Acer AR180 F1 Series User manual

AR180 F1 Series
User Guide

Model Number :
Serial Number:
Purchase Date:
Place of Purchase:
Copyright © 2010. All Rights Reserved.
Acer AR180 F1 Series
User Guide
Acer AR180 F1

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Information for your safety and
comfort
Safety instructions
Read these instructions carefully. Keep this document for future
reference. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.
Turning the product off before cleaning
Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
CAUTION for plug as disconnecting device
Observe the following guidelines when connecting and disconnecting
power to the power supply unit:
• Install the power supply unit before connecting the power cord to
the AC power outlet.
• Unplug the power cord before removing the power supply unit
from the computer.
• If the system has multiple sources of power, disconnect power
from the system by unplugging all power cords from the power
supplies.
CAUTION for accessibility
Be sure that the power outlet you plug the power cord into is easily
accessible and located as close to the equipment operator as possible.
When you need to disconnect power to the equipment, be sure to
unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Warnings
• Do not use this product near water.
• Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand or table. If the
product falls, it could be seriously damaged.

iv
• Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable
operation of the product and to protect it from overheating.
These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings
should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug
or other similar surface. This product should never be placed near
or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation
unless proper ventilation is provided.
• Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet
slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out
parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid
of any kind onto or into the product.
• To avoid damage of internal components and to prevent battery
leakage, do not place the product on a vibrating surface.
• Never use it under sporting, exercising, or any vibrating
environment which will probably cause unexpected short current
or damage rotor devices, HDD, Optical drive, and even exposure
risk from lithium battery pack.
• This product is not suitable for use with visual display workplace
devices according to B2 of the German Ordinance for Work with
Visual Display Units.
Using electrical power
• This product should be operated from the type of power indicated
on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power
available, consult your dealer or local power company.
• Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate
this product where people will walk on the cord.
• If an extension cord is used with this product, make sure that the
total ampere rating of the equipment plugged into the extension
cord does not exceed the extension cord ampere rating. Also,
make sure that the total rating of all products plugged into the
wall outlet does not exceed the fuse rating.
• Do not overload a power outlet, strip or receptacle by plugging in
too many devices. The overall system load must not exceed 80% of
the branch circuit rating. If power strips are used, the load should
not exceed 80% of the power strip's input rating.
• This product's power supply is equipped with a three-wire
grounded plug. The plug only fits in a grounded power outlet.
Make sure the power outlet is properly grounded before inserting
the power supply plug. Do not insert the plug into a non-

v
grounded power outlet. Contact your electrician for details.
Warning! The grounding pin is a safety feature. Using a power outlet that is
not properly grounded may result in electric shock and/or injury.
Note: The grounding pin also provides good protection from unexpected
noise produced by other nearby electrical devices that may interfere with
the performance of this product.
• Use the product only with the supplied power supply cord set. If
you need to replace the power cord set, make sure that the new
power cord meets the following requirements: detachable type,
UL listed/CSA certified, VDE approved or its equivalent, 4.6 meters
(15 feet) maximum length.
Product servicing
Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or
removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other
risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to
qualified service personnel when:
• the power cord or plug is damaged, cut or frayed
• liquid was spilled into the product
• the product was exposed to rain or water
• the product has been dropped or the case has been damaged
• the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, indicating a
need for service
• the product does not operate normally after following the
operating instructions
Note: Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions, since improper adjustment of other controls may result in
damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to
restore the product to normal condition.
This server must be placed in a restricted access location.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the

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manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.

vii
Additional safety information
Your device and its enhancements may contain small parts. Keep them
out of the reach of small children.
Disposal instructions
Do not throw this electronic device into the trash when
discarding. To minimize pollution and ensure utmost
protection of the global environment, please recycle. For
more information on the Waste from Electrical and
Electronics Equipment (WEEE) regulations, visit
http://www.acer-group.com/public/Sustainability/sustainability01.htm.
Mercury advisory
For projectors or electronic products containing an LCD/CRT
monitor or display: Lamp(s) inside this product contain
mercury and must be recycled or disposed of according to local, state
or federal laws. For more information, contact the Electronic Industries
Alliance at www.eiae.org. For lamp-specific disposal information,
check www.lamprecycle.org.
Tips and information for comfortable use
Computer users may complain of eyestrain and headaches after
prolonged use. Users are also at risk of physical injury after long hours
of working in front of a computer. Long work periods, bad posture,
poor work habits, stress, inadequate working conditions, personal
health and other factors greatly increase the risk of physical injury.
Incorrect computer usage may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome,
tendonitis, tenosynovitis or other musculoskeletal disorders. The
following symptoms may appear in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders,
neck or back:
• numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation
• aching, soreness or tenderness
• pain, swelling or throbbing
• stiffness or tightness
• coldness or weakness

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If you have these symptoms, or any other recurring or persistent
discomfort and/or pain related to computer use, consult a physician
immediately and inform your company's health and safety
department.
The following section provides tips for more comfortable computer
use.
Finding your comfort zone
Find your comfort zone by adjusting the viewing angle of the monitor,
using a footrest, or raising your sitting height to achieve maximum
comfort. Observe the following tips:
• refrain from staying too long in one fixed posture
• avoid slouching forward and/or leaning backward
• stand up and walk around regularly to remove the strain on your
leg muscles
• take short rests to relax your neck and shoulders
• avoid tensing your muscles or shrugging your shoulders
• install the external display, keyboard and mouse properly and
within comfortable reach
• if you view your monitor more than your documents, place the
display at the center of your desk to minimize neck strain
Taking care of your vision
Long viewing hours, wearing incorrect glasses or contact lenses, glare,
excessive room lighting, poorly focused screens, very small typefaces
and low-contrast displays could stress your eyes. The following sections
provide suggestions on how to reduce eyestrain.
Eyes
• Rest your eyes frequently.
• Give your eyes regular breaks by looking away from the monitor
and focusing on a distant point.
• Blink frequently to keep your eyes from drying out.
Display
• Keep your display clean.

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• Keep your head at a higher level than the top edge of the display
so your eyes point downward when looking at the middle of the
display.
• Adjust the display brightness and/or contrast to a comfortable
level for enhanced text readability and graphics clarity.
• Eliminate glare and reflections by:
• placing your display in such a way that the side faces the
window or any light source
• minimizing room light by using drapes, shades or blinds
• using a task light
• changing the display's viewing angle
• using a glare-reduction filter
• using a display visor, such as a piece of cardboard extended
from the display's top front edge
• Avoid adjusting your display to an awkward viewing angle.
• Avoid looking at bright light sources, such as open windows, for
extended periods of time.
Developing good work habits
Develop the following work habits to make your computer use more
relaxing and productive:
• Take short breaks regularly and often.
• Perform some stretching exercises.
• Breathe fresh air as often as possible.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body.
Warning! We do not recommend using the computer on a couch
or bed. If this is unavoidable, work for only short periods, take
breaks regularly, and do some stretching exercises.

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Regulations and safety notices
FCC notice
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This device generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this device does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
device off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the device and receiver.
• Connect the device into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician
for help.
Notice: Shielded cables
All connections to other computing devices must be made using
shielded cables to maintain compliance with FCC regulations. In
compliance with FCC regulations, use shielded cables to connect to
other computing devices. A dual-link cable is recommended for DVI
output.
Notice: Peripheral devices
Only peripherals (input/output devices, terminals, printers, etc.)
certified to comply with the Class A limits may be attached to this
equipment. Operation with non-certified peripherals is likely to result
in interference to radio and TV reception.

xi
Caution
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer
could void the user's authority, which is granted by the Federal
Communications Commission, to operate this computer.
Operation conditions
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Notice: Canadian users
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Remarque à l'intention des utilisateurs canadiens
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-
003 du Canada.
Compliant with Russian regulatory certification
Notice for Australia
For safety reasons, only connect headsets with a telecommunications
compliance label. This includes customer equipment previously labelled
permitted or certified.
Notice for New Zealand
1 The grant of a Telepermit for any item of terminal equipment
indicates only that Telecom has accepted that the item complies
with minimum conditions for connection to its network. It
indicates no endorsement of the product by Telecom, nor does it
provide any sort of warranty. Above all, it provides no assurance
that any item will work correctly in all respects with another item
of Telepermitted equipment of a different make or model, nor
does it imply that any product is compatible with all of Telecom's
network services.
2 This equipment is not capable, under all operating conditions, of
correct operation at the higher speeds for which it is designed.

xii
Telecom will accept no responsibility should difficulties arise in
such circumstances.
3 Some parameters required for compliance with Telecom's
Telepermit requirements are dependent on the equipment (PC)
associated with this device. The associated equipment shall be set
to operate within the following limits for compliance with
Telecom's Specifications:
a There shall be no more than 10 call attempts to the same number
within any 30 minute period for any single manual call initiation, and
b The equipment shall go on-hook for a period of not less than 30
seconds between the end of one attempt and the beginning of the
next call attempt.
4 Some parameters required for compliance with Telecom's
Telepermit requirements are dependent on the equipment (PC)
associated with this device. In order to operate within the limits
for compliance with Telecom's specifications, the associated
equipment shall be set to ensure that automatic calls to different
numbers are spaced such that there is not less than 5 seconds
between the end of one call attempt and the beginning of
another.
5 This equipment shall not be set up to make automatic calls to
Telecom's 111 Emergency Service.
6 This device is equipped with pulse dialing while the Telecom
standard is DTMF tone dialing. There is no guarantee that Telecom
lines will always continue to support pulse dialing.
7 Use of pulse dialing, when this equipment is connected to the
same line as other equipment, may give rise to bell tinkle or noise
and may also cause a false answer condition. Should such problems
occur, the user should NOT contact the telecom Fault Service.
8 This equipment may not provide for the effective hand-over of a
call to another device connected to the same line.
9 Under power failure conditions this appliance may not operate.
Please ensure that a separate telephone, not dependent on local
power, is available for emergency use.

xiii
Notice: BSMI
Power Supply Unit (PSU) statement
Power supply unit (PSU) redundancy claim ensures that the system may
continue to run normally in the event one power supply unit becomes
inoperable. Under normal operation, both power supplies share the
system loading.
Laser compliance statement
The CD or DVD drive used with this computer is a laser product.
The CD or DVD drive's classification label (shown below) is located on
the drive.
CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT
CAUTION: INVISIBLE LASER RADIATION WHEN OPEN. AVOID
EXPOSURE TO BEAM.
Appareil à laser de classe 1
Attention: Radiation laser visible et invisible en cas d’ouverture. Éviter
toute exposition aux rayons.
Laserprodukt der Klasse 1
Achtung: Beim Öffnen werden unsichtbare Laserstrahlen freigelegt.
Setzen Sie sich diesen Strahlen nicht aus.
Prodotto laser di classe 1
Attenzione: Radiazioni laser invisibili in caso d’apertura. Evitare
l’esposizione ai raggi.
Producto láser de Clase 1
Precaución: Cuando está abierta, hay radiación láser. Evite una
exposición al haz de luz.
Produto Laser de Classe 1
Precaução: Radiação laser invisível quando aberto. Evite exposição ao
feixe.

xiv
Laserproduct klasse 1
Voorzichtig: Onzichtbare laserstraling indien geopend. Voorkom
blootstelling aan straal.
Declaration of Conformity for EU countries
Hereby, Acer, declares that this system is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/
5/EC.
List of applicable countries
This device must be used in strict accordance with the regulations and
constraints in the country of use. For further information, please
contact local office in the country of use. Please see
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/rtte/implem.htm for the latest country
list.

Contents
1 System tour 1
Overview 2
External and internal structure 3
Front panel 3
Rear panel 6
Internal components 8
Mainboard 9
2 System setup 15
Setting up the system 16
Pre-installation requirements 16
Connecting peripherals 17
Turning on the system 18
To power on the system: 18
Power-on problems 18
Configuring the system OS 20
Turning off the system 21
3 System upgrades 23
Installation precautions 24
ESD precautions 24
Pre-installation instructions 24
Post-installation instructions 25
Opening the server 26
Configuring the storage devices 28
Accessing the drive bays 28
Hard disk drive configuration guidelines 28
Determining drive status 29
Removing and installing a 3.5” hard disk drive 30
Installing and removing the power supply 32
Power supply failure 33
Replacing the power supply 33
Removing and installing the air duct 34
Replacing a system fan 35
Replacing the processor and heatsink 37
Removing the heatsink 37
Installing a heatsink 38
Upgrading the processor 40
Upgrading the system memory 43
Installing a memory module: 48
Removing a memory module: 49
Installing an expansion card 51

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Installing a SAS card 51
Installing the rear SAS card 52
Installing the right riser card 54
4 System BIOS 57
Introduction 58
The BIOS setup utility 58
Changing configuration data 58
Main setup 60
Advanced Settings 62
Boot Features 62
Processor & Clock Options 64
Advanced Chipset Control 67
IDE/SATA configuration 71
PCI/PnP configuration 74
Super IO Configuration 75
Hardware Health Configuration 76
ACPI configuration 79
Security Settings 81
System Management Settings 84
Product Information 84
Remote Access Configuration 86
DMI Event Logging 87
Boot Settings 89
Boot Device Priority 89
Hard Disk Drives 90
CD/DVD Drive 90
Exit 91
5 System troubleshooting 95
Resetting the system 96
Initial system startup problems 96
BIOS error beep codes 97
Initial troubleshooting checklist 98
Hardware diagnostic testing 99
Checking the boot-up status 99
Verifying the condition of the storage devices 100
Confirming loading of the operating system 100
Specific problems and corrective actions 101
Appendix A: Server management tools 105
Server management overview 106

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RAID configuration utilities 107
Intel onboard SATA RAID Creation 107
Adaptec onboard SATA RAID Creation 109
Configuring LSI MegaRAID SAS 8204ELP 111
MEGARAID SAS 8708EM2 RAID CREATION 113
FLEX IO LSI 1078 SAS RAID CREATION 115
Appendix B: Rack mount configuration 117
Rack installation information 118
System rack installation 120
Vertical mounting hole pattern 121
Installing the system into the rack 122
Appendix C: Acer Smart Console 129
Using Acer Smart Console 130
Software requirements 130
Accessing Acer Smart Console 131
Acer Smart Console user interface 132
System Information 132
Server Health 133
Configuration 135
Remote Control 145
Launch SOL 147
Virtual Media 148
Maintenance 150
KVM function description 151
Exit 157
Index 159

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1 System tour

1 System tour
2
Overview
The AR180 F1 is a high-performance 2U rack-mount dual-socket server
that supports up to two new generations of Intel architecture
processors (Intel® Xeon 5500 series and Intel® Xeon 5600 series
processors), DDR3 memory technology, PCI Express Gen2 (5.0Gb/s) dual
onboard gigabit Ethernet ports with Intel®I/O Acceleration
Technology (IOAT), VT-d and iSCSI boot and integrated BMC
management feature.
The AR180 F1 targets medium businesses that require server solution
combined with performance, reliability and expandability to support
applications such as FTP server, file/printer server, data center, data
center and Internet/Intranet server. The AR180 F1 is a flexible and
highly reliable rack-mount server that satisfy growing businesses and
customers’ needs.
System features and support
• Up to twelve 3.5-inch SAS/SATA hard disk drives.
• Hot-plug system fans
•DualIntel
®Xeon 5500 / 5600 processors
• Twelve DIMM slots that support a maximum of 192 GB (registered)
or 48 GB (unbuffered) memory