Supermicro SC848A-R1800B User manual

SC848 CHASSIS SERIES
USER’S MANUAL
1.0a
SUPER ®
SC848A-R1800B

SC848 Chassis Manual
ii
Manual Revision 1.0a
Release Date: April 29, 2009
The information in this User’s Manual has been carefully reviewed and is believed to be accurate.
The vendor assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this document,
makes no commitment to update or to keep current the information in this manual, or to notify any
person or organization of the updates. Please Note: For the most up-to-date version of this
manual, please see our web site at www.supermicro.com.
Super Micro Computer, Inc. ("Supermicro") reserves the right to make changes to the product
described in this manual at any time and without notice. This product, including software, if any,
and documentation may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or
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IN NO EVENT WILL SUPERMICRO BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
SPECULATIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO
USE THIS PRODUCT OR DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES. IN PARTICULAR, SUPERMICRO SHALL NOT HAVE LIABILITY FOR ANY
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR DATA STORED OR USED WITH THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING THE
COSTS OF REPAIRING, REPLACING, INTEGRATING, INSTALLING OR RECOVERING SUCH
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR DATA.
Any disputes arising between manufacturer and customer shall be governed by the laws of Santa
Clara County in the State of California, USA. The State of California, County of Santa Clara shall
be the exclusive venue for the resolution of any such disputes. Super Micro's total liability for
all claims will not exceed the price paid for the hardware product.
California Best Management Practices Regulations for Perchlorate Materials: This Perchlorate
warning applies only to products containing CR (Manganese Dioxide) Lithium coin cells. “Perchlorate
Material-special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate”
WARNING: Handling of lead solder materials used in this
product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to
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Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies
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Copyright © 2009 by Super Micro Computer, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America

iii
Preface
Preface
About This Manual
This manual is written for professional system integrators and PC technicians. It
provides information for the installation and use of the SC848 chassis. Installation
and maintenance should be performed by experienced technicians only.
This manual lists compatible parts available when this document was published. Al-
ways refer to the our Web site for updates on supported parts and congurations.

SC848 Chassis Manual
iv
Manual Organization
Chapter 1: Introduction
The rst chapter provides a checklist of the main components included with this
chassis and describes the main features of the SC848 chassis. This chapter also
includes contact information.
Chapter 2: System Safety
This chapter lists warnings, precautions, and system safety. It recommended that
you thoroughly familiarize yourself installing and servicing this chassis safety pre-
cautions.
Chapter 3: Chassis Components
Refer here for details on this chassis model including the fans, bays, airow shields,
and other components.
Chapter 4: System Interface
Refer to this chapter for details on the system interface, which includes the functions
and information provided by the control panel on the chassis as well as other LEDs
located throughout the system.
Chapter 5: Chassis Setup and Maintenance
Follow the procedures given in this chapter when installing, removing, or
reconguring your chassis.
Chapter 6: Rack Installation
Refer to this chapter for detailed information on chassis rack installation. You should
follow the procedures given in this chapter when installing, removing or reconguring
your chassis into a rack environment.

v
Preface
This section lists compatible cables, power supply specications, and compatible
backplanes. Not all compatible backplanes are listed. Refer to our Web site for the
latest compatible backplane information.
Appendix A: Cables and Hardware
This section provides information on cabling, and other hardware which is compat-
ible with your chassis. For complete information on supported cables and hardware,
refer to the Supermico Web site at www.supermicro.com.
Appendix B: Power Supply Specications
This chapter lists the specications of the power supplies provided with your chas-
sis. For additional information, refer to the Supermicro website at www.supermicro.
com.
Appendix C: SAS-846A Backplane Specications
This section contains detailed specications on the SAS-846A backplane. Additional
information can be found on the Supermicro Web site at www.supermicro.com.

SC848 Chassis Manual
vi
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
1-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 1-1
1-2 Shipping List.................................................................................................... 1-1
Part Numbers .................................................................................................. 1-1
1-3 Where to get Replacement Components........................................................ 1-2
1-4 Contacting Supermicro.................................................................................... 1-3
1-5 Returning Merchandise for Service................................................................. 1-4
Chapter 2 System Safety
2-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 2-1
2-2 Warnings and Precautions .............................................................................. 2-1
2-3 Preparing for Setup......................................................................................... 2-1
2-4 Electrical Safety Precautions .......................................................................... 2-1
2-5 General Safety Precautions ............................................................................ 2-3
2-6 System Safety ................................................................................................. 2-3
Chapter 3 System Interface
3-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 3-1
3-2 Control Panel Buttons ..................................................................................... 3-2
3-3 Control Panel LEDs ........................................................................................ 3-2
3-4 Drive Carrier LEDs.......................................................................................... 3-4
SAS/SATA Drives ............................................................................................ 3-4
SCSI Drives..................................................................................................... 3-4
Chapter 4 Chassis Setup and Maintenance
4-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 4-1
4-2 Removing the Chassis Cover ......................................................................... 4-2
4-3 Installing and Removing Hard Drives ............................................................. 4-3
4-4 Installing the Motherboard .............................................................................. 4-6
I/O Shield ........................................................................................................ 4-6
Permanent and Optional Standoffs................................................................. 4-7
Installing Heatsinks on the Motherboard ...................................................... 4-10
Add-on Card/Expansion Slot Setup ...............................................................4-11
4-5 Installing the Air Shroud................................................................................ 4-12
4-6 Checking the Server's Air Flow..................................................................... 4-13
4-7 System Fans ................................................................................................. 4-14
4-8 Power Supply ............................................................................................... 4-16

vii
Preface
4-9 Changing the Power Distributor Board ......................................................... 4-18
4-10 Conguring the Peripheral Drawer................................................................ 4-21
Opening the Peripheral Drawer .................................................................... 4-22
Installing 2.5" and 3.5" Drives in the Peripheral Drawer .............................. 4-23
Installing Peripheral Devices in the Peripheral Drawer ................................ 4-25
Removing Peripheral Devices from the Peripheral Drawer.......................... 4-26
Routing Cables in the Peripheral Drawer ..................................................... 4-27
4-11 Accessing the Backplane.............................................................................. 4-28
Chapter 5 Rack Installation
5-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 5-1
5-2 Unpacking the System .................................................................................... 5-1
5-3 Preparing for Setup......................................................................................... 5-1
Choosing a Setup Location............................................................................. 5-1
Rack Precautions ............................................................................................ 5-2
General Server Precautions............................................................................ 5-2
Rack Mounting Considerations ....................................................................... 5-3
Ambient Operating Temperature ................................................................ 5-3
Reduced Airow ......................................................................................... 5-3
Mechanical Loading ................................................................................... 5-3
Circuit Overloading..................................................................................... 5-3
Reliable Ground ......................................................................................... 5-3
5-4 Rack Mounting Instructions............................................................................. 5-4
Rack Rails Assembly ...................................................................................... 5-4
Identifying the Inner Rack Rails...................................................................... 5-4
Installing the Inner Rails on the Chassis ........................................................ 5-5
Installing the Outer Rails onto a Rack............................................................ 5-6
Installing the Chassis into a Rack................................................................... 5-8
Removing the Chassis from the Rack ............................................................ 5-9
Notes ........................................................................................................ 5-10
Appendix A SC848 Cables and Hardware
Appendix B SC848 Power Supply Specications
Appendix C SAS-846A Backplane Specications

SC848 Chassis Manual
viii
Notes

SC848 Chassis
Model CPU HDD I/O Slots Power
Supply
SC848SA-R1800B QP Xeon 24x SAS/
SATA 7x FF 1800W Redundant
Chapter 1
Introduction
1-1 Overview
Supermicro’s SC848 4U chassis features a unique and highly-optimized design. The
chassis is equipped with three 900 Watt (2+1 redundant for a total of 1800 Watts),
high-efciency power supplies. High-performance fans provide ample optimized
cooling for FB-DIMM memory modules and twenty-four hot-swappable drive bays
offer maximum storage capacity.
1-2 Shipping List
Part Numbers
Please visit the following link for the latest shiping lists and part numbers for your
particular chassis model http://www.supermicro.com/
Chapter 1: Introduction
1-1

SC848 Chassis Manual
1-2
1-3 Where to get Replacement Components
Though not frequently, you may need replacement parts for your system. To en-
sure the highest level of professional service and technical support, we strongly
recommend purchasing exclusively from our Supermicro Authorized Distributors/
System Integrators/Resellers. A list of Supermicro Authorized Distributors/System
Integrators/Resellers can be found at: http://www.supermicro.com. Click the Where
to Buy link.

1-3
Chapter 1: Introduction
1-4 Contacting Supermicro
Headquarters
Address: Super Micro Computer, Inc.
980 Rock Ave.
San Jose, CA 95131 U.S.A.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected] (General Information)
[email protected] (Technical Support)
Web Site: www.supermicro.com
Europe
Address: Super Micro Computer B.V.
Het Sterrenbeeld 28, 5215 ML
's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected] (General Information)
[email protected] (Technical Support)
[email protected] (Customer Support)
Asia-Pacic
Address: Super Micro Computer, Inc.
4F, No. 232-1, Liancheng Rd.
Chung-Ho 235, Taipei County
Taiwan, R.O.C.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Web Site: www.supermicro.com.tw
Technical Support:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: [phone]

SC848 Chassis Manual
1-4
1-5 Returning Merchandise for Service
A receipt or copy of your invoice marked with the date of purchase is required be-
fore any warranty service will be rendered. You can obtain service by calling your
vendor for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. When returning
to the manufacturer, the RMA number should be prominently displayed on the
outside of the shipping carton, and mailed prepaid or hand-carried. Shipping and
handling charges will be applied for all orders that must be mailed when service
is complete.
For faster service, RMA authorizations may be requested online (http://www.
supermicro.com/support/rma/).
Whenever possible, repack the chassis in the original Supermicro carton, using the
original packaging material. If these are no longer available, be sure to pack the
chassis securely, using packaging material to surround the chassis so that it does
not shift within the carton and become damaged during shipping.
This warranty only covers normal consumer use and does not cover damages in-
curred in shipping or from failure due to the alteration, misuse, abuse or improper
maintenance of products.
During the warranty period, contact your distributor rst for any product problems.

2-1
Chapter 2: System Safety
Chapter 2
System Safety
2-1 Overview
This chapter provides a quick setup checklist to get your chassis up and running.
Following the steps in order given should enable you to have your chassis setup and
operational within a minimal amount of time. This quick set up assumes that you are
an experienced technician, famailiar with common concepts and terminology.
2-2 Warnings and Precautions
You should inspect the box the chassis was shipped in and note if it was damaged
in any way. If the chassis itself shows damage, le a damage claim with carrier
who delivered your system.
Decide on a suitable location for the rack unit that will hold that chassis. It should
be situated in a clean, dust-free area that is well venilated. Avoid areas where heat,
electrical noise and eletromagnetic elds are generated.
You will also need it placed near at least one grounded power outlet. When cong-
ured, the SC848 chassis includes two power supplies which require two grounded
outlets.
2-3 Preparing for Setup
The SC848 chassis includes a set of rail assemblies, including mounting brackets
and mounting screws you will need to install the systems into the rack. Please read
this manual in its entirety before you begin the installation procedure.
2-4 Electrical Safety Precautions
Basic electrical safety precautions should be followed to protect yourself from harm
and the SC848 from damage:
Be aware of the locations of the power on/off switch on the chassis as well•
as the room’s emergency power-off switch, disconnection switch or electrical

SC848 Chassis Manual
2-2
outlet. If an electrical accident occurs, you can then quickly remove power from
the system.
Do not work alone when working with high voltage components.•
Power should always be disconnected from the system when removing or in-•
stalling main system components, such as the serverboard, memory modules
and the DVD-ROM and oppy drives (not necessary for hot swappable drives).
When disconnecting power, you should rst power down the system with the
operating system and then unplug the power cords from all the power supply
modules in the system.
When working around exposed electrical circuits, another person who is fa-•
miliar with the power-off controls should be nearby to switch off the power, if
necessary.
Use only one hand when working with powered-on electrical equipment. This•
is to avoid making a complete circuit, which will cause electrical shock. Use
extreme caution when using metal tools, which can easily damage any electrical
components or circuit boards they come into contact with.
Do not use mats designed to decrease electrostatic discharge as protection from•
electrical shock. Instead, use rubber mats that have been specically designed
as electrical insulators.
The power supply power cord must include a grounding plug and must be•
plugged into grounded electrical outlets.
Serverboard battery: CAUTION - There is a danger of explosion if the onboard•
battery is installed upside down, which will reverse its polarities This battery
must be replaced only with the same or an equivalent type recommended by
the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
DVD-ROM laser: CAUTION - this server may have come equipped with a•
DVD-ROM drive. To prevent direct exposure to the laser beam and hazardous
radiation exposure, do not open the enclosure or use the unit in any uncon-
ventional way.

2-3
Chapter 2: System Safety
2-5 General Safety Precautions
Keep the area around the chassis clean and free of clutter.•
Place the chassis top cover and any system components that have been re-•
moved away from the system or on a table so that they won’t accidentally be
stepped on.
While working on the system, do not wear loose clothing such as neckties and•
unbuttoned shirt sleeves, which can come into contact with electrical circuits or
be pulled into a cooling fan.
Remove any jewelry or metal objects from your body, which are excellent metal•
conductors that can create short circuits and harm you if they come into contact
with printed circuit boards or areas where power is present.
After accessing the inside of the system, close the system back up and secure•
it to the rack unit with the retention screws after ensuring that all connections
have been made.
2-6 System Safety
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is generated by two objects with different electrical
charges coming into contact with each other. An electrical discharge is created to
neutralize this difference, which can damage electronic components and printed
circuit boards. The following measures are generally sufcient to neutralize this
difference before contact is made to protect your equipment from ESD:
Do not use mats designed to decrease electrostatic discharge as protection from•
electrical shock. Instead, use rubber mats that have been specically designed
as electrical insulators.
Use a grounded wrist strap designed to prevent static discharge.•
Keep all components and printed circuit boards (PCBs) in their antistatic bags•
until ready for use.
Touch a grounded metal object before removing any board from its antistatic•
bag.
Do not let components or PCBs come into contact with your clothing, which may•
retain a charge even if you are wearing a wrist strap.

SC848 Chassis Manual
2-4
Handle a board by its edges only; do not touch its components, peripheral chips,•
memory modules or contacts.
When handling chips or modules, avoid touching their pins.•
Put the serverboard and peripherals back into their antistatic bags when not•
in use.
For grounding purposes, make sure your computer chassis provides excellent•
conductivity between the power supply, the case, the mounting fasteners and
the serverboard.

3-1
Chapter 3: System Interface
Chapter 3
System Interface
3-1 Overview
There are several LEDs on the control panel as well as others on the drive carriers
to keep you constantly informed of the overall status of the system as well as the
activity and health of specic components. Most SC848 models have two buttons
on the chassis control panel: a reset button and a power on/off switch. This chapter
explains the meanings of all LED indicators and the appropriate responses you
may need to take.
Figure 3-1: Front LED Panel

SC848 Chassis Manual
3-2
3-3 Control Panel LEDs
The control panel located on the left handle of the SC848 chassis has ve LEDs.
These LEDs provide you with critical information related to different parts of the
system. This section explains what each LED indicates when illuminated and any
corrective action you may need to take.
Power: The main power button is used to apply or remove power from the power
supply to the server system. Turning off system power with this button removes
the main power but keeps standby power supplied to the system. Therefore, you
must unplug system before servicing.
3-2 Control Panel Buttons
There are two push-buttons located on the left handle of the chassis. These are
(in order from top to bottom) a power on/off button and a reset button.
Power: Indicates power is being supplied to the system's power supply units. This
LED should normally be illuminated when the system is operating.
HDD: Indicates IDE channel activity. SAS/SATA drive, and/or DVD-ROM drive
activity when ashing.
Reset: The reset button is used to reboot the system.

3-3
Chapter 3: System Interface
NIC1: Indicates network activity on GLAN1 when ashing.
NIC2: Indicates network activity on GLAN2 when ashing.
1
2
!
Power Failure: When this LED ashes, it indicates a failure in the redundant power
supply.
Overheat/Fan Fail: When this LED ashes, it indicates a fan failure. When con-
tinuously on (not ashing) it indicates an overheat condition, which may be caused
by cables obstructing the airow in the system or the ambient room temperature
being too warm. Check the routing of the cables and make sure all fans are pres-
ent and operating normally. You should also check to make sure that the chassis
covers are installed. Finally, verify that the heatsinks are installed properly. This
LED will remain ashing or on as long as the overheat condition exists.

SC848 Chassis Manual
3-4
3-4 Drive Carrier LEDs
Your chassis uses SAS/SATA.
SAS/SATA Drives
Each SAS/SATA drive carrier has two LEDs.
Blue:•
Solid on = Drive is present and available.
Blinking = Drive is actively being accessed.
Each Serial ATA drive carrier has a blue LED. When illuminated in a solid
on state, this blue LED (on the front of the SAS/SATA drive carrier) indicates
drive activity. A connection to the SAS/SATA backplane enables this LED to
blink on and off when that particular drive is being accessed.
Red:•
Solid on = Drive failure
Blinking = Rebuilding RAID
The red LED to indicate an SAS/SATA drive failure. If one of the SAS/SATA
drives fail, you should be notied by your system management software.
SCSI Drives
This chassis does not support SCSI drives at this time.