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Installation Guidelines

Before installing components in your server, read the installation guidelines.

Before installing optional devices, read the following notices carefully:
Attention
By keeping static-sensitive components in their static-protective packages until installation, and handling these devices with an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding system to prevent exposure to static electricity which might lead to system halt and loss of data.
  • When you install a new server, download and apply the latest firmware. This will help ensure that any known issues are addressed, and that your server is ready to work with optimal performance.
    Important
    Some cluster solutions require specific code levels or coordinated code updates. If the component is part of a cluster solution, verify that the latest Best Recipe code level menu for cluster supported firmware and driver before you update the code.

  • If you replace a part, such as an adapter that contains firmware, you might also need to update the firmware for that part.

  • It is good practice to make sure that the server is working normally before you install an optional component.

  • Keep the working area clean, and place removed components on a flat and sturdy surface that does not shake or tilt.

  • Do not attempt to lift an object that might be too heavy for you. If you have to lift a heavy object, read the following precautions carefully:
    • Make sure that you can stand steadily 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.

  • Back up all important data before you make changes related to the disk drives.

  • Have a small flat-blade screwdriver, a Phillips #1 and #2 screwdriver, and a T30 Torx bit screwdriver available.

  • To view the error LEDs on the system board and internal components, leave the power on.

  • You do not have to turn off the server to remove or install hot-swap power supply units, hot swap fans, or hot-plug 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.

  • When replacing power supply units or fans, make sure to refer to redundancy rules for these components.

  • Blue on a component indicates touch points, where you can grip to remove a component from or install it in the server, open or close a latch, and so on.

  • Terra-cotta on a component or a terra-cotta label on or near a component indicates that the component can be hot-swapped if the server and operating system support hot-swap capability, which means that you can remove or install the component while the server is still running. (Terra-cotta 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.

  • The Red strip on the drives, adjacent to the release latch, indicates that the drive can be hot-swapped if the server and operating system support hot-swap capability. This means that you can remove or install the drive while the server is still running.
    Note
    See the system specific instructions for removing or installing a hot-swap drive for any additional procedures that you might need to perform before you remove or install the drive.

  • After finishing working on the server, make sure that you reinstall all safety shields, guards, labels, and ground wires.

  • Safety inspection checklist
    Use the information in this section to identify potentially unsafe conditions with your server. As each machine was designed and built, required safety items were installed to protect users and service technicians from injury.
  • System reliability guidelines
    Review the system reliability guidelines to ensure proper system cooling and reliability.
  • Working inside the server with the power on
    You might need to keep the power on with the server cover removed to look at system information on the display panel or to replace hot-swap components. Review these guidelines before doing so.
  • Handling static-sensitive devices
    Review these guidelines before you handle static-sensitive devices to reduce the possibility of damage from electrostatic discharge.