Silicon Graphics Octane III User manual

SGI®Octane™III Deskside Cluster Server
User’s Guide
Document Number 007-5633-001

COPYRIGHT
© 2010 SGI. All rights reserved; provided portions may be copyright in third parties, as indicated elsewhere herein. No permission is granted to copy, distribute,
or create derivative works from the contents of this electronic documentation in any manner, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of SGI.
LIMITED RIGHTS LEGEND
The software described in this document is "commercial computer software" provided with restricted rights (except as to included open/free source) as specified
in the FAR 52.227-19 and/or the DFAR 227.7202, or successive sections. Use beyond license provisions is a violation of worldwide intellectual property laws,
treaties and conventions. This document is provided with limited rights as defined in 52.227-14.
The electronic (software) version of this document was developed at private expense; if acquired under an agreement with the USA government or any
contractor thereto, it is acquired as “commercial computer software” subject to the provisions of its applicable license agreement, as specified in (a) 48 CFR
12.212 of the FAR; or, if acquired for Department of Defense units, (b) 48 CFR 227-7202 of the DoD FAR Supplement; or sections succeeding thereto.
Contractor/manufacturer is SGI, 46600 Landing Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538.
TRADEMARKS AND ATTRIBUTIONS
SGI, and the SGI logo are registered trademarks and Octane is a trademark of Silicon Graphics International Corporation or it’s subsidiaries in the United States
and/or other countries worldwide.
Intel, and Xeon are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company, Ltd.
InfiniBand is a trademark of the InfiniBand Trade Association.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.
STEC is a registered trademark of STEC Inc. in the United States and other countries.
All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

007-5633-001 iii
Record of Revision
Version Description
-001 March, 2010
First release

007-5633-001 v
Contents
List of Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
1. System Quick Start and Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
ESD and Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Quick Setup Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Unpacking the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Choosing a Site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
System Connections and Power On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Power-On Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
System Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
I/O Panel Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Physical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
System Power Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Upgrading or Replacing Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Octane III Cluster Server Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Example Nodeboard Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Processors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
DIMM Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Serial ATA Drive Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
PCI Expansion Slots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Optional Ethernet Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Optional Graphics Controller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Other Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
External Drives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Gigabit Ethernet and Optional InfiniBand Switchless Interconnects . . . . . . . . 14

vi 007-5633-001
Contents
2. System Operation and Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Operating Location Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Server Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Troubleshooting the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Enclosure Power Supply Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
System Fan Failure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3. System I/O Interfaces Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Rear I/O Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
USB Type A Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
VGA Video Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
RJ-45 (Ethernet) Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
DB9 Serial Connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
DVI-I Video/Monitor Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
4. Octane III Workstation BIOS Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Starting the BIOS Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
How To Change the Configuration Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Starting the Setup Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Main Setup Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Advanced Setup Configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
BOOT Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Remote Access Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Hardware Health Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
IPMI Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SEL PEF Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
The DMI Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Security Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Exit Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
BIOS Error Beep Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
A. Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Server Specifications and Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Environmental Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Optional Solid State Disk Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

007-5633-001 vii
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Octane III Unpacking Example . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Figure 1-2 Octane III Rear Panel Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 1-3 Pushing the Enable Power Switch . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 1-4 SGI Octane III System Example Front View . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 1-5 Octane III Fan Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 1-6 Example Functional Block Diagram of an Octane III Server Board. . . 15
Figure 2-1 System Power Supply Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 2-2 Visually Identify a Non-Working Fan . . . . . . . . . . 20
Figure 3-1 I/O Interfaces on the Rear of the System. . . . . . . . . . 21
Figure 3-2 Pin Number Locations for USB Type A Connector . . . . . . . 22
Figure 3-3 Octane III VGA Video Connector . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Figure 3-4 RJ-45 Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments . . . . . . . . . 24
Figure 3-5 Octane III Serial Port Connector Pins . . . . . . . . . . 25
Figure 3-6 Optional DVI-I Port and Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

007-5633-001 1
Chapter 1
1. System Quick Start and Overview
This chapter provides quick setup and overview information for your SGI Octane III cluster
server.
Operating precautions are provided in this chapter, followed by basic setup instructions and a
general overview of the product. Before starting and operating your system, familiarize yourself
with the safety information in the following section:
ESD and Safety Precautions
Caution: Observe all ESD precautions. Failure to do so can result in damage to the equipment.
Wear an electro-static discarge (ESD) wrist strap when you handle any ESD-sensitive device or
board to help eliminate possible ESD damage to equipment. Connect the wrist strap cord directly
to earth ground.
Warning: Before operating or servicing any part of this product, read the safety
precautions.
Danger: Keep fingers and conductive tools away from high-voltage areas. Failure to
follow these precautions will result in serious injury or death. The high-voltage areas of the
system are indicated with high-voltage warning labels.
Caution: Power off the system only after the system software has been shut down in an orderly
manner. If you power off the system before you halt the operating system, data may be corrupted.
!

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1: System Quick Start and Overview
Quick Setup Procedures
Use the information in the following subsections to get your Octane III unpacked, setup and
working in your office or lab environment. If your system ships with hardware, software or media
not listed in this guide, please see its accompanying documentation for installation instructions.
Unpacking the System
Open the SGI Octane III system packaging container and inspect all shipped items for evidence
of mishandling during transit. If the contents appear damaged, file a damage claim with the carrier
immediately.
Caution: To avoid personal injury when unloading the system, use two people when rolling the
system off the shipping pallet. The system can weigh up to approximately 178 pounds (81 kg).
Use the following steps and Figure 1-1 on page 3 to properly unpack your Octane III system:
1. After you have cut the package banding and opened the top, remove the wood ramp and
place it near the front of the pallet.
2. Check that the following items are included, an external DVD-RW drive and
monitor/keyboard/mouse may come as options:
• SGI Octane III deskside system
• System power cords
• Silicon Graphics or 3rd party software CDs
•SGI Octane III Deskside Cluster Server User’s Guide (this document)
3. Remove any items packaged at the top of the box, then pull off the shipping pads and
anti-static plastic cover.
4. Extract the two bolts that hold the front brace to the shipping pallet assembly and remove it.
5. Align the two bolt holes on the end of the ramp (removed in step 1) with the holes on the
front of the shipping pallet, then push the bolts into place to secure the ramp.
6. Use two people to slowly roll the Octane III system off the pallet and down the ramp.
7. Roll the system carefully into the operation location and position it for setup.

Quick Setup Procedures
007-5633-001 3
Save the boxes and packing materials and reverse the previous steps if repacking is needed.
Figure 1-1 Octane III Unpacking Example
1 2 3Ramp
Foam
cushion
Cardboard
cover
45 6
7

4007-5633-001
1: System Quick Start and Overview
Choosing a Site
The Silicon Graphics Octane III cluster server operates reliably within normal air conditioned
office or lab environments. Select a site that meets these criteria:
• Near two properly earthed, grounded, three-pronged power outlets, as follows:
– In the U.S. and Canada: two single-phase NEMA 5-15R outlets for 100-120 V.
Connectors will differ for 200-240 V applications.
– In other geographic areas: a properly earthed, grounded outlet in accordance with the
local electrical authorities and electrical code of the region.
Note: Optional external drives connected to the Octane III will require a separate power
source to operate.
• Clean and relatively free of excess dust.
• Well-ventilated and away from sources of heat, with the ventilation openings on the system
kept free of obstructions.
• Away from sources of vibration or physical shock.
• Isolated from strong electromagnetic fields and line noise caused by electrical devices such
as elevators, copy machines, air conditioners, large fans, large electric motors, radio and TV
transmitters, and high-frequency security devices.
• Access space provided so the power cords can be unplugged from the power supply or the
wall outlet. This is the only way to remove AC power from the system.
• Clearance provided for cooling and airflow.
Note: In regions that are susceptible to electrical storms, it is recommended that you plug
your system into a surge suppressor and disconnect any telecommunication lines during
electrical storms.

Quick Setup Procedures
007-5633-001 5
System Connections and Power On
Once you have located the system in its operating environment, use the following steps and
illustrations to connect to power, Ethernet, monitor/keyboard/mouse and optional components:
1. Connect the keyboard and mouse to USB connectors on the rear of the enclosure.
2. Connect your monitor to the VGA or optional DVI video connector on the rear panel of the
system. See Table 1-1 on page 9 for more information on video/optional connectors.
3. Plug a Cat-5 or equivalent Ethernet cable to GIGE-0 on the rear panel of the system and
connect it to your local area network (LAN) as applicable.
4. If you have ordered an optional external DVD-RW drive, connect it to one of the remaining
USB plugs on the rear of the system. Power-up the external drive after you have
successfully booted the Octane III.
Figure 1-2 Octane III Rear Panel Connectors
5. With the enable power switch in the off (0) position, connect each of the power cables from
the power supply connectors on the rear of the system to approved wall plug outlets near the
work area. Note that the enable power switch is located between the two power plugs.
6. Push the enable power switch to the on (1) position to start the system, see Figure 1-3 on
page 6.
Caution: The power suppply cords are used as the main disconnect device, ensure that the
sockets/outlets are located or installed near the equipment and are easily accessible.
USB-0
USB-2
USB-1
USB-3
VGA SERIAL
DVI-0 DVI-1
GIGE-0 GIGE-1
GIGE-2 GIGE-3
Enable
p
ower switch
USB ports DVI ports
VGA
port Serial
port
Ethernet
ports
SW-CONSOLE
Console
port

6007-5633-001
1: System Quick Start and Overview
The system starts and displays a welcome message. After that, a series of power-on self-test
(POST) messages appear. The POST messages indicate whether or not the system is running
correctly. If the system does not turn on or boot after pressing the enable power switch, see the
next section for possible causes.
Figure 1-3 Pushing the Enable Power Switch
Power-On Problems
If the system does not boot after you enable power, check the following factors that might have
caused the boot failure:
• The external power cables may be loosely connected.
Check the power cable connections from the power source to the power sockets on the rear
panel. Make sure that the cables are properly connected and in good condition.
USB-0
USB-2
USB-1
USB-3
VGA SERIAL
DVI-0 DVI-1
GIGE-0 GIGE-1
GIGE-2 GIGE-3
SW-CONSOLE
USB-0
USB-2
USB
USB

System Overview
007-5633-001 7
• No power comes from the grounded power outlet.
Ask an electrician to check your power outlet.
If the system still fails to boot, contact your SGI service representative for assistance.
In North America, call 1-800-800-4SGI; international customers can visit
http://www.sgi.com/support/
Click on the “Support Centers” link under the “Online Support” heading for information on how
to contact your nearest SGI customer support center.
System Overview
The Octane III deskside cluster server is comprised of a stand-alone enclosure that can be
configured as a workgroup server or super cluster. Figure 1-4 on page 8 shows an example front
view of an Octane III system.
Depending on the configuration ordered, the system holds up to ten (10) “trays” (one head node
and up to nine compute trays) that house serverboards, memory DIMMs, hard drives and I/O
options. Octane III enclosures are mounted on castors so they can be moved within the office or
lab environment. Check with your sales or service representative before loading any operating
system on your Octane III not provided by the SGI factory or service organization.
In addition to the compute trays and chassis, various hardware components may be included as
part of your Octane III configuration as listed below:
• Drive Accessories: A minimum of one hard disk drive (used by the head node) is required
for operation. One (1) optional hard disk drive or solid state drive (SSD) may be used per
compute tray.
• A PCI Express x16 riser is available via each node board.
• One (1) optional external DVD-RW drive can be used with each Octane III deskside system.
• Optional internal Gbit Ethernet or InfiniBand switches are used to interconnect cluster server
configurations using more than two trays.
Note: There is no provision for external InfiniBand connections with the Octane III system.

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1: System Quick Start and Overview
Figure 1-4 SGI Octane III System Example Front View
Latch to open cover

System Overview
007-5633-001 9
I/O Panel Overview
Table 1-1 lists the standard and optional connectors used with the Octane III cluster server
products. All the system connectors are located on the rear of the enclosure.
While an Octane III server cluster rear panel bulkhead supports the previously listed external
connections, not all will be available/usable with every system. Gigabit Ethernet connections 1, 2
and 3 are optional, and are usable only when an internal Gigabit Ethernet switch is ordered with
the system.
Use of a DVI-I connector is available only with the installation of certain graphics interface
options.
See the information in Chapter 3 for additional technical descriptions of the individual connector
types available on the Octane III system.
Table 1-1 Octane III Cluster Server External Ports Available
Number of ports Type of port Internal port connection Connector used
Four USB 2.0 Connects to head node USB-A
One (optional) SW-console Connects to optional
internal 24-port managed
GigE switch
DB9 serial
One VGA Connects to head node DB-15
One Serial console Connects to head node DB9 serial
One GigE 0 port Connects to Eth 0 port on
the head node tray
RJ-45
Three (optional) GigE 1, 2 & 3 From optional internal
Gigabit E-net switch
RJ-45
Two (optional) DVI Optional graphics card DVI-I dual link (24+4)

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1: System Quick Start and Overview
Physical Specifications
Table 1-2 shows the physical specifications for the Silicon Graphics Octane III system. See
Appendix A in this guide for additional system operating specifications.
System Power Supplies
Your deskside Octane III system comes equipped with two power supplies. Each power supply
has a separate power cord and is rated for a maximum DC output of 1000 watts at 100-120 VAC,
or 1200 watts at 200-240 VAC. Each power supply is cooled by a built-in 40-mm fan. Each supply
has one (bi-color) status LED on the rear which is visable through the perforated sheetmetal panel
at the upper rear of the enclosure.
If one of the power supplies should fail, some configurations of the Octane III can continue to
operate. Systems populated with more than two compute trays will likely require both power
supplies to operate properly. In either case a failed supply should be replaced as soon as possible.
Upgrading or Replacing Components
The SGI Octane III Deskside Cluster Server Component Replacement Guide (P/N 007-5649-00x),
describes how to install or replace the following components in an SGI Octane III cluster server:
• Memory DIMMs
Table 1-2. Silicon Graphics Octane III Physical Specifications
Feature Specification
Dimensions:
height
width
depth
26.5 in. (67.3 cm)
12.5 (31.7 cm)
28.2 (71.6 cm)
Weight (maximum configuration) Approximately 178 lbs. (81 kg) (max shipping 224 lbs. [102 kg])
Temperature
operating
non-operating
+10 °C (+50 °F) to +35 °C (+95 °F)
-40 °C (-40 °F) to +70 °C (+158 °F)
Humidity (non-operating) < 95% RH, non-condensing

Upgrading or Replacing Components
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• PCIe cards
• Disk drives
• System fans
• Power supplies
Service personnel should use the procedures in the guide to upgrade system components or replace
failing components.
Warning: If a lithium battery is installed in your system as a soldered part, only SGI
qualified service personnel should replace this lithium battery. For a battery of another type,
replace it only with the same type or an equivalent type recommended by the battery
manufacturer, or an explosion could occur. Discard used batteries according to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Octane III Cluster Server Cooling
The SGI Octane III server is cooled using 12 fans (six on the front and six on the rear). The six
front fans push air into the enclosure while the rear six fans pull it out the back.
The system fan assemblies are located behind the front and rear panels on the enclosure.
Figure 1-5 on page 12 illustrates the fan locations on the system.

12 007-5633-001
1: System Quick Start and Overview
Figure 1-5 Octane III Fan Locations
Example Nodeboard Features
At the heart of each Octane III compute tray lies a multi-processor based node board. The cluster’s
serverboards are based on Intel chipsets at the time this document was published. For information
on AMD chipsets offered with SGI products, check with your SGI sales or service representative.
USB-0
USB-2
USB-1
USB-3
VGA SERIAL
DVI-0 DVI-1
GIGE-0 GIGE-1
GIGE-2 GIGE-3
SW-CONSOLE
Front view Rear view
FansFans