Supero SC836A-R1200B SC836E1-R800BSC836E1-R800V User manual

SC836 Chassis
Series
SC836A-R1200B SC836E1-R800B
SC836E1-R800V SC836E2-R800B
SC836E2-R800V SC836S2-R800B
SC836S2-R800V SC836TQ-R710B
SC836TQ - R800B SC836TQ-R800V
User’s Manual
2.0c
SUPER ®

SC836 Chassis Manual
ii
Manual Revision 2.0c
Release Date: February 4, 2010
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
reduced to any medium or machine without prior written consent.
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
the State of California to cause birth defects and other
reproductive harm.
Unless you request and receive written permission from Super Micro Computer, Inc., you may not
copy any part of this document.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies
referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark
holders.
Copyright © 2010 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 SC836 3U chassis. Installa-
tion and maintenance should be performed by experienced technicians only.
Supermicro’s SC836 3U chassis features a unique and highly optimized design for
dual-core Xeon platforms. The chassis is equipped with a redundant 710W, 800W
or 1200W high-efciency power supply. High-performance fans provide ample op-
timized cooling for FB-DIMM memory modules and 16 hot-swap drive bays offers
maximum storage capacity in a 3U form factor.
This document lists compatible parts available when this document was published.
Always refer to the our Web site for updates on supported parts and congura-
tions.

SC836 Chassis Manual
iv
Manual Organization
Chapter 1: Introduction
The rst chapter provides a checklist of the main components included with the
SC836 chassis and describes the main features of the chassis. This chapter also
includes contact information.
Chapter 2: System Safety
This chapter lists warnings, precautions, and system safety. You should thoroughly
familiarize yourself with this chapter for a general overview of safety precautions
that should be followed before installing and servicing this chassis.
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
This chapter provides 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
Refer to this chapter for detailed information on this chassis. You should follow the
procedures given in this chapter when installing, removing, or reconguring your
chassis.
Chapter 6: Advanced Setup
This chapter includes detailed instructions for advanced setup congurations includ-
ing multiple chassis connections.
Chapter 7: 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
Compatible Backplanes
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 SC836 Chassis Cables
Appendix B SC836 Power Supply Specications
Appendix C SAS-836EL Series Backplane Specications
Appendix D SAS-836TQ Backplane Specications
Appendix E SAS-836A Backplane Specications
Appendix F PCC-JBWR2 and CSE-PTJBOD-CB1 Power Control
Card Specications

SC836 Chassis Manual
vi
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
1-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 1-1
1-2 Shipping List.................................................................................................... 1-2
Part Numbers .................................................................................................. 1-2
1-3 Chassis Features ............................................................................................ 1-3
CPU Support ................................................................................................... 1-3
I/O Expansion slots ......................................................................................... 1-3
Peripheral Drives............................................................................................. 1-3
Other Features ................................................................................................ 1-3
1-4 Contacting Supermicro.................................................................................... 1-4
1-5 Returning Merchandise for Service................................................................. 1-5
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 .......................................................................... 2-2
2-5 General Safety Precautions ............................................................................ 2-3
2-6 System Safety ................................................................................................. 2-3
Chapter 3 Chassis Components
3-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 3-1
3-2 Components .................................................................................................... 3-1
Chassis and Chassis Bays ............................................................................. 3-1
Backplane........................................................................................................ 3-1
Fans ................................................................................................................ 3-1
Mounting Rails ................................................................................................ 3-1
Power Supply .................................................................................................. 3-2
Air Shroud ....................................................................................................... 3-2
3-3 Where to get Replacement Components........................................................ 3-2
Chapter 4 System Interface
4-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 4-1
4-2 Control Panel Buttons ..................................................................................... 4-2
4-3 Control Panel LEDs ........................................................................................ 4-2
4-4 Drive Carrier LEDs.......................................................................................... 4-4
Chapter 5 Basic Chassis Setup and Maintenance
5-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 5-1
5-2 Installation ....................................................................................................... 5-1

vii
Preface
5-3 Removing the Chassis Cover ......................................................................... 5-2
5-4 Installing the Hard Drives................................................................................ 5-3
Removing Hard Drive Carriers from the Chassis ........................................... 5-3
Installing a Hard Drive to the Hard Drive Carrier ........................................... 5-3
5-5 Installing the Motherboard .............................................................................. 5-5
Permanent and Optional Standoffs................................................................. 5-5
Standoffs Labeling .......................................................................................... 5-5
Motherboard Installation.................................................................................. 5-5
Power Supply Connections............................................................................. 5-6
I/O Shield and Expansion Card Setup............................................................ 5-7
Installing an I/O Port Panel............................................................................. 5-7
Installing an Expansion Card .......................................................................... 5-8
5-6 Installing the Air Shroud, Rear Fan, and Checking Air Flow .......................... 5-9
Installing the Air Shroud.................................................................................. 5-9
Installing Rear System Fans......................................................................... 5-10
Checking the Server's Air Flow......................................................................5-11
5-7 Chassis Maintenance.................................................................................... 5-12
Replacing a System Fans............................................................................. 5-12
Replacing the Power Supply......................................................................... 5-13
Replacing the Power Distributor ................................................................... 5-14
Replacing the Front Panel ............................................................................ 5-15
Replacing or Installing the Front Port Panel................................................. 5-15
Chapter 6 Advanced Setup
6-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 6-1
6-2 Dual Port and Expanders................................................................................ 6-2
Single Ports..................................................................................................... 6-2
Dual Ports ....................................................................................................... 6-2
6-3 Failover............................................................................................................ 6-3
Single Host Bus Adapter................................................................................. 6-3
Single Host Bus Adapter Failover................................................................... 6-3
Dual Host Bus Adapter .................................................................................. 6-4
Dual Host Bus Adapter Failover...................................................................... 6-4
6-4 Cascading Backplanes.................................................................................... 6-4
Power Control Card ........................................................................................ 6-4
Chapter 7 Rack Installation
7-1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 7-1
7-2 Unpacking the System .................................................................................... 7-1
7-3 Preparing for Setup......................................................................................... 7-1

SC836 Chassis Manual
viii
Choosing a Setup Location............................................................................. 7-1
7-4 Warnings and Precautions .............................................................................. 7-2
Rack Precautions ............................................................................................ 7-2
General Server Precautions............................................................................ 7-2
7-5 Rack Mounting Considerations ....................................................................... 7-3
Ambient Operating Temperature ..................................................................... 7-3
Reduced Airow .............................................................................................. 7-3
Mechanical Loading ........................................................................................ 7-3
Circuit Overloading.......................................................................................... 7-3
Reliable Ground .............................................................................................. 7-3
7-6 Rack Mounting Instructions............................................................................. 7-4
Identifying the Sections of the Rack Rails...................................................... 7-4
Locking Tabs ................................................................................................... 7-5
Releasing the Inner Rail ................................................................................. 7-5
Installing The Inner Rails on the Chassis....................................................... 7-6
Installing the Outer Rails on the Rack............................................................ 7-7
Standard Chassis Installation ......................................................................... 7-8
Optional Quick Installation Method ................................................................. 7-9
Appendix A SC836 Chassis Cables
Appendix B SC836 Power Supply Specications
Appendix C SAS-836EL Backplane Specications
Appendix D SAS-836TQ Backplane Specications
Appendix E SAS-836A Backplane Specications
Appendix F PCC-JBPWR2 and CSE-PTJBOD-CB1 Power Control Card
Specications

1-1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 1
Introduction
1-1 Overview
Supermicro's SC836 storage chassis supports up to sixteen hot-swappable 3.5"
SAS/SATA hard drive bays, the industry's highest storage density for a 3U system.
The SC836 includse 100% cooling redundancy and high efciency (1+1) redundant
710W, 800W, or 1200W (93%) Gold Level power supplies with PM BUS functionality
for enhanced power management. The SC836 is optimized for the next-generation
dual-processor Intel® Xeon® (5500 series) and AMD Opteron™ platforms. Direct
attached HDD backplane (TQ version), multilane backplane (A version) and ex-
panders' backplane (E1, E2 versions) are available for application specic solution
optimization. Heavy duty palletized packaging is available to ensure secure system
reliability during shipping and tool-less, roller rail designs for easy installation and
maintenance are standard with each system.
SC836 Chassis Series
Model CPU HDD I/O Slots Power
Supply
SC836A-R1200B DP/UP 16x SAS / SATA 7x FF
1200W
Redundant
(Gold Level)
SC836TQ-R800V /
SC836TQ-R800B DP/UP 16x SAS / SATA 7x FF R800W
Redundant
SC836TQ-R710B DP/UP 16x SAS / SATA 7x FF 710W DC
Redundant
SC836S2-R800V /
SC836S2-R800B DP/UP 16x U320 SCSI
Dual Channel 7x FF 800W Redundant
SC836E1-R800V /
SC836E1-R800B DP/UP
16x SAS / SATA
Bays (+) 1x
28-Port SAS
Expander
7x FF R800W
Redundant
SC836E2-R800V /
SC836E2-R800B DP/UP
16x SAS / SATA
Bays (+) 2x
28-Port SAS
Expander
7x FF 800W
Redundant

SC836 Chassis Manual
1-2
1-2 Shipping List
Part Numbers
Please visit the following link for the latest shipping lists and part numbers for
your particular chassis model:
http://www.supermicro.com/products/chassis/3U/?chs=836

1-3
Chapter 1: Introduction
1-3 Chassis Features
The SC836 3U high-performance chassis includes the following features:
CPU Support
The SC836 chassis supports a DP Dual-core Xeon processor. Please refer to the
motherboard specications pages on our Web site for updates on supported pro-
cessors for this chassis
Hard Drives
The SC836 chassis features sixteen slots for U320 SCSI or SAS/SATA drives. These
drives are hot-swappable. Meaning thtat once set up correctly, these drives may
be removed without powering-down the server. In addition, these drives support
SAF-TE (SCSI) and SES2 (SAS/SATA).
I/O Expansion slots
Each version of the SC836 chassis includes seven full I/O expansion slots.
Peripheral Drives
Each SC836 chassis supports one slim DVD-ROM drive (optional) These drives
allow you to quickly install or save data.
Other Features
Other onboard features are included to promote system health. These include
various ve cooling fans, a convenient power switch, reset button, and LED indica-
tors.

SC836 Chassis Manual
1-4
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]

1-5
Chapter 1: Introduction
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. These instructions assume that you are
an experienced technician, familiar 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 the carrier
who delivered your system.
Decide on a suitable location for the rack unit that will hold the chassis. It should be
situated in a clean, dust-free area that is well ventilated. Avoid areas where heat,
electrical noise and electromagnetic elds are generated.
You will also need it placed near at least two grounded power outlets. The SC836
chassis includes two redundant power supplies which require two grounded out-
lets.
2-3 Preparing for Setup
The SC836 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.

SC836 Chassis Manual
2-2
2-4 Electrical Safety Precautions
Basic electrical safety precautions should be followed to protect yourself from harm
and the SC836 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
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 (not necessary for hot-swappable drives). When discon-
necting 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.

2-3
Chapter 2: System Safety
Please handle used batteries carefully. Do not damage the battery in any way;•
a damaged battery may release hazardous materials into the environment. Do
not discard a used battery in the garbage or a public landll. Please comply
with the regulations set up by your local hazardous waste management agency
to dispose of your used battery properly.
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.
2-5 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.

SC836 Chassis Manual
2-4
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.
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: Chassis Components
Chapter 3
Chassis Components
3-1 Overview
This chapter describes the most common components included with your chassis.
Some components listed may not be included or compatible with your particular
chassis model. For more information, see the installation instructions detailed later
in this manual.
3-2 Components
Chassis and Chassis Bays
Chassis may include one optional slim CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, one front port panel,
and 16 hard drive bays. Hard drives must be purchased separately. For the latest
shipping lists, visit our Web site at: http://www.supermicro.com.
Backplane
Each SC836 chassis comes with a 3U backplane. Depending upon your order,
your backplane will accept SAS/SATA drives, SAS only, or SCSI drives. For more
information regarding compatible backplanes, view the appendices found at the
end of this manual. In addition, visit our Web site for the latest information: http://
www.supermicro.com.
Fans
The SC836 chassis accepts ve system fans. System fans for SC836 chassis are
powered from the serverboard. These fans are 3U compatible and are powered by
3-pin connectors.
Mounting Rails
The SC836 can be placed in a rack for secure storage and use. To setup your rack,
follow the step-by-step instructions included in this manual.

SC836 Chassis Manual
3-2
Power Supply
Each SC836 chassis model includes redundant high-efciency hot-swappable
power supply rated at 710, 800 or 1200 Watts. In the unlikely event power supply
fails in one power supply, you can remove and replace the faulty power supply
without powering down the system.
Air Shroud
Air shrouds are shields, usually plastic, that funnel air directly to where it is needed.
Always use the air shroud included with your chassis.
3-3 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 /Reseller can be found at: http://www.supermicro.com. Click the Where
to Buy link.

4-1
Chapter 4: System Interface
Chapter 4
System Interface
4-1 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 SC836 models have two buttons
on the chassis a control panel- a reset button and an on/off switch. This chapter
explains the meanings of all LED indicators and the appropriate response you may
need to take.
Figure 4-1: SC836 Front Panel