Acer G540 Series manuale d’uso

Acer Altos G540 Series User’ s Guide AA G540_UG_EN-1.fm Page i We dnesday, August 9, 2006 8:59 AM[...]

Changes may be made periodically to the info rmation in this publicat ion without obligation to notify any person of such re vision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary doc uments and publications. This company makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, with respect [...]

iii Notices FCC notice Class 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 th e class of the device is determined, refer to the following corresponding statement. Class A equipment This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device [...]

iv Use conditions This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this devi ce may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interf erence received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. Notice: Canadian users This Class A digital apparatus me[...]

v Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully . Save these instructions for future reference. 1 Follow all warnings and instruct ions marked on the product. 2 Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aeros ol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 3 Do not use this product near wa[...]

vi 11 Unplug this product from the wall ou tlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions: a When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed. b If liquid has been spilled on the product. c If the product has been ex posed to rain or water . d If the product does not operat e normally when the operating instr[...]

Contents 1 System tour 1 System specifications 3 Performance 3 Mechanical 6 Environmental 6 Hardware options 7 External and internal structure 8 Front bezel 8 Front panel 9 Rear panel 11 Internal components 13 System boards 14 Mainboard 14 Backplane board 17 SAS controller board 18 BMC module 19 ARMC/3 module 20 System LED indicators 21 Front panel[...]

viii Installing a HDD cage 41 Removing a HDD cage 44 Installing an additional hard drive 45 Configuring a 5-25 inch storage device 48 Upgrading the processor 50 Upgrading the system memory 55 Installing an expansion card 60 Installing the SAS controller board 62 Installing the BMC module 63 Installing the ARMC/3 module 64 Installing a redundant pow[...]

ix 5 System troubleshooting 99 Resetting the system 101 Initial system startup problems 102 Initial troubleshooting checklist 103 Hardware diagnostic testing 104 Checking the boot-up status 104 Verifying the condition of the storage devices 105 Confirming loading of the operating system 105 Specific problems and corrective actions 106 Appendix A: S[...]

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1 System tour[...]

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 flexible features designed to meet the needs of various network environments. From simple networking functions to computing intensive applications, the Altos G540 delivers.[...]

3 System specifications This section lists down the impre ssive computing features of the Altos G540 system. Performance Processor • T wo Intel LGA771 processor sockets supporting Dual-Core Intel ® Xeon™ processor • 2x 2 MB or 4 MB external L2 cache • 1066 or 1333 MHz FSB speed • Support for the following Intel technologies: 1 • Hyper-[...]

1 System tour 4 PCI interface • Six PCI bus slots with three separate bus segments • Three PCI Express x8 bus slots • T wo 64-bit, 66/100 MHz PCI-X bus slots • One 32-bit/33 MHz PCI bus slot • One dedicated PCI-X slot for th e optional SAS controller board. Video controller • Integrated A TI ES1000 chipset • 16 MB DDR SDRAM Networking[...]

5 I/O ports Power supply and system fan • 610-watts power supply with redundant option • System fan with redundant option Hardwar e monitoring and server management • Winbond W83792D hardware monitoring IC for voltage, temperature, and fan speed detection • LED indicators for constant m onitoring of basic system function • Acer Server Man[...]

1 System tour 6 Mechanical • Chassis • T ool-less chassis design for easy hardware access and configuration • T ower and rack-mount (5U, tray-less) setup options • Dimensions – Height: 445 mm (17.5 in) – Depth: 212 mm (8.3 in) – Width: 550 mm (21.6 in) • Mainboard • Dimensions (length x width): 304.8 x 330.2 mm (12 x 13 in) • Pl[...]

7 Hard ware options Note: T o purchase the any of the following hardware options, contact your local Acer representative. • Media storage • LSI 1068 SAS controller board provides both SAS and SA T A2 support • LSI MegaRAID SAS RAID controller board supports: – Hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50 levels – Backup battery unit (BBU) option •[...]

1 System tour 8 Exter nal and inter nal structure Fr ont bezel No. Component 1 Side panel release button 2 Security keylock This lock secures the bezel door to protect the server unit from unauthorized access. 3 LED indicator panel For more information on the LED in dicators description, go to page 21. 4 Bezel door[...]

9 Front panel No. Icon Component Description 1 DVD-ROM drive Eject button Press this button to open the DVD drive tray . 2 DVD-ROM drive activity indicator When the LED indicator is lit, there is an ongoing DVD drive activity . 3 DVD-ROM drive mechanical eject hole When the DVD drive tray get stucked, insert a paperclip to this hole to manually eje[...]

1 System tour 10 9 LAN port 1/2 status indicators Indicate the system network connection status. 10 Hot-plug HDD activity indicator Indicates the status of a hot-plug HDD installed in the system (green /amber). 11 HDD cage Supports four hot-plug or easy-swap SAS or SA T A2 HDDs. 12 HDD cage bay Supports an optional four -bay HDD cage (hot-plug or e[...]

11 Rear panel No. Icon Component Description 1 Power supply module release latch Push down the latch to disengage the module from the chassis. 2 Power supply module cord socket Connect the system power cord here. 3M a i n p o w e r supply module Provides the system’ s main power supply . 4 PS/2 mouse port Connects to a PS/2 mouse. 5 PS/2 keyboard[...]

1 System tour 12 9U n i t identification (UID) switch/ indicator Press to mark a particular server unit within a server group (when rack-mounted) for purpose of identification during servicing or maintenance procedures. (blue) 10 USB 2.0 ports Connects to USB devices. 11 Gigabit LAN ports 1/2 Connects to an Inte rnet or intranet network. 12 PCI slo[...]

13 Intern al components No. Component 1 Redundant power su pply module bay 2 Air duct 3 Heat sink fan (HSF) assemblies 4 Release sliders for the 5.25-inch devices 5 Release sliders for the HDD cages 6 Mainboard 7 PCI slot lock levers 8 System fan Users have the option to purchase a redundant system fan unit.[...]

1 System tour 14 System boar ds Mainboar d[...]

15 No. Code Description 1 CN2 T op: PS/2 mouse port Bottom: PS/2 keyboard port 2 COM1 Serial port 3 LPT1 Parallel/printer port 4 VGA1 Monitor port 5 SW1 UID switch 6 — Gigabit LAN ports 7 — USB 2.0 ports 8D I M M A 1 DIMMA2 DIMMB1 DIMMB2 Branch 0 FBD slots 9D I M M C 1 DIMMC2 DIMMD1 DIMMD2 Branch 1 FBD slots 10 F AN_R2 System fan 2 cable connec[...]

1 System tour 16 No. Code Description 20 JP_P ASS1 Clear password jumper Open – Normal (default) Close – Clear password 21 JP_REC1 BIOS recovery jumper 1-2 – Enable BIOS recovery 2-3 – Disable (default) 22 IDE1 IDE cable connector 23 USB1 and USB2 Front USB connectors 24 SA T A HDD 0-5 SA T A2 data cable connectors 25 CLR_CMOS1 Clear CMOS j[...]

17 B ackplane 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 Description 37 PCI-E 4 PCI-E 5 PCI Express x8 expansion slots 38 U4 Video memory 39 PCI-X 2 PCI-X 3 1 1 The PCI-X 3 slot (green) supports the install ation of a SAS ZCR (Zero Channel RAID) option car[...]

1 System tour 18 SAS contr oller board This controller board enables the installation of a SAS HDD. 6 792D_ID1 HDD cage ID setting jumper Close 1-2 – 5C (default for top HDD cage) Close 2-3 – 58 (default for bottom HDD cage) 7 SAS/CON SAS/SA T A2 HDD data cable connector 8 J5 Backplane board management cable connector 9 SA T A/SAS_1-4 SAS/SA T [...]

19 BMC module The optional BMC module is the meeting point between the server hardware and the system management software. In conjunction with the mainboard hardware monitor , it allows system administrators to manage the system remotely over a network. No. Code Description 1 SODIMM1 ARMC/3 module connector 2 DIMM1 BMC module mainboard connector 3 [...]

1 System tour 20 ARMC/3 module The optional ARMC/3 module expands the server’ s remote management function through its own dedicated NIC port. System administrators can now have full remo te access to the server regardless of its condition. Options to access server configuration, performance and storage; view a summary of key components; and moni[...]

21 System LED indicators This section discusses the different LED indicators located on the: • Front panel • Hot-plug HDD carrier • LAN port • Power supply module Knowing what each LED indicato r signifies can aid in problem diagnosis and troubleshooting. Front panel LED indicators The five LED indicators mounted on the front panel allow th[...]

1 System tour 22 Hot-plug HDD LED indicator A drive activity LED indicator is mounted on the hot-plug HDD carrier . The table below lists the possible drive states. LAN port LED indicators Status Green Amber Description HDD access Blinking — Ongoing hot-plug HDD activity HDD failure — On Hot-plug HDD failure HDD rebuild Flashing green/amber HDD[...]

23 Power supply module LED indicators Indicator Color Status Description Status (top) Green On Output requirements are met. Off AC power is disconnected from the module. Fault (bottom) Green On Input vo ltage requirements are met. Amber On • Overvoltage • Overcurrent • Output short circuit Off AC power is disconnected from the module.[...]

1 System tour 24[...]

2 System setup[...]

This chapter gives you instructions on how to prepare the system for operation. Procedures for connecting peripherals are also explained.[...]

27 Setting up the system Pre-installation r equirements Selecting a site Before unpacking and installing the sy stem, select a suitable site for the system for maximum efficiency . Consider the following factors when choosing a site for the system: • Near a grounded power outlet • Clean and dust-free • Stable surface free from vibration • W[...]

2 System setup 28 Connecting peripherals The color-coded I/O port panel on th e system rear accepts a variety of compatible peripherals. Refer to the figure below for specific connection instructions for each port. Note: Consult the operating system manual for information on how to configure the network setup. Caution: Do not route the power cord w[...]

29 T ur ning on the system After making sure that you have properly set up the system, applied power , and connected all the necessary peripherals, you can now power on the system. Follow the procedure below . 1 Open the bezel door . 2 Press the power button. The system starts up and disp lays a welcome message on the monitor . After that, a series[...]

2 System setup 30 Note: If the system does not turn on or boot after pressing the power button, go to the next sect ion for the possible causes of the boot failure. Aside from the POST messages, you can determine if the system is in good condition by checking if the following occurred. • The power status indicator on the front panel lights up gre[...]

31 Configuring the system OS The Altos G540 comes with Acer EasyBUILD that allows users to conveniently install the preferred operating system. T o start using EasyBUILD, follow the steps below . 1 Locate the EasyBUILD DVD includ ed in the system package. 2 With the system turned on, press the DVD-ROM drive Eject button. 3 When the disc tray slides[...]

2 System setup 32 Rack mount configuration The Altos G540 server is a dual-plat form system that can be set up in both tower and rack-mount configurations. A rack mount kit is available for customers who prefer to mount the server in a system rack. T o purchase a rack mount kit, contact your local Acer representative or order dire ctly from http://[...]

33 T ur ning of f the system There are two ways to turn off the server—via software or via hardware. The software procedure below applies to a system running on a Windows OS. For other NOS sh utdown procedures, refer to the related user documentation. T o turn off the system via softwar e: 1P r e s s Ctrl + Alt + Delete on the attached keyboard o[...]

2 System setup 34[...]

3 System upgrade[...]

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

37 Installation pr ecautions Before you install any server comp onent, it is recommended that you read the following sections first. These sections cont ain important ESD precautions along with pre-installation and post-installation procedures. ESD precautions Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can da mage static-sensitive hardware components, such as t[...]

3 System upgrade 38 Pre-installation instructions Perform the steps below before you open the server or before your remove or replace any component. W arning! Failure to properly turn off the server befor e you start perform any hardwar e configuration may cause serious damage and bodily harm. Do not attempt the procedur es described in the followi[...]

39 Opening the server Caution: Before you proceed, make su re that you have turned off the system and all peripheral s connected to it. Read the “Pre-installation instructions” section on page 38. Y ou need to open the server before you can install upgrade components. The front bezel and (l eft) side panel are removable to allow access to the s[...]

3 System upgrade 40 Removing the fr ont bezel 1 Remove the side panel. Refer to the previous section for instructions. 2 Remove the front bezel. (1) Release the bezel door retenti on tabs from the chassis interior . (2) Pull the bezel away from the chassis.[...]

41 Configuring the har d drive The two HDD cage bays of the Altos G540 accommodates both hot-plug and easy-swap HDD cage m odels. The main difference between these two cage models is the presence of a backplane board on the rear side of the hot-plug HDD cage. Both cage models support up to four SA T A2 or SAS hard disk drives. The system ships out [...]

3 System upgrade 42 3 Install the HDD cage. (1) Slide the cage into the lower bay with the HDD carriers facing front. The cage locked to the chassi s with an audible click. If you have installed a hot- plug HDD cage, proceed to next step for related drive cable connections. Drive cable connections for an easy-swap HDD can be found on page page 47. [...]

43 (3) Connect the other end of the SAS/SA TA2 cable to the SAS1-1 connector of the SAS controller board. 4 Remove the HDD cage bay plastic cover from the front bezel. (1) Use a flat-blade screwdriver to disengage the tabs on the top edge of the cover from its bezel slots. (2) Detach the cover from the bezel. Store this cover for future reinstallat[...]

3 System upgrade 44 Removing a HDD cage 1 Perform the pre-installation in structions described on page 37. 2 Prepare the HDD cage for removal. • For a hot-plug HDD cage, disc onnect the data and power cables from the backplane board, then remove all HDDs from the cage. • For an easy-swap HDD cage, disconnect the data and power cables from their[...]

45 Installing an additional har d drive The Altos G540 HDD cage models supports both SA TA2 and SAS hard drives in different capacities. Note: If you intend to install a SAS hard drive model, you first need to install the SAS controll er board option. For related instructions, go to page 62. T o install a hot-plug har d drive: 1 If necessary , unlo[...]

3 System upgrade 46 4 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 drive into the cage. (1) Slide the drive into the cage with the carrier handle still extended. (2) Make sure that the drive is properly inserted before pushing the handle back until it clicks into [...]

47 T o install an easy-swap har d drive: 1 Remove the side panel from the chassis. Go to page 39 for instructions. 2 Observe steps 2 through 5 of the previous section. 3 Connect the easy-swap HDD cables. (1) Connect the power connectors of the SAS/SA T A2 cable to the power supply module HDD power cables. (2) Connect the data connectors of the SAS/[...]

3 System upgrade 48 Configuring a 5-25 inch storage device The three 5.25-inch device bays suppo rt a variety of storage devices for additional storage capacity and scalability . Go to page 4 for a list of supported storage devices. By default, the system ships with a DVD-ROM drive installed on the topmost device bay , and a floppy dr ive on the bo[...]

49 5 Remove the two screws that se cure the cover of the empty 5.25-inch drive bay (1) , then detach the cover (2) . Keep this cover for future reinstallation. 6 Install the new 5.25-inch storage device. The instructions given below appl y to a regular 5.25-inch storage device. If you intend to replace or install a floppy drive, refer to the docume[...]

3 System upgrade 50 Upgrading the pr ocessor This section explains the procedur es for removing and installing the processor and heat sink fan (HSF) assembly . Processor configuration guidelines The mainboard has two LGA771 processor sockets supporting Dual-Core Intel Xeon processors. Y ou have the option to upgrade the default processor or install[...]

51 4 Remove the HSF assembly . (1) Use a long-nosed screwdrive r to loosen the four HSF mounting pins. (2) Once you have loosened all four mounting pins, lift the HSF away from the mainboard. (3) Lay down the HSF in an upri ght position—with the thermal patch facing upward. Do not let the thermal patch touch the work surface. Use an alcohol pad t[...]

3 System upgrade 52 6 Store the old processor inside an anti-static bag. 7 Remove the new processor from its protective packaging. 8 Install the new processor . (1) Hold the processor by its edges, then insert it in the socket. Make sure that the alignment ta bs on the socket fit the two notch located on the edge of the processor . The pins are key[...]

53 10 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 mounting pins to secure the assembly . 11 Reconnect the HSF cable to its mainboard connector . Refer to the “Mainboard” section on page 14 for the location of the HSF connectors. 12 Observe the[...]

3 System upgrade 54 4 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 mounting pins to secure the assembly . 5 Observe the post-installation ins tructions described on page 38.[...]

55 Upgrading the system memory This section explains the proced ures for removing and installing a fully-buffered memory module. System memory interface The mainboard has eight DIMM slots divided into two memory branches. Each branch is made up of two channels each, which in turn comprised of two FBD slots. •B r a n c h 0 • Channel A - DIMMA1 a[...]

3 System upgrade 56 • Observe the population sequence illustrated in the table below when installing a memory module. The installation sequence listed in the above table is illustrated in the following figures. • In a minimum memory configuration, the FBD should be installed in the DIMMA1 slot. Branch 0 Branch 1 DIMM A1 DIMMA2 DIMMB 1 DIMMB2 DI[...]

57 • Install FBD pair upgrades in the following sequence: – First FBD pair: DIMMA1 and DIMMB1 slots – Upgrade 1: DIMMC1 and DIMMD1 slots – Upgrade 2: DIMMA2 and DIMMB2 slots – Upgrade 3: DIMMC2 and DIMMD2 slots T o r emove an FBD: Important: Before removing an FBD, make sure to back up all important system files. Also, no te that FBDs sho[...]

3 System upgrade 58 4 Remove the FBD. (1) Press the holding clips on both sides of the socket outward to release the DIMM. (2) Gently pull the DIMM upward to remove it from the socket. 5 If you intend to install a new FBD, proceed to the next section for related procedure, otherwise rein stall the air duct, then observe the post-installation instru[...]

59 (2) Firmly press the holding clips in ward to lock the FDB in place. If the holding clips do not close, the FBD is not properly inserted. 6 Reinstall the air duct. 7 Observe the post-installation inst ructions described on page 38. The system automatically detects the amount of memory installed. Run the BIOS setup to view the new value for total[...]

3 System upgrade 60 Installing an expansion car d This section explains how to install an expansion card. I/O interface Altos G540 has six PCI bus slots with of three separate bus segments, namely: • PCI-E 1, PCI-E 4, and PCI-E 5 – PCI Express x8 slots • PCI-X 2 and PCI-X 3 – 64-bit, 66/100 MHz PCI-X slots • PCI7 – One 32-bit/33 MHz PCI[...]

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) Connect the necessary cables to the expansion card as required. 5 Observe the post-installation inst ructions described on page 38. When you turn on the system, the BIOS setup automatically detects [...]

3 System upgrade 62 Installing the SAS contr oller boar d If you intend to install a SAS hard dr ive, you need to first install the LSI 1068 SAS controller board option. T o install the SAS contr oller board: 1 Perform the pre-installation in structions described on page 37. 2 Locate the SODIMM slot. If nece ssary , remove any cables that prevent a[...]

63 Installing the BMC module The optional BMC module allows syste m administrators to manage the Altos G540 system remotely over a network. T o install the BMC module: 1 Perform the pre-installation inst ructions described on page 37. 2 Locate the IPMB_6 slot. If nece ssary , remove any boards or cables that prevent access to it. 3 If necessary , o[...]

3 System upgrade 64 Installing the ARMC/3 module Remote system management just got easier with the new ARMC/3 module. The module provides high performance KVM (keyboard- video-mouse) redirection and features a dedicated NIC port for faster network access. T o install the ARMC/3 module: 1 Perform the pre-installation in structions described on page [...]

65 6 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 figure below is for illustration purpose only . (2) Pull out the slot cover and store it for reassembly later . Caution: Do not discard the slot cover . If the expansion card is removed in the future[...]

3 System upgrade 66 Installing a r edundant power supply module The Altos G540 supports two 610 -watts hot-swap power supply modules. The system ships out wi th only one power supply module installed. Y ou have the option to install a second module to provide the system with a redundant power source. A redundant power configuration enables a fully-[...]

67 T o 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 ba y until you feel resistance, and it locks into place. 3 Verify that the power status indicators on the main power supply and on the newly installed redundant power supply are illuminated gre[...]

3 System upgrade 68[...]

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.[...]

71 BIOS overview BIOS setup is a hardware configurat ion program built into the system's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Since most systems are already properly configured and optimized, ther e is no need to run this utility . Y ou will need to run this utility under the following conditions. • When changing the system configuration settin[...]

4 System BIOS 72 Entering BIOS setup 1 T urn on the server and the monitor . If the server is already turned on, close all open applications, then restart the server . 2 During POST , press F2 . If you fail to press F2 before POST is comple ted, you will need to restart the server . The Setup Main menu will be disp layed showing the Setup’ s menu[...]

73 BIOS setup navigation keys Use the following keys to move around the Setup utility . • Left and Right arrow keys – Move between selections on the menu bar . • Up and Down arrow keys – Move the cursor to the field you want. • PgUp and PgDn keys – Move the cursor to the previous and next page of a multiple page menu. •H o m e – Mov[...]

4 System BIOS 74 Main menu Parameter Description System T ime Set the system time following the hour-minute-second format. System Date Set the date following the weekday-month-day-year format. BIOS V ersion V ersion number of the BIOS setup utility BIOS Date Date when the BI OS setup utility was created Processor CPU T ype CPU Speed CPU Count T ech[...]

75 Advanced menu The Advanced menu display submenu options for configuring the function of various hardware comp onents. Select a submenu item, then press Enter to access the related submenu screen.[...]

4 System BIOS 76 Advanced Processor Options Parameter Description Option Processor Retest Select whethe r to delete the historical processor data log. Processor(s) will be retested on the next boot-up. Ye s No CPU T ype Processor model name CPU Speed The processor speed is the speed at which a microprocessor executes instructions. Clock speeds are [...]

77 CPU Cache Control Intel Virtualization T echnology Select whether to enable the Intel Virtualization T echnology function. VT allows a single pla tform to run multiple operating systems in independent partitions. Enabled Disabled C1 Enhanced Mode Select whether to enable the C1 Enhanced mode for the processor . If enabled, all logical processors[...]

4 System BIOS 78 Memory Configuration Parameter Description Option Extended Memory T otal size of extended me mory detected during POST DIMM Group #1 - 8 Status The size of memory installed on each of the FBD slots. Memory Retest Select whether to delete the historical memory data log. System memory will be retested on the next boot-up. Ye s No Ext[...]

79 Advanced Chipset Control Parameter Description Option Advanced Multimedia Ti m e r Select whether to enable the system multimedia timer . Ye s No Crystal Beach Configure Enable Select whether to enable configuration /memory mapped access to the Crystal Beach Configuration space. Enabled Disabled I/O Acceleration T echnology Select whether to ena[...]

4 System BIOS 80 PCI Configuration Parameter Description Option PCI Slot 1 - 6 Option ROM When enabled, this setting will initialize the device expansion ROM for the related PCI slot. Enabled Disabled SAS Option ROM When enabled, this setting will initialize the SAS controller board expansion ROM. Enabled Disabled LAN 1/2 Option ROM Scan Select whe[...]

81 I/O Device Configuration Parameter Description Option Serial Port A/B When enabled allows you to configure the serial port settings. When set to Auto allows the server’ s BIOS or OS to select a configuration. When set to Disabled , displays no configuration for the serial port. Enabled Disabled Auto[...]

4 System BIOS 82 Base I/O address Base I/O addr ess and IRQ setting for the selected serial port 3F8/IRQ4 2F8/IRQ3 3E8/IRQ4 2E8/IRQ3 Parallel Port When enabled allows you to configure the parallel port settings. Enabled Disabled Mode Sets the op eration mode for the parallel port. When set to Bi-Directional , allows normal speed operation in a two [...]

83 IDE Configuration The IDE Configuration submenu lets y ou define the parameter settings related to the system hard drive(s). Parallel A T A Select whether to enable support for PA TA d e v i c e s . Enabled Disabled Serial A T A Select whether to enable support for SA T A devices. Enabled Disabled Native Mode Operation Select the native mode for[...]

4 System BIOS 84 I/O Channel 0/Secondary Master/Slave Parameter Description Option T ype Selects the drive type. Auto None CD-ROM A T API Removable IDE Removable User T otal Sectors T otal number of sectors av ailable in the selected hard drive. Maximum Capacity Maximum capacity of the selected hard drive. Multi-Sector T ransfers Set the multi-Sect[...]

85 Floppy Configuration The Floppy Configuration submenu di splays the type of floppy disk drive installed in the server . T ransfer Mode Select a transfer mode to enhance hard disk performance. Fast PIO 4 Standard Fast PIO 1 Fast PIO 2 Fast PIO 3 FPIO 3/DMA 1 FPIO 4/DMA 2 Ultra DMA Mode Selects DMA (Direct Memory Access) mode. Mode 6 Disabled Mode[...]

4 System BIOS 86 Boot Configuration Parameter Description Option Boot-time Diagnostic Screen Choose whether to di splay the boot-time diagnostic screen during POST . Enabled Disabled Reset Configuration Data Select whether to erase data in the section of memory for ESCD (Extended System Configuration Data) which stores the configuration settings fo[...]

87 DMI Event Logging After Power Failure Defines the power state to resume to after a system shutdown that is due to an interruption in AC power . When set to Last State , the system will return to the active power state prior to shutdown. When set to Stay Off , the system remains off after power shutdown. When set to Power On , the system will be [...]

4 System BIOS 88 Vie w D MI Event Log Press Enter to view the DMI (Desktop Management Interface) event log. T o return to the DMI Even t Logging submenu, click Continue in the Event Log window . Event Logging Select whether to allow logging of all DMI events. Enabled Disabled ECC Event Logging Select whether to allow logging of ECC events. Enabled [...]

89 Security menu The Security menu allows you to safeguard and protect the system from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords. There are three types of passwords that you can set: • Supervisor password Entering this password will allow th e user to access and change all settings in the Setup Utility . • User password Entering this pass[...]

4 System BIOS 90 Setting a system password 1 Use the up/down keys to select a password parameter (Set Supervisor Password or Set User Password), then press Enter . A password box will appear . 2 T ype a password then press Enter . The password may consist of up to six alphanumeric characters (A-Z, a-z, 0-9). 3 Retype the password to verify the firs[...]

91 Changing a system password 1 Use the up/down keys to select a password parameter (Set Supervisor Password or Set User Password), then press Enter . 2 T ype the original password then press Enter . 3 T ype a new password then press Enter . 4 Retype the password to verify the first entry then press Enter again. 5P r e s s F10 . 6S e l e c t Ye s t[...]

4 System BIOS 92 Server menu Parameter Description System Management Displays basic syst em ID information, as well as BIOS and BMC firmware versions. Press Enter to access the related submenu. Console Redirection Displays cons ole redirection-related settings. Press Enter to access the related submenu. Event Log Configuration Displays DMI event lo[...]

93 System Management The System Management submenu is a simple display page for basic system ID information, as well as BIOS and BMC firmware versions. Items on this window are non-configurable. Console Redir ection[...]

4 System BIOS 94 Parameter Description Option COM Port Address Select whether to enable console redirection. Console redirection enables users to manage the system from a remote location. Onboard COM A Disabled Baud Rate Select the baud rate for console redirection. 300 1200 2400 9600 19.2K 38.4K 57.6K 115.2K Console Ty p e Select a terminal type t[...]

95 Event Log Configuration Parameter Description Option Clear All Event Logs Press Enter then select whether to clear all entries in the system event log. Log POST Sys. Event Select whether to enable the BIOS event log to be integrated in the system event log. Enabled Disabled[...]

4 System BIOS 96 Boot menu The Boot menu allows you to set the drive priority during system boot-up. BIOS setup will display an error message if the drive(s) specified is not bootable. By default, the server searches for boot devices in the following order: 1 Floppy disk drive 2 Optical disc drive 3 Removable device 4 Hard drive[...]

97 Exit menu The Exit menu displays the various op tions to quit from the BIOS setup. Highlight any of the exit options then press Enter . Parameter Description Exit Saving Changes Saves changes made and close the BIOS setup. Exit Discarding Changes Discards changes made and close the BIOS setup. Load Setup Defaults Loads the default settings for a[...]

4 System BIOS 98[...]

5 System tr oubleshooting[...]

This chapter provides possible solutions for specific problems. If you cannot correct the problem, contact your local Acer representative or authorized dealer for assistance.[...]

101 Resetting the system Before going through in-depth troubleshooting, attempt first to reset the system using one of the methods below . Perform Purpose T o do this Soft boot reset T o clear the system memory and reload the operating system. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del Cold boot reset T o clear the system memory , restart POST , and reload the operating s[...]

5 System troubleshooting 102 Initial system startup pr oblems Problems that occur at initial syste m startup are usually caused by an incorrect installation or configurat ion. Hardware failure is a less possible cause. If the problem you ar e experiencing is with a specific application, see the " There is pr oblem with the software pr ogram &q[...]

103 Initial tr oubleshooting checklist Use the checklist below to eliminate the possible cause for the problem you’re encountering. • AC power is available at the wall outlet? • Is the power supply module properly installed? • Is the system power cord proper ly plugged into the power supply module socket? and connected to a NEMA 5-15R outle[...]

5 System troubleshooting 104 Har dwar e diagnostic testing This section provides a detailed a pproach to identifying a hardware problem and its cause. Checking the boot-up status Caution: Before disconnecting any peripheral cables from the server , turn off the system and any peripheral devices. Failure to do so can cause permanent dama ge to the s[...]

105 V erifying the condition of the storage devices As POST determines the system confi guration, it tests for the presence of each mass storage device installed in the system. As each device is checked, its activity indicator should turn on green briefly . Check the activity indicators for the hard driv e(s), DVD-ROM drive, floppy drive, and any o[...]

5 System troubleshooting 106 Specific pr oblems and corr ective actions Listed below are specific problems that may arise during the use of your server and their possible solutions. Power indicator does not light. Do the following: • Make sure the power supply mo dule is properly installed. • Make sure the power cord is connected correctly . ?[...]

107 HDD activity indicator does not light. Do the following: • Make sure the data and power cables are connected correctly . • Check that relevant switches and jumpers on the hard drive and on the backplane board (for hot- plugs HDD) are set correctly . DVD drive activity indicator does not light. Do the following: • Make sure the IDE and pow[...]

5 System troubleshooting 108 Network connection indicators do not light. Do the following: • Check the cabling and network equipment to make sure that there are in proper condition. • Reinstall the network drivers. • T ry another port or hub on the switch. Network activity indicators do not light. Do the following: • Make sure the correct n[...]

109 No characters appear on the display monitor . Check the following: • Is the keyboard functioning? T est it by turning the Num Lock function on and off to check if the Num Lock indicator lights up. • Is the display monitor plugged in and turned on? If you are using a switch box, is it switched to the correct system? • Are the brightness an[...]

5 System troubleshooting 110[...]

Appendix A: Server management tools[...]

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

113 Server management overview The server management tools suppor ted by the Altos G540 system is listed in the table below . To o l Function Phoenix BIOS Setup Utility Use this tool to configur e the different hardware components and system functions (memory , processor , and security settings). Go to the BIOS setup chapter on page 69 for details.[...]

Appendix A: Server management tools 114 RAID configuration utilities RAID option for the Altos G540 syst em is provided through either the onboard SA T A controller or throu gh an external controller board option (LSI 1068 SAS controller or LSI MegaRAID SAS RAID controller). Caution: Creating a RAID volume erases all data previously saved in the ha[...]

115 T o initialize the Onboar d SA T A RAID Configuration Utility: Note: There must be more than two SA T A hard drives installed in the system, otherwise the Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM will be disabled. 1 T urn on the server and the monitor . 2 During POST , press Ctrl - I on the Intel Matrix Storage Manager option ROM prompt. T o cr [...]

Appendix A: Server management tools 116 LSI 1068 SAS Configuration Utility This section explains how to create a RAID 1 volume when the LSI 1068 SAS controller board is installed. T o initialize the LSI Logic Config Utility: 1 T urn on the server and the monitor . If the server is already turned on, close all open applications, then restart the ser[...]

117 8 Move the cursor to the Hot Spr column and select another disk. 9 Press the space bar to change the setting from No to Ye s . The Drive Status will be marked as Hot Spare . 10 Press C , then select Save changes then exit this menu . 11 Press Esc twice and select Exit the Configuration Utility and Reboot . Proceed to the installation of th e op[...]

Appendix A: Server management tools 118 T o cr eate and initialize a RAID volume: 1 Access the Configuration menu. 2 C lick Configuration Wizard . 3 C lick Add Configuration , then click Next . 4 C lick Custom Configuration , then click Next . 5U s e t h e Ctrl key to select the drives th at you want to add into the array . 6 After selecting the dr[...]

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration[...]

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

121 Rack installation information The Altos G540 server system can also be mounted in a rack-model position. A rack mount kit is av ailable for customers who want to convert a tower-mounted system to rack-model design. T o purchase a rack mount kit, contact your local Ac er representative or order directly from http://www .acer .com/ . Rack install[...]

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration 122 • Elevated operating ambient temperature The maximum operating temperature of the system is 35°C (95°F). Careful consideration should be gi ven to installing the system in an environment compatible wi th the 35°C (95°F) maximum ambient temperature. • Reduced airflow The amount of airflow required for[...]

123 Screw types The following screws are used in the assembly of the Altos G540 system and bundled rack-mountable components. Front brackets 2 Attach the moun ting rails to the server . Rear brackets 2 Side handles 2 Attached to the sides of the server . Screw pack Secures the different rack components. Refer to the next section for details. Screw [...]

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration 124 V ertical mounting hole patter n The four vertical rails of the sy stem rack contain mounting holes arranged in a manner shown in the figure below . The system occupies 5U in the ra ck. Count the U positions and hole numbers from the bottom up. The distance from the center of tw o holes with closer spacing t[...]

125 Rack installation pr ocedur es Preparing the server for rack installation 1 Remove the foot stands from the server . (1) Lay the server on its side on a flat, stable surface. (2) Use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the stoppers securing the foot stands to the chassis. (3) Detach the foot stands from the server . Store the foot stands and its[...]

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration 126 3 Remove the inner rails from the mounting rails. (1) Extend the inner rail from the mounting rail until the rail release latch is exposed. (2) Depress the release latch (1) and slip the inner rail out (2) . Do the same thing to the other mounting rail. 4 Attach the rack handles and inner rails to the server[...]

127 Preparing the rack for server installation 1 Install eight distands into the vert ical rails of the system rack. 2 Adjust the front bracket to the preferred length. (1) T urn the captive thumbscrews counterclockwise to loosen them. (2) Slide the front bracket to the preferred length. (3) Secure the front bracket in its preferred position by tur[...]

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration 128 3 Install the mounting rails to the system rack. (1) Install the mounting rails to th e rack by using four M6 x 13 screws for each rail. (2) Extend the middle sliding piece of each mounting rail forward until you hear an audible click.[...]

129 Installing the server in the system rack W arning! T o avoid injury , care should be taken when pressing the inner rail r el ease latches and sliding the component into the rack. It also recommended that two or more people help in installing the server to the rack to minimize the chances of accidents. 1 Press the release latch on both sides of [...]

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration 130 Installing the cable arm option The cable arm option allows you to ti e-wrap all cables to and from the system. As you slide the system in and out of the rack, the cable arm collapses and extends, keeping the cables untangled and attached to the system. T o install the cable arm: 1 Attach the cable arm to th[...]

131 3 Extend the cable arm enough to atta ch it to the installed M6 cage nuts, and secure it with two M6 x 18 screws. 4 Arrange the server cables. (1) Connect the power , peripheral and networking cables into their appropriate ports on the rear panel. Go to page 28 for related instructions. (2) Secure all server cables to the cable arm using the ca[...]

Appendix B: Rack mount configuration 132[...]

133 Index Numerics 5.25 inch device bays install 48 location 9 supported devices 4 A Acer EasyBUILD scope 31 using 31 air duct location 13 remove 57 ARMC/3 module board layout 20 install 64 mainboard slot 16 specifications 7 B backplane board board layout 17 cable connections 42 Basic Input/Output System, see BIOS 71 BIOS CMOS RAM 71 configure 72 o[...]

134 F floppy disk drive BIOS setting 85 location 10 mainboard connector 16 replace 49 troubleshooting 106 front bezel remove 40 view 8 front panel 9 H hard drive activity indicator, location 9 activity indicator, status 21 BIOS settings 83 install, easy-swap 47 install, hot-plug 45 RAID configuration 114 troubleshooting 107 hardware monitor 15 hard[...]

135 PhoenixBIOS Setup Utility, see BIOS Setup 72 POST error pause 86 turn-on procedure 29 power boot-up problems 30 boot-up sequence 96 button, location 10 cable socket 11 indicator, location 9 indicator, status 21 troubleshooting 106 turn off 33 turn on 29 power off via hardware 33 via software 33 power supply module fault indicator, description 2[...]

136 mainboard 14 SAS controller board 18 system fan cable connectors 15 location 13 system jumpers BIOS recovery 16 clear CMOS 16 clear password 16 system passwords change 91 power-on password 89 remove 91 set 90 supervisor password 89 user password 89 system reset cold boot 101 soft boot 101 system setup connect peripherals 28 install OS 31 pre-in[...]