Acer Altos G5350 Series User’s Guide
Copyright © 2005 Acer Incorporated All Rights Reserved. Acer Altos G5350 Series User’s Guide Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication without obligation to notify any person of such revision or changes. Such changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual or supplementary documents and publications.
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 the 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 pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
iv Notice: Shielded cables All connections to other computing devices must be made using shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations. Notice: Peripheral devices Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.) certified to comply with the Class A or Class B limits may be attached to this equipment. Operation with noncertified peripherals is likely to result in interference to radio and TV reception.
v Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference. 1 Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. 2 Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. 3 Do not use this product near water. 4 Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.
vi d If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions since improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition. e If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged f If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a need for service.
iii iii iv v 1 System tour 1 Features summary External and internal structure Front bezel Front panel Rear panel Internal components System boards Mainboard layout Backplane board layout 2 System setup Setting up the system Pre-installation requirements Connecting peripherals Turning on the system Power-on problems Configuring the system OS Server setup Turning off the system 3 System upgrade Installation precautions ESD precautions Pre-installation instructions Post-installation instructions Opening t
viii Replacing the CD-ROM drive Installing 5.
ix Hardware diagnostic testing Verifying proper operation of key system lights Confirming loading of the OS Specific problems and corrective actions Appendix A: System management utility ASM System requirements System setup RAID configuration 116 116 117 117 123 126 126 127 129 Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide 131 Setting up the system rack System rack installation Vertical mounting hole pattern Installing the system into the rack 133 135 136 138 Appendix C: SCSI RAID configurati
x
1 System tour
The Acer Altos G5350 server is a powerful dualprocessor system loaded with a host of new and innovative features. The system offers a new standard for flexible productivity ideal for multimedia processing, intensive graphics applications, general business applications, email, web service, file clustering and print services.
3 Features summary Listed below are the system’s key features: Processor • Dual AMD Opteron™ single or dual core processors • Supports AMD 64-Bit technology Chipset • AMD 8131™ (I/O bridge) • AMD 8111™ (South bridge) Memory • Supports DDR-333(PC2700) or DDR-400(PC3200) registered ECC memory modules • Four DIMM slots per processor • • Single-processor supports memory capacity of 8 GB • Dual-processor supports memory capacity of 16 GB Supports dual-channel DDR memory per processor Media st
4 1 System tour • Easy-swap • Hot-plug • Supports up to four SATA hard disk drives SCSI controller (optional) • Adaptec AIC-7902, two channel Ultra320 SCSI controller • Supports two SCSI 68-pin connector • Supports disk mirroring Networking • Intel 82541Gl chipset Baseboard Management Controller (optional) • Onboard National Semiconductor PC87435 management controller • IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) 1.
5 • Gigabit LAN port (RJ-45) Operating system and software • Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003, X64 edition • Microsoft® Windows® Server 2003 • Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Server (SP4) • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0 • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0 X64 • Novell® NetWare® 6.5 • SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server 9.0 • SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server 9.
6 1 System tour External and internal structure Front bezel No.
7 Front panel No. Icon Component Description 1 CD-ROM drive Stop/ Eject button Press this button to open the CD drive tray. 2 CD-ROM drive activity indicator When the LED indicator is lit, there is activity in the CD drive. 3 CD-ROM drive Disk drive for reading CD-ROMs. 4 Volume control Adjusts the volume of the CD drive. 5 CD-ROM drive Headphone/ Earphone port Connects to microphones or earphones. 6 5.25-inch drive bays Two empty 5.
8 1 System tour No. 8 Icon Component Description Hard disk activity Indicates the status of the system hard drive. indicator 2 9 System status indicator 3 10 11 The indicator lights up green when the system is operating normally. When the a system fault is present, the indicator blinks or lights up amber. indicator 4 Indicates an active link on the LAN port (green). Hot-plug HDD power Indicates drive activity (green).
9 Front panel LED indicators Below table lists the LED states on the front panel. LED Color Status Description Power Green On Power on Blinking System in ACPI sleep mode. Green On System in normal mode.
10 1 System tour LED Color Status Description LAN Green On Network is established. Blinking • Network activity. • Network is established and running at its supported speed. Off Network link is not established. 1 The Status LED is activated when the BMC controller is installed on the mainboard. To purchase a BMC controller, contact your local Acer representative or order directly from http://www.acer.com/. Hot-plug HDD LED indicators Below table lists the possible disk drive states.
11 Rear panel No. Icon Component Description 1 Power supply module bay Allows installation of a hot-swap redundant power supply module. The hot-swap redundant power supply module may include three LEDs that will indicate its operating status. Note: Though the system supports two hot-swap power supply module bays, the system comes bundled with only a single power supply module. You have the option to separately purchase an extra power supply module to provide the system with redundant power source.
12 No. 1 System tour Icon Component Description 4 USB ports Connects to USB devices. 5 Serial port Connects to serial devices. 6 Parallel/printer port Connects to parallel devices. 7 VGA/monitor port Connects to monitors. 8 Gigabit LAN ports (10/100/ 1000 Mbps) Connects to network cables. 9 Expansion slots For installing expansion cards. 10 PCI slot lock lever Secures the PCI card to the system. 11 Rear system fan Optimizes system airflow.
13 Internal components No. Component 1 Power supply module (610-watts) 1 2 Rear system fan 3 Mainboard, CPU and heat sink fan assembly 4 PCI bus slot 5 Four-bay hot-plug HDD cage 1 Though the system supports two hot-swap power supply modules, the system comes bundled with a single 610-watt power supply module only. You have the option to purchase an extra power supply module to provide the system with a redundant power source.
14 1 System tour System boards Mainboard layout The mainboard becomes accessible once you open the system. It should look like the figure shown below.
15 No.
16 1 System tour No.
17 Backplane board layout The backplane board attached to the four-bay hot-plug HDD cage provides a convenient interface between the SCSI or SATA drives and the mainboard. SCSI backplane board layout Rear Front No.
18 No.
19 SATA backplane board layout Rear Front No. Code Description 1 SATA HDD connectors 2 SAF-TE heartbeat LED and Manufacturing function jumper 3 J1 BPB No.
20 No.
2 System setup
This chapter gives you instructions on how to set up the system. Procedures on how to connect peripherals are also explained.
23 Setting up the system Pre-installation requirements Selecting a site Before unpacking and installing the system, select a suitable site for the system for maximum efficiency.
24 2 System setup Connecting peripherals Refer to the illustration below for specific connection instructions on the peripherals you want to connect to the system. Note: Consult the operating system manual for information on how to configure the network setup.
25 Turning on the system After making sure that you have properly set up the system and connected all the required cables, you can now power on the system. To power on the system: 1 Open the bezel door. 2 Press the power button.
26 2 System setup The system starts up and displays a welcome message on the monitor. After that, a series of power-on self-test (POST) messages appears. The POST messages indicate if the system is running well or not. Note: If the system does not turn on or boot after pressing the power button, go to the next section for the possible causes of the boot failure.
27 Power-on problems If the system does not boot after you have applied power, check the following factors that might have caused the boot failure. • The external power cable may be loosely connected. Check the power cable connection from the power source to the power cable socket on the rear panel. Make sure that the cable is properly connected to the power source and to the power cable socket. • No power comes from the grounded power outlet. Have an electrician check your power outlet.
28 2 System setup Configuring the system OS The Altos G5350 comes with Acer EasyBUILDTM that allows you to conveniently install your choice of operating system. To start using EasyBUILD, follow the steps below. 1 Locate the EasyBUILD System CD included in the system package. 2 With the system turned on, gently press the CD-ROM drive Stop/ Eject button. 3 When the disc tray slides open, insert the EasyBUILD System CD with the label or title side of the disc facing upward.
29 Server setup Aside from its tower configuration, the Altos G5350 server system can also be mounted in a rack-model position. A rack mount kit is available for customers who want to convert a tower-mounted system to rack-model design. To purchase a rack mount kit, contact your local Acer representative or order directly from http://www.acer.com/. The figure below shows the Altos G5350 server in a rack-mount position.
30 2 System setup Turning off the system There are two ways by which you can turn off the server. These include: To turn off the server, on the Windows taskbar click on the Start button, point to Shut Down..., select Shut down from the drop-down window then click on OK. You can then turn off all peripherals connected to your server. If you cannot shut down the server, press the power button for at least four seconds. Quickly pressing the button may put the server in a Suspend mode only.
3 System upgrade
This chapter discusses the precautionary measures and installation procedures you need to know when upgrading the system.
33 Installation precautions Before you install any server component, we recommend that you read the following sections. These sections contain important ESD precautions along with pre-installation and post-installation instructions. ESD precautions Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage the processor, disk drives, expansion boards, motherboard, memory modules and other server components.
34 3 System upgrade Warning! Failure to properly turn off the server before you start installing components may cause serious damage. Do not attempt the procedures described in the following sections unless you are a qualified service technician. Post-installation instructions Perform the steps below after installing a server component: 1 See to it that all components are installed according to the described step-by-step instructions.
35 Opening the server Caution! Before you proceed, make sure that you have turned off the system and all peripherals connected to it. Read the “Preinstallation instructions” on page 33. You need to open the server before you can install additional components. The front bezel and left-side panel are removable to allow access to the system’s internal components. Refer to the following sections for instructions.
36 3 System upgrade Opening the bezel door A security lock secures the bezel door to protect the system unit from unauthorized access. To open the bezel door: 1 Insert the key into the lock and turn it clockwise until it points to the unlock icon . 2 Pull open the bezel door. Removing the front bezel 1 Remove the left-side panel. See page 35. 2 Slightly bend the plastic retention tabs to release the latches (1). 3 Gently detach the bezel from the chassis (2).
37 Removing the HDD cage bay cover 1 Open the bezel door. 2 Push down the HDD cage bay cover (1). 3 Detach the HDD cage bay cover from the front bezel (2).
38 3 System upgrade Configuring the four-bay hot-plug HDD cage This section explains how to install a four-bay hot-plug HDD cage as well as procedures on how to install a hard disk into the cage’s hard disk carrier.
39 To install the hot-plug SCSI HDD cage: 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Remove the HDD cage bay cover. See page 37. 3 Remove the screw that secures the cover to the empty HDD bay (1), then detach the cover (2). 4 Install the hot-plug cage.
40 3 System upgrade (1) Slide the cage into the chassis with the backplane board facing the rear of the chassis. The cage is locked to the chassis with an audible click. (2) Locate and attach the following cables clamped on the side of the chassis to their corresponding connectors on the backplane board: Important: If a four-bay hot-plug SCSI HDD cage is already installed in the top HDD bay, you must block the J1 jumper. Set pins 1 and 2 to Close.
41 (2) SCSI HDD power cables 5 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34. Important: When you are detaching the hot-plug HDD cage from the chassis, make sure to first remove all hard disks from their carriers. For instructions, see “Installing an additional hard disk into the hot-plug HDD cage carrier” on page 51. 6 Change the RAID configuration of your hard disk.
42 3 System upgrade To install the easy-swap SCSI HDD cage: The easy-swap SCSI HDD cage is an optional four-bay internal HDD enclosure without a SCSI backplane board. 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Remove the HDD cage bay cover. See page 37. 3 Remove the screw that secures the cover to the empty HDD bay, then detach the cover. 4 Install the easy-swap cage. (1) Slide the cage into the chassis.
43 (2) SCSI HDD power cables 5 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34. Important: When you are detaching the easy-swap cage from the chassis, make sure to first remove all cables attached to the hard disks. 6 Change the RAID configuration of your hard disk. For details on how to change the RAID configuration of your hard disk, go to “Appendix C: SCSI RAID configuration” on page 147.
44 3 System upgrade To install the hot-plug SATA HDD cage: Note: Before installing a hot-plug SATA HDD cage in the system, make sure you install a SATA RAID controller. 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Remove the HDD cage bay cover. See page 37. 3 Remove the screw that secure the cover of the empty HDD bay, then detach the cover.
45 4 Install the hot-plug cage. (1) Slide the cage into the chassis. The cage is locked to the chassis with an audible click. 5 Connect the following cables to their corresponding connectors on the SATA RAID backplane board, mainboard and adapter: (1) Attach the SATA data cable to the SATA HDD connector on the backplane board (1), then connect the other end of the cable to the SATA connector on the SATA RAID controller. Note: SATA connectors on the controller are keyed.
46 3 System upgrade (2) Attach the system’s power cable to the SATA power cable connector on the backplane board (2). Note: The SATA RAID data cables must be installed and removed in the following order: SATA0, SATA1, SATA2, then SATA 3. 6 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34. Important: When you are removing the hot-plug cage from the chassis, make sure to first remove all hard disks from their carriers.
47 To install the easy-swap SATA HDD cage: The easy-swap SATA HDD cage is an optional four-bay internal HDD enclosure without a SATA backplane board. 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Remove the HDD cage bay cover. See page 37. 3 Remove the screw that secures the cover to the empty HDD bay, then detach the cover. 4 Install the easy-swap cage.
48 3 System upgrade (1) Slide the cage into the chassis. The cage is locked to the chassis with an audible click. (2) Locate and attach the power (1) and SATA (2) cables to their corresponding connectors on the hard drives and SATA RAID controller. 5 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34.
49 Important: When you are removing the easy-swap cage from the chassis, make sure to first remove all cables attached to the hard disks. 6 Change the RAID configuration of your hard disk. For details on how to change the RAID configuration of your hard disk, go to “Appendix C: SCSI RAID configuration” on page 147.
50 3 System upgrade Removing the four-bay hot-plug HDD cage 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Disconnect the data and power cables from the backplane board. 3 Move the release slider all the way up to eject the hot-plug HDD cage (1). 4 Remove the cage from the HDD bay (2). 5 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34.
51 Installing an additional hard disk into the hot-plug HDD cage carrier Note: To purchase a hard disk carrier, contact your local Acer representative or order directly from http://www.acer.com/. Important: You need not remove the four-bay hot-plug HDD cage from the chassis to install a hard disk into its carrier. 1 Carefully pull out the hard disk carrier cover (1).
52 3 System upgrade 2 Install a hard disk on the hard disk carrier (1), then secure it with the four screws that came with the hard disk carrier (2). 3 Insert the new hard disk carrier into the cage with the lever still extended (1). 4 Make sure that the drive is properly inserted before closing the lever, then push the lever back until it clicks into place (2). .
53 Replacing the CD-ROM drive 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Disconnect the power and IDE cables from the old drive. 3 Push the lever in the direction of the unlock icon the drive out of the chassis (2).
54 3 System upgrade 4 Install a new 5.25-inch drive into the drive bay (1), then push the lever in the direction of the lock icon (2). 5 Connect the power and IDE cables to the new drive. 6 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34.
55 Installing 5.25-inch drives The two empty 5.25-inch drive bays allow you to install additional drives such as another backup hard drive, CD-ROM drive, or a tape drive. These options provide the system with additional storage capacity. To install a 5.25-inch tape drive: 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Remove the two screws that secure the cover to the empty 5.25-inch drive bay (1), then detach the cover (2).
56 3 System upgrade 3 Install a tape drive into the drive bay (1), then push the lever in the direction of the lock icon (2). 4 Connect the power and IDE cables to the tape drive. 5 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34.
57 Upgrading the processor This section includes instructions for installing and removing a processor and heat sink fan (HSF) assembly. To install the CPU: The mainboard has two 940-pin processor socket that support AMD Opteron™ processors. The system ships out with only a single AMD Opteron processor installed leaving one CPU socket empty. You have the option to purchase an extra CPU for the system.
58 6 3 System upgrade Press the retainer lever down to lock the CPU in place (2). To install the HSF assembly: 1 Apply thermal grease. Apply approximately 0.1ml of the thermal grease compound to the top of the CPU. 2 Install the heat sink fan assembly (1) Move the handle of the retaining clip slightly in a direction away from the heat sink. (2) Align the heat sink fan assembly to the heat sink base (1). Note: Make sure to install both sides of the retaining clips.
59 (4) Secure the retaining clip back toward the heat sink base (3). (5) Connect the CPU fan cable to its mainboard connector. Refer to “Mainboard layout” on page 14 for the location of the CPU fan connector. 3 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34.
60 3 System upgrade To remove the HSF assembly: Important: Before removing a CPU from the mainboard, make sure to create a backup file of all important data. 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. Warning! The heat sink becomes very hot when the system is on. NEVER touch the heat sink with any metal or with your hands. 2 Disconnect the CPU fan cable from its mainboard connector. 3 Disengage the retaining clip from the heat sink base (1).
61 To remove the CPU: 1 Pull the CPU socket retainer lever to the fully open, upright position (1). 2 Pull out the CPU from the socket (2).
62 3 System upgrade Upgrading the system memory This section includes instructions for removing and installing a DIMM (dual in-line memory module). Altos G5350 has eight DIMM slots. Each CPU controls four DIMM slots. The DIMM slots support dual channel DDR -33 and DDR-400 registered ECC memory modules. Important: When you are using a single-processor server, you can install either a single DIMM into the DIMM 2 slot or a pair of identical modules into the DIMM 1 and 2 or DIMM 3 and 4 slots.
63 DIMM population guidelines Important: For the system to function, DIMM modules must be installed or removed in matched pairs, following the slot sequence listed below. DIMM modules of the same type, size and manufacturer must be installed in the same colored DIMM slots. • CPU 1 — Populate DIMM slots 1 and 2 first, followed by slots 3 and 4. • CPU 2 — Populate DIMM slots 5 and 6 first, followed by slots 7 and 8.
64 3 System upgrade The table below lists the supported memory installation based on the processor configuration: Single-processor configuration CPU 2 (empty) CPU 1 DIMM 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 3 DIMM 4 DIMM 5 DIMM 6 DIMM 7 DIMM 8 512 MB — — — — 1 GB — — — — 2 GB — — — — 512 MB 512 MB — — — — 1 GB 1 GB — — — — 2 GB 2 GB — — — — 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB — — — — 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB — — — — 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB — — — — Dual-processor configuration CPU 1 C
65 CPU 1 CPU 2 DIMM 1 DIMM 2 DIMM 3 DIMM 4 DIMM 5 DIMM 6 DIMM 7 DIMM 8 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 1 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB 2 GB
66 3 System upgrade To remove a DIMM: Before you can install a new DIMM in a socket, remove first any previously installed DIMM from that socket. Important: Before removing any DIMM from the mainboard, make sure to create a backup file of all important data. 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Locate the DIMM slots on the mainboard.
67 To install a DIMM: Warning! DIMM of the same type, size and manufacturer must be installed into the same colored DIMM slots. 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Locate the DIMM slots on the mainboard. 3 Open the clips on the socket. 4 Align then insert the DIMM into the socket. 5 Press the holding clips inward to lock the DIMM in place. Note: The DIMM slot is slotted to ensure proper installation.
68 3 System upgrade To reconfigure the system memory: The system automatically detects the amount of memory installed. Run the BIOS setup to view the new value for total system memory and make a note of it.
69 Installing an expansion card This section explains how to install an expansion card. The onboard expansion slots supports PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) and PCI-X cards. To install an expansion card 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Locate an empty expansion slot on the mainboard. Note: The SCSI RAID controller shown below is for your reference only.
70 3 System upgrade 8 Press the PCI slot release latch on the rear panel of the server (4). 9 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34. Note: When you turn on the system, the BIOS setup automatically detects and assigns resources to the new device (applicable only to Plug-and-Play expansion cards).
71 Installing a SCSI module This section explains how to install a SCSI module. To install a SCSI module 1 Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 33. 2 Locate the SCSI module connector on the mainboard. 3 Remove the three SCSI module screws on the mainboard. 4 Align (1), then insert (2) the shorter edge of the SCSI module to the connector firmly and evenly.
72 3 System upgrade 5 Secure the card to the mainboard with three screws you removed earlier (3). 6 Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 34. Note: When you turn on the system, the BIOS setup automatically detects and assigns resources to the new device.
73 Installing a power supply module To install a hot-swap power supply module The Altos G5350 power subsystem consists of two hot-swap power supply module bays that accept 550-watt hot-swap redundant power supply modules. The system ships out with only a single power supply module leaving one power supply module bay empty. You have the option to purchase an extra power supply module to provide the system with a redundant power source.
74 1 3 System upgrade Remove the securing the cover of the empty power supply module bay. Note: if the system ships out with a screw on the securing cover, remove the screw first then detach the cover.
75 2 Hold the handle on front of the power supply module while pressing your thumb on the release latch. Slide the power supply module into the empty bay until you feel resistance. 3 Press the module handle to secure the power supply module to its bay. 4 Verify that the power indicators on the main power supply and on the newly installed redundant power supply are illuminated (green).
76 3 System upgrade
4 BIOS setup
This chapter gives information about the system BIOS and discusses how to configure the system by changing the settings of the BIOS parameters.
79 BIOS setup BIOS setup is a hardware configuration program built into the system's Basic Input/Output System (BIOS). Since most systems are already properly configured and optimized, there is no need to run this utility.
80 4 BIOS setup Entering BIOS setup Power on the server to start the system POST process. During bootup, press F2 to enter the BIOS setup screen. Note: You must press F2 while the system is booting. This key combination does not work during any other time. There are several tabs on the setup screen corresponding to the six major BIOS menus: • Main • Advanced • Power • Boot • Security • Exit The parameters on the screens shown in this User’s Guide display default system values.
81 • Use the Enter key to display a submenu screen. Note: When a parameter is preceeded by a >, it means that a submenu screen is available. • Press F1 for General Help on using the BIOS setup. • Press F10 to save changes and close the BIOS setup. • Press Esc to close the BIOS setup. In the descriptive table following each of the screen illustrations, settings in boldface are the default and suggested parameter settings.
82 4 BIOS setup Main The Main menu displays basic and important information about the system. These information are necessary for troubleshooting and may be required when asking for technical support. These entries are for your reference only and are not user-configurable. The last two parameters on the screen lets you define the sytem’s time and date settings. The real-time clock keeps the system date and time.
83 Parameter Description Processor Speed The processor speed is the speed at which a microprocessor executes instructions. Clock speeds are expressed in megahertz (MHz), with 1 MHz being equal to 1 million cycles per second. The faster the clock, the more instructions the CPU can execute per second. Processor Count Indicates the number of processors currently installed in the server. System Memory Size Indicates the total amount of onboard memory.
84 4 BIOS setup Advanced The Advanced menu contains parameter values that define how the system behaves on startup. Warning! Be cautious in setting parameter values in the Advanced menu as any incorrect value may cause the system to malfunction. Press Enter to enter the submenu screen of the parameters shown in the screen below.
85 CPU Configuration The CPU Configuration submenu displays CPU settings such as type, actual speed, cache size and other CPU related settings. Parameter Description Processor Type Type of processor currently installed in the server. Processor Speed The processor speed is the speed at which a microprocessor executes instructions. Clock speeds are expressed in megahertz (MHz), with 1 MHz being equal to 1 million cycles per second.
86 4 BIOS setup Parameter Description Option CPU ID ID number of the CPU. Level 1 Cache Total amount of first-level cache memory or the internal fast-accessed memory size (i.e., the memory integrated into the CPU). Level 2 Cache Total amount of the second-level cache memory that comes with the CPU. The available cache sizes are 256 and 512 KB. CPU Socket2 Indicates a processor is currently installed in the CPU 2 socket. Refer to “Mainboard layout” on page 14 for the location of the CPU 2 socket.
87 Memory Configuration The Memory Configuration submenu displays the type and size of DRAM installed in DIMM slots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The Not Installed setting indicates that there is no DDR DRAM installed.
88 4 BIOS setup IDE Configuration The IDE Configuration submenu lets you define the parameter settings related to the hard disk/s. Parameter Description Primary IDE Master Specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the master port of the primary IDE channel. Press Enter to access the Primary Master submenu. Primary IDE Slave Specifies the current configuration of the the IDE device connected to the slave port of the primary IDE channel.
89 Parameter Description Secondary IDE Master Specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the master port of the secondary IDE channel. Press Enter to access the Secondary Master submenu. Secondary IDE Slave Specifies the current configuration of the IDE device connected to the slave port of the secondary IDE channel. Press Enter to access the Secondary Slave submenu.
90 4 BIOS setup Primary/Secondary/Third/Fourth IDE Master/Slave These items let you select the IDE hard disk parameters that the system supports. Parameter Description Option Type Selects the drive type. Auto None CD-ROM ATAPI Removable IDE Removable User Multi-Sector Transfers Selects the Multi-Sector transfer mode.
91 Parameter Description Option LBA Mode Control Selects the hard disk drive translation method. For drivers with more than 504 MB, LBA mode is necessary. Enabled Disabled 32-bit I/O Enables or disables the 32-bit data transfer function Disabled Enabled Transfer 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.
92 4 BIOS setup Floppy Configuration The Floppy Configuration submenu displays the type of floppy drive installed in the server. Parameter Description Option Legacy Diskette A Floppy disk drive type 1.44/1.25 MB, 3.
93 Chipset Configuration The Chipset Configuration submenu lets you set the memory interleave and node interleave settings. Parameter Description Option DRAM Bank Interleave Bank Interleave allows the memory controller to group two DIMM banks into one large array. Auto Disabled If set to Auto, each node with two identical DIMMs is set up to use bank interleave. Node Memory Interleave Node based interleaving causes the system to group even numbers of nodes into one large array.
94 4 BIOS setup Parameter Description Option NMI Asset Enables or disables the PCI bus parity error support. Enabled Disabled I/O Device Configuration The I/O Device Configuration submenu lets you define the parameter settings for the system’s parallel and serial ports. Parameter Description Option Serial Port A 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.
95 Parameter Description Option Base I/O address/IRQ Indicates the serial port 1 address and IRQ setting. 3F8/IRQ4 2F8/IRQ3 3E8/IRQ4 2E8/IRQ3 Serial Port B Parallel Port Indicates the serial port 2 address and IRQ setting. Auto Indicates the parallel port address. Auto Disabled Enabled Disabled Enabled Mode Sets the operation mode for the parallel port. When Bi-Directional, allows normal speed operation in a two way mode.
96 4 BIOS setup PCI Configuration The PCI Configuration submenu lets you specify settings that are related to the onboard controllers. Parameter Description Option Onboard NIC ROM Enables or disables the onboard LAN PXE function. Disabled Onboard SCSI Device Enables or disables the onboard SCSI controller.
97 USB Configuration The USB Configuration submenu lets you specify settings for USB devices. Parameter Description Option Onboard USB controller Enables or disables the onboard USB controller. Enabled USB BIOS Legacy Support Enable this parameter when you intend to use a USB device in a Non-Plug and Play operating system, such as DOS.
98 4 BIOS setup Server Management Configuration The Server Management Configuration submenu lets you specify the appropriate settings for the system’s event handling function. The system event log enables you to record and monitor events that occur in the system (eg., system temperature changes, fan stops, etc.). Parameter Description System Product Name System’s model name. System Serial No System’s serial number. Baseboard ID System board’s identification number.
99 Parameter Description BMC Firmware Version Version of the BMC (Baseboard Management Controller) firmware. SDR Version Version of the SRDR (Spatial Data Repository) firmware. FRU Version Displays the field replacement unit information.
100 4 BIOS setup Power The Power menu allows you to configure the system’s power management feature. Parameter Description Option ACPI-aware OS Indicates whether the system’s OS supports the ACPI standard of power management. Yes Defines the power state to resume to after a system shutdown that is due to an interruption in AC power. Last State Stay Off Resume on AC Power Loss When set to Last State, the system will return to the active power state prior to shutdown.
101 Parameter Description Option Power Button Mode When set to On/Off, the system automatically turns off when the power button is pressed for less than 4 seconds. When set to Wake/Sleep, the system enters the suspend mode when the power button is pressed for less than 4 seconds.
102 4 BIOS setup Boot The Boot menu allows you to set the drive priority during system bootup. It also displays information about the installed storage devices. Press Enter to enter the submenu screen of the parameters shown in the screen below.
103 Boot Settings Configuration The Boot Settings Configuration submenu lets you specify the preferred settings for system bootup. Parameter Description Option Quick Boot Mode Allows the system to boot faster by skipping some POST routine. Enabled Boot Diagnostic Screen When this parameter is enabled, it allows some OS, such as Windows 95/98, to implement APM (Advanced Power Management) functions.
104 4 BIOS setup Boot Device Priority The Boot Device Priority submenu lets you specify the boot search sequence during the POST process. BIOS setup will display an error message if the drive(s) specified is not bootable. Parameter Description 1st Boot Device Sets the device from which the system will first attempt to boot up. Press Enter to access the Removable Devices submenu. The Removable Devices submenu displays the type of removable devices installed on the system.
105 Parameter Description 3rd Boot Device Sets the device from which the system will attempt to boot up when the first and second attempts failed. Press Enter to access the Hard Disk Drives submenu. The Hard Disk Drives submenu lets you specify the devices that will be considered as the primary and secondary hard drives. 4th Boot Device Sets the device from which the system will attempt to boot up when the first, second and third attempts failed.
106 4 BIOS setup Security The Security menu allows you to safeguard and protect the system from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords. Parameter Description Option Supervisor Password Prevents unauthorized access to the BIOS setup utility. Clear User Password Secures the system against unauthorized use. Once you set this password, you have to type it whenever you boot the system. User password is available only when a Supervisor password is set.
107 Parameter Description Option Password on boot Select Enabled to activate security check during POST. Disabled Enabled Fixed disk boot sector Sets the control level of the hard disk drive. Normal Diskette access Sets the control level of the floppy drive. Supervisor Normal Write Protect To set a Supervisor/User password 1 Use the up/down keys to highlight a password parameter (Supervisor Password or User Password) then press Enter. A password box will appear.
108 4 BIOS setup 2 Enter the current password then press Enter. 3 Press Enter twice without entering anything in the new and confirm password fields. After doing this, the system automatically sets the User password parameter to Not Installed.
109 Exit The Exit menu displays the various options 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 all BIOS setup parameters. Setup Defaults are quite demanding in terms of resources consumption.
110 4 BIOS setup Parameter Description Save Changes Saves changes made in the BIOS setup.
5 Troubleshooting
This chapter provides possible solutions for specific problems. If you cannot correct the problem, contact your local Acer representative or authorized dealer for assistance.
113 Resetting the system Before going through in-depth troubleshooting, attempt first to perform reset the system using one of the methods below. To do this Press Soft boot reset to clear the system memory and reload the operating system. Ctrl+Alt+Del Cold boot reset. Turn the system power off and then on. This clears system memory, restarts POST, reloads the operating system and halts power to all peripherals.
114 5 Troubleshooting Problems following initial system installation Problems that occur at initial system startup are usually caused by an incorrect installation or configuration. Hardware failure is a less frequent cause. If the problem you are experiencing is with a specific software application, see "There is problem with the application software" on page 120.
115 First steps checklist • AC power available at the wall outlet? • Are the power supplies plugged in? Check the AC cable(s) on the back of the chassis and at the AC source.
116 5 Troubleshooting Hardware diagnostic testing This section provides a more detailed approach to identifying a hardware problem and locating its source. Caution! Turn off devices before disconnecting cables: Before disconnecting any peripheral cables from the system, turn off the system and any external peripheral devices. Failure to do so can cause permanent damage to the system and/or the peripheral devices. 1 Turn off the system and all external peripheral devices.
117 Confirming loading of the OS Once the system boots up, the operating system prompt appears on the screen. The prompt varies according to the operating system. If the operating system prompt does not appear, see "No Characters Appear on Screen" on page 120. Specific problems and corrective actions The following contains specific problems that may arise during the use of your server. Possible solutions are listed for each problem. Power indicator does not light.
118 5 Troubleshooting • Make sure the FDD and signal cables are properly connected. • Check that relevant switches and jumpers for the FDD are set correctly. • Check that FDD is properly configured. • If you are using the onboard diskette controller, use BIOS setup on page 79 to make sure that onboard “Floppy A” is set to 1.44 MB, 3.5-inch. HDD activity indicator does not light.
119 CD drive cannot read a CD. Do the following: • Make sure you are using the correct type of CD. • Make sure the CD is properly seated in the drive. • Make sure the disc is unscratched. • Make sure all cables are connected to the CD drive. New memory modules installed are not detected. Do the following: • Make sure the memory modules are properly seated on the DIMM slots. • Make sure the memory modules comply with the system requirements.
120 5 Troubleshooting Server hangs when the drivers are loaded. • Change the PCI interrrupt settings. External device connected to a USB connector does not work. Do the following: • Reduce the number of external devices connected to a USB hub. • Refer to the documentation that comes with the device. There is problem with the application software. Do the following: • Verify that the software is properly configured for the system.
121 • Remove all add-in cares and see if the system boots. If successful, add the cards back in one at a time with a reboot between each addition. • Make sure the memory modules comply with the system requirements. • Make sure the memory modules have been populated according to the system requirements. • Remove the memory modules and reseat them. • Make sure the CPU(s) comply with the system requirements. • Make sure the CPU(s) have been populated according to the system requirements.
122 5 Troubleshooting
Appendix A: System management utility
This appendix shows you how to install the ASM software package and gives information about the software program and utilities bundled with your server.
125 Your Altos G5350 server supports the following system management utilities: • ASM (Acer Server Management) This utility allows you to spot errors or potential trouble spots in the network servers through a single management station. For details go to page 127. • RAID configuration The system may be bundled with a SCSI RAID configuration utility. This utility lets you change the RAID configuration of your hard disk. For details go to page 129.
126 Appendix A: System management utility ASM Acer Server Management is a server management tool. It is specially designed to help spot errors or potential trouble spots in the network servers through a single management station. ASM can send a query to a remote server over the network to request information such as system hardware and software configuration, system resource usage, and system performance. The complete ASM package consists of two major components — the ASM Agent and the ASM Console.
127 System setup Make sure that the system meets the requirements listed above before proceeding. You may also want to change your screen resolution to 800 x 600 or higher for optimum viewing. Installing ASM Agent Follow the steps below: 1 Log in to the managed server using the Administrator account. 2 Insert the EasyBUILD Management CD into the server’s CD-ROM drive. The installation sequence will automatically be displayed. 3 Select the option for ASM installation.
128 Appendix A: System management utility To launch the program, on the Windows taskbar click on the Start button, point to Programs, select Acer Server Management Suite then click ASM Console.
129 RAID configuration The SCSI RAID configuration utility allows you to change the default RAID configuration, such as the system volume of your hard disk. Caution! Using the RAID Configuration utility erases all data previously saved in the hard drives. Make sure that you backup important files before starting the configuration process. For detailed information on how to use the SCSI RAID configuration utility, refer to “Appendix C: SCSI RAID configuration” on page 147.
130 Appendix A: System management utility
Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide
This appendix shows you how to set up the Altos G5350 server in a rack mount configuration.
133 Setting up the system rack Important! Observe the electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions indicated on page 33 when perfoming the following procedures. Do not attempt the procedures described in the following sections unless you are a qualified technician. Equipment rack precautions Follow the rack manufacturer's safety and installation instructions for proper rack installation.
134 • Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide Elevated operating ambient temperature The maximum operating temperature of the system is 35 °C (95°F). Careful consideration should be given to installing the system in an environment compatible with the 35 °C (95°F) maximum ambient temperature. • Reduced airflow The amount of airflow required for the safe operation of the equipment should not be compromised when installing the system in a rack.
135 System rack installation The Altos G5350 server system can also be mounted in a rack-model position. A rack mount kit is available for customers who want to convert a tower-mounted system to rack-model design. To purchase a rack mount kit, contact your local Acer representative or order directly from http://www.acer.com/. The figure below shows the Altos G5350 server in a rack-mount position.
136 Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide Vertical mounting hole pattern The four vertical rails of the system rack contain mounting holes arranged in a manner shown in the figure below: The system occupies 5U in the rack. Count the U positions and hole numbers from the bottom up. The distance from the center of two holes with closer spacing to the center of the next pair is equivalent to 1U. Note: The unit of measurement used in this guide is "U" (1U = 1.75 inches or 44.45 mm).
137 Screw types used The following screws are used in the assembly of the Altos G5350 system and bundled rack-mountable components: Screw type and part number Figure Usage #8-32 x 0.25 inch Securing the inner mounting rails to the system Hex head #6-32 0.
138 Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide Installing the system into the rack Caution! To minimize the chances of injuries, make sure that two or more people help in installing the server. To install the system into a four-post rack 1 Remove the foot stands from the server. (1) Lay the server on its side on a flat, stable surface (1). (2) Remove the screws that hold the foot stands to the bottom of the chassis (2). Keep these for later use. (3) Pull the stands from the server.
139 2 Remove the inner rails from the mounting rails. Note: The rack mount kit contains a pack of screws, two sets of side handles, rack brackets and mounting rails. The side handles are attached to the sides of the server. The rack brackets attach the mounting rails to the server. The mounting rails allow the server to slide in and out of the rackmount for maintenance purposes. Each mounting rail consists of: an inner rail, a middle slide, and a fixed outer rail.
140 3 Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide Attach the inner rails to the mounting shelf. (1) Align the inner rails to both sides of the mounting shelf (1). (2) Secure the rails to the mounting shelf using ten #8-32 screws (see page 137) (2). 4 Install the server into the mounting shelf. Caution! To avoid personal injury, care should be taken when pressing the inner rail release latches and sliding the component into the rack. (1) Place the server on the mounting shelf (1).
141 (2) Tighten the four thumbscrews on the rear of the mounting shelf (2). 5 Install the rack brackets to the rack by following the steps below: (1) Align the rack brackets to the mounting rail until the six screw holes become visible. (2) Secure the rack brackets to the mounting rails using six M4 x L8 metal screws and nuts (see page 137). Tighten the screws but leave them loose enough to allow length adjustment when installing the mounting rails to the rack.
142 6 Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide Install the M6 cage nuts (see page 137) into the rail. (1) Insert the lower lip of the cage nut over the bottom of the opening at the back of a rail. (2) With your fingers, pinch the cage nut rack fastener and push in until the top lip locks into position. (3) Repeat this process to install the other cage nuts in their appropriate locations.
143 7 Install the mounting rails to the rack by using four M6 x L10 metal screws (see page 137) for each mounting rail. 8 Extend the middle sliding piece of each mounting rail forward until you hear a click sound.
144 9 Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide Install the server shelf assembly into the rack. Caution! To avoid personal injury, care should be taken when pressing the inner rail release latches and sliding the component into the rack. (1) Carefully align the inner rails attached to the mounting shelf with the fully extended mounting rails on the rack. (2) Press the release latch on both sides of the mounting shelf (1).
145 (1) Attach the cable arm to the rear of the system using two M4 x L8 metal screws and nuts (see page 137). (2) Install two cage nuts into the rail to which the cable arm is to be attached. (3) Extend the cable arm enough to attach it to the rail using two M6 x L10 metal screws (see page 137).
146 Appendix B: Acer Altos G5350 rack installation guide (4) Connect the power, peripheral and networking cables into their appropriate ports (1). Refer to “Connecting peripherals” on page 24 for detailed instructions. (5) Bundle all cables to the cable arm using the cable clamps (2).
Appendix C: SCSI RAID configuration
This appendix shows you how to create a RAID volume in your SCSI drives.
149 Configuring the SCSI/SCSI RAID HBA This section shows how to create a RAID 1 (mirror) volume. This feature requires the installation or presence of a LSI Logic 53C1030 SCSI controller. Using the SCSI HBA setup utility During bootup, press Ctrl+C to enter the LSI Logic Configuration screen. Loading the HBA default settings 1 In the LSI Logic MPT SCSI setup screen, press F2. 2 Select Global Properties, then select Restore Defaults. 3 Press Esc, then select Save changes then exit this menu.
150 Appendix C: SCSI RAID configuration If you change the settings in the Hot Spare field, the following messages appear: WARNING: Data on drive will be LOST! Press DELETE if data loss OK or any other key to cancel. 6 Press the Delete key to ignore. 7 Press Esc, then select Save changes then exit this menu. 8 To close the utility and reboot the server, follow the steps below: (1) Press Esc, then select Exit the Configuration Utility. The Global properties saved. Hit any key to reboot message appears.
151 Creating a RAID 1 volume 1 After rebooting the server, press Ctrl+M to enter the MegaRAID Configuration screen. The Management menu appears. 2 Select Configuration. The Configuration menu appears. 3 Select New Configuration, then select YES. An array selection window displays the devices connected to the current controller. 4 Use the arrow keys to select a specific drive, then press the spacebar to associate the selected drive with the current array.
152 Appendix C: SCSI RAID configuration 5 When initialization is complete, press any key to continue. 6 Press Esc to return to the Management menu. 7 To exit the utility and reboot the server, follow the steps below: (a) In the Management menu, press Esc. (b) Select YES. (c) Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to reboot the server. 8 Install an Operating System to the RAID array.
153 Index installing cage 38 installing hard disk 51 removing cage 50 front bezel 6 front panel 7 LED indicators 9 A Acer Server Management (ASM) system requirements ASM Agent 126 ASM Console 126 Acer Server Manager (ASM) system setup 127 install ASM Agent 127 install ASM Console 127 H hot-plug HDD LED indicators 10 hot-swap power supply module installing 73 HSF installing 58 removing 60 I B BIOS setup 79 Advanced 84 Chipset 93 CPU 85 Floppy 92 I/O Device 94 IDE 88 Memory 87 PCI 96 Server Management 9
154 load default 150 load default settings 149 SCSI RAID HBA utility 149 create RAID 1 149 rear panel 11 S SCSI module installing 71 setting up the system 23 preinstallation requirements 23 specification additional media storage 3 SATA HDD cage 3 SCSI HDD cage 3 baseboard management controller 4 chipset 3 graphic interface 4 I/O ports 4 media storage 3 memory subsystem 3 networking 4 OS 5 PCI I/O 4 power supply 5 processor 3 SCSI controller 4 storage devices installing tape drive 55 replacing CD-ROM drive
