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Installing System Board Options: Dell™
PowerEdge™ 6300 Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
This section describes how to access the
interior of your system and install the following options :
- Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) expansion cards
- Memory upgrades
- Microprocessor upgrades
This section also includes instructions
for replacing the system battery, if necessary.
Use Figure 1 to
locate the system board features mentioned in this section and elsewhere.
 |
WARNING:
The power supplies in this computer system produce high voltages and energy
hazards, which can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to
remove the computer cover and access any of the components inside the computer. |
|
WARNING:
This system may have more than one power supply cable. To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, a trained service technician must disconnect all power supply cables before
servicing the system. For more information, refer to Safety First--For You and Your
Computer. |
Figure 1. System Board Features
The computer's seven expansion-card
slots can accommodate a mix of 32-bit and 64-bit PCI cards. Figure 2 shows examples of the different types
of expansion cards.
The system board contains seven PCI
expansion-card connectors--four 64-bit slots and three 32-bit
slots (see Figure 3). Connectors PCI1 through PCI3 support 32-bit
PCI cards , and PCI4 through PCI7 support 32-bit and 64-bit
PCI cards.
Figure 2. PCI
Expansion Cards
Follow these guidelines when adding an
expansion card:
- A Dell Remote Assistant Card, version 2.0, must be installed in PCI slot
3.
- PCI video expansion cards should be installed in one of the three primary
PCI slots (PCI1, PCI2, or PCI3).
- All slots support full-length expansion cards.
- If you are installing a SCSI host adapter card, consider the boot order
of the system when selecting a PCI slot for the adapter. The System Setup program provides
three options that the system uses to scan for installed boot devices. Refer to the system
User's Guide for information about which option to choose to enable the proper
boot sequence for the adapter.
Figure 3.
Expansion-Card Connectors
Follow this general installation
procedure:
1. Turn off the system, including any
attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its AC power source.
2. Prepare the expansion card for
installation, and open the PCI access door.
See the documentation that came with the
expansion card for information on configuring the card, making internal connections, or
otherwise customizing the card for the system.
3. Select the expansion slot in which you will install the new expansion card.
4. Open the plastic expansion card
clip and remove the expansion slot filler bracket:
Press and hold the plastic tab on the outside
of the system chassis (see
Figure 4.
Press the release tab on the latch inside the
system chassis.
Open the expansion card latch and remove the
filler bracket.
Figure 4.
Expansion Card Removal and Installation
5. Insert the card-edge connector
firmly into the expansion-card connector on the chassis.
6. When the card is firmly seated in
the connector and the card-mounting bracket is aligned with the brackets on either side of it, close the expansion card latch.
7. Connect any cables that should be
attached to the card.
See the documentation that came with the
card for information about cable connections.
8. Close the PCI access door, and then
reconnect the computer and peripherals to their AC power sources and turn them on.
Follow this procedure to remove an
expansion card:
1. Turn off the system, including any
attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its AC power source.
2. Open the PCI access door.
3. Disconnect any cables attached to
the expansion card you want to remove.
Be sure to record the location of each
cable before you disconnect it.
4. Press and hold the clip on the back
of the system while pressing the release tab on the latch inside the system (see Figure 4); then rotate the latch
away from the expansion card bracket.
5. Release the inner end of the
expansion card by lifting the tab on the latch.
6. Grasp the expansion card by its top
corners, and carefully remove it from the expansion card connector.
7. If you are removing the card
permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty card-slot opening.
 |
NOTE: Installing a filler
bracket over an empty expansion slot is necessary to maintain Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of
the computer and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the computer. |
8. Replace the computer cover, and then
reconnect the computer and peripherals to their AC power sources and turn them on.
The 16 dual in-line memory module (DIMM)
sockets on the memory board can accommodate 128 megabytes (MB) to 4 gigabytes (GB) of 32-,
128-, and 256-MB buffered extended-data out (EDO) DIMMs. Dell PowerEdge 6300 systems use
72-bit DIMMs in these 168-pin sockets.
The system is upgradable (up to 4 GB) by
installing sets of four DIMMs at a time. DIMM sizes are 32-MB, 128-MB, and 256-MB buffered
EDO DIMMs. The DIMMs should be rated at 50 or 60 nanoseconds (ns). Table
1 shows several sample memory configurations. Memory upgrade kits can be purchased
from Dell as needed.
|
NOTE: If you mix 50- and
60-ns DIMMs, the system memory will run at 60 ns. |
The DIMM sockets are divided into four
memory banks with each bank having four DIMM sockets. The DIMM sockets in each bank are
labeled "DIMM A" through "DIMM D." The DIMM A and DIMM B sockets of
each memory bank are positioned on one side of the module, and the DIMM C and DIMM D
sockets of each bank are positioned on the opposite side (see Figure 5).
When installing DIMMs, follow these
guidelines:
- DIMMs must be installed in banks of four at a time.
- Install DIMMs in bank 1 before bank 2, bank 2 before bank 3, and bank 3
before bank 4.
- DIMM sizes cannot be mixed within a memory bank; a memory bank must have
four DIMMs of the same size. However, memory banks can have different DIMM sizes from each
other. For example, memory bank 1 can have four 32-MB DIMMs and memory bank 2 can have
four 128-MB DIMMs.
Figure 5.
Memory Module and DIMM Sockets
Table 1
illustrates the possible memory configurations for the DIMM memory board.
|
|
DIMMs Installed
|
| Total
Memory
|
32-MB
|
128-MB
|
256-MB
|
| 128 MB |
4 |
|
|
| 256 MB |
8 |
|
|
| 384 MB |
12 |
|
|
| 512 MB |
16 |
|
|
| 512 MB |
|
4 |
|
| 1024 MB |
|
8 |
|
| 1024 MB |
|
|
4 |
| 1536 MB |
|
12 |
|
| 2048 MB |
|
16 |
|
| 2048 MB |
|
|
8 |
| 3072 MB |
|
|
12 |
| 4096 MB |
|
|
16 |
Use the following procedure to perform a
memory upgrade to the system board:
1. Remove the computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Cover.
2. Remove the support panel.
See Accessing
the Microprocessors or Memory Module.
3. Remove the memory module.
Hold the module by the corners where the
handles are and carefully pull the module out until the edge connectors are free from the
system board connector.
|
NOTE: Be careful not to
touch components or gold edge connectors on the module. |
4. Place the memory module
component-side up onto an antistatic surface.
5. Locate the DIMM sockets into which
you will install or replace DIMMs.
Figure 5 shows the
location of the DIMM sockets on the memory module.
6. Install or replace the DIMMs as
necessary to reach the desired memory total.
Follow the instructions in Installing DIMMs or Removing DIMMs
as appropriate.
7. Replace the memory module.
Hold the module by the corners with the
DIMM sockets facing down. Ease the module into the correct slot guides until it is
touching the system board connector. Press the module carefully but firmly into the system
board connector and rotate the handles closed.
|
NOTE: Before closing the
handles, make sure the memory module is aligned with the system board connector. |
8. Replace the support panel.
9. Replace the computer cover,
reconnect the computer and peripherals to their power sources, and turn them on.
 |
CAUTION: Make sure the memory module is completely seated in the
system board connector before applying power. Incomplete insertion can damage to the
system board and memory module.
After the system completes the power-on self-test (POST) routine, it runs a memory test
that displays the new memory total, which includes all newly installed memory. |
|
NOTE: If the memory total is
incorrect, turn off and disconnect the computer and peripherals from their power sources,
remove the computer cover and memory module , and check all the installed DIMMs to make
sure they are seated properly in their sockets. Then repeat steps 7 through 9. |
The system detects that the new memory does
not match the system configuration information, which is stored in nonvolatile
random-access memory (NVRAM). The monitor displays an error message to that effect, ending
with the following words:
Press <F2>
to enter System Setup.
10. Press <F2> to enter the S ystem S etup program, and
check the Extended Memory category in the Main menu of the system setup screens.
See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup
Program," in the Dell PowerEdge 6300 Systems User's Guide for more
information.
The system should have already changed the
value in the Extended Memory category to reflect the newly installed memory. Verify the
new total.
|
NOTE: The value of extended
m emory is given in kilobytes. To convert kilobytes to megabytes, divide the kilobyte
total by 1024. |
If the total is incorrect, one or more of
the DIMMs may not be installed properly. Repeat this procedure, checking to make sure that the DIMMs are firmly seated in their sockets.
11. Enter the system configuration
utility. Then save the configuration and exit the utility.
Running the system configuration utility
and saving the configuration is required for the system to recognize the newly installed
DIMMs. See Chapter 5, "Using the System Configuration Utility," in the system
User's Guide for instructions on running the utility and saving the configuration.
12. Run the RAM Test Group in the Dell D iagnostics.
See Running the
Dell Diagnostics for information.
To install a DIMM, follow these steps:
1. Press the ejectors on the DIMM
socket down and outward as shown in Figure 6
to allow the DIMM to be inserted in the socket.
2. Align the DIMM's edge connector with
the slot in the center of the DIMM socket, and insert the DIMM in the socket.
The card-edge connector on the DIMM has two notches that allow the DIMM to be installed in the socket in only one way (see Figure 6 ).
Figure 6.
Installing a DIMM
3. Press down on the two outer edges
of the DIMM with your thumbs while pulling up on the ejectors with your index fingers to lock the DIMM into the socket.
When the DIMM is properly seated in the
socket, the ejectors on the DIMM socket should align with the ejectors on the other
sockets with DIMMs installed.
4. Continue with step 7 of Performing a Memory Upgrade.
To remove a DIMM, press down and outward
on the ejectors on each end of the socket until the DIMM pops out of the socket (see Figure 7).
Figure 7.
Removing a DIMM
The microprocessor is contained within a
single-edge contact (SEC) cartridge and heat sink assembly. The system board has four
guide bracket assemblies which hold the SEC cartridge and heat sink assemblies. If your
system has only one microprocessor, the unused guide bracket assembly connectors must
contain terminator cartridges. If you are adding one or more microprocessors, they must
have the same operating frequency as the first microprocessor. For example, if the system
has a 400-MHz microprocessor, the additional microprocessors must also be 400-MHz
microprocessors.
|
CAUTION:
If you are adding microprocessors to your system, you must order an upgrade kit
from Dell. The upgrade kit contains the correct version of microprocessor for your system. |
Use the following procedure, which is
illustrated in Figure 8, to remove a terminator cartridge from a
guide bracket assembly:
1. Pull outward on the two bracket
assembly release latches (see Figure 6
) until they snap into place.
2. Grasp the terminator cartridge
firmly, and pull straight up on the cartridge to remove it from the guide bracket
assembly.
Moderate force may be required to disengage
the cartridge from the connector on the system board.
Figure 8.
Removing a Terminator Cartridge
Use the following procedure to install a
terminator cartridge in a guide bracket assembly:
1. If you have not already done so,
pull the two bracket assembly release latches outward to the unreleased position.
2. Align the notch on the terminator
cartridge with the socket on the guide bracket assembly, and guide the cartridge into the empty guide bracket assembly.
3. Press the cartridge firmly into the
connector.
4. Snap the bracket assembly latches
into place to secure the cartridge.
Use the following procedure to remove
the SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly.
|
WARNING:
The SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly can get extremely hot during system operation. Be
sure the assembly has had sufficient time to cool before you touch it |
|
WARNING:
When handling the SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly, take care to avoid sharp edges on
the heat sink. |
1. Pull outward on the two SEC
cartridge release latches (see Figure 9) until they snap into
place.
Figure 9.
Removing an SEC Cartridge and Heat Sink
2. Grasp the SEC cartridge firmly, and
pull straight up on the cartridge to remove it from the guide bracket assembly.
Moderate force may be required to disengage
the SEC cartridge from the connector on the system board.
Use the following procedure to install
the replacement SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly:
1. Remove the terminator cartridge or
old SEC cartridge from the guide bracket assembly.
Follow the instructions in Removing a Terminator Cartridge or Removing the SEC Cartridge and
Heat Sink Assembly as appropriate.
2. Verify that the cartridge release
latches on the guide bracket assembly are pulled out.
3. Slide the SEC cartridge into the
guide bracket assembly and firmly seat the assembly (see Figure 10).
Figure 10. Installing
an SEC Cartridge and Heat Sink Assembly
4. Snap the cartridge release latches
back into place to secure the SEC cartridge.
The system battery maintains system
configuration, date, and time information in a special section of memory when the system
is turned off.
The operating life of the battery ranges
from 2 to 5 years, depending on
how the system is used (for example, if the system is on most of the time, the battery gets little use and
thus lasts longer). The battery may need replacing if an incorrect time or date is
displayed during the boot routine along with a message such as the following:
Time-of-day not set -- please run SETUP program
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility
or
System CMOS checksum bad -- Run SETUP
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility
or
Invalid configuration information -- please run SETUP program
Strike the F1 key to continue, F2 to run the setup utility
To determine if the battery needs
replacing, reenter the time and date through the System Setup program. Turn off the system
for a few hours, and then turn it on again. Enter the System Setup program. If the date
and time are not correct in the System Setup program, replace the battery.
|
NOTES:
Some software may cause the system time to speed up or slow down. If the system seems to
operate normally except for the time kept in the System Setup program, the problem may be
caused by software rather than by a defective battery.
If
the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the NVRAM may
lose its system configuration information. This situation is not caused by a defective
battery.
|
The system can be operated without a
battery; however, the system configuration information maintained by the battery in NVRAM
is erased each time the computer is turned off. Therefore, the system configuration
information must be reentered and the options reset each time the system boots until the
battery is replaced.
The battery is a 3.0-volt (V), coin-cell
CR2032-type battery. To remove the battery, follow these steps.
| |
WARNING:There is a danger of a new battery
exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or
equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
|
1. If possible, enter the System Setup
program and make a printed copy of the System Setup screens.
See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup
Program," in the Dell PowerEdge 6300 Systems User's Guide for instructions.
2. Turn off the system, including any
attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its AC power source.
3. Remove the computer cover.
See Removing the Computer Cover.
4. If an expansion card blocks your
access to the battery, remove the expansion card.
See Removing
an Expansion Card.
5. Remove the battery.
Pry the battery out of its socket with your
fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive object such as a plastic screwdriver.
6. Install the new battery with the
"+" side facing up (see Figure 11).
7. Reinstall the expansion card
removed in step 4, if applicable.
8. Replace the computer cover,
reconnect the computer and peripherals to their AC power sources, and turn on the system.
9. Enter the System Setup program to
confirm that the battery is operating properly.
Enter the correct time and date through the
System Setup program's Time and Date settings. Also reenter any system configuration
information that is no longer displayed on the System Setup screens, and then exit the
System Setup program.
Figure 11.
Installing the Battery
10. Turn the computer and peripherals
off, and leave them off for at least an hour.
11. After an hour, turn on the system
and enter the System Setup program. If the time and date are still incorrect, see Getting Help, for instructions on
obtaining technical assistance.
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