Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 Installation and Service Manual
Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview
Documentation resources
Technical specifications
Initial system setup and configuration
Pre-operating system management applications
Installing and removing system components
System diagnostics
- Dell Embedded System Diagnostics
Jumpers and connectors
Getting help

DELL R540 + Windows Server Standard User Manual

Displayed below is the user manual for R540 + Windows Server Standard by DELL which is a product in the Servers category. This manual has pages.

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Dell EMC PowerEdge R540

Installation and Service Manual

Regulatory Model: E46S Series

Regulatory Type: E46S001

September 2020

Rev. A07

Notes, cautions, and warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.

CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid

the problem.

WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Chapter 1: Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview............................................................................ 8

Supported configurations for the PowerEdge R540 system....................................................................................8

Front view of the system...................................................................................................................................................9

Left control panel view................................................................................................................................................11

Right control panel view.............................................................................................................................................14

Drive indicator codes...................................................................................................................................................15

Back panel features...........................................................................................................................................................16

NIC indicator codes..................................................................................................................................................... 21

Power supply unit indicator codes........................................................................................................................... 21

LCD panel............................................................................................................................................................................23

Viewing Home screen.................................................................................................................................................24

Setup menu...................................................................................................................................................................24

View menu.....................................................................................................................................................................25

Locating the Service Tag of your system................................................................................................................... 25

System information label................................................................................................................................................. 26

Chapter 2: Documentation resources...........................................................................................29

Chapter 3: Technical specifications............................................................................................. 32

System dimensions............................................................................................................................................................32

Chassis weight................................................................................................................................................................... 33

Processor specifications..................................................................................................................................................33

Supported operating systems........................................................................................................................................ 33

Cooling fans specifications............................................................................................................................................. 33

PSU specifications............................................................................................................................................................ 34

System battery...................................................................................................................................................................34

Expansion bus specifications..........................................................................................................................................34

Memory specifications..................................................................................................................................................... 34

Storage controller specifications...................................................................................................................................34

Drive specifications...........................................................................................................................................................35

Drives..............................................................................................................................................................................35

Optical drives................................................................................................................................................................35

Tape Drives................................................................................................................................................................... 35

Ports and connectors specifications............................................................................................................................ 35

USB ports...................................................................................................................................................................... 35

NIC ports....................................................................................................................................................................... 35

VGA ports......................................................................................................................................................................36

Serial connector...........................................................................................................................................................36

Internal Dual SD Module............................................................................................................................................ 36

Video specifications..........................................................................................................................................................36

Environmental specifications..........................................................................................................................................36

Standard operating temperature............................................................................................................................. 37

Expanded operating temperature............................................................................................................................ 37

Particulate and gaseous contamination specifications ..................................................................................... 40

Contents

Contents 3

Chapter 4: Initial system setup and configuration........................................................................ 41

Setting up your system.....................................................................................................................................................41

iDRAC configuration..........................................................................................................................................................41

Options to set up iDRAC IP address........................................................................................................................41

Log in to iDRAC............................................................................................................................................................42

Options to install the operating system.......................................................................................................................42

Methods to download firmware and drivers......................................................................................................... 42

Downloading drivers and firmware..........................................................................................................................43

Chapter 5: Pre-operating system management applications........................................................ 44

Options to manage the pre-operating system applications.................................................................................... 44

System Setup.....................................................................................................................................................................44

Viewing System Setup............................................................................................................................................... 44

System Setup details..................................................................................................................................................45

System BIOS.................................................................................................................................................................45

iDRAC Settings utility.................................................................................................................................................66

Device Settings............................................................................................................................................................66

Dell Lifecycle Controller................................................................................................................................................... 67

Embedded system management..............................................................................................................................67

Boot Manager.....................................................................................................................................................................67

Viewing Boot Manager............................................................................................................................................... 67

Boot Manager main menu..........................................................................................................................................67

One-shot UEFI boot menu.........................................................................................................................................67

System Utilities............................................................................................................................................................ 68

PXE boot............................................................................................................................................................................. 68

Chapter 6: Installing and removing system components ............................................................. 69

Safety instructions............................................................................................................................................................69

Before working inside your system............................................................................................................................... 70

After working inside your system.................................................................................................................................. 70

Recommended tools......................................................................................................................................................... 70

Optional front bezel.......................................................................................................................................................... 70

Removing the front bezel...........................................................................................................................................71

Installing the front bezel............................................................................................................................................. 71

System cover......................................................................................................................................................................72

Removing the system cover..................................................................................................................................... 72

Installing the system cover........................................................................................................................................73

Backplane cover.................................................................................................................................................................74

Removing the backplane cover................................................................................................................................ 74

Installing the backplane cover.................................................................................................................................. 75

Inside the system...............................................................................................................................................................76

Air shroud............................................................................................................................................................................ 79

Removing the air shroud............................................................................................................................................79

Installing the air shroud..............................................................................................................................................80

Cooling fans........................................................................................................................................................................82

Removing the cooling fan..........................................................................................................................................82

Installing cooling fan................................................................................................................................................... 83

Internal PERC riser........................................................................................................................................................... 85

4Contents

Removing the internal PERC riser...........................................................................................................................85

Installing the internal PERC riser............................................................................................................................. 87

Removing the PERC card from the internal PERC riser....................................................................................88

Installing PERC card into the internal PERC riser............................................................................................... 89

Intrusion switch................................................................................................................................................................. 90

Removing the intrusion switch.................................................................................................................................90

Installing the intrusion switch....................................................................................................................................91

Drives................................................................................................................................................................................... 92

Removing a drive blank..............................................................................................................................................92

Installing a drive blank................................................................................................................................................ 93

Removing a 2.5-inch drive from a 3.5-inch drive adapter.................................................................................93

Installing a 2.5-inch drive into a 3.5-inch drive adapter.................................................................................... 94

Removing a 3.5-inch drive adapter from a 3.5-inch drive carrier................................................................... 95

Installing a 3.5-inch drive adapter into the 3.5-inch drive carrier................................................................... 96

Removing a drive carrier............................................................................................................................................97

Installing a drive carrier..............................................................................................................................................98

Removing the drive from the drive carrier............................................................................................................99

Installing a drive into the drive carrier.................................................................................................................. 100

System memory............................................................................................................................................................... 100

System memory guidelines...................................................................................................................................... 100

General memory module installation guidelines...................................................................................................101

Mode-specific guidelines..........................................................................................................................................102

Removing a memory module...................................................................................................................................105

Installing a memory module..................................................................................................................................... 105

Processors and heat sinks.............................................................................................................................................106

Removing a processor and heat sink module......................................................................................................106

Removing the non-fabric processor from the processor and heat sink module........................................ 107

Installing the non-fabric processor into a processor and heat sink module................................................109

Installing a processor and heat sink module..........................................................................................................111

Expansion cards and expansion card risers................................................................................................................112

Expansion card installation guidelines....................................................................................................................112

Removing expansion card from the expansion card riser................................................................................. 116

Installing expansion card into the expansion card riser.....................................................................................119

Removing expansion card from the system board............................................................................................ 123

Installing expansion card on the system board...................................................................................................124

Removing an expansion card riser......................................................................................................................... 126

Installing an expansion card riser........................................................................................................................... 129

M.2 SSD module............................................................................................................................................................... 131

Removing the M.2 SSD module.............................................................................................................................. 131

Installing the M.2 SSD module................................................................................................................................132

Optional MicroSD or vFlash card................................................................................................................................. 133

Removing the MicroSD card................................................................................................................................... 133

Installing the MicroSD card..................................................................................................................................... 134

Optional IDSDM or vFlash module...............................................................................................................................135

Removing the optional IDSDM or vFlash card....................................................................................................135

Installing optional IDSDM or vFlash card..............................................................................................................136

LOM riser card..................................................................................................................................................................137

Removing the LOM riser card.................................................................................................................................137

Installing the LOM riser card...................................................................................................................................138

Drive backplane................................................................................................................................................................139

Contents 5

Backplane details....................................................................................................................................................... 139

Removing the backplane ..........................................................................................................................................141

Installing the backplane............................................................................................................................................ 142

Removing the 3.5-inch rear drive backplane...................................................................................................... 142

Installing the 3.5-inch rear drive backplane.........................................................................................................143

Cable routing.....................................................................................................................................................................145

Rear drive cage................................................................................................................................................................ 148

Removing the rear drive cage.................................................................................................................................148

Installing the rear drive cage...................................................................................................................................149

System battery.................................................................................................................................................................150

Optional internal USB memory key..............................................................................................................................150

Replacing the optional internal USB memory key..............................................................................................150

Optical drive (optional)................................................................................................................................................... 151

Removing the optical drive.......................................................................................................................................151

Installing the optical drive........................................................................................................................................152

Power supply units.......................................................................................................................................................... 152

Hot spare feature.......................................................................................................................................................153

Removing a power supply unit blank.....................................................................................................................153

Installing a power supply unit blank.......................................................................................................................153

Removing a power supply unit................................................................................................................................154

Installing a power supply unit..................................................................................................................................155

Removing a non-redundant cabled AC power supply unit...............................................................................155

Installing a non-redundant cabled AC power supply unit.................................................................................156

Removing a DC power supply unit.........................................................................................................................157

Installing DC power supply unit.............................................................................................................................. 158

Wiring instructions for a DC power supply unit..................................................................................................158

Power interposer board................................................................................................................................................. 160

Removing power interposer board........................................................................................................................ 160

Installing power interposer board.......................................................................................................................... 160

Control panel..................................................................................................................................................................... 161

Removing the left control panel..............................................................................................................................161

Installing the left control panel............................................................................................................................... 162

Removing the right control panel...........................................................................................................................163

Installing the right control panel.............................................................................................................................164

System board....................................................................................................................................................................165

Removing the system board................................................................................................................................... 165

Installing the system board......................................................................................................................................167

Restoring the system using Easy Restore.................................................................................................................169

Manually update the Service Tag.......................................................................................................................... 169

Entering the system Service Tag by using System Setup.....................................................................................169

Trusted Platform Module...............................................................................................................................................170

Upgrading the Trusted Platform Module............................................................................................................. 170

Initializing TPM for BitLocker users....................................................................................................................... 171

Initializing the TPM 1.2 for TXT users....................................................................................................................171

Chapter 7: System diagnostics................................................................................................... 172

Dell Embedded System Diagnostics............................................................................................................................ 172

Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from Boot Manager.................................................................172

Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from the Dell Lifecycle Controller........................................172

System diagnostic controls......................................................................................................................................173

6Contents

Chapter 8: Jumpers and connectors .......................................................................................... 174

System board jumpers and connectors...................................................................................................................... 174

System board jumper settings......................................................................................................................................175

Disabling forgotten password....................................................................................................................................... 176

Chapter 9: Getting help..............................................................................................................177

Contacting Dell EMC.......................................................................................................................................................177

Documentation feedback............................................................................................................................................... 177

Accessing system information by using QRL............................................................................................................ 177

Quick Resource Locator for R540......................................................................................................................... 178

Receiving automated support with SupportAssist ................................................................................................. 178

Recycling or End-of-Life service information........................................................................................................... 178

Contents 7

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system is a 2U, dual socket rack system that supports up to:

●Two Intel Xeon Scalable Processors

●16 DIMM slots

●Two AC and DC redundant power supply units (PSU) or single cabled PSU

●14 drives or solid-state drives

NOTE: All instances of SAS, SATA hard drives and SSDs are referred to as drives in this document, unless specified

otherwise.

Topics:

•Supported configurations for the PowerEdge R540 system

•Front view of the system

•Back panel features

•LCD panel

•Locating the Service Tag of your system

•System information label

Supported configurations for the PowerEdge R540

system

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports the following configurations:

8 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Figure 1. Supported configurations for a PowerEdge R540 system with rear drive

Front view of the system

The front view displays the features available on the front of the system.

Figure 2. Front view of 12 x 3.5-inch drive system

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 9

Table 1. Features available on the front of the system

Item Ports, panels, and slots Icon Description

`1 Left control panel N/A Contains the system health and system ID, status LED, and

the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 (wireless) indicator.

NOTE: The iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator is available only

on certain configurations.

●Status LED: Enables you to identify any failed hardware

components. There are up to five status LEDs and an

overall system health LED (Chassis health and system ID)

bar. For more information, see the Status LED indicators

section.

●Quick Sync 2 (wireless): Indicates a Quick Sync enabled

system. The Quick Sync feature is optional. This feature

enables management of the system by using mobile

devices. This feature aggregates hardware or firmware

inventory and various system level diagnostic and error

information that can be used in troubleshooting the

system. For more information, see the Integrated Dell

Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

2 Drive slots N/A Enable you to install drives that are supported on your system.

For more information about drives, see the Technical

specifications section.

3 Right control panel N/A Contains the power button, USB ports, iDRAC Direct (Micro-

AB USB), VGA port.

4 Information tag N/A The Information Tag is a slide-out label panel that contains

system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address,

and so on. If you have opted for the secure default access to

iDRAC, the Information tag also contains the iDRAC secure

default password.

Figure 3. Front view of 8 x 3.5-inch drive system

Table 2. Features available on the front of the system

Item Ports, panels, and

slots

Icon Description

1 Left control panel N/A Contains the system health and system ID, status LED, and the

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 (wireless) indicator.

NOTE: The iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator is available only

on certain configurations.

10 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Table 2. Features available on the front of the system (continued)

Item Ports, panels, and

slots

Icon Description

●Status LED: Enables you to identify any failed hardware

components. There are up to five status LEDs and an overall

system health LED (Chassis health and system ID) bar. For

more information, see the Status LED indicators section.

●Quick Sync 2 (wireless): Indicates a Quick Sync enabled

system. The Quick Sync feature is optional. This feature

enables management of the system by using mobile devices.

This feature aggregates hardware or firmware inventory and

various system level diagnostic and error information that

can be used in troubleshooting the system. For more

information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access

Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/idracmanuals.

2 Drive slots N/A Enable you to install drives that are supported on your system.

For more information about drives, see the Technical

specifications section.

3 Optical drive (optional) N/A One optional slim SATA DVD-ROM drive or DVD+/-RW drive.

4 Right control panel N/A Contains the power button, USB ports, iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB

USB), VGA port.

5 Information tag N/A The Information Tag is a slide-out label panel that contains

system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address, and

so on. If you have opted for the secure default access to iDRAC,

the Information tag also contains the iDRAC secure default

password.

Left control panel view

Figure 4. Left control panel without optional iDRAC Quick Sync 2.0 indicator

Figure 5. Left control panel with optional iDRAC Quick Sync 2.0 indicator

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 11

Table 3. Left control panel

Item Indicator, button, or

connector

Icon Description

1 Status LED indicators N/A Indicate the status of the system. For more information, see the

Status LED indicators on page 12 section.

2System health and system

ID indicator

Indicates the system health.

3iDRAC Quick Sync 2

wireless indicator

(optional)

Indicates if the iDRAC Quick Sync 2 wireless option is activated.

The Quick Sync 2 feature allows management of the system

using mobile devices. This feature aggregates hardware/

firmware inventory and various system level diagnostic/error

information that can be used in troubleshooting the system.

You can access system inventory, Dell Lifecycle Controller logs

or system logs, system health status, and also configure iDRAC,

BIOS, and networking parameters. You can also launch the

virtual Keyboard, Video, and Mouse (KVM) viewer and virtual

Kernel based Virtual Machine (KVM), on a supported mobile

device. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote

Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals .

Status LED indicators

NOTE: The indicators display solid amber if any error occurs.

Table 4. Status LED indicators and descriptions

Icon Description Condition Corrective action

Drive

indicator

The indicator turns solid amber if

there is a drive error.

●Check the System Event Log to determine if the drive has an

error.

●Run the appropriate Online Diagnostics test. Restart the system

and run embedded diagnostics (ePSA).

●If the drives are configured in a RAID array, restart the system,

and enter the host adapter configuration utility program.

Temperature

indicator

The indicator turns solid amber if

the system experiences a

thermal error (for example, the

ambient temperature is out of

range or there is a fan failure).

Ensure that none of the following conditions exist:

●A cooling fan has been removed or has failed.

●Ambient temperature is too high.

●External airflow is obstructed.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

Electrical

indicator

The indicator turns solid amber if

the system experiences an

electrical error (for example,

voltage out of range, or a failed

power supply unit (PSU) or

voltage regulator).

Check the System Event Log or system messages for the specific

issue. If it is due to a problem with the PSU, check the LED on the

PSU. Reseat the PSU.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

Memory

indicator

The indicator turns solid amber if

a memory error occurs.

Check the System Event Log or system messages for the location of

the failed memory. Reseat the memory module.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

PCIe

indicator

The indicator turns solid amber if

a PCIe card experiences an

error.

Restart the system. Update any required drivers for the PCIe card.

Reinstall the card.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

NOTE: For more information about the supported PCIe cards,

see Expansion card installation guidelines on page 112.

12 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

System health and system ID indicator codes

The system health and system ID indicator is located on the left control panel of your system.

Figure 6. System health and system ID indicators

Table 5. System health and system ID indicator codes

System health and system ID indicator code Condition

Solid blue Indicates that the system is turned on, system is healthy, and

system ID mode is not active. Press the system health and

system ID button to switch to system ID mode.

Blinking blue Indicates that the system ID mode is active. Press the system

health and system ID button to switch to system health mode.

Solid amber Indicates that the system is in fail-safe mode. If the problem

persists, see the Getting help section.

Blinking amber Indicates that the system is experiencing a fault. Check the

System Event Log or the LCD panel, if available on the bezel, for

specific error messages.

For more information about error messages, see the Event and

Error Message Reference Guide for 14th Generation Dell EMC

PowerEdge Servers at www.dell.com/qrl.

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator codes

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 module (optional) is located on the front panel of your system.

Table 6. iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicators and descriptions

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator

code

Condition Corrective action

Off (default state) Indicates that the iDRAC Quick Sync 2

feature is turned off. Press the iDRAC

Quick Sync 2 button to turn on the

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 feature.

If the LED fails to turn on, reseat the cable and

check. If the problem persists, see the Getting

help section.

Solid white Indicates that iDRAC Quick Sync 2 is

ready to communicate. Press the iDRAC

Quick Sync 2 button to turn off.

If the LED fails to turn off, restart the system. If

the problem persists, see the Getting help

section.

Blinks white rapidly Indicates data transfer activity. If the indicator continues to blink indefinitely, see

the Getting help section.

Blinks white slowly Indicates that firmware update is in

progress. If the indicator continues to blink indefinitely, see

the Getting help section.

Blinks white five times rapidly

and then turns off

Indicates that the iDRAC Quick Sync 2

feature is disabled.

Check if iDRAC Quick Sync 2 feature is

configured to be disabled by iDRAC. If the

problem persists, see the Getting help section.

For more information, see Integrated Dell Remote

Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals or Dell OpenManage Server

Administrator User’s Guide at www.dell.com/

openmanagemanuals > OpenManage Server

Administrator.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 13

Table 6. iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicators and descriptions (continued)

iDRAC Quick Sync 2 indicator

code

Condition Corrective action

Solid amber Indicates that the system is in fail-safe

mode.

Restart the system. If the problem persists, see

the Getting help section.

Blinking amber Indicates that the iDRAC Quick Sync 2

hardware is not responding properly.

Restart the system. If the problem persists, see

the Getting help section.

Right control panel view

Figure 7. Right control panel

Table 7. Right control panel

Item Indicator, button, or connector Icon Description

1 Power button Indicates if the system is powered on or off.

Press the power button to manually power

on or off the system.

NOTE: Press the power button to

gracefully shut down an ACPI-compliant

operating system.

2USB port The USB ports are 4-pin, 2.0-compliant.

These ports enable you to connect USB

devices to the system.

3iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) The iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) port

enables you to access the iDRAC Direct

(Micro-AB) features. For more information,

see Integrated Dell Remote Access

Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

4iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) LED N/A The iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB USB) LED

indicator lights up to indicate that the

iDRAC Direct port is connected. For more

information, see the Integrated Dell Remote

Access Controller User's Guide at

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

5VGA port Enables you to connect a display device to

the system. For more information, see the

Technical specifications section.

14 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

iDRAC Direct LED indicator codes

The iDRAC Direct LED indicator lights up to indicate that the port is connected and is being used as a part of the iDRAC

subsystem.

You can configure iDRAC Direct by using a USB to micro USB (type AB) cable, which you can connect to your laptop or tablet.

The following table describes iDRAC Direct activity when the iDRAC Direct port is active:

Table 8. iDRAC Direct LED indicator codes

iDRAC Direct LED

indicator code

Condition

Solid green for two

seconds

Indicates that the laptop or tablet is connected.

Flashing green (on for

two seconds and off for

two seconds)

Indicates that the laptop or tablet connected is recognized.

Turns off Indicates that the laptop or tablet is unplugged.

Drive indicator codes

Each drive carrier has an activity LED indicator and a status LED indicator. The indicators provide information about the current

status of the drive. The activity LED indicator indicates whether the drive is currently in use or not. The status LED indicator

indicates the power condition of the drive.

Figure 8. Drive indicators

1. Drive activity LED indicator

2. Drive status LED indicator

3. Drive capacity label

NOTE: If the drive is in the Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) mode, the status LED indicator does not turn on.

Table 9. Drive indicator codes

Drive status indicator code Condition

Flashes green twice per second Identifying drive or preparing for removal.

Off Drive ready for removal.

NOTE: The drive status indicator remains off until all drives

are initialized after the system is turned on. Drives are not

ready for removal during this time.

Flashes green, amber, and then turns off Predicted drive failure.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 15

Table 9. Drive indicator codes (continued)

Drive status indicator code Condition

Flashes amber four times per second Drive failed.

Flashes green slowly Drive rebuilding.

Solid green Drive online.

Flashes green for three seconds, amber for three

seconds, and then turns off after six seconds

Rebuild stopped.

Back panel features

This back view displays the features available on the back of the system.

Figure 9. Back panel features of 12 x 3.5-inch + 2 x 3.5-inch (rear) drive system

Table 10. Back panel features of R540

Item Features Icon Description

1 Serial port Use the serial port to connect

a serial device to the system.

For more information about

the supported serial port, see

the Technical specifications

section.

2Drive (2) N/A Two optional rear drives

supported for 12 x 3.5 -inch

system.

3 Low profile riser right slot N/A Use the card slot to connect

half-height PCIe expansion

card on low profile riser.

4 Low profile riser left slot N/A Use the card slot to connect

half-height PCIe expansion

card on low profile riser.

5 Power supply unit (PSU) (2) N/A For information about

supported PSUs, see the

Technical specifications

section.

6 LOM riser port (2) Use the Ethernet or SFP+

ports to connect Local Area

Networks (LANs) to the

system. For more information

16 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Table 10. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

about the supported Ethernet

or SFP+ ports, see the

Technical specifications

section.

7 Ethernet port (2) Use the Ethernet ports to

connect Local Area Networks

(LANs) to the system. For

more information about the

supported Ethernet ports, see

the Technical specifications

section.

8 USB 3.0 port (2) Use the USB 3.0 port to

connect USB devices to the

system. These ports are 4-pin,

USB 3.0-compliant.

9 iDRAC9 dedicated network

port

Use the iDRAC9 dedicated

network port to securely

access the embedded iDRAC

on a separate management

network, see the Integrated

Dell Remote Access Controller

User’s Guide at

www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

10 VGA port Use the VGA port to connect

a display to the system. For

more information about the

supported VGA port, see the

Technical specifications

section.

11 System status indicator cable

port

N/A Enables you to connect the

status indicator cable and

view system status when the

CMA is installed.

12 System identification button Press the system ID button:

●To locate a particular

system within a rack.

●To turn the system ID on

or off.

To reset iDRAC, press and

hold the button for more than

15 s.

NOTE:

●To reset iDRAC using

system ID, ensure that

the system ID button

is enabled in the

iDRAC setup.

●If the system stops

responding during

POST, press and hold

the system ID button

(for more than five

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 17

Table 10. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

seconds) to enter the

BIOS progress mode.

Figure 10. Back panel features of 12 x 3.5-inch + 2 x 3.5-inch (rear) drive system

Table 11. Back panel features of R540

Item Features Icon Description

1 Serial port Use the serial port to connect

a serial device to the system.

For more information about

the supported serial port, see

the Technical specifications

section.

2Drive (2) N/A Two optional rear drives

supported for 12 x 3.5 inch

system.

3 Full height riser slot N/A Use the card slots to connect

full-height PCIe expansion

cards on full height riser.

4 Power supply unit (PSU) (2) N/A For information about

supported PSUs, see the

Technical specifications

section.

5 LOM riser port (2) Use the Ethernet or SFP+

ports to connect Local Area

Networks (LANs) to the

system. For more information

about the supported Ethernet

or SFP+ ports, see the

Technical specifications

section.

6 Ethernet port (2) Use the Ethernet ports to

connect Local Area Networks

(LANs) to the system. For

more information about the

supported Ethernet ports, see

the Technical specifications

section.

18 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Table 11. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

7 USB 3.0 port (2) Use the USB 3.0 port to

connect USB devices to the

system. These ports are 4-pin,

USB 3.0-compliant.

8 iDRAC9 dedicated network

port

Use the iDRAC9 dedicated

network port to securely

access the embedded iDRAC

on a separate management

network, see the Integrated

Dell Remote Access Controller

User’s Guide at

www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

9 VGA port Use the VGA port to connect

a display to the system. For

more information about the

supported VGA port, see the

Technical specifications

section.

10 System status indicator cable

port

N/A Enables you to connect the

status indicator cable and

view system status when the

CMA is installed.

11 System identification button Press the system ID button:

●To locate a particular

system within a rack.

●To turn the system ID on

or off.

To reset iDRAC, press and

hold the button for more than

15 seconds.

NOTE:

●To reset iDRAC using

system ID, ensure that

the system ID button

is enabled in the

iDRAC setup.

●If the system stops

responding during

POST, press and hold

the system ID button

(for more than five

seconds) to enter the

BIOS progress mode.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 19

Figure 11. Back panel features of 12 x 3.5-inch drive system with butterfly riser

Table 12. Back panel features of R540

Item Features Icon Description

1 Serial port Use the serial port to connect a serial device to the system.

For more information about the supported serial port, see the

Technical specifications section.

2Butterfly riser slot N/A Use the card slots to connect full-height PCIe expansion cards

on butterfly riser.

3 PCIe slot (3) N/A Use the card slots to connect up to three half-height PCIe

expansion cards on the system board.

4 Power supply unit (PSU) N/A For information about supported PSUs, see the Technical

specifications section.

5 LOM riser ports Use the Ethernet or SFP+ ports to connect Local Area

Networks (LANs) to the system. For more information about

the supported Ethernet or SFP+ ports, see the Technical

specifications section.

6 Ethernet ports (2) Use the Ethernet ports to connect Local Area Networks

(LANs) to the system. For more information about the

supported Ethernet ports, see the Technical specifications

section.

7 USB 3.0 port Use the USB 3.0 port to connect USB devices to the system.

These ports are 4-pin, USB 3.0-compliant.

8 iDRAC9 dedicated network

port

Use the iDRAC9 dedicated network port to securely access

the embedded iDRAC on a separate management network, see

the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide at

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

9 VGA port Use the VGA port to connect a display to the system. For

more information about the supported VGA port, see the

Technical specifications section.

10 Status indicator cable port N/A Enables you to connect the status indicator cable and view

system status when the CMA is installed.

11 System identification button Press the system ID button:

●To locate a particular system within a rack.

●To turn the system ID on or off.

To reset iDRAC, press and hold the button for more than 15

seconds.

NOTE:

20 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Table 12. Back panel features of R540 (continued)

Item Features Icon Description

●To reset iDRAC using system ID, ensure that the

system ID button is enabled in the iDRAC setup.

●If the system stops responding during POST, press and

hold the system ID button (for more than five seconds)

to enter the BIOS progress mode.

NIC indicator codes

Each NIC on the back of the system has indicators that provide information about the activity and link status. The activity LED

indicator indicates if data is flowing through the NIC, and the link LED indicator indicates the speed of the connected network.

Figure 12. NIC indicator codes

1. link LED indicator

2. activity LED indicator

Table 13. NIC indicator codes

Status Condition

Link and activity indicators are off The NIC is not connected to the network.

Link indicator is green and activity indicator is blinking

green

The NIC is connected to a valid network at its maximum port speed

and data is being sent or received.

Link indicator is amber and activity indicator is blinking

green

The NIC is connected to a valid network at less than its maximum

port speed and data is being sent or received.

Link indicator is green and activity indicator is off The NIC is connected to a valid network at its maximum port speed

and data is not being sent or received.

Link indicator is amber and activity indicator is off The NIC is connected to a valid network at less than its maximum

port speed and data is not being sent or received.

Link indicator is blinking green and activity is off NIC identify is enabled through the NIC configuration utility.

Power supply unit indicator codes

AC power supply units (PSUs) have an illuminated translucent handle that serves as an indicator.

The DC PSUs have an LED that serves as an indicator.

The indicator shows whether power is present or if a power fault has occurred.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 21

Figure 13. AC PSU status indicator

1. AC PSU status indicator/handle

Table 14. AC PSU status indicator codes

Power indicator codes Condition

Green A valid power source is connected to the PSU and the PSU is operational.

Blinking amber Indicates a problem with the PSU.

Not illuminated Power is not connected to the PSU.

Blinking green When the firmware of the PSU is being updated, the PSU handle blinks green.

CAUTION: Do not disconnect the power cord or unplug the PSU when updating

firmware. If firmware update is interrupted, the PSUs do not function.

Blinking green and turns

off

When hot-plugging a PSU, the PSU handle blinks green five times at a rate of 4 Hz and turns off.

This indicates a PSU mismatch with respect to efficiency, feature set, health status, or supported

voltage.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are installed, both the PSUs must have the same type of label;

for example, Extended Power Performance (EPP) label. Mixing PSUs from previous

generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported, even if the PSUs have the same

power rating. This results in a PSU mismatch condition or failure to turn the system

on.

CAUTION: When correcting a PSU mismatch, replace only the PSU with the blinking

indicator. Swapping the PSU to make a matched pair can result in an error condition

and unexpected system shutdown. To change from a high output configuration to a

low output configuration or vice versa, you must turn off the system.

CAUTION: AC PSUs support both 240 V and 120 V input voltages with the exception of

Titanium PSUs, which support only 240 V. When two identical PSUs receive different

input voltages, they can output different wattages, and trigger a mismatch.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are used, they must be of the same type and have the same

maximum output power.

CAUTION: Combining AC and DC PSUs is not supported and triggers a mismatch.

22 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Figure 14. DC PSU status indicator

1. DC PSU status indicator

Table 15. DC PSU status indicator codes

Power indicator codes Condition

Green A valid power source is connected to the PSU and the PSU is operational.

Blinking amber Indicates a problem with the PSU.

Not illuminated Power is not connected to the PSU.

Blinking green When hot-plugging a PSU, the PSU indicator blinks green. This indicates that there is a PSU

mismatch with respect to efficiency, feature set, health status, or supported voltage.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are installed, both the PSUs must have the same type of

label; for example, Extended Power Performance (EPP) label. Mixing PSUs from

previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported, even if the PSUs

have the same power rating. This results in a PSU mismatch condition or failure to

turn the system on.

CAUTION: When correcting a PSU mismatch, replace only the PSU with the

blinking indicator. Swapping the PSU to make a matched pair can result in an error

condition and unexpected system shutdown. To change from a High Output

configuration to a Low Output configuration or vice versa, you must turn off the

system.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are used, they must be of the same type and have the same

maximum output power.

CAUTION: Combining AC and DC PSUs is not supported and triggers a mismatch.

LCD panel

The LCD panel provides system information, status, and error messages to indicate if the system is functioning correctly or

requires attention. The LCD panel can also be used to configure or view the system’s iDRAC IP address. For information about

the event and error messages generated by the system firmware and agents that monitor system components, go to

qrl.dell.com > Look Up > Error Code, type the error code, and then click Look it up..

The LCD panel is available only on the optional front bezel. The optional front bezel is hot pluggable.

The statuses and conditions of the LCD panel are outlined here:

●The LCD backlight is white during normal operating conditions.

●When the system needs attention, the LCD backlight turns amber, and displays an error code followed by descriptive text.

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 23

NOTE: If the system is connected to a power source and an error is detected, the LCD turns amber regardless of

whether the system is turned on or off.

●When the system turns off and there are no errors, LCD enters the standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. Press any

button on the LCD to turn it on.

●If the LCD panel stops responding, remove the bezel and reinstall it.

If the problem persists, see Getting help.

●The LCD backlight remains off if LCD messaging is turned off using the iDRAC utility, the LCD panel, or other tools.

Figure 15. LCD panel features

Table 16. LCD panel features

Item Button or

display

Description

1 Left Moves the cursor back in one-step increments.

2 Select Selects the menu item highlighted by the cursor.

3 Right Moves the cursor forward in one-step increments.

During message scrolling:

●Press and hold the right button to increase scrolling speed.

●Release the button to stop.

NOTE: The display stops scrolling when the button is released. After 45 seconds of inactivity,

the display starts scrolling.

4 LCD display Displays system information, status, and error messages or iDRAC IP address.

Viewing Home screen

The Home screen displays user-configurable information about the system. This screen is displayed during normal system

operation when there are no status messages or errors. When the system turns off and there are no errors, LCD enters the

standby mode after five minutes of inactivity. Press any button on the LCD to turn it on.

Steps

1. To view the Home screen, press one of the three navigation buttons (Select, Left, or Right).

2. To navigate to the Home screen from another menu, complete the following steps:

a. Press and hold the navigation button until the up arrow is displayed.

b. Navigate to the Home icon using the up arrow .

c. Select the Home icon.

d. On the Home screen, press the Select button to enter the main menu.

Setup menu

NOTE: When you select an option in the Setup menu, you must confirm the option before proceeding to the next action.

24 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Option Description

iDRAC Select DHCP or Static IP to configure the network mode. If Static IP is selected, the available fields are

IP, Subnet (Sub), and Gateway (Gtw). Select Setup DNS to enable DNS and to view domain

addresses. Two separate DNS entries are available.

Set error Select SEL to view LCD error messages in a format that matches the IPMI description in the SEL. This

enables you to match an LCD message with an SEL entry.

Select Simple to view LCD error messages in a simplified user-friendly description. For information about

the event and error messages generated by the system firmware and agents that monitor system

components, go to qrl.dell.com > Look Up > Error Code, type the error code, and then click Look it up.

Set home Select the default information to be displayed on the Home screen. See View menu section for the

options and option items that can be set as the default on the Home screen.

View menu

NOTE: When you select an option in the View menu, you must confirm the option before proceeding to the next action.

Option Description

iDRAC IP Displays the IPv4 or IPv6 addresses for iDRAC9. Addresses include DNS (Primary and Secondary),

Gateway, IP, and Subnet (IPv6 does not have Subnet).

MAC Displays the MAC addresses for iDRAC, iSCSI, or Network devices.

Name Displays the name of the Host, Model, or User String for the system.

Number Displays the Asset tag or the Service tag for the system.

Power Displays the power output of the system in BTU/hr or Watts. The display format can be configured in the

Set home submenu of the Setup menu.

Temperature Displays the temperature of the system in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The display format can be configured in

the Set home submenu of the Setup menu.

Locating the Service Tag of your system

You can identify your system using the unique Express Service Code and Service Tag. Pull out the information tag in front of the

system to view the Express Service Code and Service Tag. Alternatively, the information may be on a sticker on the chassis of

the system. The mini Enterprise Service Tag (EST) is found on the back of the system. Dell uses this information to route

support calls to the appropriate personnel.

Figure 16. Locating Service Tag of your system

1. information tag (front view) 2. information tag (back view)

3. OpenManage Mobile (OMM) label 4. iDRAC MAC address and iDRAC secure password label

5. Service Tag

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 25

System information label

Figure 17. PowerEdge R540 – Service information

26 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Figure 18. Memory information

Figure 19. OCP and internal PERC riser installation

Figure 20. Riser installation

Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview 27

Figure 21. Rear drive installation

28 Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 overview

Documentation resources

This section provides information about the documentation resources for your system.

To view the document that is listed in the documentation resources table:

●From the Dell EMC support site:

1. Click the documentation link that is provided in the Location column in the table.

2. Click the required product or product version.

NOTE: To locate the product name and model, see the front of your system.

3. On the Product Support page, click Manuals & documents.

●Using search engines:

○Type the name and version of the document in the search box.

Table 17. Additional documentation resources for your system

Task Document Location

Setting up your

system For more information about

installing and securing the system

into a rack, see the Rail Installation

Guide included with your rack

solution.

For information about setting up

your system, see the Getting

Started Guide document that is

shipped with your system.

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

Configuring your

system

For information about the iDRAC

features, configuring and logging

in to iDRAC, and managing your

system remotely, see the

Integrated Dell Remote Access

Controller User's Guide.

For information about

understanding Remote Access

Controller Admin (RACADM)

subcommands and supported

RACADM interfaces, see the

RACADM CLI Guide for iDRAC.

For information about Redfish and

its protocol, supported schema,

and Redfish Eventing are

implemented in iDRAC, see the

Redfish API Guide.

For information about iDRAC

property database group and

object descriptions, see the

Attribute Registry Guide.

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

For information about earlier

versions of the iDRAC documents,

see the iDRAC documentation.

www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Documentation resources 29

Table 17. Additional documentation resources for your system (continued)

Task Document Location

To identify the version of iDRAC

available on your system, on the

iDRAC web interface, click ? >

About.

For information about installing the

operating system, see the

operating system documentation.

www.dell.com/

operatingsystemmanuals

For information about updating

drivers and firmware, see the

Methods to download firmware

and drivers section in this

document.

www.dell.com/support/drivers

Managing your

system

For information about systems

management software offered by

Dell, see the Dell OpenManage

Systems Management Overview

Guide.

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

For information about setting up,

using, and troubleshooting

OpenManage, see the Dell

OpenManage Server Administrator

User’s Guide.

www.dell.com/

openmanagemanuals >

OpenManage Server Administrator

For information about installing,

using, and troubleshooting Dell

OpenManage Essentials, see the

Dell OpenManage Essentials User’s

Guide.

www.dell.com/

openmanagemanuals >

OpenManage Essentials

For information about installing,

using, and troubleshooting Dell

OpenManage Enterprise, see the

Dell OpenManage Enterprise

User’s Guide.

www.dell.com/

openmanagemanuals >

OpenManage Enterprise

For information about installing

and using Dell SupportAssist, see

the Dell EMC SupportAssist

Enterprise User’s Guide.

https://www.dell.com/

serviceabilitytools

For information about partner

programs enterprise systems

management, see the

OpenManage Connections

Enterprise Systems Management

documents.

www.dell.com/

openmanagemanuals

Working with the Dell PowerEdge

RAID controllers

For information about

understanding the features of the

Dell PowerEdge RAID controllers

(PERC), Software RAID

controllers, or BOSS card and

deploying the cards, see the

Storage controller documentation.

www.dell.com/

storagecontrollermanuals

Understanding event

and error messages

For information about the event

and error messages that are

generated by the system firmware

and agents that monitor system

www.dell.com/qrl

30 Documentation resources

Table 17. Additional documentation resources for your system (continued)

Task Document Location

components, see the Error Code

Lookup.

Troubleshooting your

system

For information about identifying

and troubleshooting the

PowerEdge server issues, see the

Server Troubleshooting Guide.

www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

Documentation resources 31

Technical specifications

Topics:

•System dimensions

•Chassis weight

•Processor specifications

•Supported operating systems

•Cooling fans specifications

•PSU specifications

•System battery

•Expansion bus specifications

•Memory specifications

•Storage controller specifications

•Drive specifications

•Ports and connectors specifications

•Video specifications

•Environmental specifications

System dimensions

Figure 22. Dimensions of the Dell EMCPowerEdge R540 system

32 Technical specifications

Table 18. Dimensions of the Dell EMC R540 system

Xa Xb Y Za (with

bezel)

Za (without

bezel)

Zb Zc

482.0 mm

(18.97 inches)

434.0 mm

(17.08 inches)

86.8 mm (3.41

inches)

35.84 mm (1.41

inches)

22 mm (0.87

inches)

647.07 mm

(25.47 inches)

681.755 mm

(26.84 inches)

Chassis weight

Table 19. Chassis weight

System Maximum weight (with all drives/SSDs)

8 x 3.5 inch 25.4 kg (55.99 lb)

12 x 3.5 inch 29.68 kg (65.43 lb)

Processor specifications

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 System supports up to two Intel Xeon Scalable processors, up to 20 cores per processor.

Supported operating systems

The Dell EMC PowerEdgeR540 supports the following operating systems:

●Red Hat Enterprise Linux

●SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

●Canonical Ubuntu LTS

●Microsoft Windows Server with Hyper-V

●VMware ESXi

●Citrix XenServer

NOTE: For more information, go to www.dell.com/ossupport

Cooling fans specifications

Your system supports up to six standard or high performance cabled cooling fans.

Table 20. Fan support matrix for Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 System

Front

Storage

PSU type CPU count Fan1 Fan2 Fan3 Fan4 Fan5 Fan6

8 x 3.5-inch Cable PSU

Redundant

PSU

1 Not required Required Required Required Required Not required

Redundant

PSU

2 Not required Required Required Required Required Required

12 x 3.5-

inch

Redundant

PSU only

1 Required Required Required Required Required Not required

2 Required Required Required Required Required Required

NOTE: The high performance fans are required for 12 x 3.5-inch drive + 2 x 3.5-inch rear drive system. For more

information, see the Thermal restriction matrix topic in the Technical specifications section.

Technical specifications 33

PSU specifications

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports the following AC or DC power supply units (PSU).

Table 21. PSU specifications

PSU Class Heat dissipation

(maximum)

Frequency Voltage

1100 W AC Platinum 4100 BTU/hr 50/60 Hz 100–240 V AC, autoranging

1100 W DC Platinum 4416 BTU/hr 50/60 Hz 200–380 V DC, autoranging

750 W AC Platinum 2891 BTU/hr 50/60 Hz 100–240 V AC, autoranging

750 W AC (Mixed

Mode)

Platinum 2891 BTU/hr 50/60 Hz 100–240 V AC, autoranging

750 W DC (For

China Only)

Platinum 2902 BTU/hr 50/60 Hz 240 V DC

495 W AC Platinum 1908 BTU/hr 50/60 Hz 100–240 V AC, autoranging

450 W AC Bronze 1871 BTU/hr 50/60 Hz 100–240 V AC, autoranging

NOTE: Heat dissipation is calculated using the PSU wattage rating.

NOTE: This system is also designed to connect to the IT power systems with a phase-to-phase voltage not exceeding 230

System battery

Expansion bus specifications

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports PCI express (PCIe) generation three expansion cards, which must be installed

on the system board using expansion card risers. The R540 system supports three types of expansion card risers.

Memory specifications

Table 22. Memory specifications

DIMM

type DIMM rank DIMM

capacity

Single processor Dual processors

Minimum RAM Maximum RAM Minimum RAM Maximum RAM

RDIMM Single rank 8 GB 8 GB 80 GB 16 GB 128 GB

RDIMM Dual rank 16 GB 16 GB 160 GB 32 GB 256 GB

RDIMM Dual rank 32 GB 32 GB 320 GB 64 GB 512 GB

LRDIMM Quad rank 64 GB 64 GB 640 GB 128 GB 1024 GB

Storage controller specifications

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports:

●Internal controllers: PowerEdge RAID Controller (PERC) H330, H730p, H740p, HBA330, Software RAID (SWRAID) S140

●Boot Optimized Subsystem: HWRAID 2 x M.2 SSDs 120GB, 240 GB .

●External controller: 12 Gbps SAS HBA, H840

34 Technical specifications

Drive specifications

Drives

The PowerEdge R540 system supports:

●Up to 12 x 3.5 inch drives or 2.5 inch drives with drive adapter, internal, hot swappable SAS, SATA, or Nearline SAS drives

●Up to 8 x 3.5 inch drives or 2.5 inch drives with drive adapter, internal, hot swappable SATA SSDs

Optical drives

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports one optional slim SATA DVD-ROM drive or DVD +/-RW drive.

Tape Drives

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports external tape backup devices.

NOTE: The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system does not support internal tape drives.

Supported external tape drives:

●External RD1000 USB

●External LTO-5, LTO-6,LTO-7 and 6 Gb SAS tape drives

●114X rack mount chassis with LTO-5, LTO-6, and LTO-7 6 Gb SAS tape drives

●TL1000 with LTO-5, LTO-6, and LTO-7 6 Gb SAS tape drives

●TL2000 with LTO-5, LTO-6, and LTO-7 6 Gb SAS tape drives

●TL2000 with LTO-5, LTO-6, and LTO-7 8Gb FC tape drives

●TL4000 with LTO-5, LTO-6, and LTO-7 6 Gb SAS tape drives

●TL4000 with LTO-5, LTO-6, and LTO-7 8Gb FC tape drives

●ML6000 with LTO-5, LTO-6, 6 Gb SAS tape drives

●ML6000 with LTO-5, LTO-6, LTO-7 8Gb FC tape drives

Ports and connectors specifications

USB ports

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports:

Table 23. USB specifications

Front panel Back panel Internal USB

●Two USB 2.0-compliant port

●One iDRAC Direct (Micro-AB

USB) port

●Two USB 3.0-compliant port ●One internal USB 3.0 port

NIC ports

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports two Network Interface Controller (NIC) ports on the back panel, which have

two 1 Gbps configuration.

NOTE: You can install up to six PCIe add-on NIC cards.

Technical specifications 35

VGA ports

The Video Graphic Array (VGA) port enables you to connect the system to a VGA display. The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540

system supports two 15-pin VGA ports.

Serial connector

The serial connector connects a serial device to the system. The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports one serial

connector on the back panel, which is a 9-pin connector, Data Terminal Equipment (DTE), 16550-compliant.

Internal Dual SD Module

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports two optional flash memory card slots with an internal dual MicroSD module.

NOTE: One card slot is dedicated for redundancy.

Video specifications

The PowerEdge Dell EMC PowerEdge R540 system supports Matrox G200eW3 graphics card with 16 MB capacity.

Table 24. Supported video resolution options

Resolution Refresh rate (Hz) Color depth (bits)

640x480 60,70 8, 16, 32

800x600 60,75, 85 8, 16, 32

1024x768 60,75, 85 8, 16, 32

1152x864 60,75, 85 8, 16, 32

1280x1024 60,75 8, 16, 32

1440x900 60 8, 16, 32

1920x1200 60 8, 16, 32

Environmental specifications

NOTE: For additional information about environmental certifications, please refer to the Product Environmental Datasheet

located with the Manuals & Documents on www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

Table 25. Temperature specifications

Temperature Specifications

Storage –40°C to 65°C (–40°F to 149°F)

Continuous operation (for altitude less than 950 m or

3117 ft)

10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F) with no direct sunlight on the

equipment.

Fresh air For information about fresh air, see the Expanded Operating

Temperature section.

Maximum temperature gradient (operating and

storage)

20°C/h (68°F/h)

36 Technical specifications

Table 26. Relative humidity specifications

Relative humidity Specifications

Storage 5% to 95% RH with 33°C (91°F) maximum dew point. Atmosphere

must be non-condensing at all times.

Operating 10% to 80% relative humidity with 29°C (84.2°F) maximum dew

point.

Table 27. Maximum vibration specifications

Maximum vibration Specifications

Operating 0.26 Grms at 5 Hz to 350 Hz (all operation orientations).

Storage 1.88 Grms at 10 Hz to 500 Hz for 15 min (all six sides tested).

Table 28. Maximum shock specifications

Maximum shock Specifications

Operating Six consecutively executed shock pulses in the positive and negative x,

y, and z axes of 6 G for up to 11 ms.

Storage Six consecutively executed shock pulses in the positive and negative x,

y, and z axes (one pulse on each side of the system) of 71 G for up to

2 ms.

Table 29. Maximum altitude specifications

Maximum altitude Specifications

Operating 30482000 m (10,0006560 ft)

Storage 12,000 m (39,370 ft)

Table 30. Operating temperature derating specifications

Operating temperature derating Specifications

Up to 35°C (95°F) Maximum temperature is reduced by 1°C/300 m (1°F/547 ft) above

950 m (3,117 ft).

35°C to 40°C (95°F to 104°F) Maximum temperature is reduced by 1°C/175 m (1°F/319 ft) above

950 m (3,117 ft).

40°C to 45°C (104°F to 113°F) Maximum temperature is reduced by 1°C/125 m (1°F/228 ft) above

950 m (3,117 ft).

Standard operating temperature

Table 31. Standard operating temperature specifications

Standard operating temperature Specifications

Continuous operation (for altitude less than 950 m or

3117 ft)

10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F) with no direct sunlight on the

equipment.

Expanded operating temperature

Table 32. Expanded operating temperature specifications

Expanded operating temperature Specifications

Continuous operation 5°C to 40°C at 5% to 85% RH with 29°C dew point.

Technical specifications 37

Table 32. Expanded operating temperature specifications (continued)

Expanded operating temperature Specifications

NOTE: Outside the standard operating temperature (10°C to

40°C), the system can operate continuously in temperatures as low

as 5°C and as high as 40°C.

For temperatures between 35°C and 40°C, de-rate maximum

allowable temperature by 1°C per 175 m above 950 m (1°F per 319 ft).

≤ 1% of annual operating hours –5°C to 45°C at 5% to 90% RH with 29°C dew point.

NOTE: Outside the standard operating temperature (10°C to

40°C), the system can operate down to –5°C or up to 45°C for a

maximum of 1% of its annual operating hours.

For temperatures between 40°C and 45°C, de-rate maximum

allowable temperature by 1°C per 125 m above 950 m (1°F per 228 ft).

NOTE: When operating in the expanded temperature range, system performance may be impacted.

NOTE: When operating in the expanded temperature range, ambient temperature warnings may be reported on the bezel's

LCD panel and in the System Event Log.

Expanded operating temperature restrictions

●Do not perform a cold startup below 5°C.

●The operating temperature specified is for a maximum altitude of 3050 m (10,000 ft).

●Redundant power supply configuration is required.

●AEP DIMM is not supported.

●GPGPU card is not supported.

●Rear drive configuration is not supported.

●12 x 3.5 inch SM configuration with CPU 140 W/130 W/115 W/105 W_4C is not supported.

●LRDIMM is not supported.

●Non-Dell qualified peripheral cards and/or peripheral cards greater than 25 W are not supported.

●Tape backup unit (TBU) is not supported.

Thermal restriction matrix

Table 33. Thermal restriction matrix for R540

Storage configuration Front 8 drive 12 drive 12 drive

Rear NA NA 2 drive

Fan type Standard fan Standard fan High-

performance

fan

CPU heat sink type 1.5U heat sink 1.5U heat sink 1U heat sink

Processor

number

TDP (W) Core count Ambient =

35°C

Ambient =

35°C

Ambient =

30°C

Ambient =

30°C

Intel Xenon Gold

6230

125 20 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

6226

125 12 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

6222V

115 20 Yes Yes Yes Yes

38 Technical specifications

Table 33. Thermal restriction matrix for R540 (continued)

Storage configuration Front 8 drive 12 drive 12 drive

Intel Xenon Gold

6209U

125 20 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

6138

125 20 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

6130

125 16 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

6126

125 12 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5222

105 4 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5220

125 18 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5218

125 16 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5217

115 8 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5215

85 10 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5122

105 4 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5120

105 14 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5118

105 12 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Gold

5117

105 14 Yes No Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4216

100 16 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4215

85 8 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4214

85 12 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4210

85 10 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4208

85 8 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4116

85 12 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4114

85 10 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4112

85 4 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4110

85 8 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon Silver

4108

85 8 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Technical specifications 39

Table 33. Thermal restriction matrix for R540 (continued)

Storage configuration Front 8 drive 12 drive 12 drive

Intel Xenon

Bronze 3204

85 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Intel Xenon

Bronze 3104

85 6 Yes Yes Yes Yes

Particulate and gaseous contamination specifications

The following table defines the limitations that help avoid any equipment damage or failure from particulates and gaseous

contamination. If the levels of particulates or gaseous pollution exceed the specified limitations and result in equipment damage

or failure, you may need to rectify the environmental conditions. Re-mediation of environmental conditions is the responsibility

of the customer.

Table 34. Particulate contamination specifications

Particulate contamination Specifications

Air filtration Data center air filtration as defined by ISO Class 8 per ISO 14644-1

with a 95% upper confidence limit.

NOTE: This condition applies to data center environments only. Air

filtration requirements do not apply to IT equipment designed to be

used outside a data center, in environments such as an office or

factory floor.

NOTE: Air entering the data center must have MERV11 or MERV13

filtration.

Conductive dust Air must be free of conductive dust, zinc whiskers, or other

conductive particles.

NOTE: This condition applies to data center and non-data center

environments.

Corrosive dust ●Air must be free of corrosive dust.

●Residual dust present in the air must have a deliquescent point less

than 60% relative humidity.

NOTE: This condition applies to data center and non-data center

environments.

Table 35. Gaseous contamination specifications

Gaseous contamination Specifications

Copper coupon corrosion rate <300 Å/month per Class G1 as defined by ANSI/ISA71.04-1985.

Silver coupon corrosion rate <200 Å/month as defined by AHSRAE TC9.9.

NOTE: Maximum corrosive contaminant levels measured at ≤50% relative humidity.

40 Technical specifications

Initial system setup and configuration

Topics:

•Setting up your system

•iDRAC configuration

•Options to install the operating system

Setting up your system

Perform the following steps to set up your system:

Steps

1. Unpack the system.

2. Install the system into the rack. For more information about installing the system into the rack, see the Rail Installation Guide

at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

3. Connect the peripherals to the system.

4. Connect the system to its electrical outlet.

5. Power on the system by pressing the power button or by using iDRAC.

6. Power on the attached peripherals.

For more information about setting up your system, see the Getting Started Guide that shipped with your system.

iDRAC configuration

The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) is designed to make system administrators more productive and improve

the overall availability of Dell systems. iDRAC alerts administrators about system issues and enables them to perform remote

system management. This reduces the need for physical access to the system.

Options to set up iDRAC IP address

To enable communication between your system and iDRAC, you must first configure the network settings based on your

network infrastructure.

NOTE: For static IP configuration, you must request for it at the time of purchase.

This option is set to DHCP by Default. You can set up the IP address by using one of the following interfaces:

Interfaces Document/Section

iDRAC Settings

utility

Dell Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

Dell Deployment

Toolkit

Dell Deployment Toolkit User’s Guide at www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage Deployment

Toolkit

Dell Lifecycle

Controller

Dell Lifecycle Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

Server LCD panel LCD panel section

iDRAC Direct and

Quick Sync 2

(optional)

See Dell Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals

Initial system setup and configuration 41

NOTE: To access iDRAC, ensure that you connect the ethernet cable to the iDRAC9 dedicated network port. You can also

access iDRAC through the shared LOM mode, if you have opted for a system that has the shared LOM mode enabled.

You can log in to iDRAC as:

●iDRAC user

●Microsoft Active Directory user

●Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) user

If you have opted for secure default access to iDRAC, you must use the iDRAC secure default password available on the system

Information tag. If you have not opted for secure default access to iDRAC, then use the default user name and password –root

and calvin. You can also log in by using your Single Sign-On or Smart Card.

NOTE: You must have the iDRAC credentials to log in to iDRAC.

NOTE: Ensure that you change the default username and password after setting up the iDRAC IP address.

For more information about logging in to the iDRAC and iDRAC licenses, see the latest Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller

User's Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

You can also access iDRAC by using RACADM. For more information, see the RACADM Command Line Interface Reference

Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

Options to install the operating system

If the system is shipped without an operating system, install a supported operating system by using one of the following

resources:

Table 36. Resources to install the operating system

Resources Location

iDRAC www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Lifecycle Controller www.dell.com/idracmanuals > Lifecycle Controller

OpenManage Deployment Toolkit www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage

Deployment Toolkit

Dell certified VMware ESXi www.dell.com/virtualizationsolutions

Installation and How-to videos for supported operating

systems on PowerEdge systems

Supported Operating Systems for Dell EMC PowerEdge

systems

Methods to download firmware and drivers

You can download the firmware and drivers by using any of the following methods:

Table 37. Firmware and drivers

Methods Location

From the Dell EMC support site www.dell.com/support/home

Using Dell Remote Access Controller Lifecycle Controller

(iDRAC with LC)

www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Using Dell Repository Manager (DRM) www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > Repository Manager

Using Dell OpenManage Essentials www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage Essentials

Using Dell OpenManage Enterprise www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage

Enterprise

42 Initial system setup and configuration

Table 37. Firmware and drivers (continued)

Methods Location

Using Dell Server Update Utility (SUU) www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > Server Update Utility

Using Dell OpenManage Deployment Toolkit (DTK) www.dell.com/openmanagemanuals > OpenManage

Deployment Toolkit

Using iDRAC virtual media www.dell.com/idracmanuals

Downloading drivers and firmware

Dell EMC recommends that you download and install the latest BIOS, drivers, and systems management firmware on your

system.

Prerequisites

Ensure that you clear the web browser cache before downloading the drivers and firmware.

Steps

1. Go to www.dell.com/support/home.

2. In the Drivers & Downloads section, type the Service Tag of your system in the Enter a Service Tag or product ID box,

and then click Submit.

NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, select Detect Product to allow the system to automatically detect the

Service Tag, or click View products, and navigate to your product.

3. Click Drivers & Downloads.

The drivers that are applicable to your system are displayed.

4. Download the drivers to a USB drive, CD, or DVD.

Initial system setup and configuration 43

Pre-operating system management

applications

You can manage basic settings and features of a system without booting to the operating system by using the system firmware.

Topics:

•Options to manage the pre-operating system applications

•System Setup

•Dell Lifecycle Controller

•Boot Manager

•PXE boot

Options to manage the pre-operating system

applications

Your system has the following options to manage the pre-operating system applications:

●System Setup

●Dell Lifecycle Controller

●Boot Manager

●Preboot Execution Environment (PXE)

System Setup

By using the System Setup screen, you can configure the BIOS settings, iDRAC settings, and device settings of your system.

NOTE: Help text for the selected field is displayed in the graphical browser by default. To view the help text in the text

browser, press F1.

You can access system setup by one of the following:

●Standard graphical browser—The browser is enabled by default.

●Text browser—The browser is enabled by using Console Redirection.

Viewing System Setup

To view the System Setup screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

44 Pre-operating system management applications

System Setup details

The System Setup Main Menu screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

System BIOS Enables you to configure BIOS settings.

iDRAC Settings Enables you to configure the iDRAC settings.

The iDRAC settings utility is an interface to set up and configure the iDRAC parameters by using UEFI

(Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). You can enable or disable various iDRAC parameters by using the

iDRAC settings utility. For more information about this utility, see Integrated Dell Remote Access

Controller User’s Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

Device Settings Enables you to configure device settings.

Service Tag

Settings

Enables you to configure service tag settings.

System BIOS

You can use the System BIOS screen to edit specific functions such as boot order, system password, and setup password, set

the SATA and PCIe NVMe RAID mode, and enable or disable USB ports.

Viewing System BIOS

To view the System BIOS screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If the operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart the system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

System BIOS Settings details

About this task

The System BIOS Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

System

Information

Provides information about the system such as the system model name, BIOS version, and Service Tag.

Memory Settings Provides information and options related to the installed memory.

Processor

Settings

Provides information and options related to the processor such as speed and cache size.

SATA Settings Provides options to enable or disable the integrated SATA controller and ports.

NVMe Settings Provides options to change the NVMe settings. If the system contains the NVMe drives that you want to

configure in a RAID array, you must set both this field and the Embedded SATA field on the SATA

Settings menu to RAID mode. You might also need to change the Boot Mode setting to UEFI.

Otherwise, you should set this field to Non-RAID mode.

Pre-operating system management applications 45

Option Description

Boot Settings Provides options to specify the Boot mode (BIOS or UEFI). Enables you to modify UEFI and BIOS boot

settings.

Network Settings Provides options to manage the UEFI network settings and boot protocols.

Legacy network settings are managed from the Device Settings menu.

Integrated

Devices

Provides options to manage integrated device controllers and ports, specifies related features and

options.

Serial

Communication

Provides options to manage the serial ports, their related features and options.

System Profile

Settings

Provides options to change the processor power management settings, and memory frequency.

System Security Provides options to configure the system security settings, such as system password, setup password,

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) security, and UEFI secure boot. It also manages the power button on the

system.

Redundant OS

Control

Sets the redundant OS information for redundant OS control.

Miscellaneous

Settings

Provides options to change the system date and time.

System Information

You can use the System Information screen to view system properties such as Service Tag, system model name, and BIOS

version.

Viewing System Information

To view the System Information screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click System Information.

System Information details

About this task

The System Information screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

System Model

Name

Specifies the system model name.

System BIOS

Version

Specifies the BIOS version installed on the system.

46 Pre-operating system management applications

Option Description

System

Management

Engine Version

Specifies the current version of the Management Engine firmware.

System Service

Tag

Specifies the system Service Tag.

System

Manufacturer

Specifies the name of the system manufacturer.

System

Manufacturer

Contact

Information

Specifies the contact information of the system manufacturer.

System CPLD

Version

Specifies the current version of the system complex programmable logic device (CPLD) firmware.

UEFI Compliance

Version

Specifies the UEFI compliance level of the system firmware.

Memory Settings

You can use the Memory Settings screen to view all the memory settings and enable or disable specific memory functions,

such as system memory testing and node interleaving.

Viewing Memory Settings

To view the Memory Settings screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If the operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart the system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click Memory Settings.

Memory Settings details

About this task

The Memory Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

System Memory

Size

Specifies the memory size in the system.

System Memory

Type

Specifies the type of memory that is installed in the system.

System Memory

Speed

Specifies the system memory speed.

System Memory

Voltage

Specifies the system memory voltage.

Pre-operating system management applications 47

Option Description

Video Memory Specifies the amount of video memory.

System Memory

Testing

Specifies whether the system memory tests are run during system boot. Options are Enabled and

Disabled. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Dram Refresh

Delay

By enabling the CPU memory controller to delay running the REFRESH commands, you can improve

the performance for some workloads. By minimizing the delay time, it is ensured that the memory

controller runs the REFRESH command at regular intervals. For lntel-besed servers, this setting only

affects systems configured with DIMMs which use 8 Gb density DRAMS.

Memory

Operating Mode

Specifies the memory operating mode. The options available are Optimizer Mode, Single Rank Spare

Mode, Multi Rank Spare Mode, and Mirror Mode. This option is set to Optimizer Mode by default.

NOTE: The Memory Operating Mode option can have different default and available options

depending on the memory configuration of your system.

Current State of

Memory

Operating Mode

Specifies the current state of the memory operating mode.

Node Interleaving Specifies if Non-Uniform Memory Architecture (NUMA) is supported. If this field is set to Enabled,

memory interleaving is supported if a symmetric memory configuration is installed. If this field is set to

Disabled, the system supports NUMA (asymmetric) memory configurations. This option is set to

Disabled by default.

ADDDC Setting Enables or disables ADDDC Setting feature. When Adaptive Double DRAM Device Correction (ADDDC)

is enabled, failing DRAMs are dynamically mapped out. When set to Enabled it can have some impact to

system performance under certain workloads. This feature is applicable for x4 DIMMs only. This option is

set to Enabled by default.

Native tRFC

Timing for 16Gb

DIMMs

Enables 16 Gb density DIMMs to operate at their programmed Row Refresh Cycle Time (tRFC). Enabling

this feature may improve system performance for some configurations. However, enabling this feature

has no effect on configurations with 16 Gb 3DS/TSV DIMMs. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Opportunistic

Self-Refresh

Enables or disables opportunistic self-refresh feature. This option is set to Disabled by default and is not

supported when DCPMMs are in the system.

Correctable Error

logging

Enables or disables logging of correctable memory threshold error. This option is set to Enabled by

default.

Processor Settings

You can use the Processor Settings screen to view the processor settings and perform specific functions such as enabling

virtualization technology, hardware prefetcher, logical processor idling.

Viewing Processor Settings

To view the Processor Settings screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click Processor Settings.

48 Pre-operating system management applications

Processor Settings details

About this task

The Processor Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

Logical

Processor

Enables or disables the logical processors and displays the number of logical processors. If this option is

set to Enabled, the BIOS displays all the logical processors. If this option is set to Disabled, the BIOS

displays only one logical processor per core. This option is set to Enabled by default.

CPU

Interconnect

Speed

Enables you to govern the frequency of the communication links among the processors in the system.

NOTE: The standard and basic bin processors support lower link frequencies.

The options available are Maximum data rate, 10.4 GT/s, and 9.6 GT/s. This option is set to Maximum

data rate by default.

Maximum data rate indicates that the BIOS runs the communication links at the maximum frequency that

is supported by the processors. You can also select specific frequencies that the processors support,

which can vary.

For best performance, you should select Maximum data rate. Any reduction in the communication link

frequency affects the performance of non-local memory accesses and cache coherency traffic. Besides,

it can slow access to non-local I/O devices from a particular processor.

However, if power-saving considerations outweigh performance, you might want to reduce the frequency

of the processor communication links. If you do this, you should localize memory and I/O accesses to the

nearest NUMA node to minimize the impact to system performance.

Virtualization

Technology

Enables or disables the virtualization technology for the processor. This option is set to Enabled by

default.

Adjacent Cache

Line Prefetch

Optimizes the system for applications that need high utilization of sequential memory access. This option

is set to Enabled by default. You can disable this option for applications that need high utilization of

random memory access.

Hardware

Prefetcher

Enables or disables the hardware prefetcher. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Software

Prefetcher

Enables or disables the software prefetcher. This option is set to Enabled by default.

DCU Streamer

Prefetcher

Enables or disables the Data Cache Unit (DCU) streamer prefetcher. This option is set to Enabled by

default.

DCU IP

Prefetcher

Enables or disables the Data Cache Unit (DCU) IP prefetcher. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Sub NUMA

Cluster

Sub NUMA Clustering (SNC) is a feature for breaking up the LLC into disjoint clusters based on address

range, with each cluster bound to a subset of the memory controllers in the system. It improves average

latency to the LLC. Enables or disables the Sub NUMA Cluster. This option is set to Disabled by default.

UPI Prefetch Enables you to get the memory that is read started early on DDR bus. The Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI)

Rx path will spawn the speculative memory that is read to Integrated Memory Controller (iMC) directly.

This option is set to Enabled by default.

LLC Prefetch Enables or disables the LLC Prefetch on all threads. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Dead Line LLC

Alloc

Enables or disables the Dead Line LLC Alloc. This option is set to Enabled by default. You can enable this

option to enter the dead lines in LLC or disable the option to not enter the dead lines in LLC.

Directory AtoS Enables or disables the Directory AtoS. AtoS optimization reduces remote read latencies for repeat read

accesses without intervening writes. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Logical

Processor Idling

Enables you to improve the energy efficiency of a system. It uses the operating system core parking

algorithm and parks some of the logical processors in the system which in turn allows the corresponding

processor cores to transition into a lower power idle state. This option can only be enabled if the

operating system supports it. It is set to Disabled by default.

Pre-operating system management applications 49

Option Description

Configurable TDP Enables you to configure the TDP level. The available options are Nominal, Level 1, and Level 2. This

option is set to Nominal by default.

NOTE: This option is only available on certain stock keeping units (SKUs) of the processors.

x2APIC Mode Enables or disables the x2APIC mode. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Compared to the traditional xAPIC architecture, xAPIC extends processor addressability and enhances

interrupt delivery performance. Virtualization technology must be enabled to allow enabling and disabling

of x2APIC mode. The x2APIC mode is forced as Disabled when virtualization technology is disabled.

Number of Cores

per Processor

Controls the number of enabled cores in each processor. This option is set to All by default.

Processor Core

Speed

Specifies the maximum core frequency of the processor.

Processor Bus

Speed

Displays the bus speed of the processor.

Processor n NOTE: Depending on the number of processors, there might be up to two processors listed.

The following settings are displayed for each processor that is installed in the system:

Option Description

Family-Model-

Stepping

Specifies the family, model, and stepping of the processor as defined by Intel.

Brand Specifies the brand name.

Level 2 Cache Specifies the total L2 cache.

Level 3 Cache Specifies the total L3 cache.

Number of Cores Specifies the number of cores per processor.

Maximum

Memory Capacity

Specifies the maximum memory capacity per processor.

Microcode Specifies the microcode.

SATA Settings

You can use the SATA Settings screen to view the settings of SATA devices and enable SATA and PCIe NVMe RAID mode on

your system.

Viewing SATA Settings

To view the SATA Settings screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click SATA Settings.

50 Pre-operating system management applications

SATA Settings details

About this task

The SATA Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

Embedded SATA Enables the embedded SATA option to be set to AHCI Mode, or RAID Mode. This option is set to AHCI

Mode by default.

Security Freeze

Lock

Enables you to send Security Freeze Lock command to the embedded SATA drives during POST. This

option is applicable only for AHCI mode. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Write Cache Enables or disables the command for the embedded SATA drives during POST. This option is set to

Disabled by default.

Port n Enables you to set the drive type of the selected device.

For AHCI Mode or RAID Mode, BIOS support is always enabled.

Option Description

Model Specifies the drive model of the selected device.

Drive Type Specifies the type of drive attached to the SATA port.

Capacity Specifies the total capacity of the drive. This field is undefined for removable media

devices such as optical drives.

NVMe Settings

The NVMe settings enable you to set the NVMe drives to either RAID mode or Non-RAID mode.

NOTE: To configure these drives as RAID drives, you must set the NVMe drives and the Embedded SATA option in the

SATA Settings menu to RAID mode. If not, you must set this field to Non-RAID mode.

Viewing NVMe Settings

To view the NVMe Settings screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click NVMe Settings.

NVMe Settings details

About this task

The NVMe Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

NVMe Mode Enables you to set the NVMe mode. This option is set to Non RAID by default.

Pre-operating system management applications 51

Boot Settings

You can use the Boot Settings screen to set the boot mode to either BIOS or UEFI. It also enables you to specify the boot

order.

●UEFI: The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) is a new interface between operating systems and platform

firmware. The interface consists of data tables with platform related information, boot and runtime service calls that are

available to the operating system and its loader. The following benefits are available when the Boot Mode is set to UEFI:

○Support for drive partitions larger than 2 TB.

○Enhanced security (e.g., UEFI Secure Boot).

○Faster boot time.

NOTE: You must use only the UEFI boot mode in order to boot from NVMe drives.

●BIOS: The BIOS Boot Mode is the legacy boot mode. It is maintained for backward compatibility.

Viewing Boot Settings

To view the Boot Settings screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click Boot Settings.

Boot Settings details

About this task

The Boot Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

Boot Mode Enables you to set the boot mode of the system.

CAUTION: Switching the boot mode may prevent the system from booting if the operating

system is not installed in the same boot mode.

If the operating system supports UEFI, you can set this option to UEFI. Setting this field to BIOS enables

compatibility with non-UEFI operating systems. This option is set to UEFI by default.

NOTE: Setting this field to UEFI disables the BIOS Boot Settings menu.

Boot Sequence

Retry

Enables or disables the Boot Sequence Retry feature. If this option is set to Enabled and the system

fails to boot, the system re-attempts the boot sequence after 30 seconds. This option is set to Enabled

by default.

Hard-Disk

Failover

Specifies the drive that is booted in the event of a drive failure. The devices are selected in the Hard-

Disk Drive Sequence on the Boot Option Setting menu. When this option is set to Disabled, only the

first drive in the list is attempted to boot. When this option is set to Enabled, all drives are attempted to

boot in the order selected in the Hard-Disk Drive Sequence. This option is not enabled for UEFI Boot

Mode. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Generic USB

Boot

Enables or disables the USB boot option. This option is set to Disabled by default.

52 Pre-operating system management applications

Hard-disk Drive

Placeholder

Enables or disables the Hard-disk drive placeholder option. This option is set to Disabled by default.

BIOS Boot

Settings

Enables or disables BIOS boot options.

NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is BIOS.

UEFI Boot

Settings

Enables or disables UEFI Boot options.

The Boot options include IPv4 PXE and IPv6 PXE. This option is set to IPv4 by default.

NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is UEFI.

UEFI Boot

Sequence

Enables you to change the boot device order.

Boot Options

Enable/Disable

Enables you to select the enabled or disabled boot devices.

Choosing system boot mode

System Setup enables you to specify one of the following boot modes for installing your operating system:

●BIOS boot mode is the standard BIOS-level boot interface.

●UEFI boot mode (the default), is an enhanced 64-bit boot interface.

If you have configured your system to boot to UEFI mode, it replaces the system BIOS.

1. From the System Setup Main Menu, click Boot Settings, and select Boot Mode.

2. Select the UEFI boot mode you want the system to boot into.

CAUTION: Switching the boot mode may prevent the system from booting if the operating system is not

installed in the same boot mode.

3. After the system boots in the specified boot mode, proceed to install your operating system from that mode.

NOTE: Operating systems must be UEFI-compatible to be installed from the UEFI boot mode. DOS and 32-bit operating

systems do not support UEFI and can only be installed from the BIOS boot mode.

NOTE: For the latest information about supported operating systems, go to www.dell.com/ossupport.

Changing boot order

About this task

You may have to change the boot order if you want to boot from a USB key or an optical drive. The following instructions may

vary if you have selected BIOS for Boot Mode.

Steps

1. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > Boot Settings > UEFI/BIOS Boot Settings > UEFI/

BIOS Boot Sequence.

2. Click Exit, and then click Yes to save the settings on exit.

Network Settings

You can use the Network Settings screen to modify UEFI PXE, iSCSI, and HTTP boot settings. The network settings option is

available only in the UEFI mode.

NOTE: BIOS does not control network settings in the BIOS mode. For the BIOS boot mode, the optional Boot ROM of the

network controllers handles the network settings.

Pre-operating system management applications 53

Viewing Network Settings

To view the Network Settings screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click Network Settings.

Network Settings screen details

The Network Settings screen details are explained as follows:

About this task

Option Description

UEFI PXE

Settings Options Description

PXE Device n (n

= 1 to 4)

Enables or disables the device. When enabled, a UEFI PXE boot option is created

for the device.

UEFI HTTP

Settings Options Description

HTTP Device (n =

1 to 4)

Enables or disables the device. When enabled, a UEFI HTTP boot option is created

for the device.

UEFI iSCSI

Settings

Enables you to control the configuration of the iSCSI device.

Table 38. UEFI iSCSI Settings screen details

Option Description

iSCSI Initiator Name Specifies the name of the iSCSI initiator in IQN

format.

iSCSI Device1 Enables or disables the iSCSI device. When

disabled, a UEFI boot option is created for the

iSCSI device automatically. This is set to by

default.

iSCSI Device1 Settings Enables you to control the configuration of the

iSCSI device.

TLS

Authentication

Configuration

View and/or modify this device's boot TLS authentication mode. None means the HTTP server and the

client will not authenticate each other for this boot. One way means the HTTP server will be

authenticated by the client, while the client will not be authenticated by the server. This option is set to

None by default.

54 Pre-operating system management applications

Integrated Devices

You can use the Integrated Devices screen to view and configure the settings of all integrated devices including the video

controller, integrated RAID controller, and the USB ports.

Viewing Integrated Devices

To view the Integrated Devices screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click Integrated Devices.

Integrated Devices details

About this task

The Integrated Devices screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

User Accessible

USB Ports

Configures the user accessible USB ports. Selecting Only Back Ports On disables the front USB ports;

selecting All Ports Off disables all front and back USB ports.

The USB keyboard and mouse still function in certain USB ports during the boot process, depending on

the selection. After the boot process is complete, the USB ports will be enabled or disabled as per the

setting.

Internal USB

Port

Enables or disables the internal USB port. This option is set to On or Off. This option is set to On by

default.

NOTE: The Internal SD Card Port on the PCIe riser is controlled by Internal USB Port.

iDRAC Direct

USB Port

The iDRAC Direct USB port is managed by iDRAC exclusively with no host visibility. This option is set to

ON or OFF. When set to OFF, iDRAC does not detect any USB devices installed in this managed port.

This option is set to On by default.

Integrated RAID

Controller

Enables or disables the integrated RAID controller. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Embedded NIC1

and NIC2

NOTE: The Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 options are only available on systems that do not have

Integrated Network Card 1.

Enables or disables the Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 options. If set to Disabled, the NIC may still be

available for shared network access by the embedded management controller. The embedded NIC1 and

NIC2 options are only available on systems that do not have Network Daughter Cards (NDCs). The

Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 option is mutually exclusive with the Integrated Network Card 1 option.

Configure the Embedded NIC1 and NIC2 option by using the NIC management utilities of the system.

I/OAT DMA

Engine

Enables or disables the I/O Acceleration Technology (I/OAT) option. I/OAT is a set of DMA features

designed to accelerate network traffic and lower CPU utilization. Enable only if the hardware and

software support the feature.This option is set to Disabled by default.

Pre-operating system management applications 55

Option Description

I/O Snoop

HoldOff

Response

Selects the number of cycles PCI I/O can withhold snoop requests, from the CPU, to allow time to

complete its own write to LLC. This setting can help improve performance on workloads where

throughput and latency are critical.

Embedded Video

Controller

Enables or disables the use of Embedded Video Controller as the primary display. When set to Enabled,

the Embedded Video Controller is used as the primary display even if add-in graphic cards are installed.

When set to Disabled, an add-in graphics card is used as the primary display. BIOS will output displays to

both the primary add-in video and the embedded video during POST and pre-boot environment. The

embedded video is disabled before the operating system boots. This option is set to Enabled by default.

NOTE: When there are multiple add-in graphic cards installed in the system, the first card discovered

during PCI enumeration is selected as the primary video. You might have to re-arrange the cards in

the slots in order to control which card is the primary video.

Current State of

Embedded Video

Controller

Displays the current state of the embedded video controller. The Current State of Embedded Video

Controller option is a read-only field. If the Embedded Video Controller is the only display capability in the

system (that is, no add-in graphics card is installed), then the Embedded Video Controller is automatically

used as the primary display even if the Embedded Video Controller setting is set to Disabled.

SR-IOV Global

Enable

Enables or disables the BIOS configuration of Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV) devices. This option

is set to Disabled by default.

Internal SD Card

Port

Enables or disables the internal SD card port of the Internal Dual SD Module (IDSDM). This option is set

to On by default.

Internal SD Card

Redundancy

Configures the redundancy mode of the Internal Dual SD Module (IDSDM). When set to Mirror Mode,

data is written on both SD cards. After failure of either card and replacement of the failed card, the data

of the active card is copied to the offline card during the system boot.

When Internal SD Card Redundancy is set to Disabled, only the primary SD card is visible to the OS. This

option is set to Disabled by default.

Internal SD

Primary Card

By default, the primary SD card is selected to be SD Card 1. If SD Card 1 is not present, then the

controller selects SD Card 2 to be the primary SD card.

OS Watchdog

Timer

If your system stops responding, this watchdog timer aids in the recovery of your operating system. When

this option is set to Enabled, the operating system initializes the timer. When this option is set to

Disabled (the default), the timer does not have any effect on the system.

Empty Slot

Unhide

Enables or disables the root ports of all the empty slots that are accessible to the BIOS and OS. This

option is set to Disabled by default.

Memory Mapped

I/O above 4 GB

Enables or disables the support for the PCIe devices that need large amounts of memory. Enable this

option only for 64-bit operating systems. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Memory Mapped

I/O Base

When set to 12 TB, the system maps the MMIO base to 12 TB. Enable this option for an OS that requires

44 bit PCIe addressing. When set to 512 GB, the system maps the MMIO base to 512 GB, and reduces

the maximum support for memory to less than 512 GB. Enable this option only for the 4 GPU DGMA issue.

This option is set to 56 TB by default.

Slot Disablement Enables or disables the available PCIe slots on your system. The slot disablement feature controls the

configuration of the PCIe cards installed in the specified slot. Slots must be disabled only when the

installed peripheral card prevents booting into the operating system or causes delays in system startup. If

the slot is disabled, both the Option ROM and UEFI drivers are disabled. Only slots that are present on the

system are available for control.

Table 39. Slot Disablement

Option Description

Slot 1 Enables or disables or only the boot driver is

disabled for the PCIe slot 1. This option is set to

Enabled by default.

Slot 2 Enables or disables or only the boot driver is

disabled for the PCIe slot 2. This option is set to

Enabled by default.

56 Pre-operating system management applications

Option Description

Table 39. Slot Disablement (continued)

Option Description

Slot 3 Enables or disables or only the boot driver is

disabled for the PCIe slot 3. This option is set to

Enabled by default.

Slot 4 Enables or disables or only the boot driver is

disabled for the PCIe slot 4. This option is set to

Enabled by default.

Slot 5 Enables or disables or only the boot driver is

disabled for the PCIe slot 5. This option is set to

Enabled by default.

Slot 6 Enables or disables or only the boot driver is

disabled for the PCIe slot 6. This option is set to

Enabled by default.

Slot Bifurcation Allows Platform Default Bifurcation, Auto Discovery of Bifurcation and Manual Bifurcation

Control. The default is set to Platform Default Bifurcation. The slot bifurcation field is accessible

when set to Manual Bifurcation Control and is disabled when set to Platform Default Bifurcation or

Auto Discovery of Bifurcation.

Table 40. Slot Bifurcation

Option Description

Auto Discovery Bifurcation Settings Platform Default Bifurcation , Auto Bifurcation,

and Manual bifurcation

Slot 2 Bifurcation x4 or x8 Bifurcation

Slot 3 Bifurcation x4 or x8 Bifurcation

Slot 5 Bifurcation x4 Bifurcation

Slot 6 Bifurcation x4 Bifurcation

Serial Communication

You can use the Serial Communication screen to view the properties of the serial communication port.

Viewing Serial Communication

To view the Serial Communication screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

Pre-operating system management applications 57

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click Serial Communication.

Serial Communication details

About this task

The Serial Communication screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

Serial

Communication

Enables you to select serial communication devices (Serial Device 1 and Serial Device 2) in BIOS. BIOS

console redirection can also be enabled, and the port address can be specified. This option is set to Auto

by default.

Serial Port

Address

Enables you to set the port address for serial device. This field sets the serial port address to either

COM1 or COM2 (COM1=0x3F8, COM2=0x2F8). This option is set to Serial Device1=COM2 or Serial

Device 2=COM1 by default.

NOTE: You can use only Serial Device 2 for the Serial Over LAN (SOL) feature. To use console

redirection by SOL, configure the same port address for console redirection and the serial device.

NOTE: Every time the system boots, the BIOS syncs the serial MUX setting saved in iDRAC. The

serial MUX setting can independently be changed in iDRAC. Loading the BIOS default settings from

within the BIOS setup utility may not always revert the serial MUX setting to the default setting of

Serial Device 1.

External Serial

Connector

Enables you to associate the External Serial Connector to Serial Device 1, Serial Device 2, or the

Remote Access Device by using this option. This option is set to Serial Device 1 by default.

NOTE: Only Serial Device 2 can be used for Serial Over LAN (SOL). To use console redirection by

SOL, configure the same port address for console redirection and the serial device.

NOTE: Every time the system boots, the BIOS syncs the serial MUX setting saved in iDRAC. The

serial MUX setting can independently be changed in iDRAC. Loading the BIOS default settings from

within the BIOS setup utility may not always revert this setting to the default setting of Serial Device

Failsafe Baud

Rate

Specifies the failsafe baud rate for console redirection. The BIOS attempts to determine the baud rate

automatically. This failsafe baud rate is used only if the attempt fails, and the value must not be changed.

This option is set to 115200 by default.

Remote Terminal

Type

Enables you to set the remote console terminal type. This option is set to VT100/VT220 by default.

Redirection After

Boot

Enables or disables the BIOS console redirection when the operating system is loaded. This option is set

to Enabled by default.

System Profile Settings

You can use the System Profile Settings screen to enable specific system performance settings such as power management.

Viewing System Profile Settings

To view the System Profile Settings screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

58 Pre-operating system management applications

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click System Profile Settings.

System Profile Settings details

About this task

The System Profile Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

System Profile Sets the system profile. If you set the System Profile option to a mode other than Custom, the BIOS

automatically sets the rest of the options. You can only change the rest of the options if the mode is set

to Custom.This option is set to Performance Per Watt Optimized (DAPC) by default. DAPC is Dell

Active Power Controller.Other options include Performance Per Watt (OS), Performance, and

Workstation Performance.

NOTE: All the parameters on the system profile setting screen are available only when the System

Profile option is set to Custom.

CPU Power

Management

Sets the CPU power management. This option is set to System DBPM (DAPC) by default. DBPM is

Demand-Based Power Management. Other options include OS DBPM, and Maximum Performance.

Memory

Frequency

Sets the speed of the system memory. You can select Maximum Performance, Maximum Reliability,

or a specific speed. This option is set to Maximum Performance by default.

Turbo Boost Enables or disables the processor to operate in the turbo boost mode. This option is set to Enabled by

default.

C1E Enables or disables the processor to switch to a minimum performance state when it is idle. This option is

set to Enabled by default.

C States Enables or disables the processor to operate in all available power states. This option is set to Enabled by

default.

Write Data CRC Enables or disables the Write Data CRC. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Memory Patrol

Scrub

Sets the memory patrol scrub frequency. This option is set to Standard by default.

Memory Refresh

Rate

Sets the memory refresh rate to either 1x or 2x. This option is set to 1x by default.

Uncore

Frequency

Enables you to select the Processor Uncore Frequency option.Dynamic mode enables the processor

to optimize power resources across cores and uncores during runtime. The optimization of the uncore

frequency to either save power or optimize performance is influenced by the setting of the Energy

Efficiency Policy option.

Energy Efficient

Policy

Enables you to select the Energy Efficient Policy option.

The CPU uses the setting to manipulate the internal behavior of the processor and determines whether to

target higher performance or better power savings. This option is set to Balanced Performance by

default.

Number of Turbo

Boost Enabled

Cores for

Processor 1

NOTE: If there are two processors installed in the system, you will see an entry for Number of

Turbo Boost Enabled Cores for Processor 2.

Controls the number of turbo boost enabled cores for Processor 1. The maximum number of cores is

enabled by default.

Monitor/Mwait Enables the Monitor/Mwait instructions in the processor. This option is set to Enabled for all system

profiles, except Custom by default.

Pre-operating system management applications 59

Option Description

NOTE: This option can be disabled only if the C States option in the Custom mode is set to

disabled.

NOTE: When C States is set to Enabled in the Custom mode, changing the Monitor/Mwait setting

does not impact the system power or performance.

CPU

Interconnect Bus

Link Power

Management

Enables or disables the CPU Interconnect Bus Link Power Management. This option is set to Enabled by

default.

PCI ASPM L1 Link

Power

Management

Enables or disables the PCI ASPM L1 Link Power Management. This option is set to Enabled by default.

System Security

You can use the System Security screen to perform specific functions such as setting the system password, setup password

and disabling the power button.

Viewing System Security

To view the System Security screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click System Security.

System Security Settings details

About this task

The System Security Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

CPU AES-NI Improves the speed of applications by performing encryption and decryption by using the Advanced

Encryption Standard Instruction Set (AES-NI). This option is set to Enabled by default.

System

Password

Enables you to set the system password. This option is set to Enabled by default and is read-only if the

password jumper is not installed in the system.

Setup Password Enables you to set the system setup password. This option is read-only if the password jumper is not

installed in the system.

Password Status Enables you to lock the system password. This option is set to Unlocked by default.

TPM Security NOTE: The TPM menu is available only when the TPM module is installed.

60 Pre-operating system management applications

Option Description

Enables you to control the reporting mode of the TPM. The TPM Security option is set to Off by

default. You can only modify the TPM Status TPM Activation, and the Intel TXT fields if the TPM Status

field is set to either On with Pre-boot Measurements or On without Pre-boot Measurements.

When TPM 1.2 is installed, the TPM Security option is set to Off, On with Pre-boot Measurements,

or On without Pre-boot Measurements.

Table 41. TPM 1.2 security information

Option Description

TPM Information Changes the operational state of the TPM. This

option is set to No Change by default.

TPM Firmware Indicates the firmware version of the TPM.

TPM Status Specifies the TPM status.

TPM Command Controls the Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

When set to None, no command is sent to the

TPM. When set to Activate, the TPM is enabled

and activated. When set to Deactivate, the TPM

is disabled and deactivated. When set to Clear,

all the contents of the TPM are cleared. This

option is set to None by default.

When TPM 2.0 is installed, the TPM Security option is set to On or Off. This option is set to Off by

default.

Table 42. TPM 2.0 security information

Option Description

TPM Information Changes the operational state of the TPM. This

option is set to No Change by default.

TPM Firmware Indicates the firmware version of the TPM.

TPM Hierarcy Enable, disable, or clear the storage and

endorsement hierarchies. When set to Enabled,

the storage and endorsement hierarchies can be

used.

When set to Disabled, the storage and

endorsement hierarchies cannot be used.

When set to Clear, the storage and endorsement

hierarchies are cleared of any values, and then

reset to Enabled.

TPM Advanced

Settings

This setting is enabled only when TPM Security is set to ON.

Table 43. TPM Advanced Settings Details

Option Description

TPM PPI Bypass Provision When set to Enabled allows the Operating

System to bypass Physical Presence Interface

(PPI).

TPM PPI Bypass Clear When set to Enabled allows the Operating

System to bypass Physical Presence Interface

(PPI).

TPM2 Algorithm Selection

Pre-operating system management applications 61

Option Description

Intel(R) TXT Enables you to set the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) option. To enable the Intel TXT option,

virtualization technology and TPM Security must be enabled with Pre-boot measurements. This option is

set to Off by default.

When TPM 2.0 is installed, TPM 2 Algorithm option is available. It enables you to select a hash algorithm

from those supported by the TPM (SHA1, SHA256). TPM 2 Algorithm option must be set to SHA256,

to enable TXT.

Power Button Enables you to set the power button on the front of the system. This option is set to Enabled by default.

AC Power

Recovery

Sets how the system behaves after AC power is restored to the system. This option is set to Last by

default.

AC Power

Recovery Delay

Enables you to set the time that the system should take to turn on after AC power is restored to the

system. This option is set to Immediate by default.

User Defined

Delay (60 s to

600 s)

Enables you to set the User Defined Delay option when the User Defined option for AC Power

Recovery Delay is selected.

UEFI Variable

Access

Provides varying degrees of securing UEFI variables. When set to Standard (the default), UEFI variables

are accessible in the operating system per the UEFI specification. When set to Controlled, selected UEFI

variables are protected in the environment, and new UEFI boot entries are forced to be at the end of the

current boot order.

In-Band

Manageability

Interface

When set to Disabled, this setting hides the Management Engine's (ME), HECI devices, and the system's

IPMI devices from the operating system. This prevents the operating system from changing the ME

power capping settings, and blocks access to all in-band management tools. All management should be

managed through out-of-band. This option is set to Enabled by default.

NOTE: BIOS update requires HECI devices to be operational and DUP updates require IPMI interface

to be operational. This setting needs to be set to Enabled to avoid updating errors.

Secure Boot Enables Secure Boot, where the BIOS authenticates each pre-boot image by using the certificates in the

Secure Boot Policy. Secure Boot is set to Disabled by default.

Secure Boot

Policy

When Secure Boot policy is set to Standard, the BIOS uses the system manufacturer key and certificates

to authenticate pre-boot images. When Secure Boot policy is set to Custom, the BIOS uses the user-

defined key and certificates. Secure Boot policy is set to Standard by default.

Secure Boot

Mode

Enables you to configure how the BIOS uses the Secure Boot Policy Objects (PK, KEK, db, dbx).

If the current mode is set to Deployed Mode, the available options are User Mode and Deployed Mode.

If the current mode is set to User Mode, the available options are User Mode, Audit Mode, and

Deployed Mode.

Options Description

User Mode In User Mode, PK must be installed, and BIOS performs signature verification on

programmatic attempts to update policy objects.

BIOS allows unauthenticated programmatic transitions between modes.

Audit Mode In Audit mode, PK is not present. BIOS does not authenticate programmatic

updates to the policy objects, and transitions between modes.

Audit Mode is useful for programmatically determining a working set of policy

objects.

BIOS performs signature verification on pre-boot images. BIOS also logs the results

in the image Execution Information Table, but approves the images whether they

pass or fail verification.

Deployed Mode Deployed Mode is the most secure mode. In Deployed Mode, PK must be

installed and the BIOS performs signature verification on programmatic attempts to

update policy objects.

Deployed Mode restricts the programmatic mode transitions.

62 Pre-operating system management applications

Option Description

Secure Boot

Policy Summary

Specifies the list of certificates and hashes that secure boot uses to authenticate images.

Secure Boot

Custom Policy

Settings

Configures the Secure Boot Custom Policy. To enable this option, set the Secure Boot Policy to

Custom.

Creating a system and setup password

Prerequisites

Ensure that the password jumper is enabled. The password jumper enables or disables the system password and setup password

features. For more information, see the System board jumper settings section.

NOTE: If the password jumper setting is disabled, the existing system password and setup password are deleted and you

need not provide the system password to boot the system.

Steps

1. To enter System Setup, press F2 immediately after turning on or rebooting your system.

2. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > System Security.

3. On the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is set to Unlocked.

4. In the System Password field, type your system password, and press Enter or Tab.

Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:

●A password can have up to 32 characters.

●The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9.

A message prompts you to reenter the system password.

5. Reenter the system password, and click OK.

6. In the Setup Password field, type your setup password and press Enter or Tab.

A message prompts you to reenter the setup password.

7. Reenter the setup password, and click OK.

8. Press Esc to return to the System BIOS screen. Press Esc again.

A message prompts you to save the changes.

NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until the system reboots.

Using your system password to secure the system

About this task

If you have assigned a setup password, the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system password.

Steps

1. Power on or reboot your system.

2. Type the system password and press Enter.

Next steps

When Password Status is set to Locked, type the system password and press Enter when prompted at reboot.

NOTE: If an incorrect system password is typed, the system displays a message and prompts you to reenter your password.

You have three attempts to type the correct password. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an error

message that the system has stopped functioning and must be turned off. Even after you turn off and restart the system,

the error message is displayed until the correct password is entered.

Pre-operating system management applications 63

Deleting or changing system and setup password

Prerequisites

NOTE: You cannot delete or change an existing system or setup password if the Password Status is set to Locked.

Steps

1. To enter System Setup, press F2 immediately after turning on or restarting your system.

2. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > System Security.

3. On the System Security screen, ensure that Password Status is set to Unlocked.

4. In the System Password field, change or delete the existing system password, and then press Enter or Tab.

5. In the Setup Password field, alter or delete the existing setup password, and then press Enter or Tab.

NOTE: If you change the system password or setup password, a message prompts you to reenter the new password. If

you delete the system password or setup password, a message prompts you to confirm the deletion.

6. Press Esc to return to the System BIOS screen. Press Esc again, and a message prompts you to save the changes.

7. Select Setup Password, change, or delete the existing setup password and press Enter or Tab.

NOTE: If you change the system password or setup password, a message prompts you to reenter the new password. If

you delete the system password or setup password, a message prompts you to confirm the deletion.

Operating with setup password enabled

If Setup Password is set to Enabled, type the correct setup password before modifying the system setup options.

If you do not type the correct password in three attempts, the system displays the following message:

Number of unsuccessful password attempts: <3> Maximum number of password attempts

exceeded. System Halted!

Even after you restart the system, the error message is displayed until the correct password is typed. The following options are

exceptions:

●If System Password is not set to Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can assign a

system password. For more information, see the System Security Settings details section.

●You cannot disable or change an existing system password.

NOTE: You can use the password status option with the setup password option to protect the system password from

unauthorized changes.

Redundant OS Control

In the Redundant OS Control screen you can set the redundant OS information. This enables you to set up a physical recovery

disk on the system.

Viewing Redundant OS Control

To view the Redundant OS Control screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

64 Pre-operating system management applications

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click Redundant OS Control.

Redundant OS Control screen details

The Redundant OS Control screen details are explained as follows:

About this task

Option Description

Redundant OS

Location

Enables you to select a backup disk from the following devices:

●None

●IDSDM

●SATA Ports in AHCI mode

●BOSS PCIe Cards (Internal M.2 Drives)

●Internal USB

NOTE: RAID configurations and NVMe cards not are included as BIOS does not have the ability to

distinguish between individual drives in those configurations.

Redundant OS

State NOTE: This option is disabled if Redundant OS Location is set to None.

When set to Visible, the backup disk is visible to the boot list and OS. When set to Hidden, the backup

disk is disabled and is not visible to the boot list and OS. This option is set to Visible by default.

NOTE: BIOS will disable the device in hardware, so it cannot be accessed by the OS.

Redundant OS

Boot

NOTE: This option is disabled if Redundant OS Location is set to None or if Redundant OS State

is set to Hidden.

When set to Enabled, BIOS boots to the device specified in Redundant OS Location. When set to

Disabled, BIOS preserves the current boot list settings. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Miscellaneous Settings

You can use the Miscellaneous Settings screen to perform specific functions such as updating the asset tag and changing the

system date and time.

Viewing Miscellaneous Settings

To view the Miscellaneous Settings screen, perform the following steps:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F2 immediately after you see the following message:

F2 = System Setup

NOTE: If your operating system begins to load before you press F2, wait for the system to finish booting, and then

restart your system and try again.

3. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS.

4. On the System BIOS screen, click Miscellaneous Settings.

Pre-operating system management applications 65

Miscellaneous Settings details

About this task

The Miscellaneous Settings screen details are explained as follows:

Option Description

System Time Enables you to set the time on the system.

System Date Enables you to set the date on the system.

Asset Tag Specifies the asset tag and enables you to modify it for security and tracking purposes.

Keyboard

NumLock

Enables you to set whether the system should boot with the NumLock enabled or disabled. This option is

set to On by default.

NOTE: This option does not apply to 84-key keyboards.

F1/F2 Prompt on

Error

Enables or disables the F1/F2 prompt on error. This option is set to Enabled by default. The F1/F2

prompt also includes keyboard errors.

Load Legacy

Video Option

ROM

Enables you to determine whether the system BIOS loads the legacy video (INT 10H) option ROM from

the video controller. Selecting Enabled in the operating system does not support UEFI video output

standards. This field is available only for UEFI boot mode. You cannot set the option to Enabled if UEFI

Secure Boot mode is enabled. This option is set to Disabled by default.

Dell Wyse

P25/P45 BIOS

Access

Enables or disables the Dell Wyse P25/P45 BIOS Access. This option is set to Enabled by default.

Power Cycle

Request

Enables or disables the Power Cycle Request. This option is set to None by default.

iDRAC Settings utility

The iDRAC settings utility is an interface to set up and configure the iDRAC parameters by using UEFI. You can enable or disable

various iDRAC parameters by using the iDRAC settings utility.

NOTE: Accessing some of the features on the iDRAC settings utility needs the iDRAC Enterprise License upgrade.

For more information about using iDRAC, see Dell Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

Device Settings

Device Settings enables you to configure the below device parameters:

●Controller Configuration Utility

●Embedded NIC Port1-X Configuration

●NICs in slotX, Port1-X Configuration

●BOSS Card configuration

66 Pre-operating system management applications

Dell Lifecycle Controller

Dell Lifecycle Controller (LC) provides advanced embedded systems management capabilities including system deployment,

configuration, update, maintenance, and diagnosis. LC is delivered as part of the iDRAC out-of-band solution and Dell system

embedded Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) applications.

Embedded system management

The Dell Lifecycle Controller provides advanced embedded system management throughout the lifecycle of the system. The Dell

Lifecycle Controller can be started during the boot sequence and can function independently of the operating system.

NOTE: Certain platform configurations may not support the full set of features provided by the Dell Lifecycle Controller.

For more information about setting up the Dell Lifecycle Controller, configuring hardware and firmware, and deploying the

operating system, see the Dell Lifecycle Controller documentation at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

Boot Manager

The Boot Manager screen enables you to select boot options and diagnostic utilities.

Viewing Boot Manager

About this task

To enter Boot Manager:

Steps

1. Power on, or restart your system.

2. Press F11 when you see the following message:

F11 = Boot Manager

If your operating system begins to load before you press F11, allow the system to complete the booting, and then restart

your system and try again.

Boot Manager main menu

Menu item Description

Continue Normal

Boot

The system attempts to boot to devices starting with the first item in the boot order. If the boot attempt

fails, the system continues with the next item in the boot order until the boot is successful or no more

boot options are found.

One-shot Boot

Enables you to access boot menu, where you can select a one-time boot device to boot from.

Launch System

Setup

Enables you to access System Setup.

Launch Lifecycle

Controller

Exits the Boot Manager and invokes the Dell Lifecycle Controller program.

System Utilities Enables you to launch System Utilities menu such as System Diagnostics.

One-shot UEFI boot menu

One-shot UEFI boot menu enables you to select a boot device to boot from.

Pre-operating system management applications 67

System Utilities

System Utilities contains the following utilities that can be launched:

●Launch Diagnostics

●BIOS Update File Explorer

●Reboot System

PXE boot

You can use the Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) option to boot and configure the networked systems, remotely.

To access the PXE boot option, boot the system and then press F12 during POST instead of using standard Boot Sequence

from BIOS Setup. It does not pull any menu or allows managing of network devices.

68 Pre-operating system management applications

Installing and removing system components

Topics:

•Safety instructions

•Before working inside your system

•After working inside your system

•Recommended tools

•Optional front bezel

•System cover

•Backplane cover

•Inside the system

•Air shroud

•Cooling fans

•Internal PERC riser

•Intrusion switch

•Drives

•System memory

•Processors and heat sinks

•Expansion cards and expansion card risers

•M.2 SSD module

•Optional MicroSD or vFlash card

•Optional IDSDM or vFlash module

•LOM riser card

•Drive backplane

•Cable routing

•Rear drive cage

•System battery

•Optional internal USB memory key

•Optical drive (optional)

•Power supply units

•Power interposer board

•Control panel

•System board

•Restoring the system using Easy Restore

•Entering the system Service Tag by using System Setup

•Trusted Platform Module

Safety instructions

NOTE: Whenever you need to lift the system, get others to assist you. To avoid injury, do not attempt to lift the system by

yourself.

WARNING: Opening or removing the system cover while the system is powered on may expose you to a risk of

electric shock.

CAUTION: Do not operate the system without the cover for a duration exceeding five minutes. Operating the

system without the system cover can result in component damage.

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform

troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or

Installing and removing system components 69

telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by

your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that are shipped with your product.

NOTE: It is recommended that you always use an antistatic mat and antistatic strap while working on components inside

the system.

CAUTION: To ensure proper operation and cooling, all bays in the system and system fans must be always

populated with a component or a blank.

Before working inside your system

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Turn off the system, including all attached peripherals.

2. Disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and disconnect the peripherals.

After working inside your system

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Reconnect the peripherals and connect the system to the electrical outlet.

2. Turn on the attached peripherals and then turn on the system.

Recommended tools

You need the following tools to perform the removal and installation procedures:

●Key to the bezel lock

The key is required only if your system includes a bezel.

●Phillips #1 screwdriver

●Phillips #2 screwdriver

●Torx #T30 screwdriver

●Torx #T8 screwdriver

●Wrist grounding strap

You need the following tools to assemble the cables for a DC power supply unit:

●AMP 90871-1 hand-crimping tool or equivalent

●Tyco Electronics 58433-3 or equivalent

●Wire-stripper pliers to remove insulation from size 10 AWG solid or stranded, insulated copper wire

NOTE: Use alpha wire part number 3080 or equivalent (65/30 stranding).

Optional front bezel

NOTE: The procedure to remove the front bezel with and without the LCD panel is the same.

70 Installing and removing system components

Removing the front bezel

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Unlock the bezel by using the bezel key.

2. Press the release button, and pull the left end of the bezel.

3. Unhook the right end, and remove the bezel.

Figure 23. Removing the front bezel with the LCD panel

Installing the front bezel

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Locate and remove the bezel key.

NOTE: The bezel key is part of the LCD bezel package.

2. Align and insert the right end of the bezel onto the system.

3. Press the bezel until the button clicks in place and fit the left end of the bezel onto the system.

4. Lock the bezel by using the key.

Installing and removing system components 71

Figure 24. Installing the front bezel with the LCD panel

System cover

NOTE: The system cover of 12 x 3.5-inch + 2 x 3.5-inch (rear) system is different from other systems. The cover has one

additional mylar and foam layer on the front side of the system cover.

Removing the system cover

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals.

3. Disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and disconnect the peripherals.

Steps

1. Using a 1/4 inch flat head or a Phillips #2 screwdriver, rotate the latch release lock counter clockwise to the unlocked

position.

2. Lift the latch till the system cover slides back and the tabs on the system cover disengage from the guide slots on the

system.

3. Hold the cover on both sides, and lift the cover away from the system.

72 Installing and removing system components

Figure 25. Removing the system cover

Installing the system cover

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Ensure that all internal cables are routed correctly and connected, and no tools or extra parts are left inside the system.

Steps

1. Align the tabs on the system cover with the guide slots on the system.

2. Push the system cover latch down.

The system cover slides forward, the tabs on the system cover engage with the guide slots on the system and the system

cover latch locks into place.

3. Using a 1/4 inch flat head or Phillips #2 screwdriver, rotate the latch release lock clockwise to the locked position.

Installing and removing system components 73

Figure 26. Installing system cover

Next steps

1. Reconnect the peripherals and connect the system to the electrical outlet.

2. Turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.

Backplane cover

Removing the backplane cover

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the system cover on page 72.

Steps

1. Slide the backplane cover in the direction of the arrows marked on the backplane cover.

2. Lift the backplane cover away from the system.

74 Installing and removing system components

Figure 27. Removing backplane cover

Installing the backplane cover

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Installing the system cover on page 73.

Steps

1. Align the tabs on the backplane cover with the guide slots on the system.

2. Slide the backplane cover toward the front of the system until the cover locks into place.

Installing and removing system components 75

Figure 28. Installing backplane cover

Next steps

Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Inside the system

NOTE: Components that are hot swappable are marked orange and touch points on the components are marked blue.

76 Installing and removing system components

Figure 29. Inside the system without rear drive cage

Installing and removing system components 77

Figure 30. Inside the system with rear drive cage

1. Information tag 2. Drive backplane

3. Cooling fans 4. Memory module

5. CPU 1 6. CPU 2

7. System board 8. LOM riser card

9. Internal PERC riser 10. Air shroud

11. Butterfly riser 12. Air shroud (12 x 3.5 inch + 2 x 3.5 inch rear hard drive

system)

13. Low profile riser right 14. Low profile riser left

15. Drive cage (rear)

78 Installing and removing system components

Air shroud

Removing the air shroud

Prerequisites

CAUTION: Never operate your system with the air shroud removed. The system may get overheated quickly,

resulting in shutdown of the system and loss of data.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. If installed, remove the butterfly riser.

Steps

Hold the air shroud at both ends and lift it away from the system.

Figure 31. Removing air shroud

NOTE: The system with 2 x 3.5-inch rear drive has a different air shroud. However, the procedure to remove the air shroud

is identical.

Installing and removing system components 79

Next steps

1. If applicable, Installing the air shroud on page 80

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Installing the air shroud

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. If applicable, route the cables inside the system along the system wall and secure the cables by using the cable latch.

Steps

1. Align the tabs on the air shroud with the slots on the system.

2. Lower the air shroud into the system until it is firmly seated.

When firmly seated, the memory socket numbers marked on the air shroud align with the respective memory sockets.

80 Installing and removing system components

Figure 32. Installing air shroud

NOTE: The procedure to install the air shroud for 2 x 3.5-inch rear drive system is identical.

Next steps

1. If removed, install the butterfly riser.

Installing and removing system components 81

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Cooling fans

Removing the cooling fan

The procedure for removing standard and high performance fans are identical.

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79

4. Removing the internal PERC riser on page 85

5. Move the cables out of the way to access the cooling fan cable connector on the system board.

Steps

1. Lift the fan out holding the blue touch point.

2. Disconnect the cooling fan cable connected to the system board connector.

NOTE: In the 12 x 3.5-inch drive system, disconnect the fan 1 cable from the power interposer board connector.

Figure 33. Disconnecting fan cable from PIB connector

3. Press the release tab and lift the cooling fan out of the cooling fan cage.

82 Installing and removing system components

Figure 34. Removing cooling fan

Next steps

1. Installing cooling fan on page 83.

2. Installing the internal PERC riser on page 87

3. Installing the air shroud on page 80

4. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Installing cooling fan

The procedure for installing standard and high performance fans are identical.

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79

4. Removing the internal PERC riser on page 85

5. Remove the power cable.

6. Move the cables out of the way to access the cooling fan cable connector on the system board.

Steps

1. Holding the release tab blue touch point, place the cooling fan into the cooling fan cage.

2. Route the cooling fan cable and connect it to the connector on the system board.

Installing and removing system components 83

Figure 35. Installing cooling fan

NOTE: In the 12 x 3.5-inch drive system, connect the fan 1 cable to the power interposer board connector.

84 Installing and removing system components

Figure 36. Connecting fan cable to PIB connector

Next steps

1. Installing the internal PERC riser on page 87

2. Ensure all the cables are routed correctly.

3. Installing the air shroud on page 80

4. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Internal PERC riser

Removing the internal PERC riser

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79

Steps

1. Open the cable guiding latch for easy access.

2. Lower the plunger.

3. Press the cable connector and disconnect the PERC cable from the backplane.

4. Hold the blue touch points and lift the internal PERC riser out of the system.

Installing and removing system components 85

Figure 37. Removing internal PERC riser

5. Turn the internal riser so that the PERC card is facing up.

6. Press the cable connector and disconnect the cable connected to the internal PERC card.

Figure 38. Disconnecting the cable from internal PERC card

Next steps

1. Installing the air shroud on page 80

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

3. Installing the internal PERC riser on page 87

86 Installing and removing system components

Installing the internal PERC riser

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Connect the cable to the internal PERC card.

Figure 39. Connecting the cable to internal PERC riser

2. Holding the blue touch points, align the slot on the internal PERC riser to the guide on the system board.

3. Insert the internal riser card’s edge connector firmly into the system board connector until the riser is fully seated.

4. Lift the plunger to lock the riser in place.

Installing and removing system components 87

Figure 40. Installing internal PERC riser

5. Connect the cables to the backplane and then route the cables to the cable guiding latch to close the latch.

Next steps

1. Installing the air shroud on page 80

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Removing the PERC card from the internal PERC riser

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79

4. Removing the internal PERC riser on page 85

Steps

1. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the screw that secures the PERC card to the internal PERC riser.

2. Pull the PERC card out of the connector on the internal PERC riser.

88 Installing and removing system components

Figure 41. Removing the PERC card from the internal PERC riser

Next steps

1. Installing the internal PERC riser on page 87

2. Installing the air shroud on page 80

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Installing PERC card into the internal PERC riser

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Insert the PERC card into the internal PERC riser and push the card in.

2. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, replace the screw to secure the PERC card on the internal PERC riser.

Installing and removing system components 89

Figure 42. Installing PERC card into internal PERC riser

Next steps

1. Installing the internal PERC riser on page 87

2. Installing the air shroud on page 80

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Intrusion switch

Removing the intrusion switch

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79

4. Removing the internal PERC riser on page 85

Steps

1. Disconnect the intrusion switch cable connected to the system board.

NOTE: Ensure that you note the routing of the cables as you remove them from the system board.

2. Slide the intrusion switch out of the intrusion switch slot.

90 Installing and removing system components

Figure 43. Removing an intrusion switch

Next steps

Installing the intrusion switch on page 91.

Installing the intrusion switch

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

Steps

1. Align the intrusion switch with the intrusion switch slot.

Installing and removing system components 91

Figure 44. Installing intrusion switch

2. Slide the intrusion switch until it is firmly seated in the intrusion switch slot.

3. Connect the intrusion switch cable to the connector on the system board.

Next steps

1. Installing the internal PERC riser on page 87

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Drives

The PowerEdge R540 system supports:

●Up to 14 x 3.5 inch drives or 2.5 inch drives with drive adapter, internal, hot swappable SAS, SATA, or Nearline SAS drives

●Up to 8 x 3.5 inch drives or 2.5 inch drives with drive adapter, internal, hot swappable SATA SSDs

Removing a drive blank

The procedure for removing 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive blanks is identical.

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. If installed, Removing the front bezel on page 71

CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, drive blanks must be installed in all empty drive slots.

CAUTION: Mixing drive blanks from previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported.

Steps

Press the release button, and slide the drive blank out of the drive slot.

92 Installing and removing system components

Figure 45. Removing a drive blank

Next steps

1. Installing a drive blank on page 93

Installing a drive blank

The procedure for installing 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drive blanks is identical.

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. If installed, Removing the front bezel on page 71

CAUTION: Mixing drive blanks from previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported.

Steps

Insert the drive blank into the drive slot, and push the blank until the release button clicks into place.

Figure 46. Installing a drive blank

Next steps

If removed, Installing the front bezel on page 71

Removing a 2.5-inch drive from a 3.5-inch drive adapter

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Removing a 3.5-inch drive adapter from a 3.5-inch drive carrier on page 95

Installing and removing system components 93

NOTE: A 2.5 inch drive is installed in a 3.5 inch drive adapter, which is then installed in the 3.5-inch drive carrier.

Steps

1. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the screws from the side of the 3.5-inch drive adapter.

2. Remove the 2.5-inch drive from the 3.5-inch drive adapter.

Figure 47. Removing a 2.5 inch drive from a 3.5-inch drive adapter

Next steps

Installing a 2.5-inch drive into a 3.5-inch drive adapter on page 94

Installing a 2.5-inch drive into a 3.5-inch drive adapter

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Removing a 3.5-inch drive adapter from a 3.5-inch drive carrier on page 95

Steps

1. Align the screw holes on the 2.5-inch drive with the screw holes on the 3.5-inch drive adapter.

2. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, secure the 2.5-inch drive to the 3.5-inch drive adapter.

94 Installing and removing system components

Figure 48. Installing a 2.5-inch drive into a 3.5-inch drive adapter

Removing a 3.5-inch drive adapter from a 3.5-inch drive carrier

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. If installed, Removing the front bezel on page 71

3. Remove the 3.5-inch drive carrier from the system.

Steps

1. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the screws from the rails on the drive carrier.

2. Lift the 3.5 inch drive adapter out of the 3.5-inch drive carrier.

Installing and removing system components 95

Figure 49. Removing a 3.5-inch drive adapter from a 3.5-inch drive carrier

Next steps

Installing a 3.5-inch drive adapter into the 3.5-inch drive carrier on page 96

Installing a 3.5-inch drive adapter into the 3.5-inch drive carrier

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Install the 2.5-inch drive into the 3.5-inch drive adapter.

Steps

1. Insert the 3.5-inch drive adapter into the 3.5-inch drive carrier with the connector end of the drive toward the back of the

3.5-inch drive carrier.

2. Align the screw holes on the 3.5-inch drive adapter with the holes on the 3.5-inch drive carrier.

3. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, secure the 3.5-inch drive adapter to the 3.5-inch carrier.

96 Installing and removing system components

Figure 50. Installing a 3.5-inch drive adapter into the 3.5-inch drive carrier

Next steps

1. Install the 3.5-inch drive carrier into the system.

2. If removed, install the front bezel.

Removing a drive carrier

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. If applicable, remove the front bezel.

3. Using the management software, prepare the drive for removal.

If the drive is online, the green activity or fault indicator flashes while the drive is turning off. When the drive indicators are

off, the drive is ready for removal. For more information, see the documentation for the storage controller.

CAUTION: Before attempting to remove or install a drive while the system is running, see the documentation

for the storage controller card to ensure that the host adapter is configured correctly to support drive

removal and insertion.

CAUTION: Mixing drives from previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported.

CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports drive installation. See the

documentation supplied with your operating system.

Steps

1. Press the release button to open the drive carrier release handle.

2. Holding the handle, slide the drive carrier out of the drive slot.

Installing and removing system components 97

Figure 51. Removing a drive carrier

Next steps

1. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

2. Install a drive carrier.

3. If you are not replacing the drive immediately, Insert a drive blank in the empty drive slot to maintain proper system cooling.

Installing a drive carrier

Prerequisites

CAUTION: Before attempting to remove or install a drive while the system is running, see the documentation for

the storage controller card to ensure that the host adapter is configured correctly to support drive removal and

insertion.

CAUTION: Mixing drives from previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported.

CAUTION: Combining SAS and SATA drives in the same RAID volume is not supported.

CAUTION: When installing a drive, ensure that the adjacent drives are fully installed. Inserting a drive carrier

and attempting to lock its handle next to a partially installed carrier can damage the partially installed carrier's

shield spring and make it unusable.

CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports hot-swap drive installation. See the

documentation supplied with your operating system.

CAUTION: When a replacement hot swappable drive is installed and the system is powered on, the drive

automatically begins to rebuild. Ensure that the replacement drive is blank or contains data that you wish to

overwrite. Any data on the replacement drive is immediately lost after the drive is installed.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. If applicable, remove the drive blank.

Steps

1. Press the release button on the front of the drive carrier to open the release handle.

2. Insert the drive carrier into the drive slot and slide until the drive connects with the backplane.

3. Close the drive carrier release handle to lock the drive in place.

98 Installing and removing system components

Figure 52. Installing a drive carrier

Next steps

If applicable, install the front bezel.

Removing the drive from the drive carrier

Prerequisites

CAUTION: Mixing drives from previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported.

Steps

1. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the screws from the slide rails on the drive carrier.

2. Lift the drive out of the drive carrier.

Figure 53. Removing the drive from the drive carrier

Installing and removing system components 99

Next steps

If applicable, Installing a drive into the drive carrier on page 100

Installing a drive into the drive carrier

Prerequisites

CAUTION: Mixing drive carriers from other generations of PowerEdge servers is not supported.

NOTE: When installing a drive into the drive carrier, ensure that the screws are torqued to 4 in-lbs.

Steps

1. Insert the drive into the drive carrier with the connector end of the drive towards the back of the carrier.

2. Align the screw holes on the drive with the screws holes on the drive carrier.

When aligned correctly, the back of the drive is flush with the back of the drive carrier.

3. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, secure the drive to the drive carrier with screws.

Figure 54. Installing a drive into the drive carrier

System memory

System memory guidelines

The PowerEdge systems support DDR4 Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs), and Load Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs). The processor

runs the instructions that are held by the system memory.

Your system contains 16 memory sockets. Processor 1 supports up to 10 memory sockets and Processor 2 supports up to six

memory sockets. Six memory channels are allocated to each processor. Processor 1 has four 2xDIMM slots per channel and two

1xDIMM slot per channel. Processor 2 has six 1xDIMM per channel.

100 Installing and removing system components

Figure 55. Memory socket locations

Memory channels are organized as follows:

Table 44. Memory channels

Processor Channel 0 Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4 Channel 5

Processor 1 Slots A1 and A7 Slots A2 and

Slots A3 Slots A4 and A9 Slots A5 and A10 Slots A6

Processor 2 Slots B1 Slots B2 Slots B3 Slots B4 Slots B5 Slots B6

General memory module installation guidelines

To ensure optimal performance of your system, observe the following general guidelines when configuring your system memory.

If your system's memory configurations fail to observe these guidelines, your system might not boot, stop responding during

memory configuration, or operate with reduced memory.

●System profile selected (for example, Performance Optimized, or Custom [can be run at high speed or lower])

●Maximum supported DIMM speed of the processors.

●Maximum supported speed of the DIMMs

NOTE: MT/s indicates DIMM speed in MegaTransfers per second.

The system supports Flexible Memory Configuration, enabling the system to be configured and run in any valid chipset

architectural configuration. The following are the recommended guidelines for installing memory modules:

●All DIMMs must be DDR4.

Installing and removing system components 101

●RDIMMs and LRDIMMs must not be mixed.

●64 GB LRDIMMs that are DDP (Dual Die Package) LRDIMMs must not be mixed with 128 GB LRDIMMs that are TSV

(Through Silicon Via/3DS) LRDIMMs.

●x4 and x8 DRAM based memory modules can be mixed.

●Up to two RDIMMs can be populated per channel regardless of rank count.

●Up to two LRDIMMs can be populated per channel regardless of rank count.

●A maximum of two different ranked DIMMs can be populated in a channel regardless of rank count.

●If memory modules with different speeds are installed, they will operate at the speed of the slowest installed memory

module(s).

●Populate memory module sockets only if a processor is installed.

○For single-processor systems, sockets A1 to A10 are available.

○For dual-processor systems, sockets A1 to A10 and sockets B1 to B6 are available.

●Populate all the sockets with white release tabs first, followed by the black release tabs.

●When mixing memory modules with different capacities, populate the sockets with memory modules with the highest

capacity first.

NOTE: For example, if you want to mix 8 GB and 16 GB memory modules, populate 16 GB memory modules in the

sockets with white release tabs and 8 GB memory modules in the sockets with black release tabs.

●Memory modules of different capacities can be mixed provided other memory population rules are followed.

NOTE: For example, 8 GB and 16 GB memory modules can be mixed.

●In a dual-processor configuration, the memory configuration for each processor must be identical.

NOTE: For example, if you populate socket A1 for processor 1, then populate socket B1 for processor 2, and so on.

●Mixing of more than two memory module capacities in a system is not supported.

●Unbalanced memory configurations will result in a performance loss so always populate memory channels identically with

identical DIMMs for best performance.

●Populate six identical memory modules per processor (one DIMM per channel) at a time to maximize performance.

DIMM population update for Performance Optimized mode with quantity of 4 and 8 DIMMs per processor.

●When the DIMM quantity is 4 per processor, the population is slot 1, 2, 4, 5.

●When the DIMM quantity is 8 per processor, the population is slot 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Mode-specific guidelines

The configurations allowed depend on the memory mode selected in the System BIOS.

Table 45. Memory operating modes

Memory Operating Mode Description

Optimizer Mode The Optimizer Mode if enabled, the DRAM controllers

operate independently in the 64-bit mode and provide

optimized memory performance.

Mirror Mode The Mirror Mode if enabled, the system maintains two

identical copies of data in memory, and the total available

system memory is one half of the total installed physical

memory. Half of the installed memory is used to mirror the

active memory modules. This feature provides maximum

reliability and enables the system to continue running even

during a catastrophic memory failure by switching over to the

mirrored copy. The installation guidelines to enable Mirror

Mode require that the memory modules be identical in size,

speed, and technology, and they must be populated in sets of

6 per processor.

Single Rank Spare Mode Single Rank Spare Mode allocates one rank per channel as a

spare. If excessive correctable errors occur in a rank or

channel, while the operating system is running, they are

moved to the spare area to prevent errors from causing an

102 Installing and removing system components

Table 45. Memory operating modes (continued)

Memory Operating Mode Description

uncorrectable failure. Requires two or more ranks to be

populated in each channel.

Multi Rank Spare Mode Multi Rank Spare Mode allocates two ranks per channel as a

spare. If excessive correctable errors occur in a rank or

channel, while the operating system is running, they are

moved to the spare area to prevent errors from causing an

uncorrectable failure. Requires three or more ranks to be

populated in each channel.

With single rank memory sparing enabled, the system

memory available to the operating system is reduced by one

rank per channel.

For example, in a dual-processor configuration with sixteen 16

GB dual-rank memory modules, the available system memory:

16 GB x 16(memory modules) - 8GB(1 rank sparing/channel) x

12(channel) = 256 GB - 96 GB = 160 GB. For multi rank

sparing, in a dual-processor configuration with sixteen 64 GB

quad-rank memory modules, the available system memory:

64 GB x 16(memory modules) - 32 GB(2 rank sparing/

channel)

x 12 (channel) = 1024 GB - 384 GB = 640 GB.

NOTE: To use memory sparing, this feature must be

enabled in the BIOS menu of System Setup.

NOTE: Memory sparing does not offer protection against

a multi-bit uncorrectable error.

Dell Fault Resilient Mode The Dell Fault Resilient Mode if enabled, the BIOS creates

an area of memory that is fault resilient. This mode can be

used by an OS that supports the feature to load critical

applications or enables the OS kernel to maximize system

availability.

NOTE: This feature is only supported in Gold and Platinum

Intel processors.

NOTE: Memory configuration has to be of same size

DIMM, speed, and rank.

Optimizer Mode

This mode supports Single Device Data Correction (SDDC) only for memory modules that use x4 device width. It does not

impose any specific slot population requirements.

●Dual processor: Populate the slots in round robin sequence starting with processor 1.

NOTE: Processor 1 and processor 2 population should match.

Table 46. Memory population rules

Processor Configuration Memory population Memory population information

Single processor Optimizer (Independent

channel) population order

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ●Populate in this order, odd

amount allowed.

●Odd number of DIMM

population is allowed.

NOTE: Odd number of

DIMMs will result in

unbalanced memory

Installing and removing system components 103

Table 46. Memory population rules (continued)

Processor Configuration Memory population Memory population information

configurations, which in

turn will result in

performance loss. It is

recommended to populate

all memory channels

identically with identical

DIMMs for best

performance.

●Optimizer population order is

not traditional for 4 and 8

DIMM installations of single

processor.

○For 4 DIMMs: A1, A2, A4, A5

○For 8 DIMMs: A1, A2, A4,

A5, A7, A8, A9, A10

Mirror population order {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} Mirroring is supported with 6

DIMM slots per processor.

Single rank sparing population

order

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Populate in this order, odd amount

allowed. Requires two ranks or

more per channel.

Multi rank sparing population

order

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Populate in this order, odd amount

allowed. Requires three ranks or

more per channel.

Dual processor

(Populate round robin

starting with

processor1)

Optimized (Independent

channel) population order

A{1}, B{1}, A{2}, B{2}, A{3},

B{3}...

●Odd amount of DIMM slots per

processor allowed.

●Odd number of DIMM

population is allowed.

NOTE: Odd number of

DIMMs will result in

unbalanced memory

configurations, which in

turn will result in

performance loss. It is

recommended to populate

all memory channels

identically with identical

DIMMs for best

performance.

●Optimizer population order is

not traditional for 8 and 14

DIMM installations of dual

processor.

○For 8 DIMMs: A1, A2, A4,

A5, B1, B2, B4, B5

○For 14 DIMMs: A1, A2, A4,

A5, A7, A8, A9, A10, B1, B2,

B3, B4, B5, B6

Mirroring population order A{1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}, B{1, 2, 3, 4,

5, 6}

Mirroring is supported with 6

DIMM slots per processor.

Single rank sparing population

order

A{1}, B{1}, A{2}, B{2}, A{3},

B{3}...

Populate in this order, odd amount

per processor allowed. Requires

two ranks or more per channel.

104 Installing and removing system components

Table 46. Memory population rules (continued)

Processor Configuration Memory population Memory population information

Multi rank sparing population

order

A{1}, B{1}, A{2}, B{2}, A{3},

B{3}...

Populate in this order, odd amount

per processor allowed. Requires

three ranks or more per channel.

Removing a memory module

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. If applicable, Removing the air shroud on page 79

WARNING: Allow the memory modules to cool after you power off the system. Handle the memory modules by

the card edges and avoid touching the components or metallic contacts on the memory module.

Steps

1. Locate the appropriate memory module socket.

CAUTION: Handle each memory module only by the card edges, ensuring not to touch the middle of the

memory module or metallic contacts.

2. Push the ejectors outward on both ends of the memory module socket to release the memory module from the socket.

3. Lift and remove the memory module from the system.

Figure 56. Removing a memory module

Installing a memory module

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Locate the appropriate memory module socket.

CAUTION: Handle each memory module only by the card edges, ensuring not to touch the middle of the

memory module or metallic contacts.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the memory module or the memory module socket during installation, do

not bend or flex the memory module. You must insert both ends of the memory module simultaneously.

2. Open the ejectors on the memory module socket outward to allow the memory module to be inserted into the socket.

Installing and removing system components 105

3. Align the edge connector of the memory module with the alignment key of the memory module socket, and insert the

memory module in the socket.

CAUTION: Do not apply pressure at the center of the memory module; apply pressure at both ends of the

memory module evenly.

NOTE: The memory module socket has an alignment key that enables you to install the memory module in the socket in

only one orientation.

4. Press the memory module with your thumbs until the socket levers firmly click into place.

Figure 57. Installing a memory module

Next steps

1. Installing the air shroud on page 80

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

3. To verify if the memory module has been installed properly, press F2 and navigate to System Setup Main Menu > System

BIOS > Memory Settings. In the Memory Settings screen, the System Memory Size must reflect the updated capacity of

the installed memory.

4. If the value is incorrect, one or more of the memory modules may not be installed properly. Ensure that the memory module

is firmly seated in the memory module socket.

5. Run the system memory test in system diagnostics.

Processors and heat sinks

Removing a processor and heat sink module

Prerequisites

WARNING: The heat sink may be hot to touch for some time after the system is powered down. Allow the heat

sink to cool before removing it.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Remove the air shroud.

Steps

1. Using a Torx #T30 screwdriver, loosen the screws on the heat sink in the order below:

a. Loosen the first screw three turns.

106 Installing and removing system components

b. Loosen the second screw completely.

c. Return to the first screw and loosen it completely.

2. Pushing both blue retention clips simultaneously, lift the processor and heat sink module (PHM) processor and heat sink

module

3. Set the PHM aside with the processor side facing up.

Figure 58. Removing processor and heat sink module

Next steps

Installing a processor and heat sink module on page 111

Removing the non-fabric processor from the processor and heat

sink module

Prerequisites

NOTE: Only remove the processor from the processor and heat sink module if you are replacing the processor or heat sink.

This procedure is not required when replacing a system board.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79

4. Removing a processor and heat sink module on page 106

Steps

1. Place the heat sink with the processor side facing up.

2. Insert a flat blade screwdriver into the release slot marked with a yellow label. Twist (do not pry) the screwdriver to break

the thermal paste seal.

3. Push the retaining clips on the processor bracket to unlock the bracket from the heat sink.

Installing and removing system components 107

Figure 59. Loosening the processor bracket

4. Lift the bracket and the processor away from the heat sink, and place the processor connector side down on the processor

tray.

5. Flex the outer edges of the bracket to release the bracket from the processor.

NOTE: Ensure that the processor and the bracket are placed in the tray after you remove the heat sink.

Figure 60. Removing the processor bracket

Next steps

Installing a processor and heat sink module on page 111

108 Installing and removing system components

Installing the non-fabric processor into a processor and heat sink

module

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Place the processor in the processor tray.

NOTE: Ensure that the pin 1 indicator on the processor tray is aligned with the pin 1 indicator on the processor.

2. Flex the outer edges of the bracket around the processor ensuring that the processor is locked into the clips on the bracket.

NOTE: Ensure that the pin 1 indicator on the bracket is aligned with the pin 1 indicator on the processor before placing

the bracket on the processor.

NOTE: Ensure that the processor and the bracket are placed in the tray before you install the heat sink.

Figure 61. Installing the processor bracket

3. If you are using an existing heat sink, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink by using a clean lint-free cloth.

4. Use the thermal grease syringe included with your processor kit to apply the grease in a quadrilateral design on the top of

the processor.

CAUTION: Applying too much thermal grease can result in excess grease coming in contact with and

contaminating the processor socket.

NOTE: The thermal grease syringe is intended for single use only. Dispose the syringe after you use it.

Installing and removing system components 109

Figure 62. Applying thermal grease on top of the processor

5. Place the heat sink on the processor and push down on the base of the heat sink until the bracket locks onto the heat sink.

NOTE:

●Ensure that the two guide pin holes on the bracket match the guide holes on the heat sink.

●Do not press on the heat sink fins.

●Ensure that the pin 1 indicator on the heat sink is aligned with the pin 1 indicator on the bracket before placing the

heat sink onto the processor and bracket.

110 Installing and removing system components

Figure 63. Installing the heat sink onto the processor

Next steps

1. Installing a processor and heat sink module on page 111

2. Installing the air shroud on page 80

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Installing a processor and heat sink module

Prerequisites

CAUTION: Never remove the heat sink from a processor unless you intend to replace the processor. The heat

sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. If installed, remove the CPU dust cover.

Steps

1. Align the pin 1 indicator of the heat sink to the system board and then place the processor and heat sink module (PHM) on

the processor socket.

CAUTION: To avoid damaging the fins on the heat sink, do not press down on the heat sink fins.

NOTE: Ensure that the PHM is held parallel to the system board to prevent damaging the components.

2. Push the blue retention clips inward to allow the heat sink to drop into place.

3. Using the Torx #T30 screwdriver, tighten the screws on the heat sink in the order below:

a. Partially tighten the first screw (approximately 3 turns).

Installing and removing system components 111

b. Tighten the second screw completely.

c. Return to the first screw and tighten it completely.

If the PHM slips off the blue retention clips when the screws are partially tightened, follow these steps to secure the PHM:

a. Loosen both the heat sink screws completely.

b. Lower the PHM on to the blue retention clips, following the procedure described in step 2.

c. Secure the PHM to the system board, following the replacement instructions listed in this step above. 4.

Figure 64. Installing the processor and heat sink module

Next steps

1. Install the air shroud.

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Expansion cards and expansion card risers

Expansion card installation guidelines

The following table describes the supported expansion cards:

Table 47. Expansion card riser configurations

Expansion card riser PCIe slots on the

riser

Processor

connection

Height Length Slot

width

Full height right riser Slot 2 Processor 1 Full Height Half Length x16

Low profile right riser Slot 2 Processor 1 Low Profile Half Length x16

Low profile left riser Slot 3 Processor 2 Low Profile Half Length x16

Butterfly riser Slot 2 Processor 1 Full Height Half Length x16

Butterfly riser Slot 3 Processor 1 Low Profile Half Length x8

112 Installing and removing system components

NOTE: The expansion-card slots are not hot-swappable.

The following table provides guidelines for installing expansion cards to ensure proper cooling and mechanical fit. The expansion

cards with the highest priority should be installed first using the slot priority indicated. All the other expansion cards should be

installed in the card priority and slot priority order.

Table 48. Riser configurations: No RSR - 1 CPU

Card Type Slot Priority Form factor

LOM riser ; 2x1G BCM5720L (ODM) 1 OCP

LOM riser ; 2x10G BCM57416

(BASeT/SFP+) (ODM)

1 OCP

PCIe SSD PCIe Card (Samsung/INTEL) 5 LP

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL/

Mellanox/Solarflare)

5 LP

Card,Controller (EMULEX/QLOGIC) 5 LP

BOSS M.2 (SATA) (Dell) 5 LP

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL) 6, 5 LP

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (ODM) Integrated Slot NONE

RAID - PERC9.14G/PERC10 (Internal)

(Dell)

Integrated Slot NONE

Table 49. Riser configurations: No RSR - 2 CPU

Card type Slot priority Form factor

LOM riser ; 2x1G BCM5720L (ODM) 1 OCP

LOM riser ; 2x10G BCM57416

(BASeT/SFP+) (ODM)

1 OCP

PCIe SSD PCIe Card (Samsung/INTEL) 4, 5 LP

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL/

Mellanox/Solarflare)

4, 5 LP

Card,Controller (EMULEX/QLOGIC) 4, 5 LP

Intel OPA NIC (Intel OPA) 4 LP

BOSS M.2 (SATA) (Dell) 4, 5 LP

Card,Network (Braodcom/INTEL) 6, 5, 4 LP

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (ODM) Integrated Slot NONE

RAID - PERC9.14G/PERC10 (Internal)

(Dell)

Integrated Slot NONE

Table 50. Riser configurations: FH - 1 CPU and 2 CPU

Card type Slot priority Form factor

LOM riser ; 2x1G BCM5720L (ODM) 1 OCP

LOM riser ; 2x10G BCM57416

(BASeT/SFP+) (ODM)

1 OCP

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (ODM) 2 FH

RAID - PERC10 (External) (Dell) 2 FH

PCIe SSD PCIe Card (Samsung/INTEL) 2 FH

Installing and removing system components 113

Table 50. Riser configurations: FH - 1 CPU and 2 CPU (continued)

Card type Slot priority Form factor

NIC (Broadcom/INTEL/EMULEX/

Mellanox/Solarflare)

2 FH

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL/

Mellanox/INTEL)

2 FH

Card,Controller (EMULEX/QLOGIC) 2 FH

Intel OPA NIC (Intel OPA) 2 FH

BOSS M.2 (SATA) (Dell) 2 FH

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (ODM) Integrated Slot NONE

RAID - PERC9.14G/PERC10 (Internal)

(Dell)

Integrated Slot NONE

Table 51. Riser configurations: LP + LP - 2 CPU

Card type Slot priority Form factor

LOM riser ; 2x1G BCM5720L (ODM) 1 OCP

LOM riser ; 2x10G BCM57416

(BASeT/SFP+) (ODM)

1 OCP

PCIe SSD PCIe Card (Samsung/INTEL) 3, 2 LP

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL/

Mellanox/Solarflare)

3, 2 LP

Card,Controller (EMULEX/QLOGIC) 3, 2 LP

Intel OPA NIC (Intel OPA) 3, 2 LP

BOSS M.2 (SATA) (Dell) 3, 2 LP

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (ODM) Integrated Slot NONE

RAID - PERC9.14G/PERC10 (Internal)

(Dell)

Integrated Slot NONE

Table 52. Riser configurations: BTF + 3 XLP - 1 CPU

Card type Slot priority Form factor

LOM riser ; 2x1G BCM5720L (ODM) 1 OCP

LOM riser ; 2x10G BCM57416

(BASeT/SFP+) (ODM)

1 OCP

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (ODM) 2 FH

RAID - PERC10 (External) (Dell) 2 FH

NIC (Broadcom/INTEL/Emulex/

Mellanox/Solarflare)

2 FH

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL/

Mellanox/Solarflare)

2 FH

Card,Controller (EMULEX/QLOGIC) 2 FH

BOSS M.2 (SATA) (Dell) 2 FH

PCIe SSD PCIe Card (Samsung/INTEL) 3, 2, 5 FH or LP

Card,Controller (QLOGIC/EMULEX) 3, 2, 5 FH or LP

114 Installing and removing system components

Table 52. Riser configurations: BTF + 3 XLP - 1 CPU (continued)

Card type Slot priority Form factor

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL/

Mellanox/QLOGIC/Solarflare)

3, 5 LP

Card,Controller (QLOGIC) 3, 5 LP

Intel OPA NIC (Intel OPA) 2 FH

BOSS M.2 (SATA) (Dell) 3, 5 LP

Card,Network (Broadcom) 6, 5, 3 LP

Card,Network (INTEL) 6, 5, 3 LP

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (ODM) Integrated Slot NONE

RAID - PERC9.14G/PERC10 (Internal)

(Dell)

Integrated Slot NONE

Table 53. Riser configurations: BTF + 3 XLP - 2 CPU

Card type Slot priority From Factor

LOM riser ; 2x1G BCM5720L (ODM) 1 OCP

LOM riser ; 2x10G BCM57416

(BASeT/SFP+) (ODM)

1 OCP

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (FXN) 2 FH

RAID - PERC10 (External) (Dell) 2 FH

Broadcom NIC (Broadcom) 2 FH

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL) 2 FH

NIC (Intel/Emulex/Mellanox/Solarflare) 2 FH

Card,Controller (EMULEX/QLOGIC) 2 FH

Card,Network (Mellanox/QLOGIC/

INTEL/Solarflare)

2 FH

BOSS M.2 (SATA) (Dell) 2 FH

PCIe SSD PCIe Card (Samsung) 3, 4, 2, 5 FH or LP

Card,Controller (QLOGIC) 3, 4, 2, 5 FH or LP

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL/

Mellanox/QLOGIC)

4, 3, 5 LP

Card,Controller (EMULEX/QLOGIC) 4, 3, 5 LP

Intel OPA NIC (Intel OPA) 4 LP

Intel OPA NIC (Intel OPA) 2 FH

Card,Network (Solarflare) 4, 3, 5 LP

BOSS M.2 (SATA) (Dell) 4, 3, 5 LP

Card,Network (Broadcom/INTEL) 6, 5, 4, 3 LP

PERC9.14G/PERC10 (ODM) Integrated Slot NONE

RAID - PERC9.14G/PERC10 (Internal) Integrated Slot NONE

Installing and removing system components 115

Removing expansion card from the expansion card riser

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. If applicable, Removing the air shroud on page 79.

4. If applicable, disconnect the cables from the expansion card.

5. When removing a card from low profile, full height X1, or butterfly riser, ensure that the PCIe card holder latch is closed.

Steps

1. Pull and lift up the expansion card retention latch lock to open.

2. Hold the expansion card by its edges, and pull the card until the card edge connector disengages from the expansion card

connector on the riser.

Figure 65. Removing expansion card from low profile riser

116 Installing and removing system components

Figure 66. Removing expansion card from full height X1 riser

Figure 67. Removing expansion card from butterfly riser

3. If the expansion card is not going to be replaced, install a filler bracket.

Installing and removing system components 117

Figure 68. Installing filler bracket for low profile riser

Figure 69. Installing filler bracket for full height X1 riser

118 Installing and removing system components

Figure 70. Installing filler bracket for butterfly riser

Next steps

1. Install expansion card into the expansion card riser.

2. If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty expansion slot opening and push the

expansion card latch.

NOTE: You must install a filler bracket over an empty expansion card slot to maintain Federal Communications

Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid in proper

cooling and airflow inside the system.

Installing expansion card into the expansion card riser

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. If installing a new expansion card, unpack it and prepare the card for installation.

NOTE: For instructions, see the documentation accompanying the card.

3. When installing a card into low profile, full height X1, or butterfly riser, open the PCIe card holder latch.

Steps

1. Pull and lift up the expansion card retention latch lock to open

2. If installed, remove the filler bracket.

NOTE: Store the filler bracket for future use. Filler brackets must be installed in empty expansion card slots to maintain

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the

system and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

Installing and removing system components 119

Figure 71. Removing filler bracket for low profile riser

Figure 72. Removing filler bracket for full height X1 riser

120 Installing and removing system components

Figure 73. Removing filler bracket for butterfly riser

3. Hold the card by its edges, and align the card edge connector with the expansion card connector on the riser.

4. Insert the card edge connector firmly into the expansion card connector until the card is fully seated.

5. Close the expansion card retention latch.

Figure 74. Installing expansion card into low profile riser

Installing and removing system components 121

Figure 75. Installing expansion card into full height X1 riser

Figure 76. Installing expansion card into butterfly riser

Next steps

1. If applicable, connect the cables to the expansion card.

2. If applicable, install air shroud.

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

4. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

122 Installing and removing system components

Removing expansion card from the system board

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Disconnect any cables connected to the expansion card.

Steps

1. Pull and lift up the expansion card retention latch lock to open.

2. Hold the expansion card by the edge and pull the card to disconnect from the system board connector.

Figure 77. Removing expansion card from system board

3. If the expansion card is not going to be replaced, install a filler bracket by performing the following steps:

a. Align the filler bracket with the slot on the system.

b. Push the filler bracket downward until firmly seated.

c. Close the expansion card retention latch by pushing the latch down until the latch snaps into place.

Installing and removing system components 123

Figure 78. Installing the filler bracket

NOTE: Filler brackets must be installed over empty expansion card slots to maintain FCC certification of the system.

The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

Next steps

1. Install the expansion card on the system board

Installing expansion card on the system board

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Unpack the expansion card and prepare it for installation.

For instructions, see the documentation accompanying the card.

2. If you are installing a new card, remove the filler bracket.

a. Pull and lift up the expansion card retention latch lock to open.

b. Pull the filler bracket upward out of the system.

124 Installing and removing system components

Figure 79. Removing the filler bracket

NOTE: Store the filler bracket for future use. Filler brackets must be installed in empty expansion card slots to maintain

FCC certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid in proper cooling and

airflow inside the system.

3. Holding the card on the edges, align the card with the expansion card connector on the system board.

4. Press the expansion card firmly into the expansion card connector on the system board until the card is fully seated.

5. Close the expansion card retention latch by pushing the latch down until the latch snaps into place.

Installing and removing system components 125

Figure 80. Installing expansion card on system board

Next steps

1. Connect the required cables to the expansion card.

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Removing an expansion card riser

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Disconnect any cables connected to the expansion card.

Steps

Hold the touch points, and lift the expansion card riser, from the riser connector, on the system board.

126 Installing and removing system components

Figure 81. Removing low profile riser right

Figure 82. Removing low profile riser left

Installing and removing system components 127

Figure 83. Removing full height X1 riser

NOTE: For butterfly riser, loosen the captive screw and holding the touch points lift the riser away from the system.

Figure 84. Removing butterfly riser

Next steps

Install the expansion card riser.

128 Installing and removing system components

Installing an expansion card riser

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. If removed, install the expansion cards into the expansion card riser.

2. Holding the touch points, align the expansion card riser with the connector and the riser guide pin on the system board.

3. Lower the expansion card riser into place until the expansion card riser connector is fully seated in the connector.

Figure 85. Installing low profile riser right

Installing and removing system components 129

Figure 86. Installing low profile riser left

Figure 87. Installing full height X1 riser

NOTE: For butterfly riser, tighten the captive screw to firmly hold the riser to the system board.

130 Installing and removing system components

Figure 88. Installing butterfly riser

Next steps

1. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

2. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

M.2 SSD module

Removing the M.2 SSD module

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Remove the air shroud.

4. If installed, remove the rear drive cage.

5. Remove the BOSS card.

NOTE: The procedure to remove the BOSS card is similar to the removing an expansion card.

Steps

1. Loosen the screw and lift the retention strap that secures the M.2 SSD module on the BOSS card.

2. Lift the M.2 SSD module and slide it out of the connector on the BOSS card.

Installing and removing system components 131

Figure 89. Removing the M.2 SSD module

Next steps

Replace the M.2 SSD module.

Installing the M.2 SSD module

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Remove the air shroud.

4. Remove the BOSS card

NOTE: The procedure to remove the BOSS card is similar to the removing an expansion card.

Steps

1. Connect the M.2 SSD module to the connector on the BOSS card.

2. Place the retention strap on the M.2 SSD module, and tighten the screw to secure the module.

132 Installing and removing system components

Figure 90. Installing the M.2 SSD module

Next steps

1. Install the BOSS card.

NOTE: The procedure to install the BOSS card is similar to the Installing expansion card on the system board on page

124.

2. Install the applicable air shroud.

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.

Optional MicroSD or vFlash card

Removing the MicroSD card

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

Steps

1. Locate the MicroSD card slot on the vFlash/IDSDM module, and press the card to partially release it from the slot. To locate

IDSDM/vFlash module, see the System board jumpers and connectors section.

2. Hold the MicroSD card and remove it from the slot.

Installing and removing system components 133

Figure 91. Removing the MicroSD card

NOTE: Temporarily label each MicroSD card with its corresponding slot number after removal.

Next steps

1. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

2. Installing the MicroSD card on page 134

Installing the MicroSD card

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

NOTE: To use an MicroSD card with your system, ensure that the Internal SD Card Port is enabled in System Setup.

NOTE: If reinstalling, ensure that you install the MicroSD cards into the same slots based on the labels you had marked on

the cards during removal.

Steps

1. Locate the MicroSD card connector on the IDSDM/vFlash module. Orient the MicroSD card appropriately and insert the

contact-pin end of the card into the slot. To locate IDSDM/vFlash, see the System board jumpers and connectors section.

NOTE: The slot is keyed to ensure correct insertion of the card.

2. Press the card into the card slot to lock it into place.

134 Installing and removing system components

Figure 92. Installing the MicroSD card

Next steps

Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Optional IDSDM or vFlash module

Removing the optional IDSDM or vFlash card

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

Steps

1. Locate the IDSDM/vFlash connector on the system board.

To locate IDSDM/vFlash connector, see the System board jumpers and connectors section.

2. Holding the pull tab, lift the IDSDM/vFlash card out of the system.

Installing and removing system components 135

Figure 93. Removing the optional IDSDM/vFlash card

NOTE: There are two dip switches on the IDSDM/vFlash card for write-protection.

Next steps

Installing optional IDSDM or vFlash card on page 136

Installing optional IDSDM or vFlash card

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Locate the IDSDM/vFlash connector on the system board.

To locate IDSDM/vFlash connector, see the Jumpers and connectors on page 174 section.

2. Align the IDSDM/vFlash card with the connector on the system board.

3. Push the IDSDM/vFlash card until it is firmly seated on the system board.

136 Installing and removing system components

Figure 94. Installing optional IDSDM/vFlash card

Next steps

1. Install the MicroSD cards.

NOTE: Reinstall the MicroSD cards into the same slots based on the labels you had marked on the cards during removal.

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

LOM riser card

Removing the LOM riser card

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. If installed, remove the risers.

4. If installed, remove the rear drive cage.

Steps

1. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, loosen the screws that secure the LOM riser card to the system board.

2. Release the two blue side plastic snaps holding the LOM riser card.

3. Hold the LOM riser card by the edges on either side, and lift to remove it from the connector on the system board.

4. Slide the LOM riser card towards the front of the system until the Ethernet connectors or the Small form-factor pluggable

(SFP) are clear of the slot in the back of the system.

Installing and removing system components 137

Figure 95. Removing LOM riser card

Next steps

Installing the LOM riser card on page 138

Installing the LOM riser card

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Align the connectors on the LOM riser card with the slot on the system.

2. Press the LOM riser card until the card is firmly seated on the system board connector and the two blue plastic snap hold

the LOM riser card in place.

3. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, replace the screws to secure the LOM riser card to the system board.

138 Installing and removing system components

Figure 96. Installing LOM riser card

Next steps

1. If removed, install the risers.

2. If removed, install the rear drive cage.

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Drive backplane

Backplane details

Depending on your system configuration, the drive backplanes supported in PowerEdge R540 are listed here:

Table 54. Supported backplane options for PowerEdge R540 systems

System Supported hard drives options

PowerEdge R540

3.5 inch (x8) SAS, SATA backplane

3.5 inch (x12) SAS or SATA backplane and 3.5 inch (x2) SAS

or SATA backplane (rear)

Installing and removing system components 139

Figure 97. 8 X 3.5 inch drive backplane

1. SAS/SATA B cable connector 2. Signal connector

3. SAS/SATA A cable connector 4. Power connector

Figure 98. 12 X 3.5 inch drive backplane

1. Power cable connector 2. SAS/SATA cable connector

3. SAS/SATA cable connector 4. Backplane signal connector

5. SAS cable connector

Figure 99. 2 x 3.5 inch drive backplane (rear)

1. Power connector

2. Signal connector

3. SAS cable connector

140 Installing and removing system components

Removing the backplane

Prerequisites

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the drives and backplane, remove the drives from the system before removing

the backplane.

CAUTION: Note the number of each drive and temporarily label them before you remove the drive so that you

can replace them in the same location.

NOTE: The procedure to remove the backplane is similar for all backplane configurations.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Remove the air shroud.

4. Remove the backplane cover.

5. Remove all the drives from the hard-drive slots from the front of the system.

6. Disconnect all the cables from the backplane.

Steps

Press the blue release tabs and lift the backplane to disengage the backplane from the hooks on the system.

Figure 100. Removing backplane

Figure 101. Removing backplane

Next steps

Install the backplane.

Installing and removing system components 141

Installing the backplane

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

NOTE: The procedure to install the backplane is similar for all backplane configurations.

Steps

1. Use the hooks on the system as guides to align the slots on the backplane with the guides on the system.

2. Lower the drive backplane until the blue release tabs snap into place.

Figure 102. Installing the backplane

Next steps

1. Connect all the cables to the backplane.

2. Install all the drives..

3. Install the backplane cover..

4. Install the air shroud

5. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Removing the 3.5-inch rear drive backplane

Prerequisites

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the drives and backplane, you must remove the drives from the system before

removing the backplane.

CAUTION: You must note the number of each hard drive and temporarily label them before removal so that you

can replace them in the same locations.

142 Installing and removing system components

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Remove all the drives from the rear drive cage.

4. Disconnect all the cables from the backplane.

5. Remove the rear drive cage.

Steps

1. Using Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the drive backplane to the rear drive cage.

2. Disengage the backplane from the hooks on the rear drive cage, and remove it from the rear drive cage.

Figure 103. Removing 3.5-inch rear drive backplane

Next steps

Install the 3.5-inch rear drive backplane.

Installing the 3.5-inch rear drive backplane

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Use the hooks on the rear drive cage as guides to align the drive backplane.

2. Lower the backplane into the system until it is firmly seated.

3. Using Phillips #2 screwdriver, replace the screws to secure the backplane to the rear drive cage.

Installing and removing system components 143

Figure 104. Installing 3.5-inch rear drive backplane

Next steps

1. Install the rear drive cage.

2. Install all the drives.

3. Connect all the cables to the backplane.

4. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

144 Installing and removing system components

Cable routing

Figure 105. Cable routing - 12 x 3.5-inch drive backplane and 2 x 3.5-inch rear drive backplane with internal PERC

riser

1. Drive backplane 2. SAS cable (BP: SAS A2 to rear drive backplane)

3. Internal PERC riser 4. Drive backplane (rear)

5. Cable guiding latch 6. SAS cable (BP: SAS A0/B0 to internal PERC riser)

Installing and removing system components 145

Figure 106. Cable routing - 8 x 3.5-inch drive backplane with internal PERC riser

1. Drive backplane 2. SATA cable (BP: BP_A to internal PERC riser: SATA_A)

3. Internal PERC riser 4. Cable guiding latch

5. SATA cable (BP: BP_B to internal PERC riser: SATA_B)

Figure 107. Cable routing - 12 x 3.5-inch drive backplane

1. Drive backplane 2. SATA A cable (BP: BP_A0 to MB: SATA_A)

3. SATA B cable (BP: BP_B0 to MB: SATA_B) 4. System board

146 Installing and removing system components

5. Cable guiding latch 6. SATA C cable (BP: BP_C0 to MB: SATA_C)

Figure 108. Cable routing - 8 x 3.5-inch drive backplane

1. Drive backplane 2. SATA A cable (BP: BP_A to MB: SATA_A)

3. SATA B cable (BP: BP_B to MB: SATA_B) 4. System board

5. Cable guiding latch

Installing and removing system components 147

Figure 109. Cable routing - 2 x 3.5-inch Hybrid backplane with NVMe U.2 SSD

1. drive backplane 2. backplane signal cable (BP:BP_SIG1 to MB:BP_SIG1)

3. backplane power cable 4. SATA cable (BP:BP_B0 to MB SATA_B1)

5. SATA cable (BP:BP_C0 to MB SATA_C1) 6. SATA cable (BP:BP_A0 to MB SATA_A1)

7. Power interposer board (PIB) 8. PCIe cable (BP:BP PCIe B0 to MB Interposer_A)

9. PCIe cable (BP:BP PCIe A0 to MB PCIe_A0)

Rear drive cage

Removing the rear drive cage

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Remove all the drives.

4. Disconnect all the cables from the rear drive backplane.

Steps

1. Using Phillips #2 screwdriver, loosen the screws that secure the drive cage to the system.

2. Pull and hold the screws to lift the drive cage away from the system.

148 Installing and removing system components

Figure 110. Removing the rear drive cage

Next steps

Install the rear drive cage.

Installing the rear drive cage

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Align the screws on the drive cage with the screw holes on the system chassis.

2. Lower the drive cage into the system until it is firmly seated and the screws locks into place.

3. Using Phillips #2 screwdriver, tighten the screws.

Installing and removing system components 149

Figure 111. Installing the rear drive cage

Next steps

1. Reconnect all the disconnected cables to the rear drive backplane.

2. Install all the drives.

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

System battery

Optional internal USB memory key

Replacing the optional internal USB memory key

Prerequisites

CAUTION: To avoid interference with other components in the server, the maximum permissible dimensions of

the USB memory key are 15.9 mm wide x 57.15 mm long x 7.9 mm high.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. If installed, remove the low profile expansion card riser.

Steps

1. Locate the USB port or USB memory key on the system board.

To locate the USB port, see the Jumpers and connectors on page 174.

2. If installed, remove the USB memory key from the USB port.

150 Installing and removing system components

3. Insert the replacement USB memory key into the USB port.

Next steps

1. If removed, Install the low profile expansion card riser.

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

3. While booting, press F2 to enter System Setup and verify that the system detects the USB memory key.

Optical drive (optional)

Removing the optical drive

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. If applicable, remove the front bezel.

4. Disconnect the power and data cables from the connectors on the optical drive.

NOTE: Ensure that you note the routing of the power and data cable on the side of the system and drive. Route these

cables properly when you replace them to prevent them from being pinched or crimped.

Steps

1. Press the release tab to release the optical drive.

2. Slide the optical drive out of the system until it is out of the optical drive slot.

3. If you are not adding a new optical drive, install the optical drive blank. The procedure to install the optical drive blank is the

same as the optical drive.

Figure 112. Removing optical drive

Next steps

Install an optical drive.

Installing and removing system components 151

Installing the optical drive

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Align the optical drive with the optical drive slot on the front of the system.

2. Slide in the optical drive until the release tab snaps into place.

Figure 113. Installing the optical drive

Next steps

1. Connect the power and data cables to the connector on the optical drive and the connector on the system board.

NOTE: Route the cable properly on the side of the system to prevent it from being pinched or crimped.

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Power supply units

NOTE: For more information, see the Technical specifications section.

CAUTION: If two PSUs are installed, both the PSUs must have the same type of label. For example, Extended

Power Performance (EPP) label. Mixing PSUs from previous generations of PowerEdge servers is not

supported, even if the PSUs have the same power rating. Mixing PSUs will result in mismatch condition or

failure to turn the system on.

NOTE: When two identical PSUs are installed, power supply redundancy (1+1 – with redundancy or 2+0 – without

redundancy) is configured in system BIOS. In redundant mode, power is supplied to the system equally from both PSUs

when Hot Spare is disabled. When Hot Spare is enabled, one of the PSUs is put into the sleep mode when system utilization

is low in order to maximize efficiency.

NOTE: If two PSUs are used, they must be of the same maximum output power.

152 Installing and removing system components

Hot spare feature

Your system supports the hot spare feature that significantly reduces the power overhead associated with power supply unit

(PSU) redundancy.

When the hot spare feature is enabled, one of the redundant PSUs is switched to the sleep state. The active PSU supports 100

percent of the load, thus operating at higher efficiency. The PSU in the sleep state monitors output voltage of the active PSU. If

the output voltage of the active PSU drops, the PSU in the sleep state returns to an active output state.

If having both PSUs active is more efficient than having one PSU in the sleep state, the active PSU can also activate the

sleeping PSU.

The default PSU settings are as follows:

●If the load on the active PSU is more than 50 percent, then the redundant PSU is switched to the active state.

●If the load on the active PSU falls below 20 percent, then the redundant PSU is switched to the sleep state.

You can configure the hot spare feature by using the iDRAC settings. For more information about iDRAC settings, see the

Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User’s Guide available at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals.

Removing a power supply unit blank

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

If you are installing a second power supply unit, remove the power supply unit blank in the bay by pulling the blank outward.

CAUTION: To ensure proper system cooling, the power supply unit blank must be installed in the second power

supply unit bay in a non-redundant configuration. Remove the power supply unit blank only if you are installing a

second power supply unit.

Figure 114. Removing a power supply unit blank

Next steps

Installing a power supply unit on page 155

Installing a power supply unit blank

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

NOTE: Install the power supply unit (PSU) blank only in the second PSU bay.

Steps

Align the PSU blank with the PSU slot and push it into the PSU slot until it clicks into place.

Installing and removing system components 153

Figure 115. Installing a power supply unit blank

Next steps

Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Removing a power supply unit

The procedure for removing AC and DC PSUs is identical.

Prerequisites

CAUTION: The system needs one power supply unit (PSU) for normal operation. On power-redundant systems,

remove and replace only one PSU at a time in a system that is powered on.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Disconnect the power cable from the power source and from the PSU you intend to remove, and then remove the cable

from the strap on the PSU handle.

3. Unlatch and lift the optional cable management arm if it interferes with the PSU removal.

For information about the cable management arm, see the system’s rack documentation at www.dell.com/

poweredgemanuals.

Steps

Press the release latch and slide the PSU out of the system by using the PSU handle.

Figure 116. Removing a power supply unit

154 Installing and removing system components

Next steps

Installing a processor and heat sink module on page 111

Installing a power supply unit

The procedure for installing AC and DC PSUs is identical.

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. For systems that support redundant PSU, ensure that both the PSUs are of the same type and have the same maximum

output power.

NOTE: The maximum output power (shown in watts) is listed on the PSU label.

Steps

Slide the PSU into the system until the PSU is fully seated and the release latch snaps into place.

Figure 117. Installing a power supply unit

Next steps

1. If you have unlatched the cable management arm, relatch it. For information about the cable management arm, see the

system’s rack documentation at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

2. Connect the power cable to the PSU, and plug the cable into a power outlet.

CAUTION: When connecting the power cable to the PSU, secure the cable to the PSU with the strap.

NOTE: When installing, hot swapping, or hot adding a new PSU, wait for 15 seconds for the system to recognize the

PSU and determine its status. The PSU redundancy may not occur until discovery is complete. Wait until the new PSU is

discovered and enabled before you remove the other PSU. The PSU status indicator turns green to signify that the PSU

is functioning properly.

Removing a non-redundant cabled AC power supply unit

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

Installing and removing system components 155

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79.

4. Disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

5. Disconnect all the cables connected from the PSU to the system board.

6. If applicable, Removing an expansion card riser on page 126

Steps

1. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the screw securing the PSU to the system.

2. Slide the PSU out of the PSU cage.

Figure 118. Removing non-redundant cabled AC PSU

Next steps

1. Installing a non-redundant cabled AC power supply unit on page 156

Installing a non-redundant cabled AC power supply unit

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Unpack the new power supply unit (PSU).

2. Slide the new PSU into the PSU cage until the PSU is fully seated.

3. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, replace the screw to secure the PSU to the system.

156 Installing and removing system components

Figure 119. Installing non-redundant cabled AC PSU

Next steps

1. Connect the PSU cables to the connectors on the system board.

2. If applicable, Installing an expansion card riser on page 129

3. Installing the air shroud on page 80

4. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Removing a DC power supply unit

Prerequisites

NOTE: For equipment using –(48–60) V DC power supply units (PSUs), a qualified electrician must perform all connections

to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds yourself. All electrical

wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by

Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that came with the product.

CAUTION: The system needs one PSU for normal operation. On power-redundant systems, remove and replace

only one PSU at a time in a system that is powered on.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Disconnect the power wires from the power source and the connector from the PSU you intend to remove.

3. Disconnect the safety ground wire.

4. Unlatch and lift the optional cable management arm if it interferes with PSU removal. For information about the cable

management arm, see the system’s rack documentation at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

Steps

Press the release latch and slide the PSU out of the system by using the PSU handle.

Next steps

Install the DC PSU.

Installing and removing system components 157

Installing DC power supply unit

Prerequisites

NOTE: For equipment using –(48–60) V DC power supply units (PSUs), a qualified electrician must perform all connections

to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds yourself. All electrical

wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by

Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that came with the product.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. For systems that support redundant power supply units (PSUs), ensure that both the PSUs are of the same type and have

the same maximum output power.

NOTE: The maximum output power (shown in watts) is listed on the PSU label.

Steps

Slide the PSU into the system until the PSU is fully seated and the release latch snaps into place.

Next steps

1. If you have unlatched the cable management arm, relatch it. For information about the cable management arm, see the

system’s rack documentation at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

2. Connect the safety ground wire.

3. Install the DC power connector in the PSU.

CAUTION: When connecting the power wires, ensure that you secure the wires with the strap to the PSU

handle.

4. Connect the wires to a DC power source.

NOTE: When installing, hot-swapping, or hot-adding a new PSU, wait for 15 seconds for the system to recognize the

PSU and determine its status. The PSU status indicator turns green to signify that the PSU is functioning properly.

Wiring instructions for a DC power supply unit

Your system supports up to two –(48–60) V DC power supply units (PSUs).

NOTE: For equipment using –(48–60) V DC power supply units (PSUs), a qualified electrician must perform all connections

to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds yourself. All electrical

wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by

Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that came with the product.

CAUTION: Wire the unit with copper only, unless otherwise specified, use only 10 American Wire Gauge (AWG)

wire rated minimum 90ºC for source and return. Protect the –(48–60) V DC (1 wire) with a branch circuit over-

current protection rated 50 A for DC with a high interrupt current rating.

CAUTION: Connect the equipment to a –(48–60) V DC supply source that is electrically isolated from the AC

source (reliably grounded –(48–60) V DC SELV source). Ensure that the –(48–60) V DC source is efficiently

secured to earth (ground).

NOTE: A readily accessible disconnect device that is suitably approved and rated shall be incorporated in the field wiring.

Input requirements

●Supply voltage: –(48–60) V DC

●Current consumption: 32 A (maximum)

Kit contents

●Dell part number 6RYJ9 terminal block or equivalent (1)

158 Installing and removing system components

●#6-32 nut equipped with lock washer (1)

Required tools

Wire-stripper pliers capable of removing insulation from size 10 AWG solid or stranded, insulated copper wire.

NOTE: Use alpha wire part number 3080 or equivalent (65/30 stranding).

Required wires

●One UL 10 AWG, 2 m maximum (stranded) black wire [–(48–60) V DC].

●One UL 10 AWG, 2 m maximum (stranded) red wire (V DC return).

●One UL 10 AWG, 2 m maximum, green with a yellow stripe, stranded wire (safety ground).

Assembling and connecting safety ground wire

Prerequisites

NOTE: For equipment using –(48–60) V DC power supply units (PSUs), a qualified electrician must perform all connections

to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds yourself. All electrical

wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by

Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that came with the product.

Steps

1. Strip the insulation from the end of the green or yellow wire, exposing approximately 4.5 mm (0.175 inch) of copper wire.

2. Using a hand-crimping tool (Tyco Electronics, 58433-3 or equivalent), crimp the ring-tongue terminal (Jeeson Terminals Inc.,

R5-4SA or equivalent) to the green and yellow wire (safety ground wire).

3. Connect the safety ground wire to the grounding post on the back of the system by using a #6-32 nut equipped with a

locking washer.

Assembling DC input power wires

Prerequisites

NOTE: For equipment using –(48–60) V DC power supply units (PSUs), a qualified electrician must perform all connections

to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds yourself. All electrical

wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by

Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that came with the product.

Steps

1. Strip the insulation from the ends of the DC power wires, exposing approximately 13 mm (0.5 inch) of copper wire.

NOTE: Reversing polarity when connecting DC power wires can permanently damage the power supply or the system.

2. Insert the copper ends into the mating connectors and tighten the captive screws at the top of the mating connector using

a Phillips #2 screwdriver.

NOTE: To protect the power supply from electrostatic discharge, the captive screws must be covered with the rubber

cap before inserting the mating connector into the power supply.

3. Rotate the rubber cap clockwise to fix it over the captive screws.

4. Insert the mating connector into the power supply.

Installing and removing system components 159

Power interposer board

Removing power interposer board

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79

4. Disconnect all the cables connected from the PIB to the system board.

NOTE: Ensure that you note the routing of the cables as you remove them from the system board.

5. Removing a processor and heat sink module on page 106

Steps

1. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, remove the screw securing the power interposer board (PIB) to the system.

2. Press the blue release latch on the PIB to release it from the hook on the PSU cage.

3. Lift the board and slide it out at an angle to disengage the guide pins on the board.

Figure 120. Removing power interposer board

4. Lift the board away for the system.

Next steps

1. Installing power interposer board on page 160

Installing power interposer board

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

160 Installing and removing system components

Steps

1. Align the slots on the PIB with the hook on the PSU cage and slide it into place.

2. Using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, tighten the screw to secure the PIB to the system.

3. Route the cables and connect it to the system board.

Figure 121. Installing power interposer board

Next steps

1. Installing a processor and heat sink module on page 111

2. Installing the air shroud on page 80

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Control panel

Removing the left control panel

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the air shroud on page 79

4. Removing the PERC card from the internal PERC riser on page 88

Steps

1. Disconnect the control panel cable from the system board connector.

NOTE: Ensure that you note the routing of the cables as you remove them from the system board. You must route the

cables properly when you replace them to prevent the cables from being pinched or crimped.

2. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the left control panel assembly to the system.

Installing and removing system components 161

Figure 122. Removing left control panel

3. Holding by the sides, remove the left control panel assembly away from the system.

Next steps

Installing the left control panel on page 162

Installing the left control panel

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Route the control panel cable through the side wall of the system.

2. Align the left control panel assembly with the control panel slot on the system and place the assembly in the slot on the

system.

3. Connect the control panel cable to the system board connector.

4. Using Phillips #1 screwdriver, tighten the screws to secure the left control panel assembly to the system.

162 Installing and removing system components

Figure 123. Installing left control panel

Next steps

1. Installing the air shroud on page 80

2. Installing PERC card into the internal PERC riser on page 89

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Removing the right control panel

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Removing the PERC card from the internal PERC riser on page 88

Steps

1. Lift the cable latch and disconnect the control panel cable from the connector on the system board.

NOTE: Ensure that you note the routing of the cables as you remove them from the system board. You must route the

cables properly when you replace them to prevent the cables from being pinched or crimped.

2. Using Phillips #1 screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the right control panel assembly to the system.

Installing and removing system components 163

Figure 124. Removing right control panel

3. Holding by the sides, remove the right control panel assembly away from the system.

Next steps

Installing the right control panel on page 164

Installing the right control panel

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Route the control panel cable through the side wall of the system.

2. Align the right control panel assembly with the control panel slot on the system and attach the control panel assembly to the

system.

3. Connect the control panel cable to the connector on the system board and lower the cable latch to secure the cable in place.

4. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, tighten the screws to secure the right control panel assembly to the system.

164 Installing and removing system components

Figure 125. Installing right control panel

Next steps

1. Installing PERC card into the internal PERC riser on page 89

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

System board

Removing the system board

Prerequisites

CAUTION: If you are using Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with an encryption key, you may be prompted to

create a recovery key during program or System Setup. Be sure to create and safely store this recovery key. If

you replace this system board, you must supply the recovery key when you restart your system or program

before you can access the encrypted data on your drives.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to remove the TPM plug-in module from the system board. Once the TPM plug-in

module is installed, it is cryptographically bound to that specific system board. Any attempt to remove an

installed TPM plug-in module breaks the cryptographic binding, and it cannot be re-installed or installed on

another system board.

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

3. Remove the following:

CAUTION: Do not lift the system board by holding a memory module, processor, or other components.

a. Air shroud

b. All expansion cards and risers

c. Internal PERC riser

Installing and removing system components 165

d. vFlash/IDSDM module

e. Internal USB key (if installed)

f. USB 3.0 module (if installed)

g. Processors and heat sink modules

h. Processors blanks (if installed)

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the processor socket when replacing a faulty system board, ensure that

you cover the processor socket with the processor dust cover.

i. Memory modules

j. LOM riser card

k. Drive cage (rear) (if installed)

Steps

1. Disconnect all cables from the system board.

CAUTION: Take care not to damage the system identification button while removing the system board from

the chassis.

2. Using a Torx #T30 screwdriver, remove nine screws securing the system board to the chassis.

Figure 126. System board screws

3. Hold the system board holder, slightly lift the system board, and then slide it toward the front of the chassis.

4. Incline the system board at an angle, and lift the system board out of the chassis.

166 Installing and removing system components

Figure 127. Removing the system board

Next steps

Installing the system board on page 167.

Installing the system board

Prerequisites

Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

Steps

1. Unpack the new system board assembly.

CAUTION: Do not lift the system board by holding a memory module, processor, or other components.

CAUTION: Take care not to damage the system identification button while placing the system board into the

chassis.

2. Holding the system board holder, push the system board toward the back of the system until it is seated.

3. Using Phillips #2 screwdriver, tighten the screws to secure the system board to the chassis.

Installing and removing system components 167

Figure 128. Installing system board

Next steps

1. Replace the following:

a. Upgrading the Trusted Platform Module on page 170

b. Installing PERC card into the internal PERC riser on page 89

c. Optional internal USB memory key on page 150)

d. USB 3.0 module (if applicable)

e. IDSDM/vFlash module card

f. All expansion cards and risers

g. Processors and heat sink modules

h. Processors blanks (if applicable)

i. Memory modules

j. LOM riser card

k. Air shroud

l. Drive cage (rear) (if applicable)

2. Reconnect all cables to the system board.

NOTE: Ensure that the cables inside the system are routed along the chassis wall and secured using the cable securing

bracket.

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

4. Ensure that you:

a. Use the Easy Restore feature to restore the Service Tag. For more information, see the Restoring the service tag using

Easy Restore section.

b. If the Service Tag is not backed up in the backup flash device, enter the Service Tag manually. For more information, see

the Manually update the Service Tag section.

c. Update the BIOS and iDRAC versions.

d. Re-enable the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). For more information, see the Upgrading the Trusted Platform Module

on page 170 section.

5. Import your new or existing iDRAC Enterprise license.

For more information, see Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide, at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.

168 Installing and removing system components

Restoring the system using Easy Restore

The easy restore feature enables you to restore your service tag, license, UEFI configuration, and the system configuration data

after replacing the system board. All data is backed up in a backup flash device automatically. If BIOS detects a new system

board, and the service tag in the backup flash device, BIOS prompts the user to restore the backup information.

About this task

Below is a list of options available:

●Restore the service tag, license, and diagnostics information, press Y

●Navigate to the Lifecycle Controller based restore options, press N.

●Restore data from a previously created Hardware Server Profile, press F10

NOTE: When the restore process is complete, BIOS prompts to restore the system configuration data.

●To restore the system configuration data, press Y

●To use the default configuration settings, press N

NOTE: After the restore process is complete, system reboots.

Manually update the Service Tag

After replacing a system board, if Easy Restore fails, follow this process to manually enter the Service Tag, using System

Setup.

About this task

If you know the system service tag, use the System Setup menu to enter the service tag.

Steps

1. Power on the system.

2. To enter the System Setup, press F2.

3. Click Service Tag Settings.

4. Enter the service tag.

NOTE: You can enter the service tag only when the Service Tag field is empty. Ensure that you enter the correct

service tag. Once the service tag is entered, it cannot be updated or changed.

5. Click OK.

Entering the system Service Tag by using System

Setup

If Easy Restore fails to restore the Service Tag, use System Setup to enter the Service Tag.

Steps

1. Turn on the system.

2. Press F2 to enter System Setup.

3. Click Service Tag Settings.

4. Enter the Service Tag.

NOTE: You can enter the Service Tag only when the Service Tag field is empty. Ensure that you enter the correct

Service Tag. After the Service Tag is entered, it cannot be updated or changed.

5. Click OK.

6. Import your new or existing iDRAC Enterprise license.

Installing and removing system components 169

For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals .

Trusted Platform Module

Upgrading the Trusted Platform Module

Prerequisites

1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions on page 69.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system on page 70.

NOTE:

●Ensure that your operating system supports the version of the TPM module being installed.

●Ensure that you download and install the latest BIOS firmware on your system.

●Ensure that the BIOS is configured to enable UEFI boot mode.

About this task

CAUTION: Once the TPM plug-in module is installed, it is cryptographically bound to that specific system board.

Any attempt to remove an installed TPM plug-in module breaks the cryptographic binding, the removed TPM

cannot be reinstalled or installed on another system board.

Removing the TPM

Steps

1. Locate the TPM connector on the system board.

NOTE: To locate the TPM connector on the system board, see the Jumpers and connectors on page 174 section.

2. Press to hold the module down and remove the screw using the security Torx 8-bit shipped with the TPM module.

3. Slide the TPM module out from its connector.

4. Push the plastic rivet away from the TPM connector and rotate it 90° counterclockwise to release it from the system board.

5. Pull the plastic rivet out of its slot on the system board.

Installing the TPM

Steps

1. To install the TPM, align the edge connectors on the TPM with the slot on the TPM connector.

2. Insert the TPM into the TPM connector such that the plastic rivet aligns with the slot on the system board.

3. Press the plastic rivet until the rivet snaps into place.

170 Installing and removing system components

Figure 129. Installing the TPM

Next steps

1. Install the system board.

2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system on page 70.

Initializing TPM for BitLocker users

Steps

Initialize the TPM.

For more information, see http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753140.aspx.

The TPM Status changes to Enabled, Activated.

Initializing the TPM 1.2 for TXT users

Steps

1. While booting your system, press F2 to enter System Setup.

2. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > System Security Settings.

3. From the TPM Security option, select On with Pre-boot Measurements.

4. From the TPM Command option, select Activate.

5. Save the settings.

6. Restart your system.

7. Enter System Setup again.

8. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > System Security Settings.

9. From the Intel TXT option, select On.

Installing and removing system components 171

System diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your system, run the system diagnostics before contacting Dell for technical assistance. The

purpose of running system diagnostics is to test your system hardware without using additional equipment or risking data loss. If

you are unable to fix the problem yourself, service and support personnel can use the diagnostics results to help you solve the

problem.

Topics:

•Dell Embedded System Diagnostics

Dell Embedded System Diagnostics

NOTE: The Dell Embedded System Diagnostics is also known as Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA)

diagnostics.

The Embedded System Diagnostics provides a set of options for particular device groups or devices allowing you to:

●Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode

●Repeat tests

●Display or save test results

●Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)

●View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully

●View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing

Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from Boot Manager

Run the Embedded System Diagnostics (ePSA) if your system does not boot.

Steps

1. When the system is booting, press F11.

2. Use the up arrow and down arrow keys to select System Utilities > Launch Diagnostics.

3. Alternatively, when the system is booting, press F10, select Hardware Diagnostics > Run Hardware Diagnostics.

The ePSA Pre-boot System Assessment window is displayed, listing all devices detected in the system. The diagnostics

starts executing the tests on all the detected devices.

Results

Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from the Dell Lifecycle

Controller

Steps

1. As the system boots, press F10.

2. Select Hardware Diagnostics → Run Hardware Diagnostics.

The ePSA Pre-boot System Assessment window is displayed, listing all devices detected in the system. The diagnostics

starts executing the tests on all the detected devices.

172 System diagnostics

System diagnostic controls

Menu Description

Configuration Displays the configuration and status information of all detected devices.

Results Displays the results of all tests that are run.

System health Provides the current overview of the system performance.

Event log Displays a time-stamped log of the results of all tests run on the system. This is displayed if at least one

event description is recorded.

System diagnostics 173

Jumpers and connectors

This topic provides specific information about the jumpers. It also provides some basic information about jumpers and switches

and describes the connectors on the various boards in the system. Jumpers on the system board help to disable the system and

setup passwords. You must know the connectors on the system board to install components and cables correctly.

Topics:

•System board jumpers and connectors

•System board jumper settings

•Disabling forgotten password

System board jumpers and connectors

Figure 130. System board jumpers and connectors

174 Jumpers and connectors

Table 55. System board jumpers and connectors

Item Connector Description

1. FAN6 Cooling fan 6 connector

2. CPU1 Processor socket 1

3. CPU1_PWR_CONN(P2) CPU1 power connector

4. J_INTRU Intrusion switch connector

5. J_BP_SIG1 Backplane signal connector 1

6. LFT_CP_CONN Left control panel connector

7. J_SATA_B1 Internal SATA B connector

8. RGT_CP_CONN Right panel connector

9. SYS_PWR_CONN(P1) System power connector

10. J_PIB_SIG1 Power interface board signal connector 1

11. J_PIB_SIG2 Power interface board signal connector 2

12. J_ACE Internal Dual SD Module

13. J_CP_USB2 Front USB connector

14. J_SATA_A1 Internal SATA A connector

15. J_SATA_C1 Internal SATA C connector

16. PCIE_G3_X8(CPU1) Internal PERC controller connector

17. J_REAR_BP_PWR1 ODD power connector

18. J_FRONT_VIDEO VGA connector

19. INT_USB_3.0 USB connector

20. NVRAM_CLR Clear NVRAM

21. PWRD_EN Reset BIOS password

22. SLOT6 PCIe slot 6

23. SLOT5 PCIe slot 5

24. SLOT4 PCIe slot 4

25. J_TPM_MODULE TPM module connector

26. J_BP_SIG0 Backplane signal connector

27. J_MEZZ_A1 LOM riser card connector

28. BATTERY Battery connector

29. PCIE_G3_X16(CPU1) Riser 1 connector

30. A6, A5, A10, A4, A9, A7, A1, A8, A2, A3 Memory module sockets

31. B3, B2, B1, B4, B5, B6 Memory module sockets

32. CPU2 Processor socket 2

33. PCIE_A0 NVMe connector

34. CPU2_PWR_CONN(P3) CPU2 power connector

System board jumper settings

For information on resetting the password jumper to disable a password, see the Disabling a forgotten password section.

Jumpers and connectors 175

Disabling forgotten password

The software security features of the system include a system password and a setup password. The password jumper enables or

disables password features and clears any password(s) currently in use.

Prerequisites

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform

troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or

telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by

your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that are shipped with your product.

Steps

1. Power off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2. Remove the system cover.

3. Move the jumper on the system board jumper from pins 2 and 4 to pins 4 and 6.

4. Install the system cover.

The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the system boots with the jumper on pins 4 and 6. However, before

you assign a new system and/or setup password, you must move the jumper back to pins 2 and 4.

NOTE: If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the jumper on pins 4 and 6, the system disables the new

password(s) the next time it boots.

5. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and power on the system, including any attached peripherals.

6. Power off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

7. Remove the system cover.

8. Move the jumper on the system board jumper from pins 4 and 6 to pins 2 and 4.

9. Install the system cover.

10. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and power on the system, including any attached peripherals.

11. Assign a new system and/or setup password.

176 Jumpers and connectors

Getting help

Topics:

•Contacting Dell EMC

•Documentation feedback

•Accessing system information by using QRL

•Receiving automated support with SupportAssist

•Recycling or End-of-Life service information

Contacting Dell EMC

Dell EMC provides several online and telephone based support and service options. If you do not have an active internet

connection, you can find contact information about your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell EMC product catalog.

Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell EMC for sales,

technical assistance, or customer service issues:

Steps

1. Go to www.dell.com/support/home.

2. Select your country from the drop-down menu on the lower right corner of the page.

3. For customized support:

a. Enter your system Service Tag in the Enter your Service Tag field.

b. Click Submit.

The support page that lists the various support categories is displayed.

4. For general support:

a. Select your product category.

b. Select your product segment.

c. Select your product.

The support page that lists the various support categories is displayed.

5. For contact details of Dell EMC Global Technical Support:

a. Click Global Technical Support.

b. Enter your system Service Tag in the Enter your Service Tag field on the Contac Us webpage.

Documentation feedback

You can rate the documentation or write your feedback on any of our Dell EMC documentation pages and click Send Feedback

to send your feedback.

Accessing system information by using QRL

You can use the Quick Resource Locator (QRL) located on the information tag in the front of the system, to access the

information about the PowerEdge system.

Prerequisites

Ensure that your smartphone or tablet has the QR code scanner installed.

The QRL includes the following information about your system:

●How-to videos

Getting help 177

●Reference materials, including the Installtion and Service Manual, LCD diagnostics, and mechanical overview

●Your system service tag to quickly access your specific hardware configuration and warranty information

●A direct link to Dell to contact technical assistance and sales teams

Steps

1. Go to www.dell.com/qrl and navigate to your specific product or

2. Use your smartphone or tablet to scan the model-specific Quick Resource (QR) code on your system or in the Quick

Resource Locator section.

Quick Resource Locator for R540

Quick Resource Locator for PowerEdge R540

Receiving automated support with SupportAssist

Dell EMC SupportAssist is an optional Dell EMC Services offering that automates technical support for your Dell EMC server,

storage, and networking devices. By installing and setting up a SupportAssist application in your IT environment, you can receive

the following benefits:

●Automated issue detection — SupportAssist monitors your Dell EMC devices and automatically detects hardware issues,

both proactively and predictively.

●Automated case creation — When an issue is detected, SupportAssist automatically opens a support case with Dell EMC

Technical Support.

●Automated diagnostic collection — SupportAssist automatically collects system state information from your devices and

uploads it securely to Dell EMC. This information is used by Dell EMC Technical Support to troubleshoot the issue.

●Proactive contact — A Dell EMC Technical Support agent contacts you about the support case and helps you resolve the

issue.

The available benefits vary depending on the Dell EMC Service entitlement purchased for your device. For more information

about SupportAssist, go to www.dell.com/supportassist.

Recycling or End-of-Life service information

Take back and recycling services are offered for this product in certain countries. If you want to dispose of system components,

visit www.dell.com/recyclingworldwide and select the relevant country.

178 Getting help

Table of Contents

DELL R540 + Windows Server Standard User Manual

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