Nvidia Quadro Plex S4 User manual

Quadro Plex S4
Visualization System

iii
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
About This Guide 1
Features 2
Minimum System Requirements 4
Unpacking 5
Unpacking 5
Equipment 6
Hardware Installation and Connections 9
Safety Instructions 9
Before You Begin 9
Optional Low Prole Bracket 10
Installation Instructions 11
Mounting the Quadro Plex System in a Rack 11
Connecting to the Host System 15
Installing the NVIDIA Interface Card 16
Connecting the Quadro Plex System 16
Connecting the Power Cord 17
Driver Installation 19
Linux Installation 19
Verifying Linux Installation 34
Windows Installation 37
Windows 2003 Server 64-Bit Control Panel Set Up 41
NVIDIA Control Panel Set Up 42
Verifying Windows Installation 43
References and Resources 45
Getting Driver Updates 45
Registration, Support and Warranty 47
Registering Your Quadro Plex System 47
Warranty and Support 48
Compliance and Certifications 49
Regulatory Compliance Statement 50

iv
U.S. Federal Communications Commission Compliance 50
Canada Compliance 51
Australia and New Zealand Compliance 51
Japan Compliance 52
Korea Compliance 52
Taiwan Compliance 53
European Union Compliance 54
Important Safety Information 55
Symbols on Equipment 56
General Precautions 57
Precautions for Installation, Maintaining and Servicing 58
Precautions for Power Connection 60
Precautions for Communication Cable 61
Precautions for Installing System Unit in Racks 62

1
Introduction
The NVIDIA Quadro®Plex S4 GPU visualization system contains
more Quadro®graphics processing power in less space than has ever
been achieved before, enabling interactive visualization of extremely
large-scale data sets by multiple users with a minimal footprint.
The Quadro Plex Model S4 is designed to serve high-quality
interactive visualization of large models to multiple users. Its 6
GB frame buffer (1.5 GB per GPU) can process large textures
with full-screen antialiasing while Shader Model 4.0 vertex and
pixel programmability delivers ultra-realistic effects for OpenGL
and DirectX 10 applications. The server’s accelerated 3D texture
performance provides greater interactivity for the visualization of large
volumetric datasets often required in energy and scientific research.
Note: It is important to register your Quadro Plex S4 in order to receive
NVIDIA®Customer Care online and phone support. You can
register your Quadro Plex S4 at www.nvidia.com/register.
About This Guide
This installation guide provides instructions to connect the Quadro
Plex S4 to an NVIDIA-tested host system1in a rack-mount
environment. For information on using the system with applications,
refer to the NVIDIA web site at www.nvidia.com/quadroplex
1 For a list of NVIDIA-tested host systems visit www.nvidia.com/quadroplex.

Quadro Plex S4 Visualization System Installation Guide
2
Features
Visual Computing System Features
Breakthrough Visual Compute Density
Unmatched graphics compute per cubic centimeter provides
highest visual compute density enabling breakthrough levels of
capability and productivity for applications such as offline rendering,
remote graphics serving, and embedded visual computing.
Dedicated Visual Computing System

Enables NVIDIA SLI™ multi-GPU capability on any
NVIDIA Quadro Plex certified PCI Express platform.
1U Server Form Factor

The new server contains more Quadro graphics processing
power in less space than has ever been achieved before,
enabling interactive visualization of extremely large-scale
data sets by multiple users with a minimal footprint.
GPU Features
Cg High-Level Graphics Shader Language
Cg—“C” for graphics—is a high-level, open-standard programming
language for OpenGL that takes advantage of the power of
programmable GPUs. NVIDIA Quadro® FX programmable
graphics pipelines leverage high-level shading languages to enable
the creation and integration of real-time photorealistic effects
into 3D models, scenes, and designs. This represents a major leap
forward in ease and speed for the creation of real-time, realistic
graphics within MCAD, DCC, and scientific applications.
Fast 3D Textures

Fast transfer and manipulation of 3D textures resulting in
more interactive visualization of large volumetric dataset
12-Bit Subpixel Precision

12-bit sub-pixel precision delivers high geometric accuracy,
eliminating spreckles, cracks, and other rasterization anomalies.

3
128-Bit Precision Graphics Pipeline
Enables sophisticated mathematical computations to maintain high
accuracy, resulting in unmatched visual quality. Full IEEE 32-bit
floating-point precision per color component (RGBA) delivers
millions of color variations with the broadest dynamic range.
32-Bit Floating Point Precision

Sets new standards for image clarity and quality through
32-bit floating point capabilities in shading, filtering,
texturing, and blending. Enables unprecedented rendered
image quality for visual effects processing.
32-Bit Filtering and Blending

Enables unprecedented rendered image
quality for visual effects processing.
384-Bit Memory Interface

Delivers the industry’s highest memory bandwidth (up
to 76.8 GB/sec) for blistering data transfer. Supports
the world’s fastest GDDR3 memory with lower power
consumption than previous generation systems.
1.5 GB Frame Buffer per GPU

Delivers high throughput for interactive visualization of
large models and high-performance for real time processing
of large textures and frames and enables the highest
quality and resolution full-scene antialiasing (FSAA).
Advanced Color Compression, Early Z-Cull

Improved pipeline color compression and early z-
culling to increase effective bandwidth and improve
rendering efficiency and performance.
Graphics API Extensions

NVIDIA provides a full set of API extensions for
Linux and Windows, enabling applications to take
maximum advantage of the hardware’s capabilities.
Introduction

Quadro Plex S4 Visualization System Installation Guide
4
Minimum System
Requirements
The Quadro Plex S4 is designed to connect to an NVIDIA-tested PCI Express
host system. The specific motherboard and SBIOS of your system may affect
the functionality of the Quadro Plex S4. Refer to the NVIDIA web site
(www.nvidia.com/quadroplex) for a list of NVIDIA-tested host systems.
The Quadro Plex S4 minimum system requirements include:
System and Platform

NVIDIA-tested system or platformà
Operating System
Linux (64-bit)à
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3, 4 and 5à
SUSE 10.1, 10.2 and 10.3à
Windows Server 2003à
Processor
Intel Pentium 4 or Xeon processor or higherà
AMD Opteron processor or higherà
RAM
Minimum 2 GB, 4 GB recommendedà
System Interface
PCI Express ×16 slotà
PCI Express ×8 slot if you are using the optional ×8 interface cardà

5
Unpacking
Unpacking
The Quadro Plex S4 is shipped as a 1U rack-mount chassis
configuration for connection to a host system.
Be sure to inspect each piece of equipment shipped in the packing
box. If anything is missing or damaged, contact your supplier.

Quadro Plex S4 Visualization System Installation Guide
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Equipment
The following equipment is included in the Quadro Plex S4 box.
Quadro Plex S4
Chassis includes four (4) Quadro Plex S4 GPU
visualization processors.
Two (2) NVIDIA Interface Cards (Quadro Plex
S4)
Installs into the PCI Express x16 slot in the host
system. The card comes with the standard ATX
height bracket attached. A low prole bracket
is also provided and can replace the standard
bracket on the card.
Two (2) Low Profile Brackets ( Quadro Plex S4)
Used to replace the standard ATX (long) bracket
shipped attached to the interface card.
Two (2) Interconnect Cables (Quadro Plex S4)
Connects from the interface card in the
host system to the Quadro Plex S4.
Power Cord(s)
Used to supply power to the Quadro Plex
S4. The host system controls the power.
1, 2 or 3 cords are supplied
depending on regional kit.
One (1) Rail Kit
Each rail kit includes two (2) rails for use with a
standard 4-post 19 inch, EIA compliant rack.

7
One (1) Quadro Plex Installation CD
Contains all the necessary drivers to enable the
Quadro Plex S4. To keep your drivers current, visit
www.nvidia.com and download the latest drivers.
The installation guide is also included on the CD.
One (1) Quick Start Guide
The Quick Start Guide (a summary of the
Installation Guide) provides the basic procedures
necessary to install and bring-up the Quadro
Plex S4. If you use the Quick Start Guide, refer to
the Installation Guide for detailed information.
Unpacking

Quadro Plex S4 Visualization System Installation Guide
8

9
Hardware
Installation and Connections
Installing and connecting the Quadro Plex S4 requires opening the host
system. Follow all of the safety instructions provided here to ensure that
there is no damage to you, your host system, or the Quadro Plex unit.
Safety Instructions
To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and injury
always follow basic safety precautions.
Remember to remove power from your host system by disconnecting
the AC main source before installing any equipment into the host system
chassis. For more information regarding important safety instructions,
refer to the Important Safety Information section starting on page 43.
Before You Begin
The Quadro Plex S4 must be connected to a host system.
The host system accessing the Quadro Plex S4 must have
an open ×16 PCI Express slot or an open ×8 PCI Express
slot with an optional ×8 PCI Express interface card.
Note: All hardware must be installed prior to installation of the drivers.

Quadro Plex S4 Visualization System Installation Guide
10
Optional Low Prole Bracket
Before beginning the installation, determine if you are going to need
the NVIDIA interface card with the standard (long) bracket or the
shorter low profile bracket. If you require the low profile bracket,
use the following instructions to replace the standard bracket.
Replacing the bracket requires a Philips #2 screw driver.
Remove the two (2) jack screws from the connector.1.
Install the two (2) screws to attach the low profile2.
bracket to the NVIDIA interface card.
Remove the screws and
remove the bracket from
the card
Replace with the low
prole bracket and replace
the screws

11
Installation Instructions
For connection to a host system, be sure to review the
minimum system requirements given on page 4. Then start
your installation with Connecting to the Host System (page 15).
The installation procedure will take you through the following steps:
Installing the NVIDIA interface cards

Installing and connecting the Quadro Plex system
Mounting the Quadro
Plex System in a Rack
Plan your rack configuration to ensure you have the proper cables
to reach from the Quadro Plex system to your host system for each
system and host connection. The Quadro Plex system ships with 0.5
meter length cables by default. An optional 2 meter cable is available.
The Quadro Plex system also ships with rails to fit a 4-
post 19-inch EIA rack as the default configuration.
If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating
ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than
room ambient temperature. Therefore, consideration should be
given to installing the equipment in an environment compatible
with the manufacturer’s maximum rated ambient temperature
(Tmra). The maximum operating ambient temperature is 35 C.
Hardware Installation and Connections

Quadro Plex S4 Visualization System Installation Guide
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Remove one of the rails from the packing box.1.
Remove the mounting brackets attached to either end of the rail. Set2.
aside as you will need these to secure the rail to the rack at the end of
the steps.
Choose either the front or the rear of the3.
rack to start your rail installation.
Slide the rail into the side of the rack, and adjust the4.
length accordingly. Make sure the flare end of the
rail is positioned at the front of the rack.
Front of rack
Flare end of rail
Slide rails
to align the
screw holes

13
Hold the mounting bracket onto the rack at the proper5.
location. Make sure you align the screw holes. You will need
to do this for the front and rear mounting brackets.
Slide the rail onto rack post.6.
Attach the rail to the front and rear mounting brackets using the7.
supplied screws. It may be helpful to tighten the screws fully and
then unscrew them 1 to 2 turns of the screw driver. This will
allow the rails to align better with the Quadro Plex unit when
you slide it into the rails. Of course these screws will need to be
re-tightened before the unit is pushed all the way into the rack.
Repeat Step 1 through Step 7 to install the other rail.8.
Unpack the Quadro Plex system.9.
Attach rail to front
mounting brackets
Attach rail to rear
mounting brackets
Hardware Installation and Connections

Quadro Plex S4 Visualization System Installation Guide
14
Align the Quadro Plex system with the installed rails. The brackets10.
on each side of the Quadro Plex system are beveled to allow
you to rest the system on the front edges of the rails.
Slide the Quadro Plex system unit onto the rails. Make sure11.
the LED display on the front panel of the system is located
on the right side for proper installation into the rack.
Hold the Quadro Plex system horizontally while sliding the unit into the installed12.
rails. Slide the unit most of the way into the rack, leaving room to tighten the
screws on the mounting bracket if you left them slightly loose to facilitate
alignment. See Step 7.
If the unit is not aligned with the rails or is not horizontal, it may be difficult to
slide. If the brackets stick or catch in the rails, you can pull the unit back out of
the rails slightly. Then check the alignment and retry sliding the unit into the rails.
Tighten the thumb screws on the front of the unit to secure13.
the Quadro Plex system to the rack system.
LED display located
on the right side of the
front panel
Align system with
installed rails

15
Connecting to the
Host System
Use the following procedures to connect the Quadro Plex system
to a host system. Before you begin, you will want to make
sure you disconnect the power cord to the host system.
Hardware Installation and Connections

Quadro Plex S4 Visualization System Installation Guide
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Installing the NVIDIA Interface Card
Open the host system. Refer to your host system documentation1.
from the original manufacturer for assistance.
Locate an open (unused) ×16 PCI Express slot that matches the2.
host adaptor card you are using (either ×16 slot, or a ×8 slot).
Install the NVIDIA interface card (to replace the standard bracket3.
with a low profile bracket, see the instructions given on page 10).
Close the host system.4.
Connecting the Quadro Plex System
Connect one end of the interconnect cable1.
supplied in the box to the exposed connector of
the NVIDIA interface card in the host system.
Connect the other end of the cable to the2.
back of the Quadro Plex S4. The thumb
tabs should always be on the outside.
Note: There is no specic order when connecting the interconnect
cables between the host system and the Quadro Plex S4.
Interconnect cable
connections on the
back of the Quadro Plex
system
Thumb tab should always
be located on the outside
of the connector