Page 1 Acer Altos R520 Series User’s Guide...
Page 2 Model Name : Part Number: Purchase Date: Place of Purchase: Acer and the Acer logo are registered trademarks of Acer Inc. Other company’s product names or trademarks are used herein for identification purposes only and belong to their respective companies.
Page 3: Fcc Notice
Notices FCC notice 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. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
Page 4: Laser Compliance Statement
Caution! Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s authority, which is granted by the Federal Communications Commission, to operate this server. Use conditions This part complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Page 5: Important Safety Instructions
Important safety instructions Read these instructions carefully. Save these instructions for future reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning. Do not use this product near water.
Page 6 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.
Page 7: Table Of Contents
Notices FCC notice Laser compliance statement Important safety instructions 1 System tour System features Performance External and internal structure Front bezel Front panel Rear panel Internal components System boards Mainboard Backplane board Mid-plane board Control panel System LED indicators Control panel LED indicators Hot-plug HDD LED indicators System jumpers 2 System setup...
Page 8 viii Removing the CPU air dam Removing and installing the power distribution board cover Configuring the storage devices Removing and installing a hard disk drive Removing and installing a slim-line optical drive Removing and installing a PCI riser assembly Removing and installing a PCI card Upgrading the CPU CPU upgrading guidelines Upgrading the system memory...
Page 9 Specific problems and corrective actions Error beep codes BIOS POST error beep codes ARMC/3 module error beep codes Diagnostic POST code LEDs Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide Setting up the system rack System rack installation Vertical mounting hole pattern...
Page 11: System Tour
1 System tour...
Page 12 The Acer Altos R520 is a 1U dual-core Intel Xeon- based server equipped with numerous high performance features designed to provide easy server set up, remote management, highly reliable shared storage, and handle more demanding database or high transaction applications.
Page 13: System Features
System features Listed below are the key features of the Acer Altos R520 server. Performance Processor • Supports two dual-core or quad-core Intel 5000 sequence with 667 MHz, 1066 MHz, or 1333 MHz front side bus speed • Extended Memory 64-bit Technology •...
Page 14 • For SATA models, the embedded SATA controller support - Passive mid-plane board - Six onboard SATA connectors - Up to six hot-plug 2.5” SATA hard disk drives - Intel Embedded Server RAID Technology capable of SATA software RAID levels: •...
Page 15 • IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) 2.0 compliant • In-band and out-band server management • ARMC/3 (Acer Remote Management Card/3) module (optional) • High performance KVM redirection • Includes a dedicated NIC port • USB mouse, keyboard, and media redirection Control panel •...
Page 16 ® • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9.0 • SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9.0, EM64T • ASM (Acer Server Manager) • Easy Build Power supply • Supports one to two 650-watts power supply modules • Supports redundant (1+1) or non-redundant (1+0) power...
Page 17: External And Internal Structure
External and internal structure Front bezel The front bezel provides an interface for system management via status LED indicators. The light pipes on the backside of the front bezel allow the system status LEDs to be monitored when the front bezel is closed.
Page 18: Front Panel
Front panel Item Component Rack handles Slim-line optical drive bay Mini control panel bay * The Acer Altos R520 dual-purpose bay supports either the standard control panel or two 2.5” hot-plug HDD drives. 1 System tour Item Component Dual-purpose bay*...
Page 19: Rear Panel
Rear panel Item Component PS2 mouse port Low profile PCI expansion slot Full height PCI expansion slot Power supply module Power supply module bay filler panel Server management port (10/ 100 Mbps) (RJ-45) cover 1 The system power can be configured to support redundant (1+1) and non-redundant (1+0) configuration.
Page 20: Internal Components
Internal components Item Component Power distribution board Power distribution board cover Power supply module 1 Power supply module bay 2 (filler panel shown) Riser card assembly Mainboard 1 System tour Item Component Memory modules CPU air duct System fan modules Mid-plane board (active mid-plane shown) Bridge board...
Page 21: System Boards
System boards Mainboard The mainboard becomes accessible once you open the system. It should look like the figure shown below. Item Description Rolling BIOS jumper Intel ESB2-E I/O controller Item Description Battery Power supply management connector...
Page 22 Item Description Diagnostic POST code indicators Full height PCI riser slot Low profile PCI riser slot USB ports VGA/Monitor port System ID indicator System status indicator Gigabit LAN1 and LAN 2 ports Serial B port PS2 mouse (top) and keyboard (bottom) port Serial B configuration jumper FBDIMM slots...
Page 23: Backplane Board
Backplane board SAS/SATA backplane board The backplane board installed on the rear side of the hot-plug drive bay provides support for both SAS and SATA hard drives. Front view Item Description Slim-line optical drive con- nector Mini control panel connector Item Description SAS/SATA connectors...
Page 24 Rear view Item Description Control panel connector USB connector IDE connector 1 System tour Item Description Mid-plane connectors Backplane power connector...
Page 25: Mid-Plane Board
Mid-plane board The mid-plane boad serves as the primary interface between the mainboard, backplane, and control panel. It is used to determine the desired hard drive interface for the system. There are two mid-planes available for this system: an active mid-plane board and a passive mid- plane board.
Page 26 Item Description Fan 6 power connector RAID cache slot Passive mid-plane board (SATA model) The passive mid-plane board is used to provide SATA support for the onboard SATA controller and six SATA ports. The mid-plane also supports up to six hot-plug SATA HDDs and software RAID levels 0, 1, and 10.
Page 27: Control Panel
Control panel The Acer Altos R520 server supports either the mini control panel, providing basic functionality, or the standard control panel, which adds additional server management features. Both control panels utilize a combination of control buttons, status LED indicators, along with I/O ports, to centralize system control, monitoring, and accessibility.
Page 28 Standard control panel (optional) Item Component LAN 2 activity indicator LAN 1 activity indicator Power/sleep button Power/sleep indicator HDD actvity indicator System status indicator Item Component System ID indicator System ID button Reset button USB 2.0 port NMI button VGA/monitor port 1 System tour TP02213...
Page 29 Control panel button function overview The following table list and describe the function of the control buttons available on the control panel. Control button Function NMI button Puts the server in a halt-state for diagnostic purposes and allows you to issue a non-maskable interrupt. After using the interrupt, a memory download can be performed to determine the cause of the problem.
Page 30: System Led Indicators
System LED indicators This section describes the different LED indicators located on • Mainboard • Control panel • Hot-plug HDD carrier • LAN port • Hot-plug power supply module 1 System tour...
Page 31 Mainboard diagnostic LED indicators Item Description Color Diagnostic POST code indicators State Description During the system boot process, BIOS executes a number of platform configuration processes, each of which is assigned a specific hex POST code number. As each configuration routine is started, BIOS will display the given POST code to the POST Code Diagnostic LEDs found on the rear of the...
Page 32 Item Description Color System ID Blue indicator System Green/ status Amber indicator Green State Description The system ID buton on the control panel is activated System identification is disabled Blink Appropriate hex IPMI “Chassis Identify” value has been issued Altern Pre DC power on - 30-35 second ating BMC initialization when AC power...
Page 33 Item Description Color System Amber status indicator (cont.) DIMM error indicators E, F CPU error indicator 5-volt standby present indicator State Description Critical or non-recoverable condition • DIMM failure when there is one DIMM present • Run-time memory uncorrectable error in non-redundant mode •...
Page 34: Control Panel Led Indicators
Control panel LED indicators The following table list and describe the LED indicators available on the mini or optional standard control panel. Indicator Color LAN1/LAN2 Green activity indicator Power/Sleep Green indicator HDD activity Green indicator System ID Blue indicator System Green/ status Amber...
Page 35: Hot-Plug Hdd Led Indicators
Hot-plug HDD LED indicators There are two status LED indicators mounted for each hot-plug HDD carrier. The table below list the possible drive states. Indicator Color Hot-plug Amber HDD activity indicator Amber + Green Green Hot-plug Amber HDD failure indicator Green LAN port LED indicators Indicator...
Page 36 Hot-plug power supply module LED indicator The table below list and describe the bi-color LED indicator located on the power supply module. Indicator Color Status Green Amber State Description No AC power to the power supply System has power applied to it Blink AC power cord is plugged into an active AC power source...
Page 37: System Jumpers
System jumpers Jumper name J1D2 Password clear J1D3 Clear CMOS J3H1 BIOS select J1D1 BMC force update mode J8A3 Serial B port (RJ-45) Settings Function 1-2 (default) Password enabled Password disabled/cleared 1-2 (default) BIOS clear CMOS Forced CMOS clear Force lower bank 2-3 (default) Normal operation 1-2 (default)
Page 38 1 System tour...
Page 39: System Setup
2 System setup...
Page 40 This chapter gives you instructions on how to set up the system. Procedures on how to connect peripherals are also explained.
Page 41: Setting Up The System
Secluded from electromagnetic fields produced by electrical devices such as air conditioners, radio and TV transmitters, etc. Checking the package contents Check the following items from the package: • Acer Altos R520 server system • Acer EasyBUILD • Acer Altos R520 accessory box If any of the above items are damaged or missing, contact your dealer immediately.
Page 42: Connecting Peripherals
Connecting peripherals Caution! The server operates on 100-127/200-240 VAC only. Do not connect the system to an incorrect voltage source. 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.
Page 43: Turning On The System
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. Note: After plugging in the AC power cord, allow system to warm up for 30 seconds or until the status/fault indicator on the control panel stops blinking before turning on the system.
Page 44: Power-On Problems
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 cord may be loosely connected. Check the power cord connection from the power source to the power supply module AC input connector on the rear panel.
Page 45: Configuring The System Os
Configuring the system OS The Acer Altos R520 server comes with Acer EasyBUILD you to conveniently install your choice of operating system. To start using EasyBUILD, follow the steps below. Locate the EasyBUILD DVD included in the system package. With the system turned on, gently press the optical drive’s Stop/ Eject button.
Page 46: Turning Off The System
Turning off the system There are two ways to turn off the server. These include: • Software power off If you are using a Windows OS on your server, you can turn off the server by clicking the Start button, point to Shut Down..., select Shut down from the drop-down window then click on OK.
Page 47: System Upgrade
3 System upgrade...
Page 48 This chapter discusses the precautionary measures and installation procedures you need to know to upgrade the system.
Page 49: Installation Precautions
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.
Page 50: Post-Installation Instructions
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. See to it that all components are installed according to the described step-by-step instructions.
Page 51: Opening The Server
Opening the server Caution! Before you proceed, make sure that you have turned off the system and all peripherals connected to it. Read the “Pre- installation instructions” on page 39. You need to open the server before you can install additional components.
Page 52 To install the front bezel: Line up the center notch on both ends of the bezel with the center guide on the rack handles. Slide the front bezel onto the chassis until it clicks into place. 3 System upgrade...
Page 53: Removing And Installing The Top Cover
Removing and installing the top cover To remove the top cover: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39. Remove the screw located on the top cover (A). Press and hold the blue release button (B), then slide the cover toward the back of the chassis until the cover disengage with the slots on the chassis (C).
Page 54 To install the top cover: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39. Place the top cover on the chassis so that the tabs on the cover align with the slots on the chassis . Slide the top cover toward the front of the chassis until it is fully closed (A).
Page 55: Removing And Installing The Cpu Air Duct
Removing and installing the CPU air duct Caution! Always operate your server with the CPU air duct installed to ensure reliable and continued operation. To remove the CPU air duct: You will need to remove the CPU air duct to perform the following procedures: •...
Page 56 To install the CPU air duct: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39. Place the CPU air duct over the two processor sockets. The front edge of the air duct should touch the front fan module and the top of the installed air duct should be flush with the top of the PCI riser assembly.
Page 57: Removing The Cpu Air Dam
Removing the CPU air dam To remove the CPU air dam: Important: Do not remove the CPU air dam from the CPU air duct except when installing a second CPU to the system. The air dam ensures proper air flow when a single CPU is installed to the system.
Page 58: Removing And Installing The Power Distribution Board Cover
Removing and installing the power distribution board cover To remove the power distribution board cover: You will need to remove the power distribution board cover to perform the following procedures: • Removing and installing the RAID activation key and RAID cache •...
Page 59 To install the power distribution board cover: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39. Lower the power distribution board cover to the chassis (A). Tighten the thumbscrew to secure the cover to the chassis (B). Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40. TP02229...
Page 60: Configuring The Storage Devices
Removing and installing a hard disk drive Note: Use only Acer-qualified SAS or SATA HDDs. To purchase a SAS or SATA HDD, contact your local Acer representative. Caution! To ensure proper airflow and server cooling, all drive bays must contain either a carrier with a hard drive installed in it or a hard disk carrier cover.
Page 61 To remove a HDD: Observe the ESD precautions described on page 39. If you are removing a failed HDD, determine which drive has failed by checking the drive status LEDs. Press the green HDD carrier latch to open the drive (A). Pull out the lever and slide the carrier from the chassis (B).
Page 62: To Install A Hdd
To install a HDD: Note: To puchase a HDD carrier, contact your local Acer representative. Perform steps 1 to 4 listed on the “To remove a HDD” section on page 51. Remove the four screws that secure the air baffle to the HDD carrier (A).
Page 63: Removing And Installing A Slim-Line Optical Drive
When the lever begins to close by itself, push on it to lock the drive assembly into place (B). Removing and installing a slim-line optical drive Note: The slim-line optical drive is not hot-pluggable. Before removing or replacing the drive, you must first power down the server, unplug the AC power cord from the system, and turn off all peripherals devices connected to the server.
Page 64 Press the blue release lever to unlock the optical drive tray (A) and slide the optical drive tray out through the front of the server (B). If no device will be installed in the drive bay, install the filler panel in the drive bay.
Page 65 Install the plastic guide on the rear of the optical device, then secure it with the two screws that came with the optical drive kit. Slide the optical drive tray into the front opening in the server. Make sure the back end of the plastic guide plugs into the matching connector on the backplane board.
Page 66: Removing And Installing A Pci Riser Assembly
Removing and installing a PCI riser assembly Note: The PCI riser assembly includes an intrusion switch that engages the system cover. The intrusion switch is provided to allow server management software to monitor removal of the top cover from the server. Caution! The PCI riser assembly must be installed to maintain proper airflow inside the server.
Page 67 Lift the riser assembly from the chassis. Place the riser assembly on a clean, static-free work surface. If you need to replace PCI cards. See “Removing and installing a PCI card” on page 58. Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40. TP02236...
Page 68: Removing And Installing A Pci Card
To install the PCI riser assembly: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39. Lower the PCI riser assembly (A), aligning the four hooks on the back edge of the riser assembly with the matching slots on the rear of the chassis (B).
Page 69 When removing a full height PCI card, open the full length PCI card retention clip on the front of the riser assembly by rotating it 90 degrees outward. Note: The install sequence for low profile PCI cards on the opposite side of the riser assembly is the same. Pull up the card to remove it, then store the card in an antistatic protective wrapper.
Page 70 When installing a full height PCI card, open the full length PCI card retention clip on the front of the riser assembly by rotating it 90 degrees outward (B). Remove the filler panel, if installed. Insert the PCI card into the selected slot (C). Make sure the card is properly seated.
Page 71: Upgrading The Cpu
MHz, and core frequencies starting at 1.6 GHz. CPU upgrading guidelines When installing CPUs the following rules must be observed: • Use only Acer-qualified CPUs. • Each CPU socket include a CPU and heat sink. • When two CPUs are installed, both should have identical revision, core voltage, and bus/core speed values.
Page 72 Push the socket retainer lever handle down and away from the socket to release it (A), then pull the lever to a fully open, upright position (B). Push the rear tab with your finger tip to bring the front end of the load plate up slightly (A).
Page 73 10 Remove the protective socket cover by grasping the socket cover tab (A) and pulling it away from the load plate (B). 11 Store the protective socket cover for future use. 12 Close the load plate (A), then press the retainer lever down to lock the load plate in place (B, C).
Page 74 13 If the heat sink does not have thermal grease on the bottom, apply thermal grease to the heat sink base. 14 Install the heatsink and fan Caution! The heat sink has a thermal interface material (TIM) on the underside. Use caution so that you do not damage the TIM. (1) If a protective film is installed on the TIM, remove it.
Page 75 To remove a CPU: If you are replacing a CPU on the system, the heat sink must first be removed. Important: Before removing a CPU from the mainboard, make sure to create a backup file of all important data. Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.
Page 76 (3) Lift the heat sink from the processor. Caution! If it does not pull up easily, twist the heat sink again. Do not force the heat sink from the processor. Doing so could damage the processor. (4) Place the heat sink upside down on a flat surface. Note: Wipe off the thermal grease from both the heat sink and processor using an alcohol pad.
Page 77: Upgrading The System Memory
Upgrading the system memory Acer Altos R520 server supports eight DDR2 fully buffered DIMM slots with four FBDIMM memory channels. Each channel can support up to 2 dual ranked DDR2 FBDIMMs. The memory channels are organized in to two branches for support of mirrored memory configuration. Up to 8...
Page 78: Memory Module Installation Guidelines
Memory module installation guidelines The following rules apply when installing fully-buffered memory modules to the server: • The system must have a minimum of one 512 MB FBDIMMs installed. When installing additional memory, refer to the tables on “Memory module population order” on page 69 for proper population order.
Page 79: Standard Configuration
Memory module population order The tables below list the suggested DDR2 FBDIMM module population for standard, mirrored or sparing configuration. Standard configuration Branch 0 Channel A Channel B DIMM A1 DIMM A2 DIMM B1 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB...
Page 80: Memory Configuration Overview
Sparing configuration Branch 0 Channel A Channel B DIMM DIMM DIMM DIMM 512 MB 512 MB (Sparing) 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB (Sparing) (Sparing) 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB 512 MB (Sparing) (Sparing) 1 GB 1 GB (Sparing) 1 GB 1 GB...
Page 81 Standard memory configuration The system is capable of supporting a minimum of only one FBDIMM installed on the DIMM A1 slot. However, for system performance reasons, we recommend that at least two memory modules must be installed per branch. The modules must cover the same slot position on both channels and FBDIMM pairs must be identical with respect to size, speed, and organization.
Page 82 To upgrade to a four FBDIMM mirrored memory configuration, four additional FBDIMMs must be added to the system. All four memory modules in the second set must be identical to the first with the exception of speed. The memory controller hub (MCH) will adjust to the low-speed FBDIMM memory.
Page 83 • The following FBDIMM slots must be identical in organization, size and speed. • DIMM slots A1 and B1 • DIMM slots A2 and B2 • The following DIMM slots need not be identical in organization, size and speed. • DIMM slots A1 and A2 •...
Page 84 Open the clips on the DIMM slot(s) (A). Align (B) then insert the FBDIMM into the socket (C). Press the holding clips inward to lock the FBDIMM in place (D). Note: The DIMM slot is slotted to ensure proper installation. If you insert a FBDIMM but it does not fit easily into the socket, you may have inserted it incorrectly.
Page 85 Caution! Use extreme care when removing DIMMs. Too much pressure can damage the connector. Apply only enough pressure on the plastic levers to release the DIMM. Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39. Press the holding clips on both sides of the DIMM slot outward to release the DIMM (A).
Page 86: Installing And Removing A Power Supply Module
Installing and removing a power supply module The server has two power supply module bays on the rear panel that accept hot-plug power supply modules. The system ships out with only a single power supply module installed. You have the option to purchase an extra power supply module to provide the system with a redundant power source.
Page 87 To install a second power supply module: Remove the top cover. Perform the instructions described in “To remove the top cover” section on page 43. If a filler panel is installed, use the finger hole to remove the filler panel out of the bay (A). Insert the power supply module into the right bay, labeled power supply bay 2, until it locks into place.
Page 88 To remove a power supply module: Caution! Power supply hot-plug operations should be performed only if a failure occurs in the power supply. If there are more than one power supply modules installed, determine which power supply module has failed. Refer to the “Hot-plug power supply module LED indicator”...
Page 89: Removing And Installing An Armc/3 Module
Removing and installing an ARMC/3 module The optional ARMC/3 module provides server management firmware and functionality to the system. To remove an ARMC/3 module: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39. Remove the CPU air duct. Perform the instructions described in “To remove the CPU air duct”...
Page 90 Pull up the module to remove it from the connector (B). Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40. To install an ARMC/3 module: Note: Prior to installing the ARMC/3 module module, you must remove the server management port cover module cover on the rear of the server.
Page 91 Attach the module to the ARMC/3 module connector on the mainboard and snap the standoff into the matching hole on the mainboard (B). Install the NIC module. Install the three standoffs to the mainboard. Attach the module to the NIC module connector on the mainboard and matching standoff holes.
Page 92: Installing And Removing The Sas Hardware Raid Components
Installing and removing the SAS hardware RAID components The system supports SAS hardware RAID through the active mid-plane and backplane board. The server platform supports SAS hardware RAID 0, 1, 5, 6 (when available), 10, and 50 levels. Functionality for SAS hardware RAID is enabled by using the following components: •...
Page 93 Open the clips on the slot (B). Align then insert the RAID cache into the slot (C). Press the holding clips inward to lock the RAID cache in place. Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40. To remove the RAID activation key and RAID cache: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.
Page 94: Installing And Removing The Raid Bbu
Gently pull the RAID cache upward to remove it from the slot (C). Close the clips. Store the RAID activation key and RAID cache in an anti-static bag. Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40. Installing and removing the RAID BBU To install the RAID BBU: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.
Page 95 Close and latch the BBU case lid. Align the two hooks on the underside of the RAID BBU with the matching chassis tabs, then slide toward the power supply to lock into place (C). Connect the power cable to the rear of the BBU and the RAID BBU connector on the active mid-plane board (D).
Page 96 Slide the RAID BBU forward and lift from the chassis (B). Store the RAID BBU in an antistatic protective wrapper. Observe the post-installation instructions described on page 40. 3 System upgrade TP02258...
Page 97: Installing And Removing The Sata Software Raid Activation Key
Installing and removing the SATA software RAID activation key The system supports SATA software RAID 5 through the installation of a RAID activation key on the mainboard. To install the RAID activation key: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39.
Page 98 To remove the RAID activation key: Observe the ESD precautions and pre-installation instructions described on page 39. Remove the power distribution board cover. Perform the instructions described in “To remove a power distribution module cover” section on page 48. Tightly squeeze the two ends of the RAID activation key to create a small gap at the lock points on the front and rear of the key (A).
Page 99: Bios Setup
4 BIOS setup...
Page 100 This chapter gives information about the system BIOS and discusses how to configure the system by changing the settings of the BIOS parameters.
Page 101: Bios Setup
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. The BIOS setup utility stores basic settings for your server. You will need to run this utility under the following conditions: •...
Page 102: Entering 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 does not work during any other time. There are several tabs on the setup screen corresponding to the eight primary BIOS menus.
Page 103 • Press F1 for General Help on using the BIOS setup. • Press F9 to load the default configuration. • 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.
Page 104: Using The Bios Menus
Using the BIOS menus 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 System Date and System Time parameters lets you define the sytem’s time and date settings.
Page 105 Parameter Description Processor Specification of the processor currently installed in the server. Total Memory Indicates the size of the system memory. Quiet Boot When Enabled, the BIOS splash screen is displayed during startup. When Disabled, the diagnostic messages are displayed during startup. POST Error If Enabled, the system will pause if an error Pause...
Page 106: Advanced
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.
Page 107 Processor The Processor submenu displays CPU settings such as type, actual speed, cache size and other CPU related settings. Parameter Description Core Frequency Indicates the processor clock speed. System Bus Indicates the processor front side bus Frequency speed. Hyper Enables or disables the Hyper-Threading Threading Technology function of the processor.
Page 108 Parameter Description Virtualization Enables or disables the system to run Technology multiple operating systems and applications in different partition. Execute Disable When Enabled, the processor disables code execution when a worm attempts to insert a code in the buffer preventing damage and worm propagation.
Page 109 Processor # Information The screen below appears when you select the Processor #1 or 2 Information menu.
Page 110 Memory The Memory submenu displays the total amount of memory installed, the number of memory modules installed, and the current memory configuration. Parameter Description Total Memory Indicates the total amount of onboard memory. The memory size is automatically detected by BIOS during the POST.
Page 111 Parameter Description Configure Press Enter to access the Configure Memory RAS and Memory RAS and Performance submenu. Performance DIMM Indicates the DIMM and DIMM slot status. information Configure Memory RAS and Performance The screen below appears when you select the Configure Memory RAS and Performance menu.
Page 112 Parameter Description Memory Indicates whether a mirrored MIrroring configuration is possible with the current Possible installed memory. If No is displayed, you may need to install more memory to meet the requirements of the selected configuration. Memory Indicates whether a sparing Sparing configuration is possible with the current Possible...
Page 113 ATA Controller The ATA Controller submenu lets you define the parameter settings related to the hard disk(s). Parameter Description Onboard PATA Enables or disables the integrated Controller parallel ATA controller. Onboard SATA Enables or disables the integrated Serial Controller ATA controller. SATA Mode When set to Enhanced, it will enable all SATA connectors as individual...
Page 114 Parameter Description AHCI Mode Enables or disables access to all six SATA connectors via the AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface) Option ROM. AHCI is an interface specification that allows the storage driver to enable advanced SATA features such as Native Command Queuing and hot plug.
Page 115: Mass Storage
Mass Storage The Mass Storage submenu displays the status of the mass storage controller. Parameter Description SAS Controller Enables or disables the SAS controller. SAS Option If enabled, initializes the the embedded SAS device Option ROM. Configure SAS Enables or disables the Embedded Server as SW RAID RAID Technology on the SAS connectors.
Page 116: Serial Port
Serial Port The Serial Port submenu lets you define the parameter settings for the system’s serial port. Parameter Description Serial A Enable Enables or disables the onboard serial A port. Address Set the base I/O address for the serial A port.
Page 117 Parameter Description Address Set the base I/O address for the serial B port. Set the interrupt request line for the serial B port. USB Confguration The USB Configuration submenu allows you specify settings for USB devices. Parameter Description USB Controller Enables or disables the USB controller.
Page 118 Parameter Description Legacy USB Enables or disables the support for Support legacy USB devices. Port 60/64 Enables or disables the I/O port 60/64h Emulation emulation support. This parameter is enabled for complete USB keyboard legacy support for non- USB aware OS. Device Reset Select the number of seconds POST waits Timeout...
Page 119 The PCI submenu lets you specify settings that are related to the onboard controllers. enable or disable the ROM scan of a device installed in the selected PCI slot. It also enables or disables posting of a 16-bit legacy ROM from the plug-in fiber channel card. Parameter Description PCI Memory...
Page 120 Parameter Description Onboard NIC Enables or disables both channels of the embedded LAN. Note: If disabled, NIC1 and NIC2 cannot be used to boot the system. NIC 1 or 2 MAC Indicates the media access control of the Address system’s LAN controller. Enables or disables the onboard LAN’s Acceleration I/O Acceleration Technology.
Page 121 System Acoustic and Performance Configuration The System Acoustic and Performance Configuration submenu lets you set the system fan performance option. Parameter Description Set Fan Select the Fan Control Profile that Profile will be used to cool the system. Altitude When set to less than 300 m (<= 980 ft), it will provide the best performance option for servers operating at or near sea level.
Page 122: Security
Security The Security menu allows you to safeguard and protect the system from unauthorized use by setting up access passwords. Parameter Description Administrator Prevents unauthorized access to the Password BIOS setup utility. User Password Secures the system against unauthorized use. Once you set this password, you have to type it whenever you boot the system.
Page 123 Parameter Description Front Panel When Enabled, the front panel power Lockout and reset buttons will be locked. The power and reset operation must be controlled via system management interface. To set a Administrator/User password Use the up/down keys to highlight a password parameter (Set Administrator Password or Set User Password) then press Enter.
Page 124: Server Management
Server Management The Server Management 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, over- temperature, over-voltage, fan failures, etc.).
Page 125 Parameter Description Resume on Defines the mode of operation if a AC Power power loss occurs. Loss When set to Stay Off, the system remains off after power shutdown. When set to Last State, the system returns to the state it was prior to the AC power loss.
Page 126: Console Redirection
4 BIOS setup Console Redirection The Console Redirection submenu lets you enable or disable the console redirection parameters for server management tasks over the serial port.
Page 127: System Information
System Information The System Information submenu displays basic information about the server unit.
Page 128: Boot Options
Boot Options The Boot Options menu allows you to set the network device priority during system bootup. It also displays information about the installed storage devices. Parameter Description Boot Timeout Sets the automatic boot time-out value. Note: A value ot 65535 will disable the timeout completely.
Page 129 Parameter Description CD-ROM Order Specifies the boot device priority sequence for available CD drives. Floppy Order Specifies the boot device priority sequence for available FDD. Network Specifies the boot device priority Device Order sequence for available network devices. Option...
Page 130: Network Device
Network Device # The Network Device # submenu lets you specify the preferred settings for system bootup. Parameter Description Network Sets the boot order of the Bootstrap Device # Entry Vector Devices. Network devices are devices which have a bootable Option ROM such as a network card or onboard network controller.
Page 131: Boot Manager
Boot Manager The Boot Manager menu lets you set the device priority during system bootup. The server will attempt to boot from the first device on the list. If the first device is not available, it will continue down the list until it reaches an available device.
Page 132: Error Manager
4 BIOS setup Error Manager The Error Manager menu lets you view the system POST errors detected by the system.
Page 133: Exit
Exit The Exit menu displays the various options to quit from the BIOS setup. Highlight any of the exit options then press Enter. Parameter Save Changes and Exit Discard Changes and Exit Save Changes Discard Changes Restore Defaults Description Saves changes made and close the BIOS setup. Discards changes made and close the BIOS setup.
Page 134 Parameter Save as User Default Values Restore User Default Values Description Saves current values to be restored later. Restores previously saved user default values. 4 BIOS setup...
Page 135: Upgrading The Bios
Upgrading the BIOS The upgrade utility allows you to upgrade the BIOS in the flash memory. To prepare to upgrade the BIOS, you need to record the current BIOS settings and download the BIOS image file to a temporary folder on your hard drive or a USB flash memory device. To record the current BIOS settings: Run BIOS setup.
Page 136 4 BIOS setup...
Page 137: Troubleshooting
5 Troubleshooting...
Page 138 This chapter provides possible solutions for specific problems. If you cannot correct the problem, contact your local Acer representative or authorized dealer for assistance.
Page 139: Troubleshooting
SAS drivers. If you are unable to resolve your server problems on your own, contact your dealer or local Acer representative for assistance. Resetting the system Before going through in-depth troubleshooting, attempt first to reset the system using one of the methods below.
Page 140: First Steps Checklist
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. • Are all cables correctly connected and secured? •...
Page 141: Hardware Diagnostic Testing
Hardware diagnostic testing This section provides a more detailed approach to identifying a hardware problem and locating its source. Caution! 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 device.
Page 142: Specific Problems And Corrective Actions
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 137. Specific problems and corrective actions The following contains specific problems that may arise during the use of your server.
Page 143 Server boot does not complete POST Do the following: • Make sure the CPU is properly seated. • Check the BIOS release notes to ensure the BIOS installed on the platform supports the stepping and the family of processors currently installed. Server does not recognize all of the processors installed Do the following: •...
Page 144 ODD tray cannot be ejected. • Insert the tip of a paperclip into the small hole on the ODD drive. Slowly pull the tray out from the drive until the tray is fully extended then remove the disc. ODD drive cannot read a disc. Do the following: •...
Page 145 • Make sure the memory modules have been populated according to the system requirements. 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 came with the device.
Page 146 The controller stopped working when an adapter was installed. • Make sure the cable is connected to the port from the onboard network controller. • Make sure the other adapter supports shared interrupts and your OS supports shared interrupts. • Try reseating the adapter.
Page 147 • If other software runs correctly on the system, contact your vendor about the defective software. No characters appear on the screen. Check the following: • Is the keyboard functioning? Test it by turning the “Num Lock” function on and off to make sure the Num Lock light is functioning.
Page 148 If you do not receive a beep code and characters do not appear, the video display monitor or video controller may have failed. Contact your service representative or authorized dealer for help. Characters are distorted or incorrect. Check the following: •...
Page 149: Error Beep Codes
Error beep codes BIOS POST error beep codes The following table lists the POST error beep codes. Prior to system video initialization, BIOS uses these beep codes to inform you of error conditions. The beep code occurs only when a critical error occurs or when the BIOS fails to boot to the operating system.
Page 150 • Make sure the memory modules have been populated according to the system requirements. 4-7, 9-11 • Indicates a fatal error. Consult your dealer or local Acer representative for assistance. • If beep codes are generated even when all PCI cards are absent, consult your system manufacturer’s technical...
Page 151: Armc/3 Module Error Beep Codes
ARMC/3 module error beep codes In addition to the beep codes above, additional beep codes are provided if an ARMC/3 module is installed. The management modules provide the following additional beep codes. Beep Reason for the beeps and action to take Code Control panel CMOS clear has been initiated.
Page 152: Diagnostic Post Code Leds
Diagnostic POST code LEDs During the system boot process, BIOS executes a number of platform configuration processes, each of which is assigned a specific hex code number. As each configuration routine is started, BIOS will display the given POST code to the diagnostic POST code LEDs found on the rear of the mainboard.
Page 153 Diagnostic LED Decoder Checkpoint G=Green, R=Red, A=Amber code 0x13h Chipset 0x21h Memory 0x22h 0x23h 0x24h 0x25h 0x26h 0x27h 0x28h PCI Bus 0x50h 0x51h 0x52h 0x53h 0x54h 0x55h 0x56h 0x57h 0x58h 0x59h Description SMM initialization Initializing a chipset component Reading configuration data from memory (SPD on DIMM) Detecting presence of memory Programming timing parameters in...
Page 154 Diagnostic LED Decoder Checkpoint G=Green, R=Red, A=Amber code ATA / ATAPI / SATA 0x5Ah 0x5Bh SMBUS 0x5Ch 0x5Dh Local Console 0x70h 0x71h 0x72h Remote Console 0x78h 0x79h 0x7Ah Keyboard (PS/2 or USB) 0x90h 0x91h 0x92h 0x93h 0x94h 0x95h Mouse (PS/2 or USB) 0x98h 0x99h 0x9Ah...
Page 155 Diagnostic LED Decoder Checkpoint G=Green, R=Red, A=Amber code 0x9Bh Fixed Media 0xB0h 0xB1h 0xB2h 0xB3h Removable Media 0xB8h 0xB9h 0xBAh 0xBCh Boot Device Selection 0xD0 0xD1 0xD2 0xD3 0xD4 0xD5 0xD6 0xD7 0xD8 0xD9 0XDA Description Enabling the mouse Resetting fixed media device Disabling fixed media device Detecting presence of a fixed media device (IDE hard drive...
Page 156 Diagnostic LED Decoder Checkpoint G=Green, R=Red, A=Amber code 0xDB 0xDC 0xDE 0xDF Pre-EFI Initialization (PEI) Core 0xE0h 0xE2h 0xE1h 0xE3h Driver Execution Environment (DXE) Core 0xE4h 0xE5h 0xE6h DXE Drivers 0xE7h 0xE8h 0xE9h 0xEAh 0xEEh 0xEFh Runtime Phase/EFI Operating System Boot 0xF4h 0xF5h Description...
Page 157 Diagnostic LED Decoder Checkpoint G=Green, R=Red, A=Amber code 0xF8h 0xF9h 0xFAh Pre-EFI Initialization Module (PEIM)/Recovery 0x30h 0x31h 0x34h 0x35h 0x3Fh Description Operating system has requested EFI to close boot services (Exit Boot Services has been called) Operating system has switched to virtual address mode (Set Virtual Address Map has been called) Operating system has requested...
Page 158 5 Troubleshooting...
Page 159: Appendix A: Acer Altos R520
Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide...
Page 160 This appendix shows you how to set up the Acer Altos R520 server in a rack mount configuration.
Page 161: Setting Up The System Rack
Setting up the system rack Important! Observe the electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions indicated on page 39 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.
Page 162 Appropriate consideration should be given when connecting the supply circuit to the system to avoid any circuit overload. The system name plate rating should be used when addressing concerns about circuit overload. Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide...
Page 163: System Rack Installation
System rack installation The Acer Altos R520 server should be mounted into a rack. A tool-less rack rail and CMA (cable management arm) kit is available for installing system to a rack cabinet. The figure below shows the server in a rack-mount position.
Page 164: Vertical Mounting Hole Pattern
When installing components, you must start your measurement from the center of the two holes with closer spacing. Otherwise, the screw holes on the component may not match those on the rack. Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide...
Page 165: Installing The System Into The Rack
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 Remove the inner rails from the mounting rails. (1) Extend the inner rail from the mounting rail until the rail release latch clicks.
Page 166 Attach the inner rails to both sides of the server. Align the screw holes of the inner rail to the server screws (A), then slide rails to the left until the rails lock into place with an audible click (B). Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide...
Page 167 Install the mounting rails to the rack posts. (1) Determine the vertical position in the rack. Refer to “Vertical mounting hole pattern” on page 154 for more information. (2) Align and insert the mounting rails into the rack posts’ mounting holes (A). (3) Make certain the proper mounting holes on rack post are selected.
Page 168 Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide (6) Fully extend the mounting rails on the rack.
Page 169 Install the server 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 server with the fully extended mounting rails on the rack.
Page 170 (B1). (4) Insert the CMA arm connector into the blue plastic cutout on the CMA extension connector (B2). (5) Attach the cable clips into the appropriate mounting holes in the CMA (C). Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide...
Page 171 (6) Connect the power, peripheral and networking cables into their appropriate ports. Refer to “Connecting peripherals” on page 32 for detailed instructions. (7) Route all cables through the cable clips.
Page 172 Appendix A: Acer Altos R520 rack installation guide...
Page 173: Appendix B: Raid Configuration
Appendix B: RAID configuration...
Page 174 This appendix gives an overview of the different RAID configuration that you can use to configure RAID settings for the system hard drives.
Page 175: Configuring Integrated Sas Raid
Configuring integrated SAS RAID This section briefly shows how to create RAID volume with integrated SAS RAID when the hardware RAID components: RAID activation key and RAID cache, are installed. Load BIOS default setting Power on the server to start the system POST (Power On Self Test) process.
Page 176 Select the RAID Level you want to configure. Create the logical volume by specify the size at Select Size and click on Accept to create the logical volume. The RAID volume is created, click on Accept and Yes to save the configuration.
Page 177: Configuring The Integrated Sas Sw Raid
Configuring the integrated SAS SW RAID This section briefly shows how to create RAID 1 (mirror) volume with integrated SAS SW RAID function. Load BIOS default setting Power on the server to start the system POST (Power On Self Test) process.
Page 178 Select New Configuration from the Configuration menu and select Yes to continue. An array selection menu displays the devices connected to the current controller. Press the arrow keys to choose specific physical drives and press spacebar to associate the selected drive with the current array. The indicator for selected drive change from READY to ONLINE Add 2 drives to current array and press Enter to finish creating current array.
Page 179: Configuring The Onboard Sata Raid
Configuring the onboard SATA RAID This section briefly shows how to create RAID 1 (mirror) volume with onboard SATA RAID function. Load BIOS default setting Power on the server to start the system POST (Power On Self Test) process. During boot up, press F2 to enter the BIOS setup screen. Press F9 to load BIOS default setting and press <F10>...
Page 180 Select New Configuration from the Configuration menu and select Yes to continue. An array selection menu displays the devices connected to the current controller. Press the arrow keys to choose specific physical drives and press spacebar to associate the selected drive with the current array. The indicator for selected drive change from READY to ONLINE.
Page 181 Index ARMC/3 module installing removing specifications BIOS menus Advanced ATA Controller Mass Storage Memory Configure Memory RAS and Performance Processor Processor Serial Port System Acoustic and Performance Configuration USB Configuration Boot Manager Boot Options Network Device # Devices Error Manager Exit Main Security...
Page 182 NIC module installing removing opening the system installing the front bezel installing the top cover removing the front bezel removing the top cover optical drive installing removing PCI card installing removing PCI riser assembly installing removing peripherals plastic guide installing power cord power distribution board cover installing...
Page 183 system jumpers system memory reconfiguring system tour system upgrade ESD precautions installation precautions post-installation instructions preinstallation instructions top cover installing removing troubleshooting confirming loading of the OS hardware diagnostic testing POST error codes problems adapter stopped working cannot connect to a network cannot detect bootable drive...

Acer Network Device Altos R520 User Manual

1 System Tour

2 System Setup

3 System Upgrade

4 BIOS Setup

5 Troubleshooting

Appendix A: Acer Altos R520

Appendix B: RAID Configuration

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

Related Manuals for Acer Network Device Altos R520

Summary of Contents for Acer Network Device Altos R520

Table of Contents