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Installing System Board Options: Dell™
PowerEdge™ 4300 Systems Installation and Troubleshooting Guide
This section describes how to access the interior of your system and install the
following options :
- Industry-Standard Architecture (ISA) and 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 six expansion-card slots can accommodate a mix of 32-bit PCI
cards and 8- and 16-bit ISA cards. Figure 2 shows examples
of the different types of expansion cards.
The system board contains six PCI expansion-card connectors and two ISA
expansion-card connectors (see Figure 3 ).
Figure 2. Expansion Cards
Two expansion slots are shared by one PCI expansion-card connector and one ISA
expansion-card connector, so a maximum of six expansion cards can be installed. Connectors
PCI1 through PCI6 support 32-bit PCI cards (see Figure 3 ).
Connectors ISA5 and ISA6 support 8- and 16-bit ISA cards.
Figure 3. Expansion-Card Connectors
Choosing an Expansion Slot
Follow these guidelines when adding an expansion card:
- PCI video expansion cards should be installed in one of the four primary PCI
slots (PCI1 through PCI4).
- You can install full-length expansion cards in PCI slots PCI3 through PCI6 and
ISA slots ISA5 and ISA6. PCI slots PCI1 and PCI2 support half-length expansion cards.
- If you are installing one or more small computer system interface (SCSI) host
adapter cards, the boot order is influenced by the particular expansion slot in which the
card is installed. In descending order of precedence, the system boot order is as follows:
CD-ROM, diskette, PCI1, PCI2, PCI3, PCI4, PCI5, PCI6, and built-in SCSI host adapter
(internal drives).
- An optional Dell Remote Assistant Card, version 2.0, must be installed in slot
PCI4.
 |
CAUTION: If you
install more than one redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID) host adapter card, the
computer must have at least two power supplies and a power-supply paralleling board (PSPB)
installed. |
Follow this general installation procedure:
- If you are installing an ISA expansion card, start the Resource Configuration Utility
(RCU), and add the new expansion card to the configuration information.
|
CAUTION: You
must use the RCU when you add an ISA expansion card to your computer. Failure to do so may
cause resource conflicts between PCI devices (such as PCI expansion cards, the built-in
video controller, or the built-in SCSI host adapter). |
See Chapter 5, "Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the User's
Guide for instructions.
NOTE: If you are
installing a PCI expansion card, your system automatically performs any required PCI
configuration tasks during the boot routine.
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the
system from the electrical outlet.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge.
- Prepare the expansion card for installation, and open the expansion-card 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.
- Select the expansion slot in which you will install the new expansion card.
- 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. Installing an Expansion Card
- Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector on the chassis.
- 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.
- Connect any cables that should be attached to the card.
See the documentation that came with the card for information about cable
connections.
- Close the expansion-card door, and then reconnect the computer and peripherals to
electrical outlets and turn them on.
Follow this procedure to remove an expansion card:
1. If you are relocating or removing an ISA expansion card, run the RCU, and
delete the expansion card from the configuration information.
See Chapter 5, "Using the Resource Configuration Utility," in the User's
Guide for instructions.
NOTE: If you are
removing a PCI expansion card, the system automatically performs any required
re-configuration tasks during the boot routine.
2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the
system from its AC power source.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge.
- Open the expansion-card door.
- 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.
- 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.
- Release the inner end of the expansion card by lifting the tab on the latch.
- Grasp the expansion card by its top corners, and carefully remove it from the
expansion-card connector.
- 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. |
9. Replace the computer cover, and then reconnect the computer and peripherals
to electrical outlets and turn them on.
The four dual in-line memory module (DIMM) sockets on the system board can
accommodate 64 megabytes (MB) to 1 gigabyte (GB) of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM).
Dell PowerEdge 4300 systems use 72-bit DIMMs in these 168-pin sockets.The DIMM sockets are
located near the back edge of the system board
(see Figure 1 ).
Memory Upgrade Kits
The system is upgradable to 1 GB by installing combinations of 64- and 128-MB
unbuffered DIMMs or, when available, 256-MB registered DIMMs. Memory upgrade kits can be
purchased from Dell as needed.
NOTE: The DIMMs must
be rated to run at 100 megahertz (MHz) or faster.
DIMM Installation Guidelines
Starting with the socket nearest to the system board's back edge, the DIMM
sockets are labeled "DIMM_A" through "DIMM_D" (see Figure 5 ). When installing DIMMs, follow these guidelines:
- Install a DIMM in socket DIMM_A before socket DIMM_B, socket DIMM_B before socket
DIMM_C, and so on.
- If you install different sizes of DIMMs, install them in order of descending
capacity, beginning with the highest-capacity DIMM in socket DIMM_A.
- Unbuffered and registered DIMMs cannot be mixed. If you install 256-MB registered
DIMMs, you must remove any 64- or 128-MB unbuffered DIMMs from the computer.
- DIMMs need not be installed in pairs.
Use the following procedure to perform a memory upgrade to the system board.
CAUTION: See Protecting Against
Electrostatic Discharge.
- Remove the computer cover.
See Removing the
Computer Cover.
- Remove the support panel.
See Accessing
the Microprocessors, Memory, or System Board.
- Locate the DIMM sockets into which you will install or replace DIMMs.
Figure 1 shows the location of the DIMM sockets on the
system board.
- Install or replace the DIMMs as necessary to reach the desired memory total.
Follow the instructions in Installing DIMMs or Removing DIMMs, as appropriate.
- Replace the support panel.
- Replace the computer cover; reconnect the computer and peripherals to electrical
outlets, and turn them on.
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 electrical outlets, 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 5 and 6. |
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 <F1> to continue; <F2> to enter
System Setup, <CTRL><ALT><F10> to enter Utility Mode.
- Press <F2> to enter the System Setup program, and check the System Memory setting
in the system data box on either of the System Setup screens.
The system should have already changed the System Memory value to reflect the newly
installed memory.
If the total is incorrect, one or more of the DIMMs may not be installed properly.
Repeat this procedure, checking to make sure the DIMMs are firmly seated in their sockets.
- Run the RCU. Then save the configuration and exit the utility.
Running the RCU and saving the configuration is required for the system to recognize
the newly installed DIMMs. See Chapter 5, "Using the Resource Configuration
Utility," in the User's Guide for instructions on running the utility and
saving the configuration.
- Run the RAM test group in the Dell D iagnostics.
See Running the Dell Diagnostics for information.
To install a DIMM, follow these steps:
- 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.
- 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 ).
- Press down on the DIMM with your thumbs while pulling up on the ejectors with your index
fingers to lock the DIMM into the socket (see Figure 6 ).
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.
- Continue with step 7of 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
|
CAUTION: If you
are adding a microprocessor to your system, you must order an upgrade kit from Dell. The
upgrade kit contains the correct version of microprocessor for your system. |
The microprocessor is contained within a single-edge contact (SEC) cartridge and
heat sink assembly. The system board has two guide bracket assemblies that hold the SEC
cartridge and heat sink assemblies. If your system has only one microprocessor, the unused
guide-bracket assembly connector must contain a terminator card. If you are adding a
microprocessor, it must have the same operating frequency as the installed
microprocessor. For example, if the system has a 400-MHz microprocessor, the additional
microprocessor must also be a 400-MHz microprocessor.
CAUTION: If you install a second microprocessor, the computer must
have at least two power supplies and a PSPB installed.
Use the following procedure, which is illustrated in Figure 8., to remove a
terminator card from a guide bracket assembly:
- Unsnap the retaining clip from the guide bracket assembly and remove the clip.
Using the thumb and forefinger of each hand, pinch the vertical tabs at each end of
the retaining clip and lift the clip straight up.
- Slide the terminator card up and out of the guide bracket assembly.
Use the following procedure to install a terminator card in a guide bracket
assembly:
- Align the notch on the terminator card with the socket on the guide bracket assembly
(see Figure 8 ), and guide the card into the empty guide
bracket assembly.
- Snap the retaining clip onto the guide bracket assembly on top of the terminator card.
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.
- Press the SEC cartridge release latches toward the cartridge, as shown in Figure 9 , until they snap into position.
- Remove the two retention pins from the SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly (See Figure 10 ).
- 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 guide-
bracket assembly connector.
- Pull out the cartridge release latches until they snap into place.
Replacing the SEC Cartridge and Heat Sink Assembly
Use the following procedure to install the replacement SEC cartridge and heat
sink assembly:
- Remove the terminator card or old SEC cartridge from the guide bracket assembly.
Follow the instructions in Removing a
Terminator Card or see Removing
the SEC Cartridge and Heat Sink Assembly, as appropriate.
- With the heat sink facing the other microprocessor socket, slide the SEC cartridge into
the guide bracket assembly and firmly seat the assembly (see Figure
11).
- Reinstall the two retention pins to secure the SEC cartridge and heat sink assembly.
- Verify that the cartridge release latches on the guide bracket assembly are pulled out.
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 the following or similar message:
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.
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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.
- Enter the System Setup program and, if possible, make a printed copy of the System Setup
screens.
See Chapter 4, "Using the System Setup Program," in the User's Guide
for instructions.
- Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from
the electrical outlet.
- Remove the computer cover.
See Removing the
Computer Cover.
- If an expansion card blocks your access to the battery, remove the expansion card.
See Removing an Expansion Card.
- Remove the battery.
Pry the battery out of its socket with your fingers or with a blunt, nonconductive
object such as a plastic screwdriver.
- Install the new battery with the "+" side facing up (see Figure 12).
Figure 12. Installing the Battery
- Reinstall the expansion card removed in step 4, if applicable.
- Replace the computer cover, reconnect the computer and peripherals to electrical
outlets, and turn on the system.
- 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.
- Turn the computer and peripherals off, and leave them off for at least an hour.
- 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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