Cisco UCS X9508 Quick start guide

Installation
This chapter contains the following topics:
•Installation Notes and Warnings for the Cisco UCS X9508 Server Chassis, on page 1
•Rail Installation Templates, on page 12
•Installing Cage Nuts, on page 14
•Rail Kits, on page 17
•Installing the Chassis, on page 20
•Removing the Chassis from a Rack, on page 54
•Repacking the Chassis, on page 54
Installation Notes and Warnings for the Cisco UCS X9508 Server
Chassis
The following notes and warnings apply to all installation tasks:
Before you install, operate, or service the system, see the Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information for
Cisco UCS for important safety information.
Note
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work
on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar with standard
practices for preventing accidents. Use the statement number provided at the end of each warning to locate
its translation in the translated safety warnings that accompanied this device. Statement 1071
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Warning
This unit is intended for installation in restricted access areas. A restricted access area can be accessed only
through the use of a special tool, lock and key, or other means of security. Statement 1017
Warning
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1

Only trained and qualified personnel must be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment.
Statement 1030
Warning
Watch your hands and fingers whenever you handle the chassis, modules, compute nodes, and components!
Narrow vertical or horizontal spaces in situations like, but not limited to, moving the chassis into or out of
the shipping container or equipment rack can cause pinch hazards for your hands and fingers.
Although they do not eliminate the possibility of pinching, the chassis has defined grasp points to facilitate
handling and moving it. For information about chassis grasp points, see Handling the Chassis, on page 4.
Important
Do not lift or handle the chassis by the top rear sheet metal, as indicated by the DO NOT LIFT label on the
top rear surface.
Note
Rack Requirements
This section provides the requirements for installing in a standard open rack, assuming an external ambient
air temperature range of 41 to 95°F (5 to 35°C):
Do not use racks that have obstructions. These obstructions could impair access to field-replaceable units
(FRUs).
Note
Cisco UCS is compliant with any EIA-310-D/E compliant rack. Your equipment racks must also be compliant
with EIA-310-D/E standard.
The Cisco UCS X9508 chassis can be installed in either a 9.5 mm square-hole rack or a 7.1 mm unthreaded
round-hole rack. These racks require either square-hole cage nuts or round-hole cage nuts (also called spring
nuts), respectively. Cage nuts and spring nuts are not provided by Cisco. They should have accompanied your
equipment rack. Use the proper cage nut or spring nut for your rack.
Some racks might be tapped, with threaded holes drilled directly into the rack's sheetmetal instead of square-
or round-hole punchouts for cage nuts. The rail kit for the server is not currently supported in tapped (threaded
hole) racks. Do not attempt to install the chassis in a tapped (threaded hole) equipment rack.
Caution
Also, be aware of these additional requirements:
• The tool-less rack-mount kits (either Type 1 or Type 2) shipped with the chassis are required. The
adjustable rack rails shipped with each enclosure extend from 29 inches (73.66 cm) to 35 inches (88.9
cm)
• Front and rear doors—If your compute node rack includes closing front and rear doors, the doors must
have 65 percent open perforated area evenly distributed from top to bottom to permit adequate airflow.
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Rack Requirements

Always use blanking panels to fill all remaining empty front panel U-spaces in
the rack. This arrangement ensures proper airflow. Using a rack without blanking
panels results in improper cooling that can lead to thermal damage.
Caution
The rack must also meet the following requirements:
• The minimum available vertical rack space per chassis must be seven RU (rack units), equal to 12.25
inches (31.2 cm).
Airflow Considerations
Airflow through the chassis is from front to back. Air enters the chassis through the compute nodes and power
supply grills at the front of the chassis and exits through the fan modules on the back of the chassis. To ensure
proper airflow, follow these guidelines:
• Maintain ambient airflow throughout the data center to ensure normal operation.
• Consider the heat dissipation of all equipment when determining air-conditioning requirements. Do not
allow the exhaust of one system to be the intake for another system.
• When evaluating airflow requirements, take into consideration that the hot air generated by equipment
at the bottom of the rack can be drawn in the intake of the equipment above.
• Make sure that the exhaust at the rear of the chassis is unobstructed for at least 24 in. (61 cm). This
includes obstruction due to messy cabling practices.
• If an enclosed rack is used, the front door must be 65 percent perforated to ensure adequate airflow to
the compute nodes.
Earth Ground Considerations
Earth Ground Compliance
This equipment must be grounded. Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the equipment in the absence
of a suitably installed ground conductor. Contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician
if you are uncertain that suitable grounding is available. Statement 1024
Warning
For Nordic countries (Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark) this system must be installed in a Restricted
Access Location, where the voltage of the main ground connection of all equipment is the same (equipotential
earth) and the system is connected to a grounded electrical outlet. Statement 328
Warning
High leakage current – earth connection essential before connection to system power supply. Statement 342
Warning
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Airflow Considerations

This equipment must be externally grounded using a customer-supplied ground wire before power is applied.
Contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority or an electrician if you are uncertain that suitable
grounding is available. Statement 366
Warning
Ground Lug
Connecting the chassis to earth ground is completed by installing a grounding bracket, assembling the ground
wire and ground lug, then screwing the ground lug and ground wire to the grounding bracket.
The ground lug is provided in the accessory kit. If needed, additional ground lugs are available through
third-party retailers, such as Panduit.
The following information is for standard AC power installations in North America. Your location might
require different specifications. Make sure that you are using the correct ground lug and ground cable for your
location.
Note
The ground lug must be a two-stud, copper barrel lug like the example shown below.
The positive and negative wires can be installed pointing either to the right or to the left as long as the terminal
cover is used.
Panduit LCD4-14A-L connectors (or equivalent) may be used supply and return wires, and Panduit LCD4-14A
or equivalent connectors may be used for the 90-degree ground lug wire. Both connections have double lugs
with .25-inch holes measuring .625 inches from center to center.
Note
Handling the Chassis
As a best practice, handle the chassis when it is empty, and use either a scissors jack or multiple people to
bear the weight.
The Cisco UCS X9508 has defined areas for holding the chassis (grasp points). Grasp points are not indicated
on the chassis itself, but facilitate handling or moving the chassis.
Watch your hands and fingers whenever you handle the chassis, modules, compute nodes, and components!
Narrow vertical or horizontal spaces in situations including, but not limited to, moving the chassis into or out
of the shipping container or equipment rack can cause pinch hazards for your hands and fingers.
Important
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Handling the Chassis

Use the following grasp points when handling the chassis.
• Front grasp points, horizontal
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Handling the Chassis

• Rear grasp points
Do not lift or handle the chassis by the top rear sheet metal, as indicated by the
DO NOT LIFT label on the top rear surface.
Note
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Handling the Chassis

Moving Server Chassis
A fully configured chassis is very heavy! Be aware of its weight, and follow these guidelines:
Do not try to lift the chassis without mechanical assistance! The chassis weighs 400 lbs (181.43 kg) fully
configured and 92 lbs (41.73 kg) empty. If available, use a scissor jack or other lifting device designed for
installing heavy equipment into data center racks.
Caution
• Disconnect all power and external cables before lifting the chassis.
• Remove all IFMs, power supplies, fans, and compute nodes from the chassis before lifting.
• Ensure that your footing is solid, and the weight of the system is evenly distributed between your feet.
• If you must lift an empty chassis, do not attempt this alone. Get assistance from at least one other person.
Lift the system slowly, keeping your back straight. Lift with your legs, not with your back. Bend at the
knees, not at the waist.
Installation Guidelines
When installing the chassis, follow these guidelines:
• Plan your site configuration and prepare the site before installing the chassis. See Site Planning and
Maintenance Records for the recommended site planning tasks. For details, see the Cisco UCS Site
Preparation Guide.
• Record the information listed in Site Planning and Maintenance Records as you install and configure the
chassis.
• Ensure that there is adequate space around the chassis to allow for servicing the chassis and for airflow.
•Ensure that the air-conditioning meets the heat dissipation requirements listed in Technical Specifications
• Ensure that the cabinet or rack meets the requirements listed in Rack Requirements, on page 2.
Jumper power cords are available for use in a rack. See Specifications for the
Cisco UCS X9508 Chassis Power Supply Units.
Note
•Ensure that the site power meets the power requirements listed in Technical Specifications. We recommend
that you use a UPS to protect the UCS system. Using an unprotected supply exposes you to a risk of
system failure due to input supply voltage variations or failures.
Avoid UPS types that use ferroresonant technology. These UPS types can become unstable with systems
such as the Cisco UCS, which can have substantial current draw fluctuations due to fluctuating data
traffic patterns.
• Ensure that circuits are sized according to local and national codes. For North America, the power supply
requires a 20 A circuit.
To prevent loss of input power, ensure that the total maximum loads on the circuits supplying power to
the chassis are within the current ratings for the wiring and breakers.
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Moving Server Chassis

• Use the following torque values when installing the chassis:
• M6 x 20 mm screws: 48 +/- 5 in-lb
Required Equipment
Before you begin the installation, ensure that you have the following items:
• Scissor jack or other lift device capable of bearing the weight of a fully loaded chassis, which is 400 lbs
(181.43 kg).
• Number 1 and number 2 Phillips-head screwdrivers with torque measuring capabilities
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Tape measure and level
• ESD wrist strap or other grounding device
• Antistatic mat or antistatic foam
Unpacking and Inspecting the Chassis
When handling chassis components, wear an ESD strap and handle modules by the carrier edges only.
Caution
Keep the shipping container in case the chassis requires shipping in the future.
Tip
The chassis is thoroughly inspected before shipment. If any damage occurred during transportation or any
items are missing, contact your customer service representative immediately.
Note
As part of this procedure, you will be moving an empty chassis out of the shipping container. Be aware of the
following precautions:
You will find it helpful to wear gloves when unpacking and lifting the chassis. Also, beware of hand and
finger placement while unpacking, lifting, and moving the chassis to avoid possible pinch hazards.
Note
Only lift an empty chassis! Do not lift a chassis that has compute nodes, PSUs, fans, or Fabric Modules
installed. An empty chassis weighs 92 lbs (41.73 kg), so even an empty chassis has considerable weight.
Warning
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Installation
Required Equipment

Use two or more people to lift the empty chassis. Do not attempt to lift the chassis by yourself! Always use
safe lifting practices when lifting or moving the chassis.
Use a lift or scissors jack to support the chassis when lifting and moving it.
Warning
Step 1 Make sure to read and understand the preceding warnings in this topic, as well as the information in the following
topics:
•Installation Notes and Warnings for the Cisco UCS X9508 Server Chassis, on page 1
•Handling the Chassis, on page 4
•Moving Server Chassis, on page 7
Step 2 Open the chassis shipping container.
a) Remove the top and side panels so that the chassis is sitting on the bottom pallet.
b) Save all packaging material.
Step 3 Do a visual inspection of the chassis to ensure there was no damage during transport.
Step 4 Compare the shipment to the equipment list provided by your customer service representative and verify that you have
received the following items:
• Accessory kit, which contains:
• M6 cage nut (4)
• M6 x 20mmL screw (16)
• Power Cable Management Arm (2), UCSX-9508-PCMA
• ESD Strap (Clip Terminated)
• Rail Kit, UCSX-9508-RAIL1=
• Any printed documentation
• Any optional items, which will be present in the accessory kit only if you ordered them with your system.
•Rear Mounting Brackets (1 left bracket, 1 right bracket), UCSX-9508-RACKBK. These brackets are optional.
They should be ordered only if you plan to install the chassis in shippable rack. If you don't plan on shipping
the rack, these brackets are not required.
• Compute Node Debug Cable, UCSX-C-DEBUGCBL, which is orderable as a customer option.
Step 5 Verify that all unused compute node slots and power supply bays have blank covers.
Step 6 If your chassis was shipped with hardware pre-installed, make sure to remove all compute nodes, PSUs, fans, and Fabric
Modules to reduce the chassis weight significantly before lifting it out of the shipping container. Blank faceplates can
remain installed.
Only lift an empty chassis!
Warning
Step 7 Locate the chassis handles, which are also the stabilizing brackets that secure the chassis to the bottom pallet.
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Unpacking and Inspecting the Chassis

Step 8 Using a 13-millimeter socket driver, remove the four M8 hex-head securing bolts (two per side).
Save the securing bolts.
Note
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Unpacking and Inspecting the Chassis

Step 9 With two or more people, grasp the handles, lift the empty chassis off of the bottom palette, and set the chassis onto a
lift or scissor jack that can support the chassis weight.
Step 10 Before installing the chassis into an equipment rack, use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to remove the two M5 screws (two
per handle) that secure the handles to the chassis.
Save the handles and screws.
Note
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Installation
Unpacking and Inspecting the Chassis

M5 screws, two per handle2Chassis handles, two per side1
Rail Installation Templates
Two rail kits are available, and each shipping container will contain a left and right rail as a matched set. For
each rail kit, a corresponding template is provided for reference through the following sections of this document.
The templates show the locations on the rack for cage nuts, rail kit locator pegs, and screws should be installed.
The templates facilitate installing the rail kit and chassis by ensuring proper spacing and alignment of installation
hardware in both the left and right sides of the rack. The chassis has one template for the front of the rack and
one for the back.
Rail installation templates are applicable to either square-hole or round-hole equipment racks.
For each rail installation template, see:
•Front Install Template, on page 13
•Rear Install Template, on page 13
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Rail Installation Templates

Front Install Template
Use this installation to locate the correct spacing and alignment for chassis mounting hardware on the rack.
This template shows the rack locations for mounting the front of the chassis.
Align the Chassis Top of the template with the location in the rack where the top of the chassis will be and
install the cage nuts and other hardware as shown.
Figure 1: Rack Installation Template, Front
Rear Install Template
Use this installation to locate the correct spacing and alignment for chassis mounting hardware on the rack.
This template shows the rack locations for mounting the rear of the chassis.
Align the Chassis Top of the template with the location in the rack where the top of the chassis will be and
install the cage nuts and other hardware as shown.
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Front Install Template

Figure 2: Rack Installation Template, Rear
The eight cage nuts shown near the top of the template (four per side) are required only when you are installing
the rear tie down brackets, which are an orderable option, but not required for basic installation.
Note
Installing Cage Nuts
The Cisco UCS X9508 chassis can be installed in standard size, untapped equipment racks that have either
square or round-holes. For more information, see Rack Requirements, on page 2. The X9508 server is
supported on a rail kit which mounts to the square-hole or round hole cage.
For untapped equipment racks, you must install cage nuts to provide a way for mounting screws to secure
rails and the chassis to the rack.
Caution
Use the appropriate option depending on your type of equipmet rack:
•Installing Cage Nuts, Square-Hole Rack, on page 15
•Installing Cage Nuts, Round-Hole Rack, on page 16
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Installing Cage Nuts

Installing Cage Nuts, Square-Hole Rack
Use the following task to install twelve, M6x1.00 square-hole cage nuts into a 9.5 mm unthreaded square-hole
rack. Spring nuts are not supplied by Cisco. They should have accompanied your equipment rack.
Before you begin
This document provides illustrations of installation templates for the front and rear of the chassis. The templates
are designed to show you the proper holes within which the rails and cage nuts should be placed. Once you
align the rack holes line up with the template, you should mark the holes on the rack so that they are easy to
use.
To use the rack installation templates, go to the appropriate topic:
•Front Install Template, on page 13
•Rear Install Template, on page 13
Step 1 Gather the M6 cage nuts and a flat head screwdriver.
Step 2 Locate the template and refer to the chassis location in the rack and the cage nut locations on the template.
Step 3 Position one of the curled sides of the cage nut on the inside of the square cutout in the rack.
Step 4 Press the cage nut into the cutout and use the screwdriver to pinch the other curled edge inward until the cage nut clicks
into place in the rack.
Cage nuts install on the inside of the rack so that most of the nut is behind the rack's sheet metal.
Note
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Installation
Installing Cage Nuts, Square-Hole Rack

Figure 3: Cage Nut Installation
Step 5 Verify that the cage nut is fully and correctly installed before installing the remaining cage nuts.
Installing Cage Nuts, Round-Hole Rack
Use the following task to install twelve, M6x1.00 round-hole cage nuts (also called spring nuts) into a 7.1
mm unthreaded round-hole rack. Spring nuts are not supplied by Cisco. They should have accompanied your
equipment rack.
Before you begin
This document provides illustrations of installation templates for the front and rear of the chassis. The templates
are designed to show you the proper holes within which the rails and cage nuts (spring nuts) should be placed.
Once you align the rack holes line up with the template, you should mark the holes on the rack so that they
are easy to use.
To use the rack installation templates, go to the appropriate topic:
•Front Install Template, on page 13
•Rear Install Template, on page 13
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Installing Cage Nuts, Round-Hole Rack

Step 1 Gather the M6 spring nuts and a flat head screwdriver.
Step 2 Using the rack installation template, refer to the chassis location in the rack and the spring nut locations on the template.
Step 3 Position the open end of the spring but so that the rack's sheetmetal can slide into the gap between the spring nut's
sheetmeala. the cage nut on the inside of the square cutout in the rack.
Step 4 Slide the spring nut so that its round hole lines up with the round hole in the equipment rack.
Cage nuts install so that most of the nut is behind the rack's sheet metal.
Note
If needed, use the flat-head screwdriver to slightly pry open the gap between the spring nut's sheetmetal to
allow it to slide onto the rack over the round hole.
Note
Step 5 Verify that the cage nut is fully and correctly installed before installing the remaining cage nuts.
Rail Kits
The Cisco UCS X9508 supports two rail kits, Type 1 and Type 2.
• Each rail kit consists of two stationary rails that facilitate rack installation of the chassis and stabilize the
chassis in the rack.
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Installation
Rail Kits

• Each rail extends to fit the depth of the rack. The rails are not a sliding shelf that allow pulling the chassis
out of the rack to gain access to the chassis' sides.
• Each rail kit can fit into either a 9.5 mm square hole equipment rack or a 7.1 mm round-hole equipment
rack.
Some racks might be tapped, with threaded holes drilled directly into the rack's
sheetmetal instead of square- or round-hole punchouts for cage nuts. The rail kit
for the server is not currently supported in tapped (threaded hole) racks. Do not
attempt to install the chassis in a tapped (threaded-hole) equipment rack.
Caution
The rails are shipped in the accessory kit with each chassis, and each rail kit will contain a left and right side
as a matched pair. Both sides must be installed in the rack to securely support the chassis.
If you ordered multiple UCS X9508 chassis, you might receive both types of rail kit. For example, in a shipment
of 4 chassis, the shipment might have all one type of rail kit, or a few chassis with each type of rail kit.
Compare the two types of rail kits:
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Rail Kits

Figure 4: Two Types of Rail Kits
The rail kits are similar in size, function, and construction with a few exceptions:
• the type of release tab at the top corner of the rail
•the type of locator pegs, either round or square depending on whether you have a round-hole or square-hole
rack. The locator pegs temporarily hold the rail in the rack to allow free use of both hands.
• the positioning of the screw holes at the rear of the rails
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Rail Kits

Installing the Chassis
This section describes how to install the chassis in either a sqaure-hole unthreaded or round-hole unthreaded
equipment rack. This two-part process consists of installing the rails into the rack, then installing the chassis
into the rack and onto the rails.
The fully configured chassis weighs approximately 400s lbs (163.29 kg)! Never attempt to lift the chassis by
yourself. Instead, use a chassis lift or some other device to lift and bear the weight of the chassis while you
are installing it.
Caution
If the rack has wheels, ensure that the brakes are engaged, the stabilizing pads are extended, or that the rack
is otherwise stabilized.
Caution
The plug-socket combination must be accessible at all times, because it serves as the main disconnecting
device. Statement 1019
Warning
When connecting the chassis to facility power, make sure not to overload the capacity of a PDU or power
strip. For example, do not connect all PSUs to one PDU or power strip that is not capable of carrying the total
power draw of the chassis.
Caution
Watch your hands and fingers whenever you handle the chassis, modules, compute nodes, and components!
Narrow vertical or horizontal spaces in situations including, but not limited to, moving the chassis into or out
of the shipping container or equipment rack can cause pinch hazards for your hands and fingers.
Although they do not eliminate the possibility of pinching, the chassis has defined grasp points to facilitate
handling and moving it. For information about chassis grasp points, see Handling the Chassis, on page 4.
Important
To complete the installation, the chassis must be connected to earth ground, which requires a ground lug that
Cisco provides, or an equivalent. See "Ground Lug" in Earth Ground Considerations, on page 3.
Note
Where applicable, the following installation topics have options for square-hole and round-hole racks. Pick
the appropriate topic based on your rack type.
Installing the Rails, Square-Hole Rack
Use the following task to install the rail kit into a square-hole unthreaded equipment rack by using twelve,
M6x1.00 square-hole cage nuts.
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Installing the Chassis