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Introduction: Dell PowerEdge 2400 Systems User's Guide
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Introduction: Dell PowerEdge
2400 Systems User's Guide
Overview System
Features Supported Operating Systems
Front Panel Connecting External Devices Preventing Unauthorized Access Inside the Computer
Getting Help
The Dell PowerEdge 2400 workgroup server is a high performance system that offers
strong availability, serviceability, and manageability features. The PowerEdge 2400 server
utilizes Intel® Pentium® III microprocessors and next-generation chipset and memory
technology to provide high performance in both file/print and server application
environments.
This section describes the major hardware and software features of the computer,
provides information about the indicators and controls on the computer's front panel, and
discusses connecting external devices to the computer.
The PowerEdge 2400 systems offer the following major features:
- One or two Pentium III microprocessors with an external bus speed of 100 or 133
megahertz (MHz) and an internal operating speed of at least 450 MHz. The System Setup
screens list your system's internal processor speed. For more information, see
"
Using the System Setup Program."
The Pentium III microprocessor includes MMX technology designed to handle complex
multimedia and communications software. This microprocessor incorporates new instructions
and data types as well as a technique called single instruction, multiple data (SIMD) that
allows the microprocessor to process multiple data elements in parallel, thereby improving
overall system performance.
A secondary level 2 (L2) cache of 256 kilobytes (KB) or 512 KB of static random-access
memory (SRAM) is included within the single-edge contact (SEC) cartridge that contains the
microprocessor. Math coprocessor functions are provided by the microprocessor. A
separate and external math coprocessor chip is not used or required.
- Support for symmetric multiprocessing is available by installing a second Pentium III
microprocessor. Symmetric multiprocessing greatly improves overall system performance by
dividing microprocessor operations between the two independent microprocessors. To take
advantage of this feature, you must use an operating system that supports multiprocessing,
such as Microsoft® Windows NT® Server 4.0 or Novell® NetWare® 4.2 (and later
versions).
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NOTE: If you decide to upgrade your
system by installing a second microprocessor, you must order a microprocessor upgrade kit
from Dell. Not all versions of the Pentium III microprocessor work properly as a second
microprocessor. The upgrade kit from Dell contains the correct version of the
microprocessor for use as a second microprocessor as well as instructions for performing
the upgrade. The second microprocessor must have the same internal operating
frequency as the first. |
- A minimum of 64 megabytes (MB) of system memory, upgradable to a maximum of 2 gigabytes
(GB) by installing combinations of 64-, 128-, 256-, or 512 MB registered synchronous
dynamic RAM (SDRAM) dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) in the four DIMM sockets on the
system board.
The registered, 72-bit-wide (168 pin) error checking and correction (ECC) SDRAM DIMMs
installed in PowerEdge 2400 systems support ECC to check for and correct memory errors.
ECC is performed by the memory controller in the ServerSet LE system chip set. DIMMs do
not need to be inserted in pairs.
- A basic input/output system (BIOS) that resides in flash memory on the ISA bus that can
be upgraded if required.
- An optional, redundant power supply distribution board to accommodate up to two
independent power supplies.
- A single, 1.44 MB 3.5-inch diskette drive.
- A 14/32X small computer system interface (SCSI) CD-ROM drive.
The system board includes the following features:
- Five PCI slots and one PCI/ISA-shared expansion-card connector, located on the system
board. PCI slots 1 through 4 are unshared, 64-bit, 33 MHz PCI slots; PCI slot 5 is a
64-bit, 33 MHz slot that is shared with ISA slot 5. Slot six provides a 32-bit, 33 MHz PCI
slot for use with the optional Dell Remote Assistant Card (DRAC) or other PCI accessories.
- An integrated video graphics array (VGA)-compatible video subsystem with an ATI RAGE IIC
video controller. This video subsystem contains 4 MB of synchronous dynamic RAM
(SDRAM) video memory (nonupgradable). Maximum resolutions are 1024 x 768 x 256 colors
(noninterlaced). In 800 x 600-pixel and 640 x 480-pixel resolutions, 16.7 million
colors are available for true-color graphics.
- An integrated National Semiconductor PC97317 super input/output (I/O) controller that
controls the bidirectional parallel port, two serial ports, keyboard, mouse, and the
diskette drive in the externally accessible front bay. The super I/O controller resides on
the ISA bus.
The parallel port can be set to operate in the following modes via the Parallel
Mode option in the System Setup program: output-only (AT-compatible),
bidirectional (Personal System/2 [PS/2]-compatible, or Extended Capabilities Port (ECP).
- An integrated Intel 82559 10/100 network interface controller (NIC), which provides an
Ethernet interface.
- An integrated Adaptec AIC-7890 Ultra2/low-voltage differential (LVD) SCSI host adapter
that supports up to six 1-inch or four 1.6-inch internal SCSI hard-disk drives via a SCSI
backplane board and special SCSI hard-disk drive carriers. The SCSI backplane
automatically configures SCSI ID numbers and SCSI termination on individual hard-disk
drives, greatly simplifying drive installation.
You can add support for redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID)
levels 0, 1, 5, and 10 by enabling the optional integrated PowerEdge Expandable RAID
Controller (PERC) 2/Si. (This upgrade includes a DIMM, hardware key, and RAID software.)
- An integrated Adaptec AIC-7880 Ultra/Wide SCSI secondary host adapter (implemented as
Ultra/Narrow) provides connections for tape drives and CD-ROMs via a 50-pin connector.
- SCSI backplane options include a 1 x 4 and 1 x 6 hot-pluggable backplane. The
hot-pluggable backplanes support hot-pluggable SCSI hard-disk drive installation and
removal. The integrated SCSI controller resides on the PCI local bus for optimum
performance.
- Integrated server management circuitry that monitors operation of the system fans as
well as critical system voltages and temperatures. The integrated server management
circuitry works in conjunction with the optional HP OpenView Network Node Manager Special
Edition (NNM SE) and the Dell Hardware Instrumentation Package (HIP) software package.
- A PS/2-style keyboard port, dual Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, and a PS/2-compatible
mouse port.
The PowerEdge 2400 system is orderable in a floor-standing or a rack configuration and
can be changed from one configuration to the other via customer kits.
The following software is included in your Dell computer system:
- Video drivers for displaying many popular application programs in high-resolution modes.
For more information on these drivers, see "Using the Dell
OpenManage Server Assistant CD."
- SCSI device drivers that allow the operating system to communicate with devices attached
to the integrated SCSI subsystem. For more information on these drivers, see "Installing and Configuring SCSI Drivers."
- The System Setup program for quickly viewing and changing the
system configuration information for your computer.
- The Resource Configuration Utility, which allows you to
configure installed ISA expansion cards through software rather than on the hardware.
- Enhanced security features available through either the System Setup program or the
Resource Configuration Utility, including a user password and a supervisor password.
- Diagnostics for evaluating your computer's components and devices. For information on
using the system diagnostics, see "Using the Dell OpenManage
Server Assistant CD" or see "Running the Dell Diagnostics" in your
Installation and Troubleshooting Guide.
Dell supports the following network operating systems for use on PowerEdge 2400
systems:
- Windows NT Server 4.0, Service Pack 4 or higher
- NetWare 4.2 and 5.0
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NOTE: Installation service and support for other
operating systems are available through Dell Plus. For more information, see "Getting
Help" in your Installation and Troubleshooting Guide. |
The following controls and indicators are located on the computer's front panel (see
Figure 1).
Figure 1. Front-Panel Features

1
|
System alert
indicator |
2
|
Drive failure
indicator |
3
|
Drive access
indicator |
4
|
Reset button |
5
|
Power button |
6
|
Power indicator |
7
|
Diskette drive |
8
|
Keylock |
9
|
CD-ROM drive |
- The power button on the front panel controls the AC input power to the system's power
supply.
- The green power indicator in the center of the power button lights up when the power
supply is turned on and the system is receiving DC power.
- The reset button on the front panel saves wear and tear on system components by allowing
you to reboot the computer without turning the power off and then on again.
- The green drive access indicator on the front panel lights up when any SCSI hard-disk
drive is accessed.
- The yellow drive failure indicator lights up if a hard-disk drive failure occurs.
- The yellow system alert indicator lights up if a fan failure, excessive system or
microprocessor temperature sensor reading, or other system alert occurs.
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NOTE: The power button and the reset button are
recessed into the computer's front panel to prevent accidentally turning off or resetting
the computer and losing valuable data. |
Three indicator lights on each of the SCSI hard-disk drive carriers provide the
following information (see Figure 2):
- The green drive online indicator (identified by a round icon) lights up when the
hard-disk drive is receiving power.
- The green drive activity indicator (identified by a cylinder-shaped icon) lights up when
data is transferred to or from the hard-disk drive.
- If the optional integrated PERC 2/Si RAID controller is enabled or an optional PERC host
adapter card is installed in the system, the amber drive failure indicator (identified by
a cylinder-shaped icon with an X through it) blinks if a disk failure is detected.
Figure 2. Hard-Disk Drive Indicators

1 |
Drive online indicator |
2 |
Drive activity indicator |
3 |
Drive failure indicator |
You can connect various external devices, such as a mouse and printer, to the I/O ports
and connectors on the computers back panel (see Figure 3).
Figure 3. Back-Panel Features

1 |
Optional redundant power
supplies (right-hand supply is supply #1) |
2
|
AC power receptacle(s) |
3
|
Parallel port connector |
4
|
Serial port 1 |
5 |
Serial port 2 |
6
|
Mouse connector |
7
|
Keyboard connector |
8
|
USB connectors (2) |
9 |
NIC connector |
10 |
Video connector |
11 |
Expansion slots (6) |
The system BIOS detects the presence of external devices when you boot or reboot your
system. When you connect external devices to your computer, follow these guidelines:
- Check the documentation that accompanied the device for specific installation and
configuration instructions.
For example, most devices must be connected to a particular I/O port or connector to
operate properly. Also, external devices such as a mouse or printer usually require that
you load software files called device drivers into memory before they will work. These
software drivers help the computer recognize an external device and direct its operation.
Device drivers of this type are normally included with your operating system software.
- Always attach external devices while your computer is turned off. Then turn on any
external devices before turning on the computer unless the documentation for the device
specifies otherwise. (If the computer does not seem to recognize the device, try turning
on the computer before turning on the device.)
For information about enabling, disabling, or configuring I/O ports and connectors, see
"Using the System Setup Program" or "Using the Resource Configuration Utility." For detailed
descriptions and illustrations of each port and connector on the I/O panel, see "I/O Ports and Connectors."
A keylock on the front bezel prevents unauthorized access to the inside of the
computer. The computer covers cannot be removed with the bezel locked.
The PowerEdge 2400 systems also include a system intrusion switch that signals
appropriate server management software if the computer bezel is opened.
If at any time you do not understand a procedure described in this guide, or if your
system does not perform as expected, Dell provides a number of tools to help you. For more
information on these help tools, see "Getting Help" in your Installation and
Troubleshooting Guide.
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