroud for CPU_1 before you can remove the cooling shroud for CPU_0.

If only one processor is installed (CPU_0), a fan blank must be installed in place of the CPU_1 fan to maintain proper cooling.

Removing the Processor Cooling Shrouds

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
NOTICE: To avoid damaging the fan power cables, do not remove the shroud too quickly.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

NOTE: If there are two processor cooling shrouds installed, you must remove the CPU_1 cooling shroud first.
  1. If two processor cooling shrouds are installed, disconnect the fan's power cable for CPU_1 from the system board. See Figure A-3.

If only one processor cooling shroud is installed, disconnect the fan's power cable for CPU_0 from the system board. Proceed to step 5.

  1. Press the cooling shroud's locking tab and the lift the CPU_1 cooling shroud up slightly. See Figure 6-1.

  2. While squeezing the two shroud release levers that secure the cooling shroud to the back of the chassis, lift the shroud up and out of the chassis. See Figure 6-1

Figure 6-1. Removing and Installing the Processor Cooling Shrouds

Installing the Processor Cooling Shrouds

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
NOTE: When two processor cooling shrouds are installed, the cooling shroud for CPU_0 must be installed first.
  1. Connect the fan's power cable for CPU_0 to the system board. See Figure A-3.

  2. Align the processor cooling shroud with the securing slots on the back of the chassis. See Figure 6-1.

  3. Slide the cooling shroud down until the cooling shroud snaps into place.

  4. If two processor cooling shrouds are installed, repeat step 1 and step 3 for the CPU_1 cooling shroud. Ensure that the two cooling shrouds are secured by the locking tab.

  5. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  6. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

Processor Cooling Shroud Blank

The processor cooling shroud blank is used when only one processor is installed. The blank must be installed in place of the CPU_1 cooling shroud to maintain proper cooling.

Removing the Processor Cooling Shroud Blank

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. While squeezing the two release levers on the processor cooling shroud blank, slide the blank up and out of the system See Figure 6-2.

Figure 6-2. Removing and Installing the Processor Cooling Shroud Blank

.

Installing the Processor Cooling Shroud Blank

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Align the processor cooling shroud blank with the securing slots on the back of the chassis. See Figure 6-2.

  4. Slide the blank down until it snaps into place.

  5. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  6. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

Expansion Card Fan

The expansion card fan is part of the expansion card cooling shroud. The fan and shroud are replaced as a unit.

Removing the Expansion Card Fan

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Disconnect the fan's power cable from the system board. See Figure A-3.

  4. While pressing on the expansion card cooling shroud release lever, slide the cooling shroud forward toward the front of the system. See Figure 6-3.

  5. Remove the cooling shroud from the system.

Figure 6-3. Removing and Installing the Expansion Card Cooling Shroud

.

Installing the Expansion Card Fan

  1. Align the eight securing tabs of the cooling shroud with the holes in the system cover.

  2. Lower the cooling shroud into the holes in the cover and slide the cooling shroud backward toward the back of the system until the cooling shroud snaps into place. See Figure 6-3.

  3. Connect the fan's power cable to the system board. See Figure A-3.

  4. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  5. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

Expansion Cards

The system supports up to six half-length PCI expansion cards (three 64-bit, 100-MHz PCI-X, two 2.5-GHz PCI Express, and one 32-bit, 33-MHz). See Figure A-3 for the location of the expansion card slots.

Installing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Press the lever on the card retention arm and raise the retention arm. See Figure 6-4.

Figure 6-4. Installing an Expansion Card

  1. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket.

NOTE: Keep this bracket in case you need to remove the expansion card. Filler brackets must be installed over empty expansion-card slots 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.
  1. Prepare the card for installation.

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

NOTE: Some NICs automatically start the system when they are connected to a network.
  1. Place the card-edge connector in the expansion-card connector and press down firmly. Ensure that the card is fully seated in the slot.

  2. Lower the retention arm, ensuring that:

    1. The tops of all cards and filler brackets are flush with the alignment bar.

    1. The notch in the top of the card or filler bracket fits around the alignment guide.

  3. Press the retention arm into place, securing the card(s) in the system.

NOTICE: Do not route card cables over or behind the cards. Cables routed over the cards can prevent the system cover from closing properly or cause damage to the equipment.
  1. Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.

See the documentation for the card for information about the card's cable connections.

  1. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  2. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

  3. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

Removing an Expansion Card

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Press the lever on the retention arm and raise the retention arm. See Figure 6-4.

  4. If necessary, disconnect any cables from the card.

  5. Grasp the card by its top corners, and ease it out of its connector.

  6. If you are removing the card permanently, install a filler bracket in the empty card-slot opening.

NOTE: Filler brackets must be installed over empty expansion card slots to maintain 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.
  1. Lower the retention arm and press it into place, securing the remaining card(s) in the system. See Figure 6-4.

  2. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

  4. Remove the card's device driver from the operating system.

System Memory

See Figure A-3 for the location of the six memory module connectors. The six memory module connectors on the system board can accommodate from 256 MB to 12 GB of 400-MHz registered ECC DDR II memory modules.

Memory Module Upgrade Kits

The system is upgradable to 12 GB by installing combinations of 256-MB, 512-MB, 1-GB, or 2-GB 400-MHz registered ECC DDR II memory modules. You can purchase memory upgrade kits from Dell.

Memory Module Installation Guidelines

NOTE: Dual-ranked memory modules with less capacity take precedence over single-ranked memory modules with greater capacity.

Figure 6-5. Determining the Memory Module's Capacity and Rank

NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the system during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new memory modules that you may have, even if you purchased the new memory modules from Dell. Use only registered ECC DDR II memory modules.

Table 6-1 illustrates sample memory configurations. The configurations shown do not indicate dual-ranked memory modules. See "Memory Module Installation Guidelines" for detailed information.

Table 6-1. Sample Memory Configurations 

Total Memory

DIMM_1

DIMM_2

DIMM_3

DIMM_4

DIMM_5

DIMM_6

256 MB

256 MB

none

none

none

none

none

512 MB

256 MB

256 MB

none

none

none

none

1 GB

256 MB

256 MB

256 MB

256 MB

none

none

1 GB

512 MB

512 MB

none

none

none

none

2 GB

512 MB

512 MB

512 MB

512 MB

none

none

2 GB

1 GB

1 GB

none

none

none

none

4 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

none

none

4 GB

1 GB

1 GB

512 MB

512 MB

512 MB

512 MB

6 GB

2 GB

2 GB

1 GB

1 GB

none

none

6 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

8 GB

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

none

none

8 GB

2 GB

2 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

1 GB

12 GB

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

2 GB

Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations (Microsoft® Windows® Only)

Your system supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory using four 1-GB memory modules. Current operating systems can use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is slightly less than 4 GB. Certain components within the system require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by system memory.

The following components require address space:

At start-up, the BIOS identifies the components that require address space. The BIOS dynamically calculates the amount of reserved address space required. The BIOS then subtracts the reserved address space from 4 GB to determine the amount of usable space.

Installing a Memory Module

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Press on the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector. See Figure 6-6.

  4. Align the memory module's edge connector with the alignment key in the connector.

The memory module connector has an alignment key that allows the memory module to be installed in the connector in only one way.

  1. Insert the module into the connector, and carefully press each end of the module into place.

Figure 6-6. Installing a Memory Module

  1. Pull up on the securing clips to lock the module into place.

If you insert the module correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the module.

When the memory module is properly seated in the connector, the securing clips on the memory module socket should align with the securing clips on the other connectors with memory modules installed.

  1. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  2. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

The system detects that the new memory does not match the existing configuration information and generates the following message:

The amount of system memory has changed.
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility

  1. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program and check the value for Memory Info. See your User's Guide for detailed information.

The system should have changed the value for Memory Info to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the new value. If it is correct, skip to step 13.

  1. If the memory value is incorrect, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system.

  3. Ensure that the installed memory modules are seated properly in their connectors, and repeat step 6 through step 9.

  4. When the Memory Info value is correct, press <Esc> to exit the System Setup program.

  5. Run the system diagnostics to verify that the memory modules are operating properly.

Removing a Memory Module

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Press out on the securing clip at each end of the memory module connector. See Figure 6-6.

  4. Grasp the memory module and pull it out of the connector.

If the module is difficult to remove, gently move the module back and forth to remove it from the connector.

Processor

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

NOTE: If two processors are installed, they must be identical (speed, type, and cache).

Each processor and its associated cache memory are contained in a PGA package that is installed in a ZIF socket on the system board.

Removing the Processor

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
CAUTION: The processor and heat sink can get very hot during normal operation. Ensure that they have had sufficient time to cool before you touch them.
NOTE: If two processors are installed, CPU_0 must be removed before removing CPU_1.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Remove the processor cooling shroud(s). See "Removing the Processor Cooling Shrouds."

  4. Remove the processor heat sink.

NOTE: If you are removing the CPU_1 heat sink, remove the VRM before removing the heat sink. See "Removing the VRM."
    1. Remove the two retention module clips by squeezing the tabs on the clip and lifting the retention module clip up. See Figure 6-7.

    1. On the retention module base, pull the tab away from the heat sink and rotate the heat sink away from the processor as shown in Figure 6-8.

Figure 6-7. Removing the Retention Module Clip

Figure 6-8. Removing and Installing the Heat Sink

  1. Pull the processor socket release lever straight up until the processor is released. See Figure 6-9.

Figure 6-9. Removing the Processor

NOTICE: Be careful not to bend any of the pins when you remove the processor from the socket. Bending the pins can permanently damage the processor.
  1. Remove the processor from the socket.

If you are replacing the processor, leave the release lever in the release position so that the socket is ready for the new processor and go to "Installing a Processor."

  1. If you are permanently removing the processor, rotate the release lever back toward the system board until it snaps into place.

While squeezing the tabs on retention module clip, lower the clip into the retention module base until it snaps into place. See Figure 6-7. Repeat this step for the second retention module clip.

  1. Install the CPU_1 cooling shroud blank. See "Installing the Processor Cooling Shroud Blank."

  2. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

Installing a Processor

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. If the processor release lever is not in the release position, move it to that position.

  4. Align pin 1 (the imprinted corner) of the processor and pin 1 of the socket.

NOTICE: Processor pins are delicate. To avoid damage, ensure that the processor aligns properly with the socket, and do not use excessive force when you install the processor.
  1. Carefully set the processor in the socket and press it down lightly to seat it. See Figure 6-10.

  2. Rotate the release lever back toward the system board until it snaps into place, securing the processor.

Figure 6-10. Installing the Processor

  1. Remove the thermal grease protective cover from the heat sink.

  2. Place one end of the heat sink under the retention module base tab, and lower the heat sink onto the processor until the heat sink snaps securely in the retention module base. See Figure 6-8.

  3. While squeezing the tabs on retention module clip, lower the clip into the retention module base until it snaps into place. See Figure 6-7.

Repeat this step for the second retention module clip.

  1. If you are adding a second processor, remove the processor cooling shroud blank and install the VRM. See "Removing the Processor Cooling Shroud Blank" and "Installing the VRM."

If you are replacing a processor, replace the processor cooling shroud. See "Installing the Processor Cooling Shrouds."

  1. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  2. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

Removing the VRM

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
NOTICE: Remove the VRM before you remove the CPU_1 processor.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Remove the CPU_1 processor cooling shroud. See "Removing the Processor Cooling Shrouds."

  4. Press out on the securing clip at each end of the VRM connector. See Figure 6-11.

  5. Grasp the VRM and pull it out of the connector.

  6. If dual processors are installed, install the new VRM. See "Installing the VRM."

If the system is operating in a single processor mode, continue to the next step.

  1. Install a processor cooling shroud blank. See "Installing the Processor Cooling Shroud Blank."

  2. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

Figure 6-11. Removing and Installing the VRM

Installing the VRM

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
NOTICE: A VRM must be installed to operate the system with two processors. See Figure A-3 for the location of the VRM connector.
  1. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Remove the processor cooling shroud blank or processor cooling shroud. See "Removing the Processor Cooling Shrouds" or "Removing the Processor Cooling Shroud Blank."

  4. Align the VRM's edge connector with the alignment key in the connector. See Figure 6-11.

The VRM connector has an alignment key that allows the VRM to be installed in the connector in only one way.

  1. Insert the VRM into the connector, and carefully press each end of the VRM into place.

  2. Pull up on the securing clips to lock the VRM into place.

If you insert the VRM correctly, the securing clips snap into the cutouts at each end of the VRM.

  1. Install the processor cooling shrouds. See "Installing the Processor Cooling Shrouds."

  2. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

System Battery

A coin-cell battery maintains system configuration, date, and time information. The battery can last several years.

If you have to repeatedly reset time and date information after turning on the computer, replace the battery.

The battery may need replacing if you have repeatedly reset the time and date information after turning on the system or if one of the following messages appear:

Time-of-day not set - please run SETUP program

or

Invalid configuration information -
please run SETUP program

To determine whether you need to replace the battery, see "Troubleshooting the System Battery" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

You can operate your system without a battery; however, without a battery, the configuration information is erased if the system is turned off or unplugged from the electrical outlet. In this case, you must enter the System Setup program and reset the configuration options.

CAUTION: A new battery can explode 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.

Replacing the Battery

CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to open the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. See your System Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.
  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.

  2. Open the system. See "Opening the System" in Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Locate the battery on the system board. See Figure A-3 for the battery location.

NOTICE: If you use a blunt, nonconductive object to depress the tab next to the battery, be careful not to touch the system board with the object. Ensure that the object is inserted between the battery and the tab before you attempt to depress the tab. Do not pry out the battery. You may damage the system board by prying off the socket or by breaking circuit traces on the system board.
  1. Remove the battery by pressing on the tab. See Figure 6-12.

Figure 6-12. Replacing the Battery

  1. Install the new battery with the side labeled "+" facing up, and press down until it snaps into place.

  2. Close the system. See "Closing the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."

  3. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

  4. Enter the System Setup program to confirm that the battery operates properly.

  5. From the main screen, select System Time to enter the correct time and date.

Also, re-enter any system configuration information that is no longer displayed on the System Setup screens, and then exit the System Setup program.

  1. To test the newly installed battery, turn off the system and disconnect it from electrical power for at least an hour.

  2. After an hour, reconnect the system to a power source and turn it on.

  3. Enter the System Setup program. If the time and date are still incorrect, see "Getting Help."

  4. Properly dispose of the old battery. For more information, see your System Information Guide.

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