iXsystems TrueNAS M Series Manual

Version 3.32
TrueNAS®M-Series Basic Setup Guide
3rd Generation

Contents
1 Introduction ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1
1�1 Safety �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
1�1�1 Static Discharge ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
1�1�2 Handling the System ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
1�2 Requirements ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1
2 M-Series Components ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 2
1�2 Front Indicators �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
1�3 Rear Components and Ports ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 3
1�4 M-Series Expansion Slots ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 4
2 Rack the M-Series ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
2�1 Install Chassis Rails ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
2�2 Install Rack Rails ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
2�3 Mount the Unit in the Rack ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
3 Install Drives ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
4 Install Bezel (Optional) ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
5 Connect Expansion Shelves ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
6 Connect Network Cables ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
7 Connect Power Cables ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 10
8 Add TrueNAS Controllers ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11
8�1 Remove Shipping Brace ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11
8�2 Install Second TrueNAS Controller ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
8�3 Remove a TrueNAS Controller �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 12
9 Boot the System ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 13
9�1 Default Credentials ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 13
10 Additional Resources ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
11 Contacting iXsystems ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 14
Copyright © 2023 iXsystems, Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Page 1
The 3rd Generation M-Series Unified Storage Array is a 4U, 24-bay, hybrid data storage array. It has redundant
power supplies, and two TrueNAS controllers.
1 Introduction
1.1 Safety
1.2 Requirements
1.1.1 Static Discharge
1.1.2 Handling the System
We recommend these tools when installing an M-Series system in a rack:
• #2 Philips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Level
Static electricity can build up in your body and discharge when touching conductive materials. Electrostatic
Discharge (ESD) is harmful to sensitive electronic devices and components� Keep these safety recommendations in
mind before opening the system case or handling non-hot-swappable system components:
• Turn o the system and remove power cables before opening the case or touching internal components.
• Place the system on a clean, hard work surface like a wooden tabletop. Using an ESD dissipative mat can also
help protect the internal components�
• Touch the metal chassis with your bare hand to dissipate static electricity in your body before touching any
internal components, including components not yet installed in the system. Using an anti-static wristband and
grounding cable is another option.
• Store all system components in anti-static bags.
You can find more preventative tips and details about ESD at https://www�wikihow�com/Ground-Yourself-to-Avoid-
Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge�
Hold the system from the sides or bottom whenever possible. Always be mindful of loose cabling or connectors,
and avoid pinching or bumping these elements whenever possible.
These instructions use “left” and “right” according to your perspective when facing the front of a system or rack�
The 3rd Generation TrueNAS M-Series systems have a unified chassis design that allows customers to upgrade
them with more powerful controllers. Customers can upgrade an M30 to an M40, or an M50 to an M60. Speak
with an iXsystems Sales or Support Representative for more information�
Your system comes with the TrueNAS operating system preloaded�
Review the safety considerations and hardware requirements before installing an M-Series system into a rack.
The M-Series weighs 75 lbs unloaded and requires a minimum of two people to lift�
Never attempt to lift an M-Series system loaded with drives! Install the system in a rack before adding drives,
and remove drives before de-racking the system.
When handling rails, system components, or drives, never force movement if a piece seems stuck. Gently
removing the part and check for pinched cables or obstructing material before installing it again. Installing a
component with excessive force can damage the system or cause personal injury�

Page 2
2 M-Series Components
M-Series Unified Storage Array
Set of rackmount rails. The rails have a specific
front end, identified by a label visible on the left
above. The front ends of the rails must be in-
stalled facing the front of the rack�
Accessory kit with 2 IEC C13 to NEMA 5-15P power
cords, 2 IEC C13 to C14 cords, and a set of velcro
cable ties
Hardware for mounting the system in a rack
DB9 to 3.5mm serial cable
Bezel
Up to 24 drive trays or air baes, depending on
the number of drives purchased with the system.
TrueNAS units are carefully packed and shipped with trusted carriers to arrive in perfect condition�
If there is any shipping damage or missing parts, please take photos and contact iXsystems support immediately at
support@ixsystems�com, 1-855-GREP4-iX (1-855-473-7449), or 1-408-943-4100�
Please locate and record the hardware serial numbers on the back of each chassis for quick reference.
Carefully unpack the shipping boxes and locate these components:

Page 3
The front ears have power, locate ID, fault, and network activity indicators. The fault indicator is on during the initial
power-on self-test (POST) and turns o during normal operation. It turns on if the TrueNAS software issues an alert.
1.3 Rear Components and Ports
1.2 Front Indicators
Light / Button Color and Indication
Blue: System On
N/A: Reset Button
Blue: Locate ID Active
Red: Fault / Alert
Amber: Link Active
ID
The M-Series includes one or two TrueNAS controllers in an over-and-under configuration.
NVMe
Fan & Drives
Controller 1
Controller 2
Power Supply 1
Power Supply 2
PCIe Slots
PCIe Slots
OOBM
Ethernet
Serial Port
VGA
Port
USB 3.0
x2
USB 2.0
x2
10 Gb Ethernet
x2
IPMI
Sticker
TrueNAS
Controller
Management
Port
Serial
Number

Page 4
1.4 M-Series Expansion Slots
Expansion slots on the M-Series are reserved for specific cards or internal use:
M30 Controller Expansion Slots
M40 Controller Expansion Slots
M60 Controller Expansion Slots
M50 Controller Expansion Slots
Slot A Slot B Slot C Slot D Slot E Slot F
M30 NIC or FC N/A NTB N/A Internal
SAS Secondary NIC
M40 NIC N/A NTB External SAS Internal
SAS 4x NVME Riser, NIC2, or FC
M50 NIC1 External SAS1 NIC2 or FC External SAS2 NTB Internal SAS
M60 NIC1 External SAS1 External SAS3,
NIC2, or FC External SAS2 NTB Internal SAS

Page 5
2 Rack the M-Series
2.1 Install Chassis Rails
The rack rails install in the bottom 2U of the total 4U of reserved rack space.
You must unlock and retract the inner rack rail before installing it in the rack. Rotate the release lever on the back of
the inner rail as shown on the arrow label, then push the inner rail towards the back of the assembly until it stops.
2.2 Install Rack Rails
The M-Series requires 4U of space in an EIA-310 compliant rack that is 27” (686mm) deep, frame to frame. The
vertical rack posts must be between 26” (660.4mm) and 36” (914.4mm) apart to install the rails properly.
Each rack rail has an inner chassis rail you must remove. Extend the chassis rail until you see the white release tab.
Push release tab to the right and remove the chassis rail from the rack rail. Repeat the process for the second rail.
The chassis rails mount on each side of the system. Align the cabinet rail keyholes with the posts on the side of the
chassis. Slide the rail towards the rear of the system until the metal tab clicks and secures the rail in place. Secure
the rail to the chassis using the low-profile M4 screws. Repeat this process on the other side.
M4 Screws

Page 6
Place the rail in the rack with the front end towards the front of the rack� Align the pins with the front rack mounting
holes� Push the pins into the holes until the latch clicks�
At the rear of the rail, align the pins with the rack holes. Swing the gray latch handle outwards and pull it to extend
the rail until the rail pins are fully seated in the rack holes� Release the latch to lock the rail in place�
Repeat the process for the second rack rail�
Front Rear
2.3 Mount the System in the Rack
Extend both inner rack rails out from the rack until they lock. Align the chassis rails with the rack rails and slide them
in until they are fully seated�
When both chassis rails are secured in the rack rails, gently push the chassis until it stops half way in.
Slide the blue release tabs on both cabinet rails towards the front of the system and push the unit into the rack.
To anchor the unit in the rack, insert a long M5 screw through the retention port on each ear. The screw hole is
behind a small door on each ear.
M5
Screws
Warning: The M-Series requires two people to safely lift in and out of a rack� Do not install drives until after you
mount the M-Series in the rack. Remove all drives before taking the M-Series out of the rack.

Page 7
3 Install Drives
TrueNAS systems only support qualified HDs and SSDs. Contact the Sales Team for more drives or replacements.
Adding unqualified drives to the system voids the warranty. Call Support if drives are improperly installed in trays.
Place a tray on a at surface. Mount a hard drive by aligning the drive connectors to the rear of the tray and pushing
the drive screw holes into the drive tray pegs�
Baes maintain proper air ow in systems with fewer than 24 drive trays. When installing a new drive, insert a at-
head screwdriver in the bae groove and gently pull to remove the bae.
Each drive bay in the chassis has two indicator lights to the right of the tray. The upper light is blue when the drive is
active or a hot spare� The lower light is solid red if a fault has occurred�
Press the silver button on the drive tray to open the latch. Carefully slide the tray into a drive bay until the right side
of the latch touches the metal front edge of the chassis, then gently swing the latch closed until it clicks into place.
We strongly recommend a standard drive tray installation order to simplify support:
• SSD drives for write cache (W), if present
• SSD drives for read cache (R), if present
• Hard drives or SSD drives for data storage
• Air bae filler trays to fill any remaining empty bays
Install the first drive in the top left bay. Install the next drive to the right of the first. Install remaining drives to the
right across the row. After a row is filled, move down to the next row and start again with the left bay.

Page 8
4 Install Bezel (Optional)
Slide the right side of the bezel into the attachment points on the right ear, then push the left side of the bezel into
the left ear latch until it locks�
To remove the bezel, push the left ear release tab away from the bezel, then swing the bezel out.

Page 9
5 Connect Expansion Shelves
To set up SAS between your TrueNAS system and Expansion Shelves, cable the first port on the first TrueNAS
Controller to the first port on the first Expansion Shelf Controller. High Availability systems require another cable
from the first port on the second TrueNAS Controller to the first port on the second Expansion Shelf Controller.
We DO NOT recommend other cabling configurations. Contact iX Support if you need other cabling methods.
Warning: When setting up SAS connections, please adhere to the wiring example below. Connecting expansion
shelves incorrectly causes errors. Never cable a single controller to dierent expanders on the same shelf
The guide included with your Expansion Shelf has instructions for SAS connections. The example below shows an
M60 connected to two ES60s. Detailed diagrams are also available in the TrueNAS SAS Connections Guide�
Note: The M30 does not support expansion shelves�

Page 10
6 Connect Network Cables
Connect network cables before powering on the M-Series. Cable specifications and requirements vary by
configuration, so they do not come with the system. We recommend you connect network cables from the local
switch or management network to the Out-of-Band (OOB) IPMI management port on each TrueNAS Controller�
Refer to the network port labels in section “1.3 Rear Components and Ports” on page 3 as needed� iXsystems
preconfigures network ports to customer specifications before shipping.
7 Connect Power Cables
Do not plug the power cords into a power outlet yet. Connect a power cord to the back of one power supply.
Place the cord in the plastic clamp and press the tab into the latch to lock it in place. Repeat the process for the
second power supply and cord�
If you are using TrueNAS expansion shelves with the M-Series, connect them to the M-Series, then power them on
the and wait at least two minutes before connecting power cables to the M-Series.
The M-Series automatically turns on when connected to power. It also automatically turns back on when power is
restored after a power failure�

Page 11
8 Add TrueNAS Controllers
Remove the retention screw and take the brace out of the chassis. Put the retention screw back in.
Confirm there are no obstructions in the TrueNAS controller slot, then continue installing the TrueNAS controller.
8.1 Remove Shipping Brace
M-Series systems with only one TrueNAS controller have an internal shipping brace you must remove before adding
a second TrueNAS controller�
Remove the cover plate thumbscrew and controller slot cover�
To avoid data loss, contact iXsystems before replacing a controller or upgrading to High Availability.
To avoid data loss in an NVDIMM SLOG, power o TrueNAS controllers before removing them from the chassis.

Page 12
8.2 Install Second TrueNAS Controller
Insert the controller into the chassis. Only press on the controller bottom, sides, or handle. Slide it into the chassis
until it stops. Lift the black release handle to lock the controller in place, then tighten the thumb screw to lock it.
8.3 Remove a TrueNAS Controller
Unlock the controller handle by turning the thumb screw counter clockwise until it releases the handle. Do not pull
or press on any portion of the TrueNAS controller except the black release handle. Pull the release handle
down to release the controller. Use both hands to grasp the controller only by the sides, bottom, or handle.
Slide the TrueNAS controller out of the chassis�
Use both hands to lift and carry the TrueNAS controller from the bottom only.

Page 13
9 Boot the System
After plugging the power cables into outlets, the M-Series powers on and boots into TrueNAS.
When booted, the system console displays the TrueNAS web UI IP address. The IP address is either preconfigured
according to customer guidelines, or automatically generated with DHCP. Example:
The web user interface is at:
http://192.168.100.231
https://192.168.100.231
Enter the IP address into a browser on a computer on the same network to access the web user interface.
9.1 Default Credentials
The TrueNAS web interface uses default credentials for first-time logins:
Username: root
Password: abcd1234
After logging in with the default credentials, change the root account password to a new, stronger password before
storing any sensitive data�
Out of band logins have separate credentials from the TrueNAS web interface. The credentials are randomized and
attached to the back of the TrueNAS chassis. For more details, see https://www.truenas.com/docs/sb-327�
For additional details about out of band management, see the M-Series Out of Band Management guide:
https://www.truenas.com/docs/hardware/mseries/mseriesoobm/
Your system is equipped with the optimal BIOS and IPMI firmware out of the box.
DO NOT UPGRADE your system’s BIOS and IPMI firmware.
We recommend that IPMI be on a separate and secure network without Internet access.
Please contact support if you need to upgrade your system’s BIOS or IPMI firmware.

Page 14
11 Contacting iXsystems
10 Additional Resources
The TrueNAS Documentation Hub has complete software configuration and usage instructions� Click Guide in the
TrueNAS web interface or go directly to:
https://www�truenas�com/docs/
Additional hardware guides and articles are in the Documentation Hub’s Hardware section:
https://www�truenas�com/docs/hardware/
The TrueNAS Community forums provide opportunities to interact with other TrueNAS users and discuss their con-
figurations:
https://www�truenas�com/community/
For assistance, please contact iX Support:
Contact Method Contact Options
Web https://support�ixsystems�com
Email support@iXsystems�com
Telephone Monday-Friday, 6:00AM to 6:00PM Pacific Standard Time:
• US-only toll-free: 1-855-473-7449 option 2
• Local and international: 1-408-943-4100 option 2
Telephone Telephone After Hours (24x7 Gold Level Support only):
• US-only toll-free: 1-855-499-5131
• International: 1-408-878-3140 (International calling rates will apply)
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