System reliability guidelines

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

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