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System x3550 M2 Installation and Users Guide

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System x3550 M2 Installation and Users Guide

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Lukas Beeler

Available Formats

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IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946

Installation and User’s Guide

Note: Before using this information and the product it supports, read the general information in Appendix B, “Notices,” on page 101
and the IBM Safety Information, IBM Environmental Notices and User’s Guide, and the IBM Warranty and Support Information
document on the IBM System x Documentation CD.

First Edition (March 2009)

© Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2009.
US Government Users Restricted Rights – Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.
Contents
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server . . . . . . . . . . .1

The IBM System x Documentation CD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Hardware and software requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Using the Documentation Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Related documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Notices and statements in this document . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Features and specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
What your server offers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Reliability, availability, and serviceability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
IBM Systems Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
The UpdateXpress System Packs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Server controls, LEDs, and power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Front view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Operator information panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Light path diagnostics panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Rear view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
System pulse LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Server power features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Server components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
System-board internal connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
System-board external connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
System-board switches and jumpers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
System-board LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
System-board optional device connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Installation guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
System reliability guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Working inside the server with the power on . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Handling static-sensitive devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Removing the cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Removing the microprocessor 2 air baffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Removing the DIMM air baffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Installing a memory module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Installing drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Installing a hot-swap hard disk drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
IDs for hot-swap hard disk drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Replacing a CD/DVD drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Replacing a PCI riser-card assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Installing an adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Replacing a PCI Express assembly with a PCI-X assembly . . . . . . . . 57
Replacing a PCI-X assembly with a PCI Express assembly . . . . . . . . 58
Replacing an IBM ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA Controller . . . . . . . . . 59
Installing an optional IBM ServeRAID-MR10i SAS/SATA Controller . . . . . . 61
Installing a second microprocessor and heat sink . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Thermal grease. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Installing a hot-swap power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Installing the virtual media key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Installing a USB embedded hypervisor flash device . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Installing a RAID adapter battery remotely in the server . . . . . . . . . . 72
Completing the installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2009 iii

Replacing the DIMM air baffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Replacing the microprocessor 2 air baffle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
Replacing the cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Connecting the cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Updating the server configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Chapter 3. Configuring the server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Using the Setup utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Starting the Setup utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Setup utility menu choices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Using the Boot Manager program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Starting the backup server firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Using the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
ServerGuide features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Setup and configuration overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Typical operating-system installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Installing your operating system without using ServerGuide . . . . . . . 90
Using the integrated management module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Using the embedded hypervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Using the remote presence capability and blue-screen capture . . . . . . . 93
Enabling the remote presence feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Obtaining the IP address for the IMM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Logging on to the Web interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Enabling the Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet Utility program . . . . . . . . . . 94
Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Using LSI Configuration Utility program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Starting the LSI Configuration Utility program . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Formatting a hard disk drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Creating a RAID array of hard disk drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
IBM Advanced Settings Utility program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Updating IBM Systems Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance . . . . . . .

. 99 . .
Before you call . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 99 . .
Using the documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 99 . .
Getting help and information from the World Wide Web . . . . . . .
. 99 . .
Software service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Hardware service and support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
IBM Taiwan product service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Appendix B. Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
101 .
Trademarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
101 .
Important notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
102 .
Electronic emission notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
103 .
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) statement . . . . . . .
103 .
Industry Canada Class A emission compliance statement . . . . . . .
103 .
Avis de conformité à la réglementation d’Industrie Canada . . . . . .
103 .
Australia and New Zealand Class A statement . . . . . . . . . . .
103 .
United Kingdom telecommunications safety requirement . . . . . . .
103 .
European Union EMC Directive conformance statement . . . . . . .
103 .
Taiwanese Class A warning statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
104 .
Chinese Class A warning statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
104 .
Japanese Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) statement 104
Korean Class A warning statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

iv IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Contents v
vi IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Safety
Before installing this product, read the Safety Information.

Antes de instalar este produto, leia as Informações de Segurança.

Pred instalací tohoto produktu si prectete prírucku bezpecnostních instrukcí.

Læs sikkerhedsforskrifterne, før du installerer dette produkt.

Lees voordat u dit product installeert eerst de veiligheidsvoorschriften.

Ennen kuin asennat tämän tuotteen, lue turvaohjeet kohdasta Safety Information.

Avant d’installer ce produit, lisez les consignes de sécurité.

Vor der Installation dieses Produkts die Sicherheitshinweise lesen.

Prima di installare questo prodotto, leggere le Informazioni sulla Sicurezza.

Les sikkerhetsinformasjonen (Safety Information) før du installerer dette produktet.

Antes de instalar este produto, leia as Informações sobre Segurança.

Antes de instalar este producto, lea la información de seguridad.

Läs säkerhetsinformationen innan du installerar den här produkten.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2009 vii

Important:

Each caution and danger statement in this documentation is labeled

with a number. This number is used to cross reference an English
language caution or danger statement with translated versions of the
caution or danger statement in the Safety Information document.

For example, if a caution statement is labeled "Statement 1,"

translations for that caution statement are in the Safety Information
document under "Statement 1."

Be sure to read all caution and danger statements in this document

before you perform the procedures. Read any additional safety
information that comes with the server or optional device before you
install the device.

viii IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Attention: Use No. 26 AWG or larger UL-listed or CSA certified
telecommunication line cord.

Statement 1:

DANGER
Electrical current from power, telephone, and communication cables is
hazardous.

To avoid a shock hazard:

v Do not connect or disconnect any cables or perform installation,
maintenance, or reconfiguration of this product during an electrical
storm.
v Connect all power cords to a properly wired and grounded electrical
outlet.
v Connect to properly wired outlets any equipment that will be attached to
this product.
v When possible, use one hand only to connect or disconnect signal
cables.
v Never turn on any equipment when there is evidence of fire, water, or
structural damage.
v Disconnect the attached power cords, telecommunications systems,
networks, and modems before you open the device covers, unless
instructed otherwise in the installation and configuration procedures.
v Connect and disconnect cables as described in the following table when
installing, moving, or opening covers on this product or attached
devices.

To Connect: To Disconnect:

1. Turn everything OFF. 1. Turn everything OFF.

2. First, attach all cables to devices. 2. First, remove power cords from outlet.
3. Attach signal cables to connectors. 3. Remove signal cables from connectors.
4. Attach power cords to outlet. 4. Remove all cables from devices.
5. Turn device ON.

Safety ix
Statement 2:

CAUTION:
When replacing the lithium battery, use only IBM Part Number 33F8354 or an
equivalent type battery recommended by the manufacturer. If your system has
a module containing a lithium battery, replace it only with the same module
type made by the same manufacturer. The battery contains lithium and can
explode if not properly used, handled, or disposed of.

Do not:
v Throw or immerse into water
v Heat to more than 100°C (212°F)
v Repair or disassemble

Dispose of the battery as required by local ordinances or regulations.

x IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Statement 3:

CAUTION:
When laser products (such as CD-ROMs, DVD drives, fiber optic devices, or
transmitters) are installed, note the following:
v Do not remove the covers. Removing the covers of the laser product could
result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation. There are no serviceable
parts inside the device.
v Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than
those specified herein might result in hazardous radiation exposure.

DANGER
Some laser products contain an embedded Class 3A or Class 3B laser
diode. Note the following.

Laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view directly
with optical instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the beam.

Class 1 Laser Product

Laser Klasse 1
Laser Klass 1
Luokan 1 Laserlaite
Appareil A` Laser de Classe 1

Safety xi
Statement 4:

≥ 18 kg (39.7 lb.) ≥ 32 kg (70.5 lb.) ≥ 55 kg (121.2 lb.)

CAUTION:
Use safe practices when lifting.

Statement 5:

CAUTION:
The power control button on the device and the power switch on the power
supply do not turn off the electrical current supplied to the device. The device
also might have more than one power cord. To remove all electrical current
from the device, ensure that all power cords are disconnected from the power
source.

2
1

xii IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Statement 6:

CAUTION:
Do not place any objects on top of a rack-mounted device unless that
rack-mounted device is intended for use as a shelf.

Statement 8:

CAUTION:
Never remove the cover on a power supply or any part that has the following
label attached.

Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present inside any
component that has this label attached. There are no serviceable parts inside
these components. If you suspect a problem with one of these parts, contact
a service technician.

Statement 12:

CAUTION:
The following label indicates a hot surface nearby.

Safety xiii
Statement 26:

CAUTION:
Do not place any object on top of rack-mounted devices.

This server is suitable for use on an IT power-distribution system whose maximum

phase-to-phase voltage is 240 V under any distribution fault condition.

Important: This product is not suitable for use with visual display workplace
devices according to Clause 2 of the German Ordinance for Work with Visual
Display Units.

xiv IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server
This Installation and User's Guide contains information and instructions for setting
up your IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server, instructions for installing some
optional devices, and instructions for cabling, and configuring the server. For
removing and installing optional devices, diagnostics and troubleshooting
information, see the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System
x Documentation CD, which comes with the server.

The IBM® System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server is a 1-U-high1 rack model server for
high-volume network transaction processing. This high-performance, dual-core or
quad-core server is ideally suited for networking environments that require superior
microprocessor performance, input/output (I/O) flexibility, and high manageability.

Performance, ease of use, reliability, and expansion capabilities were key

considerations in the design of the server. These design features make it possible
for you to customize the system hardware to meet your needs today and provide
flexible expansion capabilities for the future.

The server comes with a limited warranty. For information about the terms of the
warranty and getting service and assistance, see the Warranty and Support
Information document on the IBM System x Documentation CD..

The server contains IBM X-Architecture® technologies, which help increase

performance and reliability. For more information, see “What your server offers” on
page 8 and “Reliability, availability, and serviceability” on page 11.

You can obtain up-to-date information about the server and other IBM server
products at http://www.ibm.com/systems/x/. At http://www.ibm.com/support/
mysupport/, you can create a personalized support page by identifying IBM
products that are of interest to you. From this personalized page, you can subscribe
to weekly e-mail notifications about new technical documents, search for information
and downloads, and access various administrative services.

If you participate in the IBM client reference program, you can share information
about your use of technology, best practices, and innovative solutions; build a
professional network; and gain visibility for your business. For more information
about the IBM client reference program, see http://www.ibm.com/ibm/
clientreference/.

The server supports six 2.5-inch hot-swap Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) hard disk
drives. The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your model.

1. Racks are marked in vertical increments of 1.75 inches each. Each increment is referred to as a unit, or a “U”. A 1-U-high device
is approximately 1.75 inches tall.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2009 1

If firmware and documentation updates are available, you can download them from
the IBM Web site. The server might have features that are not described in the
documentation that comes with the server, and the documentation might be updated
occasionally to include information about those features, or technical updates might
be available to provide additional information that is not included in the server
documentation. To check for updates, complete the following steps.

Note: Changes are made periodically to the IBM Web site. Procedures for locating
firmware and documentation might vary slightly from what is described in this
document.
1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.
2. Under Product support, click System x.
3. Under Popular links, click Software and device drivers for firmware updates,
or click Publications lookup for documentation updates.

Record information about the server in the following table.

Product name IBM System x3550 M2 server

Machine type 7946
Model number _____________________________________________
Serial number _____________________________________________

The model number and serial number are on the ID label on the front of the server,
as shown in the following illustration.

Note: The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.

You can download an IBM ServerGuide™ Setup and Installation CD to help you
configure the hardware, install device drivers, and install the operating system.

2 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

For a list of supported optional devices for the server, see http://www.ibm.com/
servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/.

See the Rack Installation Instructions document on the IBM System x

Documentation CD for complete rack installation and removal instructions.

The IBM System x Documentation CD

The IBM System x Documentation CD contains documentation for the server in
Portable Document Format (PDF) and includes the IBM Documentation Browser to
help you find information quickly.

Hardware and software requirements

The IBM System x Documentation CD requires the following minimum hardware
and software:
v Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 2000, or Red Hat Linux
v 100 MHz microprocessor
v 32 MB of RAM
v Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 (or later) or xpdf, which comes with Linux operating
systems

Using the Documentation Browser

Use the Documentation Browser to browse the contents of the CD, read brief
descriptions of the documents, and view documents, using Adobe Acrobat Reader
or xpdf. The Documentation Browser automatically detects the regional settings in
use in your server and displays the documents in the language for that region (if
available). If a document is not available in the language for that region, the
English-language version is displayed.

Use one of the following procedures to start the Documentation Browser:

v If Autostart is enabled, insert the CD into the CD or DVD drive. The
Documentation Browser starts automatically.
v If Autostart is disabled or is not enabled for all users, use one of the following
procedures:
– If you are using a Windows operating system, insert the CD into the CD or
DVD drive and click Start -> Run. In the Open field, type
e:\win32.bat

where e is the drive letter of the CD or DVD drive, and click OK.
– If you are using Red Hat Linux, insert the CD into the CD or DVD drive; then,
run the following command from the /mnt/cdrom directory:
sh runlinux.sh

Select the server from the Product menu. The Available Topics list displays all the
documents for the server. Some documents might be in folders. A plus sign (+)
indicates each folder or document that has additional documents under it. Click the
plus sign to display the additional documents.

When you select a document, a description of the document is displayed under

Topic Description. To select more than one document, press and hold the Ctrl key
while you select the documents. Click View Book to view the selected document or
documents in Acrobat Reader or xpdf. If you selected more than one document, all
the selected documents are opened in Acrobat Reader or xpdf.
Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 3
To search all the documents, type a word or word string in the Search field and
click Search. The documents in which the word or word string appears are listed in
order of the most occurrences. Click a document to view it, and press Crtl+F to use
the Acrobat search function, or press Alt+F to use the xpdf search function within
the document.

Click Help for detailed information about using the Documentation Browser.

Related documentation
This Installation and User’s Guide contains general information about the server
including how to set up and cabling the server, how to install supported optional
devices, and how to configure the server. The following documentation also comes
with the server:
v Warranty and Support Information
This document is in PDF on the IBM System x Documentation CD. It contains
information about the terms of the warranty and getting service and assistance.
v Environmental Notices and User Guide
This document is in PDF format on the IBM System x Documentation CD. It
contains translated environmental notices.
v Safety Information
This document is in PDF on the IBM System x Documentation CD. It contains
translated caution and danger statements. Each caution and danger statement
that appears in the documentation has a number that you can use to locate the
corresponding statement in your language in the Safety Information document.
v Rack Installation Instructions
This printed document contains instructions for installing the server in a rack and
comes with the rack kit.
v Problem Determination and Service Guide
This document is in PDF on the IBM System x Documentation CD. It contains
information to help you solve problems yourself, and it contains information for
service technicians.

Depending on the server model, additional documentation might be included on the

IBM System x Documentation CD.

The System x and xSeries Tools Center is an online information center that
contains information about tools for updating, managing, and deploying firmware,
device drivers, and operating systems. The System x and xSeries Tools Center is at
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/toolsctr/v1r0/index.jsp.

The server might have features that are not described in the documentation that
you received with the server. The documentation might be updated occasionally to
include information about those features, or technical updates might be available to
provide additional information that is not included in the server documentation.
These updates are available from the IBM Web site. To check for updates, complete
the following steps.

4 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

4. From the Product family menu, select System x3550 M2 and click Continue.

Notices and statements in this document

The caution and danger statements in this document are also in the multilingual
Safety Information document, which is on the IBM System x Documentation CD.
Each statement is numbered for reference to the corresponding statement in your
language in the Safety Information document.

The following notices and statements are used in this document:

v Note: These notices provide important tips, guidance, or advice.
v Important: These notices provide information or advice that might help you avoid
inconvenient or problem situations.
v Attention: These notices indicate potential damage to programs, devices, or
data. An attention notice is placed just before the instruction or situation in which
damage might occur.
v Caution: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially hazardous
to you. A caution statement is placed just before the description of a potentially
hazardous procedure step or situation.
v Danger: These statements indicate situations that can be potentially lethal or
extremely hazardous to you. A danger statement is placed just before the
description of a potentially lethal or extremely hazardous procedure step or
situation.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 5

Features and specifications
The following information is a summary of the features and specifications of the
server. Depending on the model, some features might not be available, or some
specifications might not apply.

6 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Table 1. Features and specifications
Microprocessor: Size: Heat output:
v Supports up to two Intel® Xeon™ v Height: 43 mm (1.69 inches, 1U)
microprocessors (one installed), v Depth: 711 mm (28 inches) Approximate heat output:
v Width: 440 mm (17.3 inches) v Minimum configuration: 662 Btu per hour
dual-core (two cores per microprocessor
v Maximum weight: 15.4 kg (34 lb) when (194 watts)
with 4 MB shared among cores) or
fully configured v Maximum configuration: 2302 Btu per
quad-core (four cores per
hour (675 watts)
microprocessor with 8 MB shared
Integrated functions:
among cores)
v Integrated Management Module (IMM), Electrical input:
v Level-2 cache which provides service processor v Sine-wave input (47 - 63 Hz) required
v QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) links control and monitoring functions, video v Input voltage low range:
speed up to 6.4 GT per second controller, and (when the optional – Minimum: 100 V ac
virtual media key is installed) remote – Maximum: 127 V ac
Note: keyboard, video, mouse, and remote v Input voltage high range:
v Use the Setup utility program to hard disk drive capabilities – Minimum: 200 V ac
determine the type and speed of the v Broadcom BCM5709 Gb Ethernet – Maximum: 240 V ac
microprocessors. controller with TCP/IP Offload Engine v Input kilovolt-amperes (kVA),
v For a list of supported microprocessors, (TOE) and Wake on LAN® support approximately:
see http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/ v Five Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 – Minimum: 0.194 kVA
serverproven/compat/us/. ports (two front and two rear of the – Maximum: 0.700 kVA
chassis, and one on the SAS/SATA
Memory: RAID riser card in which the optional Video controller (integrated into IMM):
v Minimum: 1 GB USB flash device with embedded v Matrox G200 (two analog ports - one
v Maximum: 128 GB hypervisor software is installed) front and one rear that can be connected
v Type: PC3-10600R-999 (single-rank or v Four Ethernet ports (two on system at the same time)
double-rank), 800, 1067, and 1333 MHz, board and two additional ports when Note: The maximum video resolution is
ECC, DDR3 registered SDRAM DIMMs the optional IBM Dual-Port 1 Gb 1280 x 1024 at 75 Hz.
only Ethernet Daughter Card is installed) – SVGA compatible video controller
v Slots: 16 dual inline v One System Management RJ-45 on – DDR2 250 MHz SDRAM video
v Supports 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB the rear to connect to a systems memory controller
(when available) DIMMs management network. This system – Avocent Digital Video Compression
management connector is dedicated to – Video memory is not expandable
SATA optical drives (depending on your the IMM functions. This connector is Notes:
model): active with or without the optional IBM
Virtual Media Key installed. 1. Power consumption and heat output
v CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo (on standard vary depending on the number and type
models) v One serial port
of optional features installed and the
v DVD-ROM (optional) RAID controllers: power-management optional features in
v Multi-burner (optional) use.
v A ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA adapter
that provides RAID levels 0, 1, and 1E 2. The sound levels were measured in
Hard disk drive expansion bays (comes standard on some hot-swap controlled acoustical environments
(depending on the model): SAS and hot-swap SATA models). according to the procedures specified by
v Six 2.5-inch hot-swap SAS or hot-swap the American National Standards
v An optional ServeRAID-MR10i
SATA hard disk drive bays Institute (ANSI) S12.10 and ISO 7779
SAS/SATA adapter that provides RAID
and are reported in accordance with ISO
levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 can
PCI expansion slots: 9296. Actual sound-pressure levels in a
also be ordered.
given location might exceed the average
Supports two PCI riser slots: values stated because of room
Acoustical noise emissions:
v Slot 1 supports low-profile cards (PCI reflections and other nearby noise
v Sound power, idling: 6.1 bels maximum
Express Gen2 x16 or PCI-X 1.0a sources. The noise emission level stated
v Sound power, operating: 6.1 bels
64-bit/133 MHz ). in the declared (upper limit)
maximum
v Slot 2 supports half-length, full-height sound-power level, in bels, for a random
cards (PCI Express Gen2 x16 or PCI-X Environment: sample of system.
1.0a 64-bit/133 MHz). v Air temperature:
– Server on: 10°C to 35°C (50.0°F to
Power supply:
95.0°F); altitude: 0 to 914 m (2998.7
v One power supply standard ft)
v Maximum of two 675-watt ac (110 or – Server off: -40°C to 60°C
220 V ac auto-sensing) hot-swap power (-104°F to 140°F); maximum
supplies for redundancy support altitude: 2133 m (6998.0 ft)
v Humidity:
Hot-swap fans: – Server on: 8% to 80%
– Server off: 8% to 80%
The server comes standard with six
dual-motor hot-swap fans.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 7

What your server offers
The server uses the following features and technologies:
v Integrated Management Module
The Integrated Management module (IMM) combines service processor
functions, video controller, and (when an optional virtual media key is installed)
remote presence function in a single chip. The IMM provides advanced
service-processor control, monitoring, and alerting function. If an environmental
condition exceeds a threshold or if a system component fails, the IMM lights
LEDs to help you diagnose the problem, records the error in the event log, and
alerts you to the problem. Optionally, the IMM also provides a virtual presence
capability for remote server management capabilities. The IMM provides remote
server management through the following industry-standard interfaces:
– Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) version 2.0
– Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) version 3
– Common Information Model (CIM)
– Web browser
For additional information, see “Using the integrated management module” on
page 90.
v UEFI-compliant server firmware
The IBM System x Server Firmware offers several features, including Unified
Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) version 2.1 compliance, Active Energy
Management (AEM) technology, enhanced reliability, availability, and
serviceability (RAS) capabilities, and basic input/output system (BIOS)
compatibility support. UEFI replaces the legacy BIOS. UEFI defines a standard
interface between the operating system, platform firmware and external devices,
and offers capabilities that far exceeds that of the legacy BIOS.
The server design combines the UEFI capabilities and features with legacy BIOS
compatibility. The server is capable of booting UEFI-compliant operating systems,
BIOS-based operating systems, and BIOS-based adapters as well as
UEFI-compliant adapters.

Note: The server does not support DOS (Disk Operating System).
v IBM Dynamic System Analysis Preboot diagnostics programs
The Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) Preboot diagnostics programs are stored
on the integrated USB memory. It collects and analyzes system information to aid
in diagnosing server problems. The diagnostic programs collect the following
information about the server:
– System configuration
– Network interfaces and settings
– Installed hardware
– Light path diagnostics status
– Service processor status and configuration
– Vital product data, firmware, and UEFI (formerly BIOS) configuration
– Hard disk drive health
– RAID controller configuration
– Event logs for ServeRAID controllers and service processors
The diagnostic programs create a merged log that includes events from all
collected logs. The information is collected into a file that you can send to IBM

8 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

service and support. Additionally, you can view the information locally through a
generated text report file. You can also copy the log to a removable media and
view the log from a Web browser.
For additional information about DSA Preboot diagnostics, see the Problem
Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD
v Dual-core or quad-core processing
The server supports up to two Intel Xeon™ dual-core or quad-core
microprocessors. The server comes with only one microprocessor installed.
v IBM Systems Director CD
IBM Systems Director is a workgroup-hardware-management tool that you can
use to centrally manage System x and xSeries servers. For more information,
see the IBM Systems Director documentation on the IBM Systems Director CD
and “IBM Systems Director” on page 13.
v IBM X-Architecture technology
IBM X-Architecture technology combines proven, innovative IBM designs to make
your Intel-processor-based server powerful, scalable, and reliable. For more
information, see http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/xseries/xarchitecture/
enterprise/index.html.
– Active™ Memory
The Active Memory feature improves the reliability of memory through memory
mirroring. Memory mirroring mode replicates and stores data on two pairs of
DIMMs within two channels simultaneously. If a failure occurs, the memory
controller switches from the primary pair of memory DIMMs to the backup pair
of DIMMs. For more information about installing DIMMs for memory mirroring,
see “Installing a memory module” on page 44.
– VMware ESXi embedded hypervisor
The VMware ESXi embedded hypervisor is available on some server models.
Hypervisor is virtualization software that enables multiple operating systems to
run on a host system at the same time. The VMware ESXi embedded
hypervisor software is provided on USB flash device that is installed in the
USB connector on the SAS/SATA RAID riser card. See “Using the embedded
hypervisor” on page 92 for additional information.
– Remote presence capability and blue-screen capture
The remote presence and blue-screen capture features are integrated
functions of the Integrated Management Module (IMM) and are available with
the purchase of the optional IBM Virtual Media Key. A virtual media key is
required to enable the remote presence and blue-screen capture features.
The remote presence feature provides the following functions:
- Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 at 75
Hz, regardless of the system state
- Remotely accessing the server, using the keyboard and mouse from a
remote client
- Mapping the CD or DVD drive, diskette drive, and USB flash drive on a
remote client, and mapping ISO and diskette image files as virtual drives
that are available for use by the server
- Uploading a diskette image to the IMM memory and mapping it to the
server as a virtual drive
The blue-screen capture feature captures the video display contents before
the IMM restarts the server when the IMM detects an operating-system hang
condition. A system administrator can use the blue-screen capture to assist in
determining the cause of the hang condition.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 9

See “Using the remote presence capability and blue-screen capture” on page
93 for additional information.
– Large system-memory capacity
The memory bus supports up to 128 GB of system memory. The memory
controller supports error correcting code (ECC) for up to 16 industry-standard
PC3-10600R-999 (single-rank or dual-rank), 800, 1067, and 1333 MHz, DDR3
(third-generation double-data-rate), registered, synchronous dynamic random
access memory (SDRAM) dual inline memory modules (DIMMs).
v IBM ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD
The ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, which you can download from the
Web, provides programs to help you set up the server and install a Windows®
operating system. The ServerGuide program detects installed optional hardware
devices and provides the correct configuration programs and device drivers. For
more information about the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, see “Using
the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD” on page 88.
v Integrated network support
The server comes with an integrated dual-port Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet
controller, which supports connection to a 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps
network. For more information, see “Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controller”
on page 94.
v Integrated Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
This integrated security chip performs cryptographic functions and stores private
and public secure keys. It provides the hardware support for the Trusted
Computing Group (TCG) specification. You can download the software to support
the TCG specification, when the software is available. See http://www.ibm.com/
servers/eserver/xseries/scalable_family.html for details about the TPM
implementation. You can enable TPM support through the Setup utility under the
System Security menu option.
v Large data-storage capacity and hot-swap capability
The server supports a maximum of six 2.5-inch hot-swap Serial Attached SCSI
(SAS) hard disk drives or hot-swap Serial ATA (SATA) hard disk drives.
With the hot-swap feature, you can add, remove, or replace hard disk drives
without turning off the server.
v Light path diagnostics
Light path diagnostics provides LEDs to help you diagnose problems. For more
information about the light path diagnostics, see “Light path diagnostics panel” on
page 16 and the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x
Documentation CD.
v PCI adapter capabilities
The server has two PCI interface slots (one supports low-profile cards, and one
supports half-length, full-height cards). Both slots can support PCI Express or
PCI-X adapters through an optional PCI riser card. See “Installing an adapter” on
page 55 for detailed information.
v Active Energy Manager
The IBM Active Energy Manager solution is an IBM Systems Director plug-in that
measures and reports server power consumption as it occurs. This enables you
to monitor power consumption in correlation to specific software application
programs and hardware configurations. You can obtain the measurement values
through the systems-management interface and view them, using IBM Systems
Director. For more information, including the required levels of IBM Systems
Director and Active Energy Manager, see the IBM Systems Director

10 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

documentation on the IBM Systems Director CD, or see http://www.ibm.com/
servers/systems/management/director/resources/.
v Redundant connection
The addition of the optional Ethernet daughter card provides failover capability to
a redundant Ethernet connection with the applicable application installed. If a
problem occurs with the primary Ethernet connection and the optional Ethernet
daughter card is installed on the server, all Ethernet traffic that is associated with
the primary connection is automatically switched to the optional redundant
Ethernet daughter card connection. If the applicable device drivers are installed,
this switching occurs without data loss and without user intervention.
v Redundant cooling and optional power capabilities
The server supports a maximum of two 675-watt hot-swap power supplies and
six dual-motor hot-swap fans, which provide redundancy and hot-swap capability
for a typical configuration. The redundant cooling by the fans in the server
enables continued operation if one of the fans fails. The server comes with one
675-watt hot-swap power supply and six fans. You can order the second optional
power supply.
v ServeRAID™ support
The ServeRAID adapter provides hardware redundant array of independent disks
(RAID) support to create configurations. The standard RAID adapter provides
RAID levels 0, 1, and 1E. An optional RAID adapter is available for purchase that
provides RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60.
v Systems-management capabilities
The server comes with an integrated management module (IMM). When the IMM
is used with the systems-management software that comes with the server, you
can manage the functions of the server locally and remotely. The IMM also
provides system monitoring, event recording, and network alert capability. The
system-management connector on the rear of the server is dedicated to the IMM.
The dedicated system-management connector provides additional security by
physically separating the management network traffic from the production
network. You can use the Setup utility to configure the server to use a dedicated
systems-management network or a shared network.
v TCP/IP offload engine (TOE) support
The Ethernet controllers in the server support TOE, which is a technology that
offloads the TCP/IP flow from the microprocessor and I/O subsystem to increase
the speed of the TCP/IP flow. When an operating system that supports TOE is
running on the server and TOE is enabled, the server supports TOE operation.
See the operating-system documentation for information about enabling TOE.

Note: As of the date of this document, the Linux operating system does not
support TOE.

Reliability, availability, and serviceability

Three important computer design features are reliability, availability, and
serviceability (RAS). The RAS features help to ensure the integrity of the data that
is stored in the server, the availability of the server when you need it, and the ease
with which you can diagnose and correct problems.

Your server has the following RAS features:

v 3-year parts and 3-year labor limited warranty
v Automatic error retry and recovery
v Automatic restart on nonmaskable interrupt (NMI)

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 11

v Automatic restart after a power failure
v Backup basic input/output system switching under the control of the Integrated
Management Module (IMM)
v Built-in monitoring for fan, power, temperature, voltage, and power-supply
redundancy
v Cable-presence detection on most connectors
v Chipkill™ memory protection
v Diagnostic support for ServeRAID and Ethernet adapters
v Error codes and messages
v Error correcting code (ECC) L2 cache and system memory
v Hot-swap cooling fans with speed-sensing capability
v Hot-swap hard disk drives
v Information and light path diagnostics LED panels
v Integrated Management Module (IMM)
v Menu-driven setup, system configuration, and redundant array of independent
disks (RAID) configuration programs
v Microprocessor built-in self-test (BIST), internal error signal monitoring,
configuration checking, and microprocessor and voltage regulator module failure
identification through light path diagnostics
v Memory mirroring support (memory mirroring are mutually exclusive of each
other)
v Parity checking on the small computer system interface (SCSI) bus and PCI
buses
v Power management: Compliance with Advanced Configuration and Power
Interface (ACPI)
v Power-on self-test (POST)
v Predictive Failure Analysis® (PFA) alerts on memory, SAS/SATA hard disk drives,
fans, and power supplies
v Redundant Ethernet capabilities with failover support
v Redundant hot-swap power supplies and redundant hot-swap fans
v Redundant Network Interface Card (NIC) support
v Remind button to temporarily turn off the system-error LED
v Remote system problem-determination support
v ROM-based diagnostics
v ROM checksums
v Serial Presence Detection (SPD) on memory, VPD, power supply, and hard disk
drives backplane
v Single-DIMM isolation of excessive correctable error or multi-bit error by the
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
v Standby voltage for system-management features and monitoring
v Startup (boot) from LAN through remote initial program load (RIPL) or dynamic
host configuration protocol/boot protocol (DHCP/BOOTP)
v System auto-configuring from the configuration menu
v System-error logging (POST and IMM)
v Systems-management monitoring through the Inter-Integrated Circuit (IC)
protocol bus
v Upgradeable POST, Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), diagnostics,
IMM firmware, and read-only memory (ROM) resident code, locally or over the
LAN
v Vital product data (VPD) on microprocessors, system board, power supplies, and
SAS/SATA (hot-swap hard disk drive) backplane
v Wake on LAN capability

12 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

IBM Systems Director
IBM Systems Director is a platform-management foundation that streamlines the
way you manage physical and virtual systems supports multiple operating systems
and virtualization technologies in IBM and non-IBM x86 platforms.

Through a single user interface, IBM Systems Director provides consistent views for
viewing managed systems, determining how these systems relate to one other, and
identifying their statuses, helping to correlate technical resources with business
needs. A set of common tasks that are included with IBM Systems Director provides
many of the core capabilities that are required for basic management, which means
instant out-of-the-box business value. The common tasks include the following:
v Discovery
v Inventory
v Configuration
v System health
v Monitoring
v Updates
v Event notification
v Automation for managed systems

The IBM Systems Director Web and command-line interfaces provide a consistent
interface that is focused on driving these common tasks and capabilities:
v Discovering, navigating, and visualizing systems on the network with the detailed
inventory and relationships to the other network resources
v Notifying users of problems that occur on systems and the ability to isolate the
sources of the problems
v Notifying users when systems need updates and distributing and installing
updates on a schedule
v Analyzing real-time data for systems and setting critical thresholds that notify the
administrator of emerging problems
v Configuring settings of a single system and creating a configuration plan that can
apply those settings to multiple systems
v Updating installed plug-ins to add new features and functions to the base
capabilities
v Managing the life cycles of virtual resources

For more information about IBM Systems Director, see the documentation on the
IBM Systems Director CD that comes with the server and the IBM xSeries Systems
Management Web page at http://www.ibm.com/systems/management/, which
presents an overview of IBM Systems Management and IBM Systems Director.

The UpdateXpress System Packs

The UpdateXpress System Packs provide and effective and simple way to update
device drivers, server firmware, and firmware of supported options contained within
the server, for System x and IBM BladeCenter® servers. Each UpdateXpress
System Pack contains all the online driver and firmware updates for a specific
machine type and operating system combination. The UpdateXpress System Packs
are released quarterly. Use the UpdateXpress System Pack Installer to install the
current UpdateXpress System Pack for your server. You can download the installer
and the latest UpdateXpress System Pack for your server from the Web at no

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 13

additional cost. To download the installer or the latest UpdateXpress System Pack,
go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/supportsite.wss/
docdisplay?lndocid=SERV-XPRESS&brandind=5000008 or complete the following
steps.

Server controls, LEDs, and power

This section describes the controls and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and how to turn
the server on and off. For the locations of other LEDs on the system board, see
“System-board LEDs” on page 37.

Front view
The following illustration shows the controls, LEDs, and connectors on the front of
the server.

v Rack release latches: Press the latches on each front side of the server to
remove the server from the rack.
v Hard disk drive status LEDs: This LED is used on SAS or SATA hard disk
drives. When this LED is lit, it indicates that the drive has failed. If an optional
IBM ServeRAID controller is installed in the server, when this LED is flashing
slowly (one flash per second), it indicates that the drive is being rebuilt. When the
LED is flashing rapidly (three flashes per second), it indicates that the controller
is identifying the drive.
v Hard disk drive activity LEDs: This LED is used on SAS or SATA hard disk
drives. Each hot-swap hard disk drive has an activity LED, and when this LED is
flashing, it indicates that the drive is in use.
v CD-RW/DVD eject button: Press this button to release a DVD or CD from the
CD/DVD drive.
v CD-RW/DVD drive activity LED: When this LED is lit, it indicates that the
CD-RW/DVD drive is in use.

14 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

v Operator information panel: This panel contains controls and LEDs that
provides information about the status of the server. For information about the
controls and LEDs on the operator information panel, see “Operator information
panel.”
v Operator information panel release latch: Slide the blue release latch to the
left to pull out the light path diagnostics panel and view the light path diagnostics
LEDs and buttons. See “Light path diagnostics panel” on page 16 and the
Problem Determination and Service Guide for more information about the light
path diagnostics.
v Video connector: Connect a monitor to this connector. The video connectors on
the front and rear of the server can be used simultaneously.

Note: The maximum video resolution is 1280 x 1024 at 75 Hz.

v USB connectors: Connect a USB device, such as a USB mouse, keyboard, or
other device to any of these connectors.

Operator information panel

The following illustration shows the controls and LEDs on the operator information
panel.

v Power-control button and power-on LED: Press this button to turn the server
on and off manually or to wake the server from a reduced-power state. The
states of the power-on LED are as follows:
Off: AC power is not present, or the power supply or the LED itself has failed.
Flashing rapidly (4 times per second): The server is turned off and is not
ready to be turned on. The power-control button is disabled. This will last
approximately 1 to 3 minutes.
Flashing slowly (once per second): The server is turned off and is ready to
be turned on. You can press the power-control button to turn on the server.
Lit: The server is turned on.
Fading on and off: The server is in a reduced-power state. To wake the
server, press the power-control button or use the IMM Web interface. See
“Logging on to the Web interface” on page 94 for information on logging on to
the IMM Web interface.
v Ethernet activity LEDs: When any of these LEDs is lit, they indicate that the
server is transmitting to or receiving signals from the Ethernet LAN that is
connected to the Ethernet port that corresponds to that LED.
v System-locator button/LED: Use this blue LED to visually locate the server
among other servers. This LED is also used as a presence detection button. You
can use IBM Systems Director to light this LED remotely. This LED is controlled
by the IMM. When you press the System-locator button, the LED will blink and it

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 15

will continue to blink until you press it again to turn it off. Doing this can help in
locating the server (from the rear of the server rack) among the other servers.
v System-information LED: When this amber LED is lit, it indicates that a
noncritical event has occurred. Check the error log for additional information. See
the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the System x Documentation
CD for more information about error logs.
v System-error LED: When this amber LED is lit, it indicates that a system error
has occurred. A system-error LED is also on the rear of the server. An LED on
the light path diagnostics panel on the operator information panel is also lit to
help isolate the error. This LED is controlled by the IMM.

Light path diagnostics panel

The light path diagnostics panel is on the top of the operator information panel. For
additional information about the LEDs on the light path diagnostics panel, see
Table 2 on page 18.

Note: The system service label on the underside of the cover also provides
information about the location of the light path diagnostics LEDs.

To access the light path diagnostics panel, slide the blue release button on the
operator information panel to the left. Pull forward on the unit until the hinge of the
operator panel is free of the server chassis. Then pull down on the unit, so that you
can view the light path diagnostics panel information.

Note: When you slide the light path diagnostics panel out of the server to check
the LEDs or checkpoint codes, do not run the server continuously with light
path diagnostics panel outside of the server. The panel should only be
outside of the server a short time. The light path diagnostics panel must
remain in the server when the server is running to ensure proper cooling.

The following illustration shows the LEDs and controls on the light path diagnostics
panel.

16 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

v Remind button: This button places the system-error LED on the front panel into
Remind mode. In Remind mode, the system-error LED flashes once every 2
seconds until the problem is corrected, the server is restarted, or a new problem
occurs.
By placing the system-error LED indicator in Remind mode, you acknowledge
that you are aware of the last failure but will not take immediate action to correct
the problem. The remind function is controlled by the IMM.
v NMI button: Press this button to force a nonmaskable interrupt to the
microprocessor. You might have to use a pen or the end of a straightened paper
clip to press the button. It allows you to blue screen the server and take a
memory dump (use this button only when directed by the IBM service support).
v Checkpoint code display: This display provides a checkpoint code that
indicates the point at which the system stopped during the boot block and POST.
A checkpoint code is either a byte or a word value that is produced by UEFI. The
display does not provide error codes or suggest components to be replaced.
Checkpoint codes can be used by IBM service and support for more in-depth
troubleshooting. By using the checkpoint code display, you do not have to wait
for the video to initialize each time you restart the server.
There are two types of checkpoint codes: field programmable gate array (FPGA)
hardware checkpoint codes and UEFI checkpoint codes. The UEFI checkpoint
codes might change because of code sequence and timing changes or when the
server firmware is updated. See http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/
supportsite.wss/docdisplay?lndocid=MIGR-5079109&brandind=5000008 for
checkpoint code information.
v Reset button: Press this button to reset the server and run the power-on
self-test (POST). You might have to use a pen or the end of a straightened paper
clip to press the button. The Reset button is in the lower-right corner of the light
path diagnostics panel.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 17

Table 2. Light path diagnostics panel LEDs

If the 12 V channel A error LED is lit, complete the following

steps:
1. Turn off the server and disconnect the power from the
server.
2. Remove the optical drive, fans, hard disk drives, and hard
disk drive backplane.
3. Restart the server to see whether the problem remains.
4. Reinstall each device that you removed in step 2 one at a
time, starting the server each time, to isolate the failing
device.
5. Replace any failing device.
6. (Trained service technician only) Replace the system
board.

If the 12 V channel B error LED is lit, complete the following

steps:
1. Turn off the server and disconnect the power from the
server.
2. Remove the PCI riser card in connector 1, all DIMMs, and
the microprocessor in socket 2.
3. Restart the server to see whether the problem remains.
4. Reinstall each device that you removed in step 2 one at a
time, starting the server each time, to isolate the failing
device.
5. Replace any failing device.
6. (Trained service technician only) Replace the system
board.

(Continued on the next page)

18 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Table 2. Light path diagnostics panel LEDs (continued)

If the 12 V channel D error LED is lit, complete the following

steps:
1. Turn off the server and disconnect the power from the
server.
2. Remove the microprocessor in socket 1.
Note: The server will not power-on when the
microprocessor in socket 1 is not installed in the server.
(Trained service technician only) Toggle the switch block
(SW4), bit 8 to allow the server to power-on. See
“System-board switches and jumpers” on page 34 for the
location of the SW4 switch block.
3. Restart the server to see whether the problem remains.
4. Reinstall the microprocessor in socket 1 and restart the
server.
5. Replace any failing device.
6. (Trained service technician only) Replace the system
board.

(Continued on the next page.)

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 19

Table 2. Light path diagnostics panel LEDs (continued)

If the 12 V AUX channel error LED is lit, complete the

following steps:
1. Turn off the server and disconnect the power from the
server.
2. Remove all PCI Express and PCI-X cards, all PCI riser
cards, the operator information panel, and the Ethernet
adapter (if installed).
Note: The server will not power-on when the operator
information panel is not installed in the server. Toggle the
switch block (SW3), bit 6 to allow the server to power-on.
See “System-board switches and jumpers” on page 34 for
the location of the SW3 switch block.
3. Restart the server to see whether the problem remains.
4. Reinstall each device that was removed in step 2 one at a
time, starting the server each time, to isolate the failing
device.
5. Replace any failing device.
6. (Trained service technician only) Replace the system
board.
LOG An error occurred. Check the IMM system event log and the system-error log for
information about the error. Replace any components that are
identified in the error logs.
LINK Reserved.
PS Power supply 1 or 2 has failed. 1. Check the power-supply that has an lit amber LED (see
“Power-supply LEDs” on page 26).
2. Make sure that the power supplies are seated correctly.
3. Remove one of the power supplies to isolate the failed
power supply.
4. Replace the failed power supply.

20 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Table 2. Light path diagnostics panel LEDs (continued)

v Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem
is solved.
v See Chapter 3, "Parts listing", in the Problem Determination and Service Guide to determine which
components are customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units
(FRU).
v If a action step is preceded by "(Trained service technician only)," that step must be performed only by a
trained service technician.
LED Description Action
PCI An error has occurred on a PCI 1. Check the LEDs on the PCI slots to identify the
bus or on the system board. An component that caused the error.
additional LED is lit next to a
2. Check the system-error log for information about the error.
failing PCI slot.
3. If you cannot isolate the failing adapter by using the LEDs
and the information in the system-error log, remove one
adapter at a time from the failing PCI bus; and restart the
server after each adapter is removed.
4. Replace the following components, in the order shown,
restarting the server each time:
v PCI riser card
v (Trained service technician only) Replace the system
board.
5. If the failure remains, go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/
support/supportsite.wss/docdisplay?brandind=5000008
&lndocid=SERV-CALL.
SP A service processor error has 1. Remove power from the server; then, reconnect the server
been detected. to power and restart the server.
2. Update the IMM firmware.
3. (Trained service technician only) Replace the system
board, if the problem remains.
4. If the failure remains, go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/
support/supportsite.wss/docdisplay?brandind=5000008
&lndocid=SERV-CALL.
FAN A fan has failed, is operating too 1. Reseat the failing fan, which is indicated by a lit LED near
slowly, or has been removed. The the fan connector on the system board.
TEMP LED might also be lit.
2. Replace the failing fan.
TEMP The system temperature has 1. Make sure that the heat sink is seated correctly.
exceeded a threshold level. A
2. Determine whether a fan has failed. If it has, replace it.
failing fan can cause the TEMP
LED to be lit. 3. Make sure that the room temperature is not too high. See
Table 1 on page 7 for the server temperature information.
4. Make sure that the air vents are not blocked.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 21

Table 2. Light path diagnostics panel LEDs (continued)

v Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem
is solved.
v See Chapter 3, "Parts listing", in the Problem Determination and Service Guide to determine which
components are customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units
(FRU).
v If a action step is preceded by "(Trained service technician only)," that step must be performed only by a
trained service technician.
LED Description Action
MEM An invalid memory configuration 1. If the MEM LED and the CNFG LED are lit, the system
or a memory error has occurred issues an invalid memory configuration error. Complete
(both the MEM LED and the the following steps to correct the problem:
CNFG LED might be lit).
a. Make sure that the DIMM configuration is supported
(see “Installing a memory module” on page 44 for
DIMM requirements and installation sequence
information).
b. Replace the DIMMs with a supported configuration.
2. If the CNFG LED is not lit, the system might detect a
memory error. Complete the following steps to correct the
problem:
a. Run the memory test to isolate the problem.
b. If the test indicates that a memory error has occurred,
replace the failing DIMM, which is indicated by the lit
DIMM latch on the system board (the DIMM LED is
underneath the DIMM latch).
NMI A nonmaskable interrupt has Check the system-error log for information about the error.
occurred, or the NMI button was
pressed.
CNFG A hardware configuration error 1. If the CNFG LED and the CPU LED are lit, complete the
has occurred. following steps to correct the problem:
a. Check the microprocessors that were just installed to
make sure that they are compatible with each other
(see “Installing a second microprocessor and heat
sink” on page 64 for additional information about
microprocessor requirements).
b. (Trained service technician only) Replace the
incompatible microprocessor.
c. Check the system-error logs for information about the
error. Replace any components that are identified in
the error log.
2. If the CNFG LED and the MEM LED are lit, complete the
following steps:
a. Make sure that the DIMM configuration is supported
(see “Installing a memory module” on page 44 for
DIMM requirements and installation sequence
information).
b. Replace the DIMMs with a supported configuration.

22 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Table 2. Light path diagnostics panel LEDs (continued)

v Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem
is solved.
v See Chapter 3, "Parts listing", in the Problem Determination and Service Guide to determine which
components are customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units
(FRU).
v If a action step is preceded by "(Trained service technician only)," that step must be performed only by a
trained service technician.
LED Description Action
CPU An invalid microprocessor 1. If the CNFG LED is lit, the system issues an invalid
configuration or a microprocessor microprocessor configuration error. Complete the following
has failed (both the CPU LED and steps to correct the problem:
the CNFG LED might be lit).
a. Check the microprocessors that were just installed to
make sure that they are compatible with each other
(see “Installing a second microprocessor and heat
sink” on page 64 for additional information about
microprocessor requirements) and use the Setup utility
and select System Information → System Summary
→ Processor Details to verify the microprocessors
information.
b. (Trained service technician only) Replace the
incompatible microprocessor.
c. Check the system-error logs for information about the
error. Replace any components that are identified in
the error log.
2. If a microprocessor failure occurs, complete the following
steps:
a. (Trained service technician only) Make sure that the
failing microprocessor, which is indicated by a lit LED
on the system board, is installed correctly. See
“Installing a second microprocessor and heat sink” on
page 64 for information about installation and
requirements.
b. For more information, go to http://www.ibm.com/
systems/support/supportsite.wss/
docdisplay?brandind=5000008&lndocid=SERV-CALL.
VRM Reserved.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 23

Table 2. Light path diagnostics panel LEDs (continued)

v Follow the suggested actions in the order in which they are listed in the Action column until the problem
is solved.
v See Chapter 3, "Parts listing", in the Problem Determination and Service Guide to determine which
components are customer replaceable units (CRU) and which components are field replaceable units
(FRU).
v If a action step is preceded by "(Trained service technician only)," that step must be performed only by a
trained service technician.
LED Description Action
DASD A hard disk drive has failed or is 1. Check the LEDs on the hard disk drives for the drive with
missing. a lit status LED and reseat the hard disk drive.
2. Reseat the hard disk drive backplane.
3. For more information, see the “Hard disk drive problems”
under the Troubleshooting tables in the Problem
Determination and Service Guide.
4. If the error remains, replace the following components in
the order listed, restarting the server after each:
a. Replace the hard disk drive.
b. Replace the hard disk drive backplane.
5. If the error remains, replace the following components one
at a time, in the order listed, restarting the server after
each:
a. Replace the hard disk drive.
b. Replace the hard disk drive backplane.
6. For more information, go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/
support/supportsite.wss/docdisplay?brandind=5000008
&lndocid=SERV-CALL.
RAID Reserved.
BRD An error has occurred on the 1. Check the LEDs on the system board to identify the
system board. component that caused the error. The BRD LED can be lit
due to any of the following reasons:
v Battery
v Missing PCI riser-card assembly
v Failed voltage regulator
2. Check the system-error log for information about the error.
3. Replace any failed or missing replacement components,
such as the battery or PCI riser-card assembly.
4. If a voltage regulator has failed, (trained service technician
only) replace the system board.

24 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Rear view
The following illustration shows the connectors and LEDs on the rear of the server.

v PCI slot 1: Insert a low-profile PCI Express or PCI-X adapter into this slot.
Standard models of the server come with two PCI Express riser assemblies. You
can purchase an optional PCI-X riser-card assembly with bracket if you want to
install a PCI-X adapter in this slot.
v PCI slot 2: Insert a half-length, full-height PCI Express or PCI-X adapter into this
slot. Standard models of the server come with two PCI Express riser assemblies.
You can purchase an optional PCI-X riser-card assembly with bracket if you want
to install a PCI-X adapter in this slot.
v Power connector: Connect the power cord to this connector.
v AC power LED: Each hot-swap power supply has an ac power LED and a dc
power LED. When the ac power LED is lit, it indicates that sufficient power is
coming into the power supply through the power cord. During typical operation,
both the ac and dc power LEDs are lit. For any other combination of LEDs, see
the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x
Documentation CD.
v DC power LED: Each hot-swap power supply has a dc power LED and an ac
power LED. When the dc power LED is lit, it indicates that the power supply is
supplying adequate dc power to the system. During typical operation, both the ac
and dc power LEDs are lit. For any other combination of LEDs, see the Problem
Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD.
v System-error LED: When this LED is lit, it indicates that a system error has
occurred. An LED on the light path diagnostics panel is also lit to help isolate the
error.
v Power-on LED: When this LED is lit and not flashing, it indicates that the server
is turned on. The states of the power-on LED are as follows:
Off: AC power is not present, or the power supply or the LED itself has failed.
Flashing rapidly (4 times per second): The server is turned off and is not
ready to be turned on. The power-control button is disabled. This will last
approximately 1 to 3 minutes.
Flashing slowly (once per second): The server is turned off and is ready to
be turned on. You can press the power-control button to turn on the server.
Lit: The server is turned on.
Fading on and off: The server is in a reduced-power state. To wake the
server, press the power-control button or use the IMM Web interface. See
“Logging on to the Web interface” on page 94 for information on logging on to
the IMM Web interface.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 25

v System-locator LED: Use this LED to visually locate the server among other
servers. You can use IBM Systems Director to light this LED remotely.
v Video connector: Connect a monitor to this connector. The video connectors on
the front and rear of the server can be used simultaneously.
v Serial connector: Connect a 9-pin serial device to this connector. The serial port
is shared with the integrated management module (IMM). The IMM can take
control of the shared serial port to redirect serial traffic, using Serial over LAN
(SOL).
v USB connectors: Connect a USB device, such as a USB mouse, keyboard, or
other device to any of these connectors.
v Systems-management Ethernet connector: Use this connector to manage the
server, using a dedicated management network. If you use this connector, the
IMM cannot be accessed directly from production network. A dedicated
management network provides additional security by physically separating the
management network traffic from the production network. You can use the Setup
utility to configure the server to use a dedicated systems management network or
a shared network.
v Ethernet link LEDs: When these LEDs are lit, they indicate that there is an
active link connection on the 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or 1000BASE-TX
interface for the Ethernet port.
v Ethernet connectors: Use either of these connectors to connect the server to a
network. When you use the Ethernet 1 connector, the network can be shared
with the IMM through a single network cable.

Power-supply LEDs
The following illustration shows the location of the power-supply LEDs on the rear
of the server. See the Problem Determination and Service Guide for additional
information about solving power-supply problems.

The following table describes the problems that are indicated by various
combinations of the power-supply LEDs and the power-on LED on the operator
information panel and suggested actions to correct the detected problems.

26 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Power-supply LEDs
AC DC Error Description Action Notes
Off Off Off No ac power to the 1. Check the ac power to the This is a normal
server or a problem server. condition when no ac
with the ac power power is present.
2. Make sure that the power
source.
cord is connected to a
functioning power source.
3. Restart the server. If the error
remains, check the
power-supply LEDs.
4. Replace the power-supply.
Off Off On No ac power to the v Make sure that the power cord This happens only
server or a problem is connected to a functioning when a second power
with the ac power power source. supply is providing
source and the power to the server.
v Replace the power supply.
power-supply had
detected an internal
problem.
Off On Off Faulty Replace the power supply.
power-supply
Off On On Faulty Replace the power supply.
power-supply
On Off Off Power-supply not 1. Reseat the power supply. Typically indicates a
fully seated, faulty power-supply is not
2. If the 240 V failure LED on
system board, or fully seated.
the system board is not lit,
faulty power-supply
replace the power-supply.
3. If the 240 V failure LED on
the system board is lit,
(trained service technician
only) replace the system
board.
On Off On Faulty Replace the power supply.
power-supply
On On Off Normal operation
On On On Power-supply is Replace the power supply.
faulty but still
operational

System pulse LEDs

The following LEDs are on the system board and monitors the system power-on
and power-off sequencing and boot progress (see “System-board LEDs” on page
37 for the location of these LEDs):
Table 3. System pulse LEDs
LED Description Action
Enclosure manager heartbeat power-on and power-off sequencing. 1. If the LED blinks at 1Hz, it is
functioning properly and no action
is necessary.
2. If the LED is not blinking, (trained
service technician only) replace
the system board.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 27

Table 3. System pulse LEDs (continued)
LED Description Action
IMM heartbeat IMM heartbeat boot process. The following steps describe the
different stages of the IMM heartbeat
sequencing process.
1. When this LED is blinking fast
(approximately 4Hz), this
indicates, that the IMM code is in
the loading process.
2. When this LED goes off
momentarily, this indicates that
the IMM code has loaded
completely.
3. When this LED goes off
momentarily and then starts
blinking slowing (approximately
1Hz), this indicates that IMM is
fully operational. You can now
press the power-control button to
power-on the server.
4. If this LED does not blink within
30 seconds of connecting a power
source to the server, complete the
following steps:
a. (Trained service technician
only) use the IMM recovery
jumper to recover the firmware
(see Table 4 on page 35).
b. (Trained service technician
only) replace the system
board.

Server power features

When the server is connected to an ac power source but is not turned on, the
operating system does not run, and all core logic except for the service processor
(the Integrated Management Module) is shut down; however, the server can
respond to requests to the service processor, such as a remote request to turn on
the server. The power-on LED flashes to indicate that the server is connected to ac
power but is not turned on.

Turning on the server

Approximately 5 seconds after the server is connected to ac power, one or more
fans might start running to provide cooling while the server is connected to power
and the power-on button LED will blink quickly. Approximately 1 to 3 minutes after
the server is connected to ac power, the power-control button becomes active (the
power-on LED will blink slowly), and one or more fans might start running to provide
cooling while the server is connected to power. You can turn on the server by
pressing the power-control button.

The server can also be turned on in any of the following ways:

v If a power failure occurs while the server is turned on, the server will restart
automatically when power is restored.
v If your operating system supports the Wake on LAN feature, the Wake on LAN
feature can turn on the server.

28 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Note: When 4 GB or more of memory (physical or logical) is installed, some
memory is reserved for various system resources and is unavailable to the
operating system. The amount of memory that is reserved for system
resources depends on the operating system, the configuration of the server,
and the configured PCI options.

Turning off the server

When you turn off the server and leave it connected to ac power, the server can
respond to requests to the service processor, such as a remote request to turn on
the server. While the server remains connected to ac power, one or more fans
might continue to run. To remove all power from the server, you must disconnect it
from the power source.

Some operating systems require an orderly shutdown before you turn off the server.
See your operating-system documentation for information about shutting down the
operating system.

Chapter 1. The System x3550 M2 Type 7946 server 29

Statement 5:

2
1
The server can be turned off in any of the following ways:
v You can turn off the server from the operating system, if your operating system
supports this feature. After an orderly shutdown of the operating system, the
server will turn off automatically.
v You can press the power-control button to start an orderly shutdown of the
operating system and turn off the server, if your operating system supports this
feature.
v If the operating system stops functioning, you can press and hold the
power-control button for more than 4 seconds to turn off the server.
v The server can be turned off by Wake on LAN feature with the following
limitation:

Note: When you install any PCI adapter, the power cords must be disconnected
from the power source before you remove the PCI Express riser-card
assembly and the PCI-X riser-card assembly. Otherwise, the active power
management event signal will be disabled by the system-board logic, and
the Wake on LAN feature might not work. However, after the server is
powered-on locally, the active power management event signal will be
enabled by the system-board logic.
v The integrated management module (IMM) can turn off the server as an
automatic response to a critical system failure.

30 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices
This chapter provides detailed instructions for installing optional hardware devices in
the server.

Server components
The following illustration shows the major components in the server. The
illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2009 31

System-board internal connectors
The following illustration shows the internal connectors on the system board.

32 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

System-board external connectors
The following illustration shows the external input/output connectors on the system
board.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 33

System-board switches and jumpers
The following illustration shows the switches and jumpers on the system board.

Note: If there is a clear protective sticker on the top of the SW3 switch block, you
must remove and discard it to access the switches.

34 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

The following table describes the jumpers on the system board.
Table 4. System board jumpers
Jumper number Jumper name Jumper setting
J29 UEFI boot recovery jumper v Pins 1 and 2: Normal
(default) Loads the primary
server firmware ROM
page.
v Pins 2 and 3: Loads the
secondary (backup) server
firmware ROM page.
J147 IMM recovery jumper v Pins 1 and 2: Normal
(default) Loads the primary
IMM firmware ROM page.
v Pins 2 and 3: Loads the
secondary (backup) IMM
firmware ROM page.

Notes:
1. If no jumper is present, the server responds as if the pins are set to 1 and 2.
2. Changing the position of the UEFI boot recovery jumper from pins 1 and 2 to pins 2 and
3 before the server is turned on alters which flash ROM page is loaded. Do not change
the jumper pin position after the server is turned on. This can cause an unpredictable
problem.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 35

The following table describes the functions of the SW3 switch block.
Table 5. SW3 switch block definition
Switch
number Default position Description
1 Off Clear CMOS memory. When this
switch is toggled to On, it clears the
data in CMOS memory, which clears
the power-on password.
2 Off Reserved.
3 Off Reserved.
4 Off Reserved.
5 Off Power-on password override.
Changing the position of this switch
bypasses the power-on password
check the next time the server is
turned on and starts the Setup utility
so that you can change or delete the
power-on password. You do not have
to move the switch back to the
default position after the power-on
password in overridden.

Changing the position of this switch

does not affect the administrator
password check if an administrator
password is set.

See “Passwords” on page 86 for

additional information about
passwords.
6 Off When you toggle this switch On and
then Off, you force a power-on,
which overrides the power-on and
power-off button on the server and
they become nonfunctional.
7 Off Reserved.
8 Off Reserved.

Important:
1. Before you change any switch settings or move any jumpers, turn off the server;
then, disconnect all power cords and external cables. Review the information in
vii, “Installation guidelines” on page 38, “Handling static-sensitive devices” on
page 40, and “Turning off the server” on page 29.
2. Any system-board switch or jumper blocks that are not shown in the illustrations
in this document are reserved.

36 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

System-board LEDs
The following illustration shows the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) on the system
board.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 37

System-board optional device connectors
The following illustration shows the connectors on the system board for
user-installable options.

Installation guidelines
Before you install optional devices, read the following information:
v Read the safety information that begins on page vii and the guidelines in
“Working inside the server with the power on” on page 40, and “Handling
static-sensitive devices” on page 40. This information will help you work safely.
v When you install your new server, take the opportunity to download and apply
the most recent firmware updates. This step will help to ensure that any known
issues are addressed and that your server is ready to function at maximum levels
of performance. To download firmware updates for your server, complete the
following steps:
1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.
2. Under Product support, click System x.
3. Under Popular links, click Software and device drivers.
4. Click System x3550 M2 to display the matrix of downloadable files for the
server.

38 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

For additional information about tools for updating, managing, and deploying
firmware, see the System x and xSeries Tools Center at http://
publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/toolsctr/v1r0/index.jsp.
v Before you install optional hardware, make sure that the server is working
correctly. Start the server, and make sure that the operating system starts, if an
operating system is installed, or that a 19990305 error code is displayed,
indicating that an operating system was not found but the server is otherwise
working correctly. If the server is not working correctly, see the Problem
Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD for
diagnostic information.
v Observe good housekeeping in the area where you are working. Place removed
covers and other parts in a safe place.
v If you must start the server while the server cover is removed, make sure that no
one is near the server and that no tools or other objects have been left inside the
server.
v Do not attempt to lift an object that you think is too heavy for you. If you have to
lift a heavy object, observe the following precautions:
– Make sure that you can stand safely without slipping.
– Distribute the weight of the object equally between your feet.
– Use a slow lifting force. Never move suddenly or twist when you lift a heavy
object.
– To avoid straining the muscles in your back, lift by standing or by pushing up
with your leg muscles.
v Make sure that you have an adequate number of properly grounded electrical
outlets for the server, monitor, and other devices.
v Back up all important data before you make changes to disk drives.
v Have a small flat-blade screwdriver, a small Phillips screwdriver, and a T8 torx
screwdriver available.
v You do not have to turn off the server to install or replace hot-swap power
supplies, hot-swap fans, or hot-plug Universal Serial Bus (USB) devices.
However, you must turn off the server before you perform any steps that involve
removing or installing adapter cables and you must disconnect the power source
from the server before you perform any steps that involve removing or installing a
riser card.
v Blue on a component indicates touch points, where you can grip the component
to remove it from or install it in the server, open or close a latch, and so on.
v Orange on a component or an orange label on or near a component indicates
that the component can be hot-swapped, which means that if the server and
operating system support hot-swap capability, you can remove or install the
component while the server is running. (Orange can also indicate touch points on
hot-swap components.) See the instructions for removing or installing a specific
hot-swap component for any additional procedures that you might have to
perform before you remove or install the component.
v When you are finished working on the server, reinstall all safety shields, guards,
labels, and ground wires.
v For a list of supported optional devices for the server, see http://www.ibm.com/
servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/.

System reliability guidelines

To help ensure proper system cooling and system reliability, make sure that the
following requirements are met:

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 39

v Each of the drive bays has a drive or a filler panel and electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC) shield installed in it.
v If the server has redundant power, each of the power-supply bays has a power
supply installed in it.
v There is adequate space around the server to allow the server cooling system to
work properly. Leave approximately 50 mm (2.0 in.) of open space around the
front and rear of the server. Do not place objects in front of the fans. For proper
cooling and airflow, replace the server cover before you turn on the server.
v You have followed the cabling instructions that come with optional adapters.
v You have replaced a failed fan within 48 hours.
v You have replaced a hot-swap fan within 30 seconds of removal.
v You have replaced a hot-swap drive within 2 minutes of removal.
v You do not operate the server without the air baffle installed. Operating the
server without the air baffle might cause the microprocessor to overheat.
v Microprocessor socket 2 always contains either a microprocessor baffle or a
microprocessor and heat sink.

Working inside the server with the power on

Attention: Static electricity that is released to internal server components when
the server is powered-on might cause the server to halt, which might result in the
loss of data. To avoid this potential problem, always use an electrostatic-discharge
wrist strap or other grounding system when you work inside the server with the
power on.

The server supports hot-plug, hot-add, and hot-swap devices and is designed to
operate safely while it is turned on and the server cover is removed. Follow these
guidelines when you work inside a server that is turned on:
v Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing on your forearms. Button long-sleeved shirts
before working inside the server; do not wear cuff links while you are working
inside the server.
v Do not allow your necktie or scarf to hang inside the server.
v Remove jewelry, such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, and loose-fitting wrist
watches.
v Remove items from your shirt pocket, such as pens and pencils, that could fall
into the server as you lean over it.
v Avoid dropping any metallic objects, such as paper clips, hairpins, and screws,
into the server.

Handling static-sensitive devices

Attention: Static electricity can damage the server and other electronic devices.
To avoid damage, keep static-sensitive devices in their static-protective packages
until you are ready to install them.

To reduce the possibility of damage from electrostatic discharge, observe the

following precautions:
v Limit your movement. Movement can cause static electricity to build up around
you.
v The use of a grounding system is recommended. For example, wear an
electrostatic-discharge wrist strap, if one is available. Always use an
electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding system when working inside
the server with the power on.

40 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

v Handle the device carefully, holding it by its edges or its frame.
v Do not touch solder joints, pins, or exposed circuitry.
v Do not leave the device where others can handle and damage it.
v While the device is still in its static-protective package, touch it to an unpainted
metal surface on the outside of the server for at least 2 seconds. This drains
static electricity from the package and from your body.
v Remove the device from its package and install it directly into the server without
setting down the device. If it is necessary to set down the device, put it back into
its static-protective package. Do not place the device on the server cover or on a
metal surface.
v Take additional care when handling devices during cold weather. Heating reduces
indoor humidity and increases static electricity.

Removing the cover

Important: Before you install optional hardware, make sure that the server is
working correctly. Start the server, and make sure that the operating system starts,
if an operating system is installed, or that a 19990305 error code is displayed,
indicating that an operating system was not found but the server is otherwise
working correctly. If the server is not working correctly, see the Problem
Determination and Service Guide for diagnostic information.

To remove the server cover, complete the following steps:

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 41

5. Lift the server cover off the server and set it aside.

Attention: For proper cooling and airflow, replace the server cover before you
turn on the server.

Removing the microprocessor 2 air baffle

To remove the microprocessor 2 air baffle, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables, if necessary; then, remove the cover (see “Removing the
cover” on page 41).
3. Lift the air baffle up, making sure that the tab comes out of the hole on the side
of the power-supply cage; then, remove it from the server and set it aside.
Attention: For proper cooling and airflow, replace the air baffle before you
turn on the server. Operating the server with the air baffle removed might
damage server components.

42 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Removing the DIMM air baffle
To remove the DIMM air baffle, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables, if necessary; then, remove the cover (see “Removing the
cover” on page 41).

4. Remove it from the server and set it aside.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 43

Attention: For proper cooling and airflow, replace the air baffle before you turn on
the server. Operating the server with the air baffle removed might damage server
components.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Installing a memory module

The following notes describe the types of dual inline memory modules (DIMMs) that
the server supports and other information that you must consider when you install
DIMMs (see “System-board optional device connectors” on page 38 for the location
of the DIMM connectors):
v The server supports only industry-standard double-data-rate 3 (DDR3), 800,
1066, or 1333 MHz, PC3-10600R-999 (single-rank or dual-rank), registered,
synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM) dual inline memory
modules (DIMMs) with error correcting code (ECC). See http://www.ibm.com/
servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/ for a list of supported memory modules
for the server.
– The specifications of a DDR3 DIMM are on a label on the DIMM, in the
following format.
ggg eRxff-PC3-wwwwwm-aa-bb-cc
where:
ggg is the total capacity of the DIMM (for example, 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB)
e is the number of ranks
1 = single-rank
2 = dual-rank
4 = quad-rank
ff is the device organization (bit width)
4 = x4 organization (4 DQ lines per SDRAM)
8 = x8 organization
16 = x16 organization
wwwww is the DIMM bandwidth, in MBps
6400 = 6.40 GBps (PC3-800 SDRAMs, 8-byte primary data bus)
8500 = 8.53 GBps (PC3-1066 SDRAMs, 8-byte primary data bus)
10600 = 10.66 GBps (PC3-1333 SDRAMs, 8-byte primary data bus)
12800 = 12.80 GBps PC3-1600 SDRAMs, 8-byte primary data bus)
m is the DIMM type
E = Unbuffered DIMM (UDIMM) with ECC (x72-bit module data bus)
R = Registered DIMM (RDIMM)
U = Unbuffered DIMM with no ECC (x64-bit primary data bus)
aa is the CAS latency, in clocks at maximum operating frequency
bb is the JEDEC SPD Revision Encoding and Additions level
cc is the reference design file for the design of the DIMM
d is the revision number of the reference design of the DIMM
v The server supports a maximum of 16 single-rank or dual-rank DIMMs.

44 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Note: To determine the type of a DIMM, see the label on the DIMM. The
information on the label is in the format xxxxx nRxxx PC3-xxxxx-xx-xx-xxx.
The numeral in the sixth numerical position indicates whether the DIMM is
single-rank (n=1) or dual-rank (n=2).
v The server supports three single-rank or dual-rank DIMMs per channel. The
following table shows an example of the maximum amount of memory that you
can install, using ranked DIMMs.
Table 6. Maximum memory installation using ranked DIMMs
Number of DIMMs DIMM type DIMM size Total memory
16 Single-rank DIMMs 4 GB 64 GB
16 Dual-rank DIMMs 4 GB 64 GB
16 Dual-rank DIMMs 8 GB (if available) 128 GB

v The DIMM options that are available for the server are 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8
GB (when available). The server supports a minimum of 1 GB and a maximum of
128 GB of system memory.

Note: The amount of usable memory is reduced depending on the system

configuration. A certain amount of memory must be reserved for system
resources. To view the total amount of installed memory and the amount
of configured memory, run the Setup utility. For additional information, see
Chapter 3, “Configuring the server,” on page 81.
v A minimum of one DIMM must be installed for each microprocessor. For
example, you must install a minimum of two DIMMs if the server has two
microprocessors installed. However, to improve system performance, install a
minimum of three DIMMs for each microprocessor.
v The maximum operating speed of the server is determined by the slowest DIMM
install in the server.
v The server comes with a minimum of two 1 GB DIMMs, installed in slots 3 and 6.
When you install additional DIMMs, install them in the order shown in the
following table to optimize system performance. In non-mirroring mode, all three
channels on the memory interface for each microprocessor can be populated in
any order and have no matching requirements.
Table 7. Non-mirroring (normal) mode DIMM installation sequence
Installed microprocessors DIMM connector population sequence
Microprocessor socket 1 3, 6, 8, 2, 5, 7, 1, 4
Microprocessor socket 2 11, 14, 16, 10, 13, 15, 9, 12

v The server supports memory mirroring (mirroring mode):

– Memory-mirroring mode replicates and stores data on two pairs of DIMMs
within two channels simultaneously. If a failure occurs, the memory controller
switches from the primary pair of memory DIMMs to the backup pair of
DIMMs. To enable memory mirroring through the Setup utility, select System
Settings → Memory. For more information, see “Using the Setup utility” on
page 82. When you use the memory mirroring feature, consider the following
information:
- When you use memory mirroring, you must install a pair of DIMMs at a
time. One DIMM must be in channel 0, and the mirroring DIMM must be in
the same slot in channel 1. The two DIMMs in each pair must be identical
in size, type, and rank (single or dual) , and organization, but not in speed.
The channels run at the speed of the slowest DIMM in any of the channels.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 45

- Channel 2, DIMM connectors 8 ,7, 15, and 16 are not used in
memory-mirroring mode.
- The maximum available memory is reduced to half of the installed memory
when memory mirroring is enabled. For example, if you install 64 GB of
memory, only 32 GB of addressable memory is available when you use
memory mirroring.
The following diagram shows the memory channel interface layout with the DIMM
installation sequence for mirroring mode. The numbers within the boxes indicate
the DIMM population sequence in pairs within the channels, and the numbers
next to the boxes indicate the DIMM connectors within the channels. For
example, the following illustration shows the first pair of DIMMs (indicated by
ones (1) inside the boxes) should be installed in DIMM connectors 3 on channel
0 and DIMM connector 6 on channel 1. DIMM connectors 7, 8, 15, and 16 on
channel 2 are not used in memory-mirroring mode.

Figure 1. Memory channel interface layout

The following table lists the DIMM connectors on each memory channel.
Table 8. Connectors on each memory channel
Memory channel DIMM connectors
Channel 0 1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11
Channel 1 4, 5, 6, 12, 13, 14
Channel 2 7, 8, 15, 16

The following illustration shows the memory connector layout that is associated
with each microprocessor. For example, DIMM connectors 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, and 16 (DIMM connectors are shown underneath the boxes) are associated
with microprocessor 2 slot (CPU2) and DIMM connectors 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and
8 are associated with microprocessor 1 slot (CPU1). The numbers within the
boxes indicates the installation sequence of the DIMM pairs. For example, the
first DIMM pair (indicated within the boxes by ones (1)) should be installed in
DIMM connectors 3 and 6, which is associated with microprocessor 1 (CPU1).

Note: You can install DIMMs for microprocessor 2 as soon as you install
microprocessor 2; you do not have to wait until all of the DIMM slots for
microprocessor 1 are filled.

46 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Figure 2. Memory connectors associated with each microprocessor for memory mirroring

The following table lists the installation sequence for installing DIMMs in
memory-mirroring mode.
Table 9. Memory-mirroring mode DIMM population sequence
Number of installed
DIMMs microprocessors DIMM connector
First pair of DIMMs 1 3, 6
Second pair of DIMMs 1 2, 5
Third pair of DIMMs 1 1, 4
Fourth pair of DIMMs 2 14, 11
Fifth pair of DIMMs 2 13, 10
Sixth pair of DIMMs 2 12, 9
Note: DIMM connectors 7, 8, 15, and 16 are not used in memory-mirroring mode.

v When you install or remove DIMMs, the server configuration information

changes. When you restart the server, the system displays a message that
indicates that the memory configuration has changed.

The following illustration shows the location of the DIMMs connectors on the system
board.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 47

DIMM 12 connector DIMM 13 connector
DIMM 11 connector DIMM 14 connector
DIMM 10 connector DIMM 15 connector
DIMM 9 connector DIMM 16 connector

DIMM 8 connector DIMM 1 connector

DIMM 7 connector DIMM 2 connector
DIMM 6 connector DIMM 3 connector
DIMM 5 connector DIMM 4 connector

To install a DIMM, complete the following steps:

1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables, if necessary.
3. Remove the cover (see “Removing the cover” on page 41).
4. Open the retaining clip on each end of the DIMM connector.
Attention: To avoid breaking the retaining clips or damaging the DIMM
connectors, open and close the clips gently.

48 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

5. Touch the static-protective package that contains the DIMM to any unpainted
metal surface on the outside of the server. Then, remove the DIMM from the
package.
6. Turn the DIMM so that the DIMM keys align correctly with the connector.
7. Insert the DIMM into the connector by aligning the edges of the DIMM with the
slots at the ends of the DIMM connector (see “System-board optional device
connectors” on page 38 for the locations of the DIMM connectors).
8. Firmly press the DIMM straight down into the connector by applying pressure on
both ends of the DIMM simultaneously. The retaining clips snap into the locked
position when the DIMM is firmly seated in the connector.

Note: If there is a gap between the DIMM and the retaining clips, the DIMM
has not been correctly inserted; open the retaining clips, remove the
DIMM, and then reinsert it.
If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to
“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Installing drives
The following notes describe the type of drives that the server supports and other
information that you must consider when you install a drive. For a list of supported
drives, see http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/.
v Locate the documentation that comes with the drive and follow those instructions
in addition to the instructions in this chapter.
v Make sure that you have all the cables and other equipment that are specified in
the documentation that comes with the drive.
v Select the bay in which you want to install the drive.
v The server supports one ultra-slim SATA optical drive. The server comes
standard with a CD-RW/DVD-ROM installed.
v Check the instructions that come with the drive to determine whether you have to
set any switches or jumpers on the drive. If you are installing a SAS or SATA
hard disk drive, be sure to set the SAS or SATA ID for that device.
v The server supports six 2.5-inch hot-swap SAS or hot-swap SATA hard disk
drives.
v You can mix SAS and SATA hard disk drives in the same server as long as they
are not on the same array.
Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 49
v The electromagnetic interference (EMI) integrity and cooling of the server are
protected by having all bays and PCI and PCI Express slots covered or
occupied. When you install a drive, PCI, or PCI Express adapter, save the EMC
shield and filler panel from the bay or PCI adapter or PCI Express adapter slot
cover in the event that you later remove the device.
v For a complete list of supported optional devices for the server, see
http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/.

Installing a hot-swap hard disk drive

To install a 2.5-inch hot-swap SAS or SATA hard disk drive, complete the following
steps.

Note: If you have only one hard disk drive, you must install it in the upper-left bay.

1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Remove the filler panel from the empty drive bay.
3. Touch the static-protective package that contains the drive to any unpainted
metal surface on the server; then, remove the drive from the package and place
it on a static-protective surface.
4. Install the hard disk drive in the drive bay:
a. Make sure that the tray handle is in the open (unlocked) position.
b. Align the drive assembly with the guide rails in the bay.
c. Gently push the drive assembly into the bay until the drive stops.
d. Rotate the tray handle to the closed (locked) position.
e. Check the hard disk drive status LED to verify that the hard disk drive is
operating correctly. If the amber hard disk drive status LED for a drive is lit
continuously, that drive is faulty and must be replaced. If the green hard disk
drive activity LED is flashing, the drive is being accessed.

Note: If the server is configured for RAID operation using a ServeRAID

adapter, you might have to reconfigure your disk arrays after you
install hard disk drives. See the ServeRAID adapter documentation
for additional information about RAID operation and complete
instructions for using the ServeRAID adapter.
5. If you are installing additional hot-swap hard disk drives, do so now.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

50 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

IDs for hot-swap hard disk drives
The hot-swap-drive ID that is assigned to each drive is printed on the front of the
server. The following illustration shows the location of the IDs of the hard disk
drives. The ID numbers and the drive bay numbers are the same.

Replacing a CD/DVD drive

To replace a CD/DVD drive, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 51

6. Pull the drive out of the front of the server.
7. Remove the retention clip from the side of the drive.

Note: If you are installing a drive that contains a laser, observe the following
safety precaution.

Statement 3:

CAUTION:
When laser products (such as CD-ROMs, DVD drives, fiber optic devices,
or transmitters) are installed, note the following:
v Do not remove the covers. Removing the covers of the laser product
could result in exposure to hazardous laser radiation. There are no
serviceable parts inside the device.
v Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other
than those specified herein might result in hazardous radiation
exposure.

52 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

DANGER
Some laser products contain an embedded Class 3A or Class 3B laser
diode. Note the following.

Laser radiation when open. Do not stare into the beam, do not view
directly with optical instruments, and avoid direct exposure to the
beam.

Class 1 Laser Product

Laser Klasse 1
Laser Klass 1
Luokan 1 Laserlaite
Appareil A` Laser de Classe 1

8. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new optical drive to any
unpainted metal surface on the server; then, remove the optical drive from the
package and place it on a static-protective surface.
9. Follow the instructions that come with the drive to set any jumpers or switches.
10. Attach the drive retention clip that you removed from the previous drive to the
side of the new drive.
11. Align the drive in the drive bay and slide the drive into the CD/DVD drive bay
until the drive clicks into place.
12. Connect the drive cable to the system board.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Replacing a PCI riser-card assembly

To replace a PCI riser-card assembly, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and the “Installation
guidelines” on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 53

6. Remove the adapter, if one is present, from the riser-card assembly.
7. Set the adapter and riser-card assembly aside.
8. Install the adapter in the new PCI riser-card assembly (see “Installing an
adapter” on page 55).
9. Set any jumpers or switches on the adapter as directed by the adapter
manufacturer.
10. Align the PCI riser-card assembly with the PCI slot connector on the system
board; then, press down firmly until the riser-card assembly is seated correctly
in the connector on the system board.
PCI riser card assembly
(full-height, half-lenght adapters)

PCI riser card assembly

(low-profile adapters)

PCI riser
connector 2

PCI riser
connector 1

54 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Installing an adapter
The following notes describe the types of adapters that the server supports and
other information that you must consider when you install an adapter:
v Locate the documentation that comes with the adapter and follow those
instructions in addition to the instructions in this section.
v The server provides one SAS/SATA RAID riser-card slot on the system board.
See “System-board optional device connectors” on page 38 for the location of the
SAS/SATA RAID riser-card slot. You can replace the IBM ServeRAID-BR10i
SAS/SATA adapter with the optional IBM ServeRAID-MR10i SAS/SATA adapter in
the slot. The ServeRAID-BR10i adapter comes installed on standard models of
the server and supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 1E. The optional
ServeRAID-MR10i adapter can be purchased and supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5,
6, 10, 50, and 60. For configuration information, see the ServeRAID
documentation at http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/, see
To ensure that any of your ServeRAID 10i, 10is, or 10M adapters function
properly on UEFI-based servers, make sure that the adapter firmware level is
updated to at least 11.x.x-XXX , and the supporting drivers.
Attention: Some cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated
code updates. If the device is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest level
of code is supported for the cluster solution before you update the code.
v Do not set the maximum digital video adapter resolution above 1600 x 1200 at
60 Hz for an LCD monitor. This is the highest resolution that is supported for any
add-on video adapter that you install in the server.
v Any high-definition video-out connector or stereo connector on any add-on video
adapter is not supported
v The server does not support full-length adapters.
v When you install any PCI adapter, the power cords must be disconnected from
the power source before you remove the PCI Express riser-card assembly and
the PCI-X riser-card assembly. Otherwise, the active power management event
signal will be disabled by the system-board logic, and the Wake on LAN feature
might not work. However, after the server is powered-on locally, the active power
manager active power management event signal will be enabled by the
system-board logic.
v If you switch the PCI adapter from slot 1 riser assembly to slot 2, you will need to
remove the screw from the standard bracket and then replace the standard
bracket with the low-profile bracket.
v The server provides two PCI riser-card slots on the system board. Each slot
comes with a PCI riser assembly with a bracket installed. The following
information describes the PCI riser-card slots and the type of adapters that the
riser cards support:
– Standard models of the server come with two PCI Express riser-card
assemblies installed. If you want to replace them with PCI-X riser-card
assemblies, you must order the PCI-X riser-card assembly option, which
includes the bracket.
– A PCI Express riser-card assembly has a black connector and supports PCI
Express adapters, and a PCI-X riser-card assembly has a white (light in color)
connector and supports PCI-X adapters.
– PCI riser slot 1 (the farthest slot from the power supplies). This slot supports
only low-profile adapters.
– PCI riser slot 2 (the closest slot to the power supplies). This slot supports only
full-height, half-length adapters.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 55

The following table lists the supported configurations for the PCI riser-card slot.
Table 10. PCI riser slots supported configurations
PCI riser-card
slot number Configuration 1 Configuration 2 Configuration 3 Configuration 4
Slot 1 PCI Express PCI Express PCI-X 1.0a PCI-X 1.0a
Gen 2 (x16) card Gen 2 (x16) card 64-bit/133 MHz 64-bit/133 MHz
with a PCI with a PCI card with a card with a
Express riser Express riser PCI-X riser card PCI-X riser card
card with a card with a with a low-profile with a low-profile
low-profile low-profile bracket bracket
bracket bracket
Slot 2 PCI Express PCI-X 1.0a PCI Express PCI-X 1.0a
Gen 2 (x16) card 64-bit/133 MHz Gen 2 (x16) card 64-bit/133 MHz
with a PCI card with a with a PCI card with a
Express riser PCI-X riser card Express riser PCI-X riser card
card with a with a standard card with a with a standard
standard bracket bracket standard bracket bracket

To install an adapter, complete the following steps:

Notes:
1. The instructions in this section apply to any PCI adapter (for example, video
graphics adapters or network adapters).
2. Do not set the maximum digital video adapter resolution above 1600 x 1200 at
60 Hz for an LCD monitor. This is the highest resolution that is supported for
any add-on video adapter that you install in the server.
3. Any high-definition video-out connector or stereo connector on any add-on video
adapter is not supported
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and the “Installation
guidelines” on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables; then, remove the server cover (see “Removing the cover” on
page 41).
3. Follow the cabling instructions, if any come with the adapter. Route the adapter
cables before you install the adapter.
4. Insert the adapter into the riser-card assembly, aligning the edge connector on
the adapter with the connector on the riser-card assembly. Press the edge of
the connector firmly into the riser-card assembly. Make sure that the adapter
snaps into the riser-card assembly securely.
Attention: When you install an adapter, make sure that the adapter is
correctly seated in the riser-card assembly and that the riser-card assembly is
securely seated in the riser-card connector on the system board before you turn
on the server. An incorrectly seated adapter might cause damage to the system
board, the riser-card assembly, or the adapter.

56 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

5. Install the riser-card assembly in the server (see “Replacing a PCI riser-card
assembly” on page 53).
6. Perform any configuration tasks that are required for the adapter.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Replacing a PCI Express assembly with a PCI-X assembly

The server comes with two PCI riser-card assemblies. You can replace a PCI
Express riser-card assembly with a PCI-X riser-card assembly.

To replace a PCI Express riser-card assembly with a PCI-X riser-card assembly,

complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and the “Installation
guidelines” on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and disconnect the power cords and all external cables, if
necessary; then, remove the server cover (see “Removing the cover” on page
41).

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 57

c. Remove the adapter, if one is present, from the riser-card assembly.
d. Store the riser-card assembly and the adapter in a safe place for possible
future use.
4. Install a PCI-X adapter into the new PCI-X riser-card assembly. See “Installing
an adapter” on page 55 for more information. Set any jumpers or switches on
the adapter as directed by the adapter manufacturer.

Note: You might have to replace the brackets when you replace a PCI Express
assembly with a PCI-X assembly.
5. Insert the PCI-X riser-card assembly into the riser-card connector on the system
board. Make sure that it is fully seated.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Replacing a PCI-X assembly with a PCI Express assembly

The server comes with two PCI riser-card assemblies. You can replace a PCI-X
riser-card assembly with a PCI Express riser-card assembly.

To replace a PCI-X riser-card assembly with a PCI Express riser-card assembly,

Note: When you disconnect the power source from the server, you lose the
ability to view the LEDs because the LEDs are not lit when the power
source is removed. Before you disconnect the power source, make a
note of which LEDs are lit, including the LEDs that are lit on the
operation information panel, on the light path diagnostics panel, and
LEDs inside the server on the system board; then, see the Problem
Determination and Service Guide for information about how to solve the
problem.
3. Remove the PCI-X riser-card assembly from the system board:
a. If an adapter is installed in the riser-card assembly, disconnect any cables
that are connected to the adapter.
b. Grasp the riser-card assembly at the rear edge and lift it from the riser-card
connector on the system board.
c. Remove the adapter, if one is present, from the riser-card assembly.
d. Store the riser-card assembly and the adapter in a safe place for possible
future use.
4. Install a PCI Express adapter in the PCI Express riser-card assembly. See
“Installing an adapter” on page 55 for more information. Set any jumpers or
switches on the adapter as directed by the adapter manufacturer.

Note: You might have to replace the bracket when you replace a PCI-X
assembly with a PCI Express assembly.
5. Insert the PCI Express riser-card assembly into the riser-card connector on the
system board. Make sure that it is fully seated.

58 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to
“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Replacing an IBM ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA Controller

Some server models come with an IBM ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA Controller
installed. The adapter can be installed only in the dedicated slot on the SAS/SATA
RAID riser-card assembly on the system board (see “System-board optional device
connectors” on page 38 for the location of the connector). Use the connector on the
SAS/SATA RAID riser-card assembly for the RAID adapters. The IBM
ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA adapter enables integrated RAID levels 0, 1, and 1E
capability on hot-swap hard disk drives. For configuration information, see the
ServeRAID documentation at http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/. To install the
adapter if your server model did not come with this adapter, complete the following
steps to install an IBM ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA adapter.

Important: To ensure that any of your ServeRAID 10i, 10is, or 10M adapters
function properly on UEFI-based servers, make sure that the adapter firmware level
is updated to at least 11.x.x-XXX , and the supporting drivers.

Attention: Some cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated code
updates. If the device is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest level of code
is supported for the cluster solution before you update the code.
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords.

Note: When you disconnect the power source from the server, you lose the
ability to view the LEDs because the LEDs are not lit when the power
source is removed. Before you disconnect the power source, make a
note of which LEDs are lit, including the LEDs that are lit on the
operation information panel, on the light path diagnostics panel, and
LEDs inside the server on the system board; then, see the Problem
Determination and Service Guide for information about how to solve the
problem.
3. Remove the cover (see “Removing the cover” on page 41).
4. Disconnect the signal cables and power cables from the existing SAS/SATA
adapter (if one is installed)
5. Grasp the end of the SAS/SATA adapter next to the power-supply cage while
you press the black plastic tab (next to the power-supply cage) toward the
power supply.
6. Pull up on the SAS/SATA adapter until the SAS/SATA RAID riser-card
assembly disengages from the connector on the system board.
7. Grasp the SAS/SATA adapter and pull it out of the connector on the SAS/SATA
RAID riser-card assembly.
8. Place the ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA adapter into a static-protective
package and put it in a safe place.
9. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new ServeRAID-BR10i
SAS/SATA adapter to any unpainted surface on the outside of the server; then,
grasp the adapter by the top edge or upper corners of the adapter and remove
it from the package.
10. Align the ServeRAID-BR10i SAS/SATA adapter so that the keys align correctly
with the connector on the SAS/SATA RAID riser-card assembly.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 59

11. Insert the SAS/SATA adapter into the connector on the SAS/SATA RAID
riser-card assembly until it is firmly seated.
Attention: Incomplete insertion might cause damage to the server or the
adapter.

12. Tilt the SAS/SATA RAID riser-card assembly slightly and insert the end of the
adapter in the slot on the retention bracket as shown in the following
illustration. Make sure that the SAS/SATA RAID riser-card assembly keys align
correctly with the connector on the system board and press down on the
assembly until it is seated firmly into the connector on the system board.

60 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

13. Route the signal cables from the drive backplane over the blue adapter
retention bracket as shown in the following illustration.

14. Take the signal cable that is attached to the drive backplane for drive bays 4
and 5 and connect it to the SAS/SATA RAID adapter connector that is closest
to the power supply cage. Connect the other signal cable so that is attached to
the drive backplane for drive bays 0 through 3 and connect it to the other
connector on the adapter.

Note: When you restart the server, you are prompted to import the existing
RAID configuration to the new ServeRAID adapter.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Installing an optional IBM ServeRAID-MR10i SAS/SATA Controller

You can purchase an optional IBM ServeRAID-MR10i SAS/SATA controller. It can
be installed only in the dedicated slot on the SAS/SATA RAID riser-card assembly
on the system board (see “System-board optional device connectors” on page 38
for the location of the connector). Use the connector on the SAS/SATA RAID
riser-card assembly to install the RAID adapters. For configuration information, see
the ServeRAID documentation at http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.

To install the IBM ServeRAID-MR10i SAS/SATA adapter, complete the following

steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords.

Note: When you disconnect the power source from the server, you lose the
ability to view the LEDs because the LEDs are not lit when the power

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 61

source is removed. Before you disconnect the power source, make a
note of which LEDs are lit, including the LEDs that are lit on the
operation information panel, on the light path diagnostics panel, and
LEDs inside the server on the system board; then, see the Problem
Determination and Service Guide for information about how to solve the
problem.
3. Remove the cover (see “Removing the cover” on page 41).
4. Disconnect the signal cables and power cables from the existing SAS/SATA
adapter (if one is installed)
5. Carefully grasp the end of the SAS/SATA adapter next to the power-supply
cage while you press the black plastic tab (next to the power supply cage)
toward the power supply.
6. Pull up on the SAS/SATA adapter until the SAS/SATA RAID riser-card
assembly disengages from the connector on the system board.
7. Carefully grasp the SAS/SATA adapter and pull it out of the connector on the
SAS/SATA RAID riser-card assembly.
8. Place the ServeRAID-MR10i SAS/SATA adapter into a static-protective
package and put it in a safe place.
9. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new ServeRAID-MR10i
SAS/SATA adapter to any unpainted surface on the outside of the server; then,
grasp the adapter by the top edge or upper corners of the adapter and remove
it from the package.
10. Align the ServeRAID-MR10i SAS/SATA adapter so that the keys align correctly
with the connector on the SAS/SATA RAID riser-card assembly.

11. Insert the SAS/SATA adapter into the connector on the SAS/SATA RAID
riser-card until it is firmly seated.
Attention: Incomplete insertion might cause damage to the server or the
adapter.

62 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

13. Route the signal cables from the drive backplane over the blue adapter
retention bracket as shown in the following illustration.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 63

14. Take the signal cable that is attached to the drive backplane for drive bays 4
and 5 and connect it to the SAS/SATA RAID adapter connector that is closest
to the power-supply cage. Connect the other signal cable so that it is attached
to the drive backplane for drive bays 0 through 3 and connect it to the other
connector on the adapter.

Note: When you restart the server, you are prompted to import the existing
RAID configuration to the new ServeRAID adapter.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Installing a second microprocessor and heat sink

The following notes describe the type of microprocessor that the server supports
and other information that you must consider when you install a microprocessor and
heat sink:
v The server supports up to two Intel Xeon® dual-core or quad-core
microprocessors. See http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/
us/ for a list of supported microprocessors.
v Do not mix dual-core and quad-core microprocessors in the same server.
v The upgrade of microprocessors are not supported on this server. For example, if
the server came with a 2.0 GHz microprocessor, you cannot upgrade the
microprocessor to a 2.3 GHz microprocessor, it is not supported.
v The first microprocessor must always be installed in microprocessor socket 1 on
the system board.
v When one microprocessor is installed, a heat sink filler is not required for
microprocessor socket 2, however, the microprocessor 2 air baffle and the DIMM
air baffle must be installed to provide proper system cooling.
v Do not remove the first microprocessor from the system board when you install
the second microprocessor.
v When you install the second microprocessor, you must also install additional
memory. See “Installing a memory module” on page 44 for details about the
installation sequence.

64 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

v To ensure proper server operation when you install an additional microprocessor,
use microprocessors that have the same QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) link
speed, integrated memory controller frequency, core frequency, power segment,
internal cache size, and type.
v Mixing microprocessors of different stepping levels within the same server model
is supported.
v When mixing microprocessors with different stepping levels within the same
server model, you do not have to install the microprocessor with lowest stepping
level and features in microprocessor socket 1.
v Both microprocessor voltage regulator modules are integrated on the system
board.
v If you have to replace a microprocessor, call for service.
v Read the documentation that comes with the microprocessor, so that you can
determine whether you have to update the server firmware. To download the
latest level of the server firmware and other code updates for your server,
complete the following steps:
1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.
2. Under Product support, click System x.
3. Under Popular links, click Software and device drivers.
4. Click IBM System x3550 M2 to display the matrix of downloadable files for
the server.
v The microprocessor speeds are automatically set for this server; therefore, you
do not have to set any microprocessor frequency-selection jumpers or switches.
v If the thermal-grease protective cover (for example, a plastic cap or tape liner) is
removed from the heat sink, do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of
the heat sink or set down the heat sink. For details, see the information about
thermal grease in the Problem and Determination Service Guide.

Note: Removing the heat sink from the microprocessor destroys the even
distribution of the thermal grease and requires replacing the thermal
grease.
v To order an additional optional microprocessor, contact your IBM marketing
representative or authorized reseller.

To install an additional microprocessor and heat sink, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables (see “Turning off the server” on page 29).
Attention: When you handle static-sensitive devices, take precautions to
avoid damage from static electricity. For details about handling these devices,
see “Handling static-sensitive devices” on page 40.
3. Remove the cover (see “Removing the cover” on page 41).
4. Locate microprocessor socket 2 on the system board.
5. Remove the microprocessor 2 air baffle (see “Removing the DIMM air baffle” on
page 43).
6. Rotate the heat-sink release lever to the fully open position and lift the heat-sink
filler off the microprocessor socket.
7. Install the microprocessor:
a. Press down and out on the release lever on microprocessor socket 2 and lift
up the microprocessor release lever until it stops in the fully open position.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 65

b. Lift the hinged microprocessor bracket frame into an open position and
remove the microprocessor dust cover, tape, or label from the surface of the
microprocessor socket, if one is present. Store the dust cover in a safe
place.
Attention: When you handle static-sensitive devices, take precautions to
avoid damage from static electricity. For details about handling these
devices, see “Handling static-sensitive devices” on page 40.

c. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new microprocessor to

any unpainted metal surface on the server; then, remove the microprocessor
from the package.
Attention:
v Do not touch the microprocessor contacts; handle the microprocessor by
the edges only. Contaminants on the microprocessor contacts, such as oil
from your skin, can cause connection failures between the contacts and
the socket.
v Handle the microprocessor carefully. Dropping the microprocessor during
installation or removal can damage the contacts.
v Do not use excessive force when you press the microprocessor into the
socket.
v Make sure that the microprocessor is oriented and aligned and positioned
in the socket before you try to close the lever.
d. Align the microprocessor with the socket (note the alignment mark and the
position of the notches); then, carefully place the microprocessor on the
socket and close the microprocessor bracket frame.

Note: The microprocessor fits only one way on the socket.

66 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

e. Carefully close the microprocessor release lever to the closed position to
secure the microprocessor in the socket.
8. Install the heat sink:
a. Remove the plastic protective cover from the bottom of the heat sink.
b. Align the heat sink on top of the microprocessor with the thermal grease
side down.
Attention: Do not touch the thermal grease on the bottom of the heat
sink after you remove the plastic cover. Touching the thermal grease will
contaminate it. See “Thermal grease” for more information.

c. Lower the rear flange of the heat sink into the opening in the retainer
bracket and press down firmly on the front of the heat sink until it is seated
securely.

d. Rotate the heat-sink release lever to the closed position and hook it
underneath the lock tab.
9. Reinstall the microprocessor 2 air baffle, (see “Replacing the microprocessor 2
air baffle” on page 77).

Thermal grease
The thermal grease must be replaced whenever the heat sink has been removed
from the top of the microprocessor and is going to be reused or when debris is
found in the grease.

When you are installing the heat sink on the same microprocessor that is was
removed from, make sure that the following requirements are met:
v The thermal grease on the heat sink and microprocessor is not contaminated.
v Additional thermal grease is not added to the existing thermal grease on the heat
sink and microprocessor.

Note:

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 67

v Read the Safety information on page vii.
v Read the “Installation guidelines” on page 38.
v Read “Handling static-sensitive devices” on page 40.

To replace damaged or contaminated thermal grease on the microprocessor and

heat sink, complete the following steps:
1. Place the heat sink on a clean work surface.
2. Remove the cleaning pad from its package and unfold it completely.
3. Use the cleaning pad to wipe the thermal grease from the bottom of the heat
sink.

Note: Make sure that all of the thermal grease is removed.

4. Use a clean area of the cleaning pad to wipe the thermal grease from the
microprocessor; then, dispose of the cleaning pad after all of the thermal grease
is removed.
0.02 mL of thermal
grease

Microprocessor

5. Use the thermal-grease syringe to place 9 uniformly spaced dots of 0.02 mL

each on the top of the microprocessor. The outermost dots must be within
approximately 5 mm of the edge of the microprocessor; this is to ensure uniform
distribution of the grease.

Note: If the grease is properly applied, approximately half of the grease will
remain in the syringe.
6. Install the heat sink onto the microprocessor as described in 8 on page 67.

If you have other options to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Installing a hot-swap power supply

The following notes describe the type of power supply that the server supports and
other information that you must consider when you install a power supply:
v The server comes with one 675-watt hot-swap 12-volt output power supply. The
input voltage is 110 V ac or 220 V ac auto-sensing.
v You can order an optional power supply for redundancy.
v These power supplies are designed for parallel operation. In the event of a
power-supply failure, the redundant power supply continues to power the system.
The server supports a maximum of two power supplies.
68 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Statement 5:

2
1
Statement 8

CAUTION:
Never remove the cover on a power supply or any part that has the following
label attached.

Hazardous voltage, current, and energy levels are present inside any
component that has this label attached. There are no serviceable parts inside
these components. If you suspect a with one of these parts, contact a service
technician.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 69

To install a hot-swap power supply, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins vii and “Installation guidelines” on page
38.
2. Touch the static-protective package that contains the hot-swap power supply to
any unpainted metal surface on the server; then, remove the power supply from
the package and place it on a static-protective surface.
3. If you are installing a hot-swap power supply into an empty bay, remove the
power-supply filler panel from the power-supply bay.

4. Grasp the handle on the rear of the power supply and slide the power supply
forward into the power-supply bay until it clicks. Make sure that the power
supply connects firmly into the power-supply connector.
5. Route the power cord through the handle so that it does not accidentally
become unplugged.
6. Connect the power cord for the new power supply to the power-cord connector
on the power supply.
7. Connect the other end of the power cord to a properly grounded electrical
outlet.
8. Make sure that the ac power LED and the dc power LED on the power supply
are lit, indicating that the power supply is operating correctly. The two green
LEDs are to the right of the power-cord connector.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Installing the virtual media key

To install the virtual media key, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Remove the cover (see “Removing the cover” on page 41).
3. Align the virtual media key with the mounting tab and slide it down the tab onto
the connector on the system board. Press the virtual media key down into the
connector until it is firmly seated on the system board.

70 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to
“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Installing a USB embedded hypervisor flash device

To install a hypervisor flash device, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords.
3. Remove the cover (see “Removing the cover” on page 41).
4. Align the flash device with the connector on the SAS/SATA RAID riser-card
assembly and push it into the connector until it is firmly seated.
5. Slide the blue lockbar toward the flash device to the locked position until it is
seated firmly.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 71

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to
“Completing the installation” on page 76.

Installing a RAID adapter battery remotely in the server

When you install multiple RAID adapters that come with batteries in the server, it is
sometimes necessary to install the batteries in another location in the server to
prevent the batteries from overheating. The batteries must be installed only on top
of the microprocessor 2 air baffle. To install a RAID adapter battery in the server,
complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect all power cords and
external devices; then, remove the cover (see “Removing the cover” on page
41).

Note: Steps 3 through 5 apply to a RAID adapter that is already installed in

the server riser-card. If no RAID adapter is installed, skip to step 6.
3. Remove the riser-card assembly from the server and set it aside (see
“Replacing a PCI riser-card assembly” on page 53).
4. Remove the adapter from the riser-card assembly.
5. If a battery and battery carrier are attached to the RAID adapter, disconnect
the battery carrier cable from the battery and remove the three screws that
secure the battery carrier to the adapter. Set the battery and battery carrier
aside.

Note: If your battery and battery carrier are attached with a clip, squeeze the
clip on the side of the battery carrier to remove the battery from the
battery carrier.

72 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

6. Install the interposer card in the interposer card connector on the RAID
adapter:
a. Remove the interposer card and the screw from the bag.
b. Rotate the plastic standoff on the interposer card so that it aligns with the
hole on the RAID adapter; then, align the connector on interposer card with
the interposer card connector on the RAID adapter.

c. Press the interposer card down onto the interposer card connector on the
RAID adapter until it is firmly seated.
d. From underneath the RAID adapter, insert the screw that you took from the
bag and tighten the screw to secure the interposer card to the RAID
adapter.
7. Connect one end of the remote batter cable to the interposer card.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 73

Attention: To avoid damage to the hardware, make sure that the black dot
on the remote battery cable connector faces away from the interposer card on
the adapter. Do not force the remote battery cable into the connector.

8. Install the RAID adapter on the riser-card and install the riser-card assembly in
the server (see “Replacing a PCI riser-card assembly” on page 53).
9. Route the remote battery cable as shown in the illustration, depending on the
PCI slot in which the RAID adapter is installed.

74 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

10. Route the remote battery cable through the notches on the microprocessor 2
air baffle.
Attention: Make sure that the cable is not pinched and does not cover any
connectors or obstruct any components on the system board.
11. Connect the other end of the remote battery cable to the remote battery cable
connector on the battery carrier.
Attention: To avoid damage to the hardware, make sure that the black dot
on the remote battery cable connector faces away from the interposer card on
the adapter. Do not force the remote battery cable into the connector.

12. Install the battery on the microprocessor 2 air baffle:

a. Connect the battery cable to the battery cable connector on the battery
carrier.
b. Place the battery carrier in the battery mounting slot on the microprocessor
2 air baffle and ensure that battery carrier posts align with the rings on the
battery mounting slot so that the battery carrier is secure in the slot.

Note: The positioning of the remote battery depends on the type of remote
battery that you install. The long edge of the battery might fit the

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 75

recessed rings either parallel or perpendicular to the front bezel.
Battery
retention clip

Battery

Posts

Posts
Microprocessor 2
air baffle

Battery
mounting
slots

Rings

c. Take the battery retention clip and place it underneath the other tab while
pressing release tab toward the front of the server; then, press it down until
it snaps in place to hold the battery carrier firmly in place.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to

“Completing the installation.”

Completing the installation

To complete the installation, complete the following steps:
1. If you removed any air baffles, reinstall them (see “Replacing the DIMM air
baffle” and “Replacing the microprocessor 2 air baffle” on page 77).
2. If you removed the server cover, replace it (see “Replacing the cover” on page
78).
3. Install the server in the rack cabinet (see the Rack Installation Instructions that
come with the server for instructions).
4. Reconnect the cables and power cords (see “Connecting the cables” on page
78).
5. Update the server configuration (see “Updating the server configuration” on
page 79).
6. Slide the server back into the rack, if necessary.

Replacing the DIMM air baffle

To install the DIMM air baffle, complete the following steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables (see “Turning off the server” on page 29).
3. Align the DIMM air baffle over the DIMMs so that the baffle pin on the left side
of the air baffle aligns with the pin hole next to DIMM connector 8 on the system

76 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

board, and lower it into the server.

Replacing the microprocessor 2 air baffle

To install the microprocessor 2 air baffle (if you removed it), complete the following
steps:
1. Read the safety information that begins on page vii and “Installation guidelines”
on page 38.
2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and
all external cables (see “Turning off the server” on page 29).
3. Align the microprocessor 2 air baffle tab with the hole on the side of the
power-supply cage; then insert the tab into the hole on the cage (make sure
that the front end of the air baffle is lined up with the blue touch point tab on the
left side of fan 6). Press the air baffle down until the it is securely seated.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 77

Replacing the cover
To replace the server cover, complete the following steps:
1. Align the cover over the server (toward the rear of the server) until the cover
edges slip into position over the chassis.
Important: Before sliding the cover forward, make sure that all the tabs on both
the front, rear, and side of the cover engage the chassis correctly. If all the tabs
do not engage the chassis correctly, it will be hard to remove the cover later.
2. Slide the cover forward toward the front of the server until the cover is
completely closed.

Connecting the cables

The following illustration shows the locations of the input and output connectors on
the front of the server.

Figure 3. Front of server

78 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

The following illustration shows the locations of the input and output connectors on
the rear of the server.

Figure 4. Rear of server

You must turn off the server before you connect or disconnect cables.

See the documentation that comes with any external devices for additional cabling
instructions. It might be easier for you to route cables before you connect the
devices to the server.

Cable identifiers are printed on the cables that come with the server and optional
devices. Use these identifiers to connect the cables to the correct connectors.

Updating the server configuration

When you start the server for the first time after you add or remove a device, you
might receive a message that the configuration has changed. The Setup utility
starts automatically so that you can save the new configuration settings.

Some optional devices have device drivers that you must install. For information
about installing device drivers, see the documentation that comes with each device.

If the server has an optional RAID adapter and you have installed or removed a
hard disk drive, see the documentation that comes with the RAID adapter for
information about reconfiguring the disk arrays.

For information about configuring the integrated Gigabit Ethernet controller, see
“Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controller” on page 94.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 79

80 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Chapter 3. Configuring the server
The following configuration programs come with the server:
v Setup utility
The UEFI (formerly BIOS) Setup Utility program is part of the basic input/output
system firmware. Use it to change interrupt request (IRQ) settings, change the
startup-device sequence, set the date and time, and set passwords. For
information about using this program, see “Using the Setup utility” on page 82.
v Boot Manager program
The Boot Manager program is part of the server firmware. Use it to override the
startup sequence that is set in the Setup utility and temporarily assign a device to
be first in the startup sequence. For more information about using this program,
see “Using the Boot Manager program” on page 88.
v IBM ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD
The ServerGuide program provides software-setup tools and installation tools
that are designed for the server. Use this CD during the installation of the server
to configure basic hardware features, such as an integrated SAS/SATA controller
with RAID capabilities, and to simplify the installation of your operating system.
For information about using this CD, see “Using the ServerGuide Setup and
Installation CD” on page 88.
v Integrated Management Module
Use the integrated management module (IMM) for configuration, to update the
firmware and sensor data record/field replaceable unit (SDR/FRU) data, and to
remotely manage a network. For information about using the IMM, see “Using the
integrated management module” on page 90.
v VMware ESXi embedded hypervisor
The VMware ESXi embedded hypervisor is available on the server models that
come with an installed the USB embedded hypervisor flash device. The USB
flash device is installed in the USB connector on the SAS/SATA RAID riser card.
Hypervisor is virtualization software that enables multiple operating systems to
run on a host system at the same time. For more information about using the
embedded hypervisor, see “Using the embedded hypervisor” on page 92.
v Remote presence capability and blue-screen capture
The remote presence and blue-screen capture feature are integrated into the
Integrated Management Module (IMM). The virtual media key is required to
enable the remote presence functions. When the optional virtual media key is
installed in the server, it activates the remote presence functions. Without the
virtual media key, you will not be able to access the network remotely to mount
or unmount drives or images on the client system. However, you will still be able
to access the Web interface without the virtual media key. You can order the
optional IBM Virtual Media Key, if one did not come with your server. For more
information about how to enable the remote presence function, see “Using the
remote presence capability and blue-screen capture” on page 93.
v Ethernet controller configuration
For information about configuring the Ethernet controller, see “Configuring the
Gigabit Ethernet controller” on page 94.
v LSI Configuration Utility program
Use the LSI Configuration Utility program to configure the integrated SAS/SATA
controller with RAID capabilities and the devices that are attached to it. For
information about using this program, see “Using LSI Configuration Utility
program” on page 95
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2009 81
.
The following table lists the different server configurations and the applications
that are available for configuring and managing RAID arrays.
Table 11. Server configuration and applications for configuring and managing RAID arrays
RAID array configuration RAID array management
(before operating system is (after operating system is
Server configuration installed) installed)
ServeRAID-BR10i adapter LSI Utility (Setup utility, press MegaRAID Storage Manager
(LSI 1068) installed Ctrl+C), ServerGuide (for monitoring storage only)
ServeRAID-MR10i adapter MegaRAID Storage Manager MegaRAID Storage Manager
(LSI 1078) installed (MSM), MegaRAID BIOS (MSM)
Configuration Utility (press C
to start), ServerGuide

v IBM Advanced Settings Utility (ASU) program

Use this program as an alternative to the Setup utility for modifying UEFI settings
and IMM settings. Use the ASU program online or out of band to modify UEFI
settings from the command line without the need to restart the server to access
the Setup utility. For more information about using this program, see “IBM
Advanced Settings Utility program” on page 97.

Using the Setup utility

Use the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), formerly BIOS, Setup Utility
program to perform the following tasks:
v View configuration information
v View and change assignments for devices and I/O ports
v Set the date and time
v Set the startup characteristics of the server and the order of startup devices
v Set and change settings for advanced hardware features
v View, set, and change settings for power-management features
v View and clear error logs
v Change interrupt request (IRQ) settings
v Resolve configuration conflicts

Starting the Setup utility

To start the Setup utility, complete the following steps:
1. Turn on the server.

Note: Approximately 1 to 3 minutes after the server is connected to ac power,

the power-control button becomes active.
2. When the prompt <F1> Setup is displayed, press F1. If you have set an
administrator password, you must type the administrator password to access the
full Setup utility menu. If you do not type the administrator password, a limited
Setup utility menu is available.
3. Select settings to view or change.

82 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Setup utility menu choices
The following choices are on the Setup utility main menu for the UEFI. Depending
on the version of the firmware, some menu choices might differ slightly from these
descriptions.
v System Information
Select this choice to view information about the server. When you make changes
through other choices in the Setup utility, some of those changes are reflected in
the system information; you cannot change settings directly in the system
information. This choice is on the full Setup utility menu only.
– System Summary
Select this choice to view configuration information, including the ID, speed,
and cache size of the microprocessors, machine type and model of the server,
the serial number, the system UUID, and the amount of installed memory.
When you make configuration changes through other options in the Setup
utility, the changes are reflected in the system summary; you cannot change
settings directly in the system summary.
– Product Data
Select this choice to view the system-board identifier, the revision level or
issue date of the firmware, the integrated management module and
diagnostics code, and the version and date.
This choice is on the full Setup utility menu only.
v System Settings
Select this choice to view or change the server component settings.
– Processors
Select this choice to view or change the processor settings.
– Memory
Select this choice to view or change the memory settings.
– Devices and I/O Ports
Select this choice to view or change assignments for devices and input/output
(I/O) ports. You can configure the serial ports; configure remote console
redirection; enable or disable integrated Ethernet controllers, the SAS/SATA
adapter, SATA optical drive channels, and PCI slots; and view the system
Ethernet MAC addresses. If you disable a device, it cannot be configured, and
the operating system will not be able to detect it (this is equivalent to
disconnecting the device).
– Power
Select this choice to view or change power capping to control consumption,
processors, and performance states.
– Legacy Support
Select this choice to view or set legacy support.
- Force Legacy Video on Boot
Select this choice to force INT video support, if the operating system does
not support UEFI video output standards.
- Rehook INT
Select this choice to enable or disable devices from taking control of the
boot process. The default is Disable.
- Legacy Thunk Support
Select this choice to enable or disable UEFI to interact with PCI mass
storage devices that are non-UEFI compliant.

Chapter 3. Configuring the server 83

– Integrated Management Module
Select this choice to view or change the settings for the integrated
management module.
- POST Watchdog Timer
Select this choice to view or enable the POST watchdog timer.
- POST Watchdog Timer Value
Select this choice to view or set the POST loader watchdog timer value.
- Reboot System on NMI
Enable or disable restarting the system whenever a nonmaskable interrupt
(NMI) occurs. Disabled is the default.
- Disallow commands on USB Interface
Select this choice to enable or disable the Ethernet over USB interface on
IMM.
- Network Configuration
Select this choice to view the system management network interface port,
the IMM MAC address, the current IMM IP address, and the host name;
define the static IMM IP address, subnet mask, and gateway address;
specify whether to use the static IP address or have DHCP assign the IMM
IP address; save the network changes; and reset the IMM.
- Reset IMM to Defaults
Select this choice to view or reset IMM to the default settings.
- Reset IMM
Select this choice to reset IMM.
– System Security
Select this choice to view or configure Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
support.
– Adapters and UEFI Drivers
Select this choice to view information about the UEFI 1.10 and UEFI 2.0
compliant adapters and drivers installed in the server.
– Network
Select this choice to view or configure the network device options, such as
iSCSI, PXE, and network devices.

Note: The configuration forms for UEFI 2.1 and greater compliant add-on
network devices might be located here.
– Storage
Select this choice to view or configure the storage device options.

Note: The configuration forms for UEFI 2.1 and greater compliant add-on
storage devices might be located here.
– Video
Select this choice to view or configure the video device options.

Note: The configuration forms for UEFI 2.1 and greater compliant add-on
video devices might be located here.
v Date and Time
Select this choice to set the date and time in the server, in 24-hour format
(hour:minute:second).
This choice is on the full Setup utility menu only.

84 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

v Start Options
Select this choice to view or change the start options, including the startup
sequence, keyboard NumLock state, PXE boot option, and PCI device boot
priority. Changes in the startup options take effect when you start the server.
The startup sequence specifies the order in which the server checks devices to
find a boot record. The server starts from the first boot record that it finds. If the
server has Wake on LAN hardware and software and the operating system
supports Wake on LAN functions, you can specify a startup sequence for the
Wake on LAN functions. For example, you can define a startup sequence that
checks for a disc in the CD-RW/DVD drive, then checks the hard disk drive, and
then checks a network adapter.
This choice is on the full Setup utility menu only.
v Boot Manager
Select this choice to view, add, delete, or change the device boot priority, boot
from a file, select a one-time boot, or reset the boot order to the default setting.
v System Event Logs
Select this choice to enter the System Event Manager, where you can view the
error messages in the system event logs. You can use the arrow keys to move
between pages in the error log.
The system event logs contain all event and error messages that have been
generated during POST, by the systems-management interface handler, and by
the system service processor. Run the diagnostic programs to get more
information about error codes that occur. See the Problem Determination and
Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD for instructions for
running the diagnostic programs.
Important: If the system-error LED on the front of the server is lit but there are
no other error indications, clear the IMM system-event log. Also, after you
complete a repair or correct an error, clear the IMM system-event log to turn off
the system-error LED on the front of the server.
– POST Event Viewer
Select this choice to enter the POST event viewer to view the POST error
messages.
– System Event Log
Select this choice to view the IMM system event log.
– Clear System Event Log
Select this choice to clear the IMM system event log.
v User Security
Select this choice to set, change, or clear passwords. See “Passwords” on page
86 for more information.
This choice is on the full and limited Setup utility menu.
– Power-on Password
Select this choice to set or change a power-on password. See “Power-on
password” on page 86 for more information.
– Administrator Password
Select this choice to set or change an administrator password. An
administrator password is intended to be used by a system administrator; it
limits access to the full Setup utility menu. If an administrator password is set,
the full Setup utility menu is available only if you type the administrator
password at the password prompt. For more information, see “Administrator
password” on page 88.

Chapter 3. Configuring the server 85

v Save Settings
Select this choice to save the changes that you have made in the settings.
v Restore Settings
Select this choice to cancel the changes that you have made in the settings and
restore the previous settings.
v Load Default Settings
Select this choice to cancel the changes that you have made in the settings and
restore the factory settings.
v Exit Setup
Select this choice to exit from the Setup utility. If you have not saved the
changes that you have made in the settings, you are asked whether you want to
save the changes or exit without saving them.

Passwords
From the User Security menu choice, you can set, change, and delete a power-on
password and an administrator password. The User Security choice is on the full
Setup utility menu only.

If you set only a power-on password, you must type the power-on password to
complete the system startup and to have access to the full Setup utility menu.

An administrator password is intended to be used by a system administrator; it

limits access to the full Setup utility menu. If you set only an administrator
password, you do not have to type a password to complete the system startup, but
you must type the administrator password to access the Setup utility menu.

If you set a power-on password for a user and an administrator password for a
system administrator, you can type either password to complete the system startup.
A system administrator who types the administrator password has access to the full
Setup utility menu; the system administrator can give the user authority to set,
change, and delete the power-on password. A user who types the power-on
password has access to only the limited Setup utility menu; the user can set,
change, and delete the power-on password, if the system administrator has given
the user that authority.

Power-on password
If a power-on password is set, when you turn on the server, the system startup will
not be completed until you type the power-on password. You can use any
combination of up to seven characters (A - Z, a - z, and 0 - 9) for the password.

When a power-on password is set, you can enable the Unattended Start mode, in
which the keyboard and mouse remain locked but the operating system can start.
You can unlock the keyboard and mouse by typing the power-on password.

If you forget the power-on password, you can regain access to the server in any of
the following ways:
v If an administrator password is set, type the administrator password at the
password prompt. Start the Setup utility and reset the power-on password.
v Remove the battery from the server and then reinstall it. See the Problem
Determination and Service Guide on the IBM System x Documentation CD for
instructions for removing the battery.
v Change the position of the power-on password switch (enable switch 5 of the
system board switch block (SW3)) to bypass the power-on password check (see

86 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

the following illustration).

Attention: Before you change any switch settings or moving any jumpers, turn
off the server; then, disconnect all power cords and external cables. See the
safety information that begins on page vii. Do not change settings or move
jumpers on any system-board switch or jumper blocks that are not shown in this
document.
The default for all of the switches on switch block (SW3) is Off.
While the server is turned off, move switch 5 of the switch block (SW3) to the On
position to enable the power-on password override. You can then start the Setup
utility and reset the power-on password. You do not have to return the switch to
the previous position.
The power-on password override jumper does not affect the administrator
password.

Chapter 3. Configuring the server 87

Administrator password
If an administrator password is set, you must type the administrator password for
access to the full Setup utility menu. You can use any combination of up to seven
characters (A - Z, a - z, and 0 - 9) for the password.

Attention: If you set an administrator password and then forget it, there is no way
to change, override, or remove it. You must replace the system board.

Using the Boot Manager program

The Boot Manager program is a built-in, menu-driven configuration utility program
that you can use to temporarily redefine the first startup device without changing
settings in the Setup utility.

To use the Boot Manager program, complete the following steps:

1. Turn off the server.
2. Restart the server.
3. When the prompt <F12> Select Boot Device is displayed, press F12. If a
bootable USB mass storage device is installed, a submenu item (USB
Key/Disk) is displayed.
4. Use the Up arrow and Down arrow keys to select an item from the Boot
Selection Menu and press Enter.

The next time the server starts, it returns to the startup sequence that is set in the
Setup utility.

Starting the backup server firmware

The system board contains a backup copy area for the server firmware. This is a
secondary copy of the server firmware that you update only during the process of
updating the server firmware. If the primary copy of the server firmware becomes
damaged, use this backup copy.

To force the server to start from the backup copy, turn off the server; then, place the
J29 jumper in the backup position (pins 2 and 3).

Use the backup copy of the server firmware until the primary copy is restored. After
the primary copy is restored, turn off the server; then, move the J29 jumper back to
the primary position (pins 1 and 2).

Using the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD

The ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD provides software setup tools and
installation tools that are designed for your server. The ServerGuide program
detects the server model and hardware options that are installed and uses that
information during setup to configure the hardware. Use this CD during the initial
installation of the server to simplify the operating-system installations by providing
updated device drivers and, in some cases, installing them automatically. To
download the CD, go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/management/serverguide/
sub.html and click IBM Service and Support Site.

Note: Changes are made periodically to the IBM Web site. The actual procedure
might vary slightly from what is described in this document.

To start the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, complete the following steps:
88 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
1. Insert the CD, and restart the server. If the CD does not start, see “ServerGuide
Problems” in the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the System x
Documentation CD.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen to:
a. Select your language.
b. Select your keyboard layout and country.
c. View the overview to learn about ServerGuide features.
d. View the readme file to review installation tips for your operating system and
adapter.
e. Start the operating-system installation. You will need your operating-system
CD.

The ServerGuide program has the following features:

v An easy-to-use interface
v Diskette-free setup, and configuration programs that are based on detected
hardware
v ServeRAID Manager program, which configures your ServeRAID adapter
v Device drivers that are provided for your server model and detected hardware
v Operating-system partition size and file-system type that are selectable during
setup

ServerGuide features
Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the ServerGuide
program. To learn more about the version that you have, start the ServerGuide
Setup and Installation CD and view the online overview. Not all features are
supported on all server models.

The ServerGuide program requires a supported IBM server with an enabled

startable (bootable) CD drive. In addition to the ServerGuide Setup and Installation
CD, you must have your operating-system CD to install the operating system.

The ServerGuide program performs the following tasks:

v Sets system date and time
v Detects the RAID adapter or controller and runs the SAS/SATA RAID
configuration program
v Checks the microcode (firmware) levels of a ServeRAID adapter and determines
whether a later level is available from the CD
v Detects installed hardware options and provides updated device drivers for most
adapters and devices
v Provides diskette-free installation for supported Windows operating systems
v Includes an online readme file with links to tips for your hardware and
operating-system installation

Setup and configuration overview

When you use the ServerGuide Setup and Installation CD, you do not need setup
diskettes. You can use the CD to configure any supported IBM server model. The
setup program provides a list of tasks that are required to set up your server model.
On a server with a ServeRAID adapter or SAS/SATA controller with RAID
capabilities, you can run the SAS/SATA RAID configuration program to create
logical drives.

Chapter 3. Configuring the server 89

Note: Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the
ServerGuide program.

Typical operating-system installation

The ServerGuide program can reduce the time it takes to install an operating
system. It provides the device drivers that are required for your hardware and for
the operating system that you are installing. This section describes a typical
ServerGuide operating-system installation.

Note: Features and functions can vary slightly with different versions of the
ServerGuide program.
1. After you have completed the setup process, the operating-system installation
program starts. (You will need your operating-system CD to complete the
installation.)
2. The ServerGuide program stores information about the server model, service
processor, hard disk drive controllers, and network adapters. Then, the program
checks the CD for newer device drivers. This information is stored and then
passed to the operating-system installation program.
3. The ServerGuide program presents operating-system partition options that are
based on your operating-system selection and the installed hard disk drives.
4. The ServerGuide program prompts you to insert your operating-system CD and
restart the server. At this point, the installation program for the operating system
takes control to complete the installation.
5.

Installing your operating system without using ServerGuide

If you have already configured the server hardware and you are not using the
ServerGuide program to install your operating system, complete the following steps
to download the latest operating-system installation instructions from the IBM Web
site.

Note: Changes are made periodically to the IBM Web site. The actual procedure
might vary slightly from what is described in this document.
1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.
2. Under Product support, click System x.
3. From the menu on the left side of the page, click System x support search.
4. From the Task menu, select Install.
5. From the Product family menu, select System x3550 M2.
6. From the Operating system menu, select your operating system, and then click
Search to display the available installation documents.

Using the integrated management module

The integrated management module (IMM) is a second generation of the functions
that were formerly provided by the baseboard management controller hardware. It
combines service processor functions, video controller, and (when an optional
virtual media key is installed) remote presence function in a single chip.

The IMM supports the following basic systems-management features:

v Environmental monitor with fan speed control for temperature, voltages, fan
failure, and power supply failure.

90 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

v Light path diagnostics LEDs indicators to report errors that occur with fans,
power supplies, microprocessor, hard disk drives, and system errors.
v DIMM error assistance. The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
disables a failing DIMM that is detected during POST, and the IMM lights the
associated system error LED and the failing DIMM error LED.
v System event log (SEL).
v ROM-based IMM firmware flash updates.
v Auto Boot Failure Recovery (ABR).
v A virtual media key, which enables remote presence support (remote video,
remote keyboard/mouse, and remote storage).
v Automatic microprocessor disable on failure and restart in a two-microprocessor
configuration when one microprocessor signals an internal error. When one of the
microprocessors fail, the server will disable the failing microprocessor and restart
with the other microprocessor.
v Nonmaskable interrupt (NMI) detection and reporting.
v Automatic Server Restart (ASR) when POST is not complete or the operating
system hangs and the operating system watchdog timer times-out. The IMM
might be configured to watch for the operating system watchdog timer and reboot
the system after a timeout, if the ASR feature is enabled. Otherwise, the IMM
allows the administrator to generate a nonmaskable interrupt (NMI) by pressing
an NMI button on the system board for an operating-system memory dump. ASR
is supported by IPMI.
v Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) Specification V2.0 and
Intelligent Platform Management Bus (IPMB) support.
v Invalid system configuration (CNFG) LED support.
v Serial port redirection over telnet or ssh.
v Serial over LAN (SOL).
v Active Energy Manager.
v Query power-supply input power.
v PECI 2 support.
v Power/reset control (power-on, hard and soft shutdown, hard and soft reset,
schedule power control).
v Alerts (in-band and out-of-band alerting, PET traps - IPMI style, SNMP, e-mail).
v Operating-system failure blue screen capture.
v Command-line interface.
v Configuration save and restore.
v PCI configuration data.
v Boot sequence manipulation.

The IMM also provides the following remote server management capabilities
through the OSA SMBridge management utility program:
v Command-line interface (IPMI Shell)
The command-line interface provides direct access to server management
functions through the IPMI 2.0 protocol. Use the command-line interface to issue
commands to control the server power, view system information, and identify the
server. You can also save one or more commands as a text file and run the file
as a script.
v Serial over LAN

Chapter 3. Configuring the server 91

Establish a Serial over LAN (SOL) connection to manage servers from a remote
location. You can remotely view and change the UEFI settings, restart the server,
identify the server, and perform other management functions. Any standard Telnet
client application can access the SOL connection.

Using the embedded hypervisor

The VMware ESXi embedded hypervisor is available on server models that come
with an installed USB embedded hypervisor flash device. The USB flash device
comes installed in the USB connector on the SAS/SATA RAID riser card (see the
following illustration). Hypervisor is virtualization software that enables multiple
operating systems to run on a host system at the same time. The USB flash device
is required to activate the hypervisor functions.

To start using the embedded hypervisor functions, you must add the USB flash
device to the boot order in the Setup utility.

To add the USB flash device to the boot order, complete the following steps:
1. Turn on the server.

Note: Approximately 1 to 3 minutes after the server is connected to ac power,

the power-control button becomes active.
2. When the prompt <F1> Setup is displayed, press F1.
3. From the Setup utility main menu, select Boot Manager.
4. Select Add Boot Option; then, select Embedded Hypervisor. Press Enter, and
then select Esc.
5. Select Change Boot Order and then select Commit Changes; then, press
Enter.
6. Select Save Settings and then select Exit Setup.

If the embedded hypervisor flash device image becomes corrupt, you can use the
VMware Recovery CD that comes with the system to recover the flash device
image. To recover the flash device image, complete the following steps:
1. Turn on the server.

Note: Approximately 1 to 3 minutes after the server is connected to ac power,

the power-control button becomes active.
2. Insert the VMware Recovery CD into the CD or DVD drive.
3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

For additional information and instructions, see the VMware ESXi Server 31
Embedded Setup Guide a http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vi3_35/esx_3i_e/r35/
vi3_35_25_3i_setup.pdf

92 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Using the remote presence capability and blue-screen capture
The remote presence and blue-screen capture features are integrated functions of
the integrated management module (IMM). When the optional IBM Virtual Media
Key is installed in the server, it activates the remote presence functions. The virtual
media key is required to enable the integrated remote presence and blue-screen
capture features. Without the virtual media key, you will not be able to access the
network remotely to mount or unmount drives or images on the client system.
However, you can still access the Web interface without the key.

After the virtual media key is installed in the server, it is authenticated to determine
whether it is valid. If the key is not valid, you receive a message from the Web
interface (when you attempt to start the remote presence feature) indicating that the
hardware key is required to use the remote presence feature.

The virtual media key has an LED. When this LED is lit and green, it indicates that
the key is installed and functioning correctly. When the LED is not lit, it indicates
that the key might not be installed correctly.

The remote presence feature provides the following functions:

v Remotely viewing video with graphics resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 at 75 Hz,
regardless of the system state
v Remotely accessing the server, using the keyboard and mouse from a remote
client
v Mapping the CD or DVD drive, diskette drive, and USB flash drive on a remote
client, and mapping ISO and diskette image files as virtual drives that are
available for use by the server
v Uploading a diskette image to the IMM memory and mapping it to the server as a
virtual drive

The blue-screen capture feature captures the video display contents before the IMM
restarts the server when the IMM detects an operating-system hang condition. A
system administrator can use the blue-screen capture to assist in determining the
cause of the hang condition.

Enabling the remote presence feature

To enable the remote presence feature, complete the following steps:
1. Install the virtual media key into the dedicated slot on the system board (see
“System-board optional device connectors” on page 38).
2. Turn on the server.

Note: Approximately 1 to 3 minutes after the server is connected to ac power,

the power-control button becomes active.

Obtaining the IP address for the IMM

To access the Web interface, you need the IP address for the IMM. You can obtain
the IMM IP address through the Setup utility. The server comes with a default IP
address for the IMM of 192.168.70.125. To locate the IP address, complete the
following steps:
1. Turn on the server.

Note: Approximately 1 to 3 minutes after the server is connected to ac power,

the power-control button becomes active.

Chapter 3. Configuring the server 93

2. When the prompt <F1> Setup is displayed, press F1. (This prompt is displayed
on the screen for only a few seconds. You must press F1 quickly.) If you have
set both a power-on password and an administrator password, you must type
the administrator password to access the full Setup utility menu.
3. From the Setup utility main menu, select System Settings.
4. On the next screen, select Integrated Management Module.
5. On the next screen, select Network Configuration.
6. Find the IP address and write it down.
7. Exit from the Setup utility.

Logging on to the Web interface

To log on to the Web interface to use the remote presence functions, complete the
following steps:
1. Open a Web browser and in the address or URL field, type the IP address or
host name of the IMM to which you want to connect.

Note: The IMM defaults to DHCP. If a DHCP host is not available, the IMM
assigns a static IP address of 192.168.70.125.
2. On the Login page, type the user name and password. If you are using the IMM
for the first time, you can obtain the user name and password from your system
administrator. All login attempts are documented in the event log.

Note: The IMM is set initially with a user name of USERID and password of
PASSW0RD (passw0rd with a zero, not a the letter O). You have
read/write access. You must change the default password the first time
you log on.
3. On the Welcome page, type a timeout value (in minutes) in the field that is
provided. The IMM will log you off of the Web interface if your browser is
inactive for the number of minutes that you entered for the timeout value.
4. Click Continue to start the session. The System Health page provides a quick
view of the system status.

Enabling the Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet Utility program

The Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet Utility program is part of the server firmware. You
can use it to configure the network as a startable device, and you can customize
where the network startup option appears in the startup sequence. Enable and
disable the Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet Utility program from the Setup utility.

Configuring the Gigabit Ethernet controller

The Ethernet controllers are integrated on the system board. They provide an
interface for connecting to a 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1 Gbps network and provide
full-duplex (FDX) capability, which enables simultaneous transmission and reception
of data on the network. If the Ethernet ports in the server support auto-negotiation,
the controllers detect the data-transfer rate (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, or
1000BASE-T) and duplex mode (full-duplex or half-duplex) of the network and
automatically operate at that rate and mode.

You do not have to set any jumpers or configure the controllers. However, you must
install a device driver to enable the operating system to address the controllers. For
device drivers and information about configuring the Ethernet controllers, see the

94 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Broadcom NetXtreme II Gigabit Ethernet Software CD that comes with the server.
To find updated information about configuring the controllers, complete the following
steps.

Using LSI Configuration Utility program

Use the LSI Configuration Utility program to configure and manage redundant array
of independent disks (RAID) arrays. Be sure to use this program as described in
this document. o
v Use the LSI Configuration Utility program to perform the following tasks:
– Perform a low-level format on a hard disk drive
– Create an array of hard disk drives with or without a hot-spare drive
– Set protocol parameters on hard disk drives

The integrated SAS/SATA controller with RAID capabilities supports RAID arrays.
You can use the LSI Configuration Utility program to configure RAID 1 (IM), RAID
1E (IME), and RAID 0 (IS) for a single pair of attached devices. If you install the
optional ServeRAID-MR10i SAS/SATA controller, it provides RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6,
10, 50, and 60 support. If you install a different type of RAID adapter, follow the
instructions in the documentation that comes with the adapter to view or change
settings for attached devices.

In addition, you can download an LSI command-line configuration program from

http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.

When you are using the LSI Configuration Utility program to configure and manage
arrays, consider the following information:
v The integrated SAS/SATA controller with RAID capabilities supports the following
features:
– Integrated Mirroring (IM) with hot-spare support (also known as RAID 1)
Use this option to create an integrated array of two disks plus up to two
optional hot spares. All data on the primary disk can be migrated.
– Integrated Mirroring Enhanced (IME) with hot-spare support (also known as
RAID 1E)
Use this option to create an integrated mirror enhanced array of three to eight
disks, including up to two optional hot spares. All data on the array disks will
be deleted.
– Integrated Striping (IS) (also known as RAID 0)
Use this option to create an integrated striping array of two to eight disks. All
data on the array disks will be deleted.
v Hard disk drive capacities affect how you create arrays. The drives in an array
can have different capacities, but the RAID controller treats them as if they all
have the capacity of the smallest hard disk drive.

Chapter 3. Configuring the server 95

v If you use an integrated SAS/SATA controller with RAID capabilities to configure
a RAID 1 (mirrored) array after you have installed the operating system, you will
lose access to any data or applications that were previously stored on the
secondary drive of the mirrored pair.
v If you install a different type of RAID controller, see the documentation that
comes with the controller for information about viewing and changing settings for
attached devices.

Starting the LSI Configuration Utility program

To start the LSI Configuration Utility program, complete the following steps:
1. Turn on the server.

Note: Approximately 1 to 3 minutes after the server is connected to ac power,

the power-control button becomes active.
2. When the prompt <F1 Setup> is displayed, press F1. If you have set an
administrator password, you are prompted to type the password.
3. Select System Settings → Adapters and UEFI drivers.
4. Select Please refresh this page on the first visit and press Enter.
5. Select LSI controller_driver_name Driver and press Enter, where
controller_driver_name is the name of the SAS/SATA controller driver. For the
SAS/SATA controller driver name, see the documentation that comes with your
controller.
6. To perform storage-management tasks, follow the procedures in the
documentation that comes with the SAS/SATA controller.

When you have finished changing settings, press Esc to exit from the program;
select Save to save the settings that you have changed.

Formatting a hard disk drive

Low-level formatting removes all data from the hard disk. If there is data on the disk
that you want to save, back up the hard disk before you perform this procedure.

Note: Before you format a hard disk, make sure that the disk is not part of a
mirrored pair.

To format a drive, complete the following steps:

1. From the list of adapters, select the controller (channel) for the drive that you
want to format and press Enter.
2. Select SAS Topology and press Enter.
3. Select Direct Attach Devices and press Enter.
4. To highlight the drive that you want to format, use the Up Arrow and Down
Arrow keys. To scroll left and right, use the Left Arrow and Right Arrow keys or
the End key. Press Alt+D.
5. To start the low-level formatting operation, select Format and press Enter.

Creating a RAID array of hard disk drives

To create a RAID array of hard disk drives, complete the following steps:
1. From the list of adapters, select the controller (channel) for the drives that you
want to mirror.
2. Select RAID Properties.
3. Select the type of array that you want to create.

96 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

4. Use the arrow keys to highlight the first drive in the pair; then, press the Minus
(-) or Plus (+) key to change the mirror value to Primary.
5. Continue to select the next drive using the Minus (-) or Plus (+) key until you
have selected all the drives for your array.
6. Press C to create the disk array.
7. Select Apply changes and exit menu to create the array.

IBM Advanced Settings Utility program

The IBM Advanced Settings Utility (ASU) program is an alternative to the Setup
utility for modifying UEFI settings. Use the ASU program online or out of band to
modify UEFI settings from the command line without the need to restart the system
to access the Setup utility.

You can also use the ASU program to configure the optional remote presence
features or other IMM settings. The remote presence features provide enhanced
systems-management capabilities.

In addition, the ASU program provides limited settings for configuring the IPMI
function in the IMM through the command-line interface.

Use the command-line interface to issue setup commands. You can save any of the
settings as a file and run the file as a script. The ASU program supports scripting
environments through a batch-processing mode.

For more information and to download the ASU program, go to

http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.

Updating IBM Systems Director

If you plan to use IBM Systems Director to manage the server, you must check for
the latest applicable IBM Systems Director updates and interim fixes.

Note: Changes are made periodically to the IBM Web site. The actual procedure
might vary slightly from what is described in this document.

To locate and install a newer version of IBM Systems Director, complete the
following steps:
1. Check for the latest version of IBM Systems Director:
a. Go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/management/director/downloads.html.
b. If a newer version of IBM Systems Director than what comes with the server
is shown in the drop-down list, follow the instructions on the Web page to
download the latest version.
2. Install the IBM Systems Director program.

If your management server is connected to the Internet, to locate and install

updates and interim fixes, complete the following steps:
1. Make sure that you have run the Discovery and Inventory collection tasks.
2. On the Welcome page of the IBM Systems Director Web interface, click View
updates.
3. Click Check for updates. The available updates are displayed in a table.
4. Select the updates that you want to install, and click Install to start the
installation wizard.

Chapter 3. Configuring the server 97

If your management server is not connected to the Internet, to locate and install
updates and interim fixes, complete the following steps:
1. Make sure that you have run the Discovery and Inventory collection tasks.
2. On a system that is connected to the Internet, go to http://www.ibm.com/
eserver/support/fixes/fixcentral/.
3. From the Product family list, select IBM Systems Director.
4. From the Product list, select IBM Systems Director.
5. From the Installed version list, select the latest version, and click Continue.
6. Download the available updates.
7. Copy the downloaded files to the management server.
8. On the management server, on the Welcome page of the IBM Systems
Director Web interface, click the Manage tab, and click Update Manager.
9. Click Import updates and specify the location of the downloaded files that you
copied to the management server.
10. Return to the Welcome page of the Web interface, and click View updates.
11. Select the updates that you want to install, and click Install to start the
installation wizard.

98 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Appendix A. Getting help and technical assistance
If you need help, service, or technical assistance or just want more information
about IBM products, you will find a wide variety of sources available from IBM to
assist you. This section contains information about where to go for additional
information about IBM and IBM products, what to do if you experience a problem
with your system, and whom to call for service, if it is necessary.

Before you call

Before you call, make sure that you have taken these steps to try to solve the
problem yourself:
v Check all cables to make sure that they are connected.
v Check the power switches to make sure that the system and any optional
devices are turned on.
v Use the troubleshooting information in your system documentation, and use the
diagnostic tools that come with your system. Information about diagnostic tools is
in the Problem Determination and Service Guide on the IBM Documentation CD
that comes with your system.
v Go to the IBM support Web site at http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/ to check
for technical information, hints, tips, and new device drivers or to submit a
request for information.

You can solve many problems without outside assistance by following the
troubleshooting procedures that IBM provides in the online help or in the
documentation that is provided with your IBM product. The documentation that
comes with IBM systems also describes the diagnostic tests that you can perform.
Most systems, operating systems, and programs come with documentation that
contains troubleshooting procedures and explanations of error messages and error
codes. If you suspect a software problem, see the documentation for the operating
system or program.

Using the documentation

Information about your IBM system and preinstalled software, if any, or optional
device is available in the documentation that comes with the product. That
documentation can include printed documents, online documents, readme files, and
help files. See the troubleshooting information in your system documentation for
instructions for using the diagnostic programs. The troubleshooting information or
the diagnostic programs might tell you that you need additional or updated device
drivers or other software. IBM maintains pages on the World Wide Web where you
can get the latest technical information and download device drivers and updates.
To access these pages, go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/ and follow the
instructions. Also, some documents are available through the IBM Publications
Center at http://www.ibm.com/shop/publications/order/.

Getting help and information from the World Wide Web

On the World Wide Web, the IBM Web site has up-to-date information about IBM
systems, optional devices, services, and support. The address for IBM System x®
and xSeries® information is http://www.ibm.com/systems/x/. The address for IBM
BladeCenter® information is http://www.ibm.com/systems/bladecenter/. The address
for IBM IntelliStation® information is http://www.ibm.com/intellistation/.

You can find service information for IBM systems and optional devices at
http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.

Software service and support

Through IBM Support Line, you can get telephone assistance, for a fee, with usage,
configuration, and software problems with System x and xSeries servers,
BladeCenter products, IntelliStation workstations, and appliances. For information
about which products are supported by Support Line in your country or region, see
http://www.ibm.com/services/sl/products/.

For more information about Support Line and other IBM services, see
http://www.ibm.com/services/, or see http://www.ibm.com/planetwide/ for support
telephone numbers. In the U.S. and Canada, call 1-800-IBM-SERV
(1-800-426-7378).

Hardware service and support

You can receive hardware service through your IBM reseller or IBM Services. To
locate a reseller authorized by IBM to provide warranty service, go to
http://www.ibm.com/partnerworld/ and click Find a Business Partner on the right
side of the page. For IBM support telephone numbers, see http://www.ibm.com/
planetwide/. In the U.S. and Canada, call 1-800-IBM-SERV (1-800-426-7378).

In the U.S. and Canada, hardware service and support is available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. In the U.K., these services are available Monday through Friday,
from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

IBM Taiwan product service

IBM Taiwan product service contact information:

IBM Taiwan Corporation
3F, No 7, Song Ren Rd.
Taipei, Taiwan
Telephone: 0800-016-888

100 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Appendix B. Notices
This information was developed for products and services offered in the U.S.A.

IBM may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in
other countries. Consult your local IBM representative for information on the
products and services currently available in your area. Any reference to an IBM
product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that only that IBM
product, program, or service may be used. Any functionally equivalent product,
program, or service that does not infringe any IBM intellectual property right may be
used instead. However, it is the user’s responsibility to evaluate and verify the
operation of any non-IBM product, program, or service.

IBM may have patents or pending patent applications covering subject matter
described in this document. The furnishing of this document does not give you any
license to these patents. You can send license inquiries, in writing, to:
IBM Director of Licensing
IBM Corporation
North Castle Drive
Armonk, NY 10504-1785
U.S.A.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS

PUBLICATION “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or
implied warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to
you.

This information could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.

Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be
incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements and/or
changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any
time without notice.

Any references in this information to non-IBM Web sites are provided for
convenience only and do not in any manner serve as an endorsement of those
Web sites. The materials at those Web sites are not part of the materials for this
IBM product, and use of those Web sites is at your own risk.

IBM may use or distribute any of the information you supply in any way it believes
appropriate without incurring any obligation to you.

Trademarks
IBM, the IBM logo, and ibm.com are trademarks or registered trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation in the United States, other countries,
or both. If these and other IBM trademarked terms are marked on their first
occurrence in this information with a trademark symbol (® or ™), these symbols
indicate U.S. registered or common law trademarks owned by IBM at the time this
information was published. Such trademarks may also be registered or common law
trademarks in other countries. A current list of IBM trademarks is available on the
Web at “Copyright and trademark information” at http://www.ibm.com/legal/
copytrade.shtml.
© Copyright IBM Corp. 2009 101
Adobe and PostScript are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe
Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries.

Cell Broadband Engine is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc., in the

United States, other countries, or both and is used under license therefrom.

Intel, Intel Xeon, Itanium, and Pentium are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Java and all Java-based trademarks are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc., in
the United States, other countries, or both.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other

countries, or both.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in

the United States, other countries, or both.

UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the United States and other
countries.

Other company, product, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of

others.

Important notes
Processor speed indicates the internal clock speed of the microprocessor; other
factors also affect application performance.

CD or DVD drive speed is the variable read rate. Actual speeds vary and are often
less than the possible maximum.

When referring to processor storage, real and virtual storage, or channel volume,
KB stands for 1024 bytes, MB stands for 1 048 576 bytes, and GB stands for
1 073 741 824 bytes.

When referring to hard disk drive capacity or communications volume, MB stands

for 1 000 000 bytes, and GB stands for 1 000 000 000 bytes. Total user-accessible
capacity can vary depending on operating environments.

Maximum internal hard disk drive capacities assume the replacement of any
standard hard disk drives and population of all hard disk drive bays with the largest
currently supported drives that are available from IBM.

Maximum memory might require replacement of the standard memory with an

optional memory module.

IBM makes no representation or warranties regarding non-IBM products and

services that are ServerProven®, including but not limited to the implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. These products are offered
and warranted solely by third parties.

IBM makes no representations or warranties with respect to non-IBM products.

Support (if any) for the non-IBM products is provided by the third party, not IBM.

102 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Some software might differ from its retail version (if available) and might not include
user manuals or all program functionality.

Electronic emission notices

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) statement

Note: This equipment 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. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.

Properly shielded and grounded cables and connectors must be used in order to
meet FCC emission limits. IBM is not responsible for any radio or television
interference caused by using other than recommended cables and connectors or by
unauthorized changes or modifications to this equipment. Unauthorized changes or
modifications could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This device 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.

Industry Canada Class A emission compliance statement

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Avis de conformité à la réglementation d’Industrie Canada

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du
Canada.

Australia and New Zealand Class A statement

Attention: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may
cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.

United Kingdom telecommunications safety requirement

Notice to Customers

This apparatus is approved under approval number NS/G/1234/J/100003 for indirect

connection to public telecommunication systems in the United Kingdom.

European Union EMC Directive conformance statement

This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EU Council
Directive 2004/108/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to electromagnetic compatibility. IBM cannot accept responsibility for any
failure to satisfy the protection requirements resulting from a nonrecommended
modification of the product, including the fitting of non-IBM option cards.

Appendix B. Notices 103

This product has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A
Information Technology Equipment according to CISPR 22/European Standard EN
55022. The limits for Class A equipment were derived for commercial and industrial
environments to provide reasonable protection against interference with licensed
communication equipment.

Attention: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may

cause radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate
measures.

European Community contact:

IBM Technical Regulations
Pascalstr. 100, Stuttgart, Germany 70569
Telephone: 0049 (0)711 785 1176
Fax: 0049 (0)711 785 1283
E-mail: [email protected]

Taiwanese Class A warning statement

Chinese Class A warning statement

Japanese Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) statement

104 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Korean Class A warning statement

Appendix B. Notices 105

106 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
Index
A connector
Ethernet 26
ac good LED 27
Ethernet systems-management 26
ac power LED 25
power supply 25
acoustical noise emissions 7
serial 26
Active Energy Manager plug-in 10
USB 15, 26
active memory 9
video
adapter
front 15
remote battery
rear 26
installing 72
connectors
adapter, installation 55
for options on the system board 38
adapters supported 55
on the rear of the server 25
administrator password 85
connectors, external system board 33
air baffle
connectors, internal system board 32
removing from microprocessor 2 42
controllers
assistance, getting 99
Ethernet 94
attention notices 5
controls and LEDs
availability 11
on the light path diagnostics panel 16
on the operator information panel 15
controls, LEDs, and power 14
B cooling 11
backup firmware cover
starting 88 replacing 78
bays 7 cover, removing 41
blue screen capture features 9 creating
blue-screen capture feature RAID array 96
overview 9, 93
boot manager program
using 88
button, presence detection 15
D
danger statements 5
dc good LED 27
dc power LED 25
C device drivers, updates 13
cables devices, static-sensitive
connecting 78 handling 40
caution statements 5 diagnostics program
CD-RW/DVD DSA Preboot 8
drive activity LED 14 DIMM installation sequence
eject button 14 for memory mirroring 47
CD/DVD DIMMs
replacing 51 installing 44
checkpoint codes display order of installation for non-mirroring mode 45
on the light path diagnostics panel display 17 display area, checkpoint
Class A electronic emission notice 103 on the light path diagnostics panel 17
completing documentation
the options installation 76 Documentation Browser 3
components Documentation CD 3
on the server 31 documentation, updated
configuration programs finding 4
LSI Configuration Utility 81 drives 10
configuration, server installing 49
updating 79 Dynamic System Analysis (DSA) Preboot diagnostics
configuring program 8
with ServerGuide 89
configuring the server 81
connecting
the cables 78

E hot-swap disk drive, installing 2.5-inch
hot-swap drive
50
electrical input 7
SAS/SATA IDs 51
electronic emission Class A notice 103
humidity 7
embedded hypervisor
hypervisor flash devicer
using 92
installing 71
enclosure manager heartbeat
LED 27
Enterprise X-Architecture technology 9
environment 7
I
Ethernet 11 IBM Advanced Settings Utility program
link status LED 26 overview 97
systems-management connector 26 IBM Support Line 100
Ethernet activity IBM Systems Director 9
LED 15 systems management tool 13
Ethernet connector 26 updating 97
Ethernet support 10 IDs for SAS/SATA hot-swap drives 51
expansion bays 7 IMM heartbeat
external, system board connectors 33 LED 27
IMM IP address
obtaining 93
F important notices 5
installation guidelines 38
fans 11
installation, options
size 7
completing 76
weight 7
installing
FCC Class A notice 103
2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive 50
features 6
a heat sink 67
ServerGuide 89
a hot-swap power supply 68
features, remote presence and blue-screen 9
a microprocessor 64, 65
finding
a RAID adapter remote battery 72
updated documentation 4
an adapter 55
firmware updates 2
hypervisor flash device 71
firmware, server
memory modules 44
updating 65
the heat sink 64, 67
formatting
the IBM ServeRAID-MR10i controller 61
hard disk drive 96
the virtual media key 70
front view
installing drives 49
LED location 14
installing options 31
front view of the server 14
integrated baseboard management controller 30
integrated functions 7
integrated management module
G LED 27
getting help 99 overview 8
grease, thermal 67 internal, system board connectors 32
guidelines IP address
for options installation 38 obtaining for the IMM 93
for system reliability 39

J
H jumpers and switches
handling static-sensitive devices 40 on the system board 34
hard disk drive
formatting 96
hard disk drive activity LED 14
hard disk drive status LED 14
K
key, virtual media 9
hard disk drive, installing (hot-swap 2.5-inch) 50
installing 70
hardware service and support 100
heat output 7
heat sink
installing 64, 67
help, getting 99

108 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
L N
LED NMI button
ac power 25 on the light path diagnostics panel 17
dc power 25 NOS installation
Ethernet-link status 26 with ServerGuide 90
for CD-RW/DVD drive activity 14 without ServerGuide 90
for Ethernet activity 15 notes 5
for hard disk drive activity 14 notes, important 102
for hard disk drive status 14 notices 101
integrated management module 27 electronic emission 103
power-on 15 FCC, Class A 103
rear 25 notices and statements 5
system information 16
system locator 15
system-error 16 O
rear 25 obtaining
system-locator the IP address for the IMM 93
rear 26 online documentation 2
LED, online publications 4
enclosure manager heartbeat 27 operator information panel
IMM heartbeat 27 controls and LEDs 15
LEDs operator information panel release latch 15
on the power-supply 26 optical drive
and detected problems 26 specifications 7
on the system board 37 optional device connectors
LEDs, system pulse 27 on the system board 38
light path diagnostics 10 options
light path diagnostics LEDs 18 installing 31
light path diagnostics panel
checkpoint code display 17
controls and LEDs 16 P
location 15 password 86
NMI button 17 administrator 86
local area network (LAN) 10 power-on 86
LSI Configuration program 95 PCI
slot 1 25
slot 2 25
M PCI expansion slots 7
management, system 8 PCI Express riser-card assembly
memory 9 replacing with a PCI-X riser-card assembly 57
specifications 7 PCI riser slots
memory installation sequence installation configurations 55
for non-mirroring mode 45 supported configurations 56
memory mirroring PCI riser-card assembly
description 45 replacing 53
DIMM population sequence 47 PCI-X riser-card assembly
memory module replacing with a PCI Express riser-card
installing 44 assembly 58
memory support 10 power
menu choices power-control button 15
for the Setup utility 83 specifications 7
microprocessor 9 supply 7
and thermal grease 67 power features
installing 64, 65 of the server 28
specifications 7 power on and working inside the server 40
microprocessor 2 air baffle power supply
removing 42 installing 68
mirroring mode 45 power-on
LED
rear 25

Index 109
power-on LED 15, 28 server controls, LEDs, and power 14
power-on password 85 server firmware
Power-supply LEDs 26 updating 65
presence detection button 15 server rear view 25
server shutdown 29
server, front view 14
R ServeRAID support 11
rack release latches 14 ServeRAID-BR10i controller
RAID array replacing 59
creating 96 ServeRAID-MR10i controller
RAS features 11 installing 61
rear view ServerGuide
of the server 25 features 89
redundant NOS installation 90
cooling 11 setup 89
Ethernet connection 11 using 88
NIC 11 ServerGuide CD 2, 10
Redundant serviceability 11
Ethernet capabilities 12 Setup utility
hot-swap power supplies 12 menu choices 83
redundant array of independent disks (RAID) starting 82
adapter 50 using 82
reliability 11 shutting down the server 29
remind button 17 slots
remote battery, RAID adapter PCI expansion 7
installing 72 SMP 9
remote presence feature 9 software service and support 100
using 93 specifications 6
removing standby mode 28
microprocessor 2 air baffle 42 starting
removing the cover 41 the backup firmware 88
replacing the Setup utility 82
a CD/DVD 51 statements and notices 5
a PCI riser-card assembly 53 static-sensitive devices
the cover 78 handling 40
the IBM ServeRAID-BR10i controller 59 support, web site 99
replacing a PCI Express riser-card assembly SW3 switch block description 36
with a PCI-X riser-card assembly 57 switch block 36
replacing a PCI-X riser-card assembly switches and jumpers
with a PCI Express riser-card assembly 58 on the system board 34
reset button 17 symmetric multiprocessing 9
system
error LED front 16
S locator LED, front 15
Safety Information 5 system-error LED
SAS/SATA IDs rear 25
for hot-swap drives 51 System
serial connector 26 information LED 16
serial number 2 system board
server LEDs 37
configuring 81 switches and jumpers 34
offerings 8 system board external connectors 33
power features 28 system board internal connectors 32
turning it off 29 system board optional devices connectors 38
turning it on 28 system pulse LEDs 27
working inside with the power on 40 system reliability guidelines 39
server , backup firmware system-locator
starting 88 LED
server components 31 rear 26
server configuration systems management 8, 11
updating 79

110 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide
systems management tool working inside the server
IBM Systems Director 13 with the power on 40
systems-management
Ethernet connector 26
X
X-Architecture technology 9
T
telephone numbers 100
temperature 7
thermal grease 67
TOE 7
trademarks 101
turning off the server 29
integrated baseboard management controller 30
turning on the server 28

U
United States electronic emission Class A notice 103
United States FCC Class A notice 103
UpdateXpress System Packs 13
updating
IBM Systems Director 97
server firmware 65
Systems Director, IBM 97
the server configuration 79
USB
connector 15, 26
using
embedded hypervisor 92
LSI Configuration program 95
the boot manager program 88
the remote presence feature 93
the Setup utility 82
Utility program
IBM Advanced Settings 97
utility, Setup
menu choices 83
starting 82
using 82

V
video connector
front 15
rear 26
video controller, integrated
specifications 7
virtual media key
installing 70
virtual media key, support 9

W
Wake on LAN feature 28
web site
publication ordering 99
support 99
support line, telephone numbers 100
what the server offers 8

Index 111
112 IBM System x3550 M2 Type 7946: Installation and User’s Guide

Part Number: 40M2492

Printed in USA

(1P) P/N: 40M2492

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