Dell T420 Owner's Manual

Dell PowerEdge T420 SystemsOwner's ManualRegulatory Model: E20S SeriesRegulatory Type: E20S001

Figure 2. Front-Panel Features and Indicators—3.5 Inch Hot-Swappable Hard-Drive ChassisItem Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description1 Tape driv

NOTE: When selecting or upgrading your system configuration, verify the system power consumption with the Dell Energy Smart Solution Advisor at dell.c

NOTE: The maximum output power (shown in Watts) is listed on the power supply label.2. If applicable, remove the power supply blank.3. Slide the new p

Replacing The Power Supply DividerCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting an

3. screw Non-Redundant AC Power SupplyYour system supports a non-redundant 550 W AC power supply.NOTE: Non-redundant power supply is supported in syst

Figure 55. Removing and Installing a Non-Redundant AC Power Supply1. screw 2. power supply unit cage3. non-redundant power supply 4. standoff on the c

Installing A Non-Redundant AC Power SupplyCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troublesho

Figure 56. Removing and Installing the Power Interposer Board and the Power Distribution Board1. power distribution board 2. slots on power interposer

Installing The Power Interposer BoardCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting

3. Open the system.4. Locate the battery socket.CAUTION: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while install

The control-panel assembly with diagnostic indicators is supported on systems with cabled hard drives and systems with an x8 backplane. The control-pa

Item Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description4 Power-on indicator, power buttonThe power-on indicator lights when the system power is on. The p

5. control-panel assembly 6. control panel Figure 59. Removing and Installing the Control-Panel Assembly With Diagnostic Indicators in a Tower-Mode Sy

Figure 60. Removing and Installing the Control-Panel Assembly in a Rack-Mode System1. LCD module ZIF connector 2. VGA module connector3. VGA module c

3. slotInstalling The Control-Panel AssemblyCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubles

Figure 62. Removing and Installing the Control Panel for Systems With an LCD Module1. control panel 2. control-panel board3. LCD module 4. control-pa

3. control-panel assembly 4. tabs (3)Installing The Control PanelCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should

Figure 64. Removing and Installing the Control-Panel Board With LCD Module1. LCD ZIF cable 2. LCD module ZIF connector3. control-panel board 4. screws

Removing The Control-Panel Board For Systems With Diagnostic IndicatorsCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You s

NOTE: The control-panel assembly with diagnostic indicators is supported on systems with cabled hard drives and systems with an x8 backplane.1. Using

3. LCD module ZIF connector 4. LCD ZIF cableInstalling The LCD ModuleCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You sho

Figure 67. Removing and Installing the VGA Module1. control panel 2. control-panel board3. VGA module 4. securing tabs (2)5. control-panel assemblyIns

Item Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description• Up to sixteen 2.5 inch hot-swappable hard drivesFigure 3. Front-Panel Features and Indicators—3.

Removing The System BoardCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple

Figure 68. Removing the System Board1. screws (11) 2. system board holders (2)3. system boardInstalling The System BoardCAUTION: Many repairs may only

NOTE: Secure the screws along the edges of the system board first, and follow a diagonal path to complete this procedure.5. Install the following as a

4Converting The System From Tower Mode To Rack ModeCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform t

3. If applicable, remove the system feet or wheel assembly.4. Open the system.5. Remove the system top cover by following the steps below:a. Using a #

Figure 70. Removing and Installing the Rack Ears1. front panel 2. rack ears (2)3. screws for each rack ear (3)12. Close the system.Rack InstallationTo

5Troubleshooting Your SystemSafety First—For You And Your SystemCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should o

6. If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step to begin troubleshooting the other USB devices attached to the system.7. Power down all at

Troubleshooting A Wet SystemCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simp

• Hard-drive carriers• Hard-drive backplane4. Ensure that all cables are properly connected.5. Close the system.6. Run the appropriate diagnostic test

Item Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description3 Power-on indicator, power buttonThe power-on indicator lights when the system power is on. The p

Troubleshooting Redundant Power SuppliesCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshoot

If diagnostics indicates a fault, follow the corrective actions provided by the diagnostic program.2. If the system is not operational, turn off the s

Troubleshooting An SD CardCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple

Troubleshooting A Hard DriveCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simp

11. For each expansion card you removed in step 8, perform the following steps:a. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the sys

6Using System DiagnosticsIf you experience a problem with your system, run the system diagnostics before contacting Dell for technical assistance. The

The ePSA Pre-boot System Assessment window is displayed, listing all devices detected in the system. The diagnostics starts executing the tests on all

7Jumpers And Connectors System Board Jumper SettingsFor information on resetting the password jumper to disable a password, see Disabling A Forgotten

System Board Jumpers And ConnectorsFigure 71. System Board Jumpers and ConnectorsItem Connector Description1 PWR_CONN/P1 Power connector2 CTRL PNL Con

Item Connector Description12 ID_BTN System identification button13 CMA_JACK System identification connector (Cable management arm)14 USB4 TOP, USB5, U

Front-Panel Features And Indicators—Rack ModeFigure 4. Front-Panel Features and IndicatorsNOTE: Only systems with hot-swappable hard drives are rackab

Disabling A Forgotten PasswordThe system's software security features include a system password and a setup password. The password jumper enables

8Technical SpecificationsProcessorProcessor type One or two Intel Xeon processors E5-2400 and E5-2400 v2 product familyExpansion BusBus type PCI Expre

MemoryMaximum RAMRDIMMs 384 GBUDIMMs 48 GBDrivesHard drivesFour–hard-drive systems Up to four 3.5 inch, internal, cabled SATA, nearline SAS, or SAS (1

ConnectorsInternalUSB One 4-pin, USB 2.0-compliantInternal Dual SD Module Two optional flash memory card slots with the internal SD moduleNOTE: One ca

EnvironmentalNOTE: For additional information about environmental measurements for specific system configurations, see dell.com/environmental_datashee

EnvironmentalNOTE: This section defines the limits to help avoid IT equipment damage and/or failure from particulates and gaseous contamination. If it

9System Messages LCD MessagesNOTE: Applicable only if your system has an LCD display.The LCD messages consist of brief text messages that refer to eve

Error Code Message InformationAMP0302Message The system board <name> current is greater than the upper warning threshold.Details System board &l

Error Code Message InformationASR0003Message The watchdog timer power cycled the system.Details The operating system or an application failed to commu

Error Code Message InformationAction Review the technical specifications for supported processor types.CPU0010Message CPU <number> is throttled.

Item Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description4 LCD menu buttons Allow you to navigate the control panel LCD menu.5 Information tag A slide-out

Error Code Message Information2. Turn off the system and remove input power for one minute. 3. Ensure the processor is seated correctly.4. Reapply

Error Code Message Information5. If the issue persists, see Getting Help.FAN0000Message Fan <number> RPM is less than the lower warning thresh

Error Code Message InformationAction Check if the cable is present, then reinstall or reconnect.MEM0000Message Persistent correctable memory errors de

Error Code Message InformationLCD Message Memory mirror lost on <location>. Power cycle system.Details The memory may not be seated correctly, m

Error Code Message InformationAction Cycle input power, update component drivers, if device is removable, reinstall the device.PCI1320Message A bus fa

Error Code Message InformationLCD Message Drive <number> removed from disk drive bay <bay>. Check drive.Details The controller detected th

Error Code Message InformationPSU0006Message Power supply <number> type mismatch.LCD Message Power supply <number> is incorrectly configur

Error Code Message InformationPSU0034Message An under voltage fault detected on power supply <number>.LCD Message An under voltage fault detecte

Error Code Message InformationPSU1201Message Power supply redundancy is lost.Details The power supply tries to operate in a degraded state. System Per

Error Code Message InformationDetails An error was reported during a SD card read or write.Action Reseat the flash media. If the problem persists, see

• The LCD backlight remains off if LCD messaging is turned off through the iDRAC utility, the LCD panel, or other tools.Figure 5. LCD Panel FeaturesIt

Error Code Message InformationSEC0031Message The chassis is open while the power is on.LCD Message Intrusion detected. Check chassis cover.Details The

Error Code Message InformationAction Re-configure system to the minimum supported configuration. If issues persists, contact support.TMP0118Message Th

Error Code Message InformationAction1. Review system logs for power supply exceptions.2. Re-configure the system to minimum configuration, inspect and

10Getting Help Contacting DellNOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, packi

Option DescriptionSet home Select the default information to be displayed on the LCD Home screen. See View Menu to see the options and option items th

Hard-drive IndicatorCondition Corrective ActionThe indicator lights green to indicate hard-drive activity.None required.Electrical IndicatorCondition

PCIe IndicatorCondition Corrective ActionThe indicator blinks amber if a PCIe card experiences an error.Restart the system. Update any required driver

Notes, Cautions, and WarningsNOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates

Drive-Status Indicator Pattern (RAID Only)ConditionBlinks green three seconds, amber three seconds, and off six secondsRebuild abortedBack-Panel Featu

Item Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description1 Power supplies (PSU1 and PSU2)Redundant power supplyUp to two 495 W, 750 W, or 1100 W redundant

NIC Indicator CodesFigure 8. NIC Indicator1. link indicator 2. activity indicatorIndicator Indicator CodeLink and activity indicators are offThe NIC i

Power Indicator PatternConditionNot lit Power is not connected.Green A valid power source is connected to the power supply and the power supply is ope

Figure 10. Non-Redundant AC Power Supply Status Indicator and Self-Diagnostic Button1. self-diagnostic button 2. AC power supply status indicatorOther

2Using The System Setup And Boot ManagerSystem Setup enables you to manage your system hardware and specify BIOS-level options.The following keystroke

• BIOS boot mode (the default) is the standard BIOS-level boot interface.• UEFI boot mode is an enhanced 64-bit boot interface based on Unified Extens

System Setup OptionsSystem Setup Main ScreenNOTE: Press <Alt><F> to reset the BIOS or UEFI settings to their default settings.Menu Item De

Menu Item DescriptionSystem BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version installed on the system.System Service Tag Displays the system Service Tag.System M

Menu Item DescriptionNOTE: The QPI speed option displays only when both the processors are installed.Alternate RTID (Requestor Transaction ID) Setting

Contents1 About Your System...9Fron

SATA Settings ScreenMenu Item DescriptionEmbedded SATA Allows the embedded SATA to be set to Off, ATA, AHCI, or RAID modes. By default, the Embedded S

Integrated Devices ScreenMenu Item DescriptionUser Accessible USB PortsAllows you enable or disable the user accessible USB ports. Selecting Only Back

Menu Item DescriptionSerial Port Address Allows you to set the port address for serial devices. By default, the Serial Port Address option is set to S

Menu Item DescriptionNOTE: When C States is enabled in Custom mode, changing the Monitor/Mwait setting does not impact system power/performance.Memory

Menu Item DescriptionNMI Button Allows you to enable or disable the NMI button on the front of the system. By default, the NMI Button option is set to

You can assign a new System Password and/or Setup Password or change an existing System Password and/or Setup Password only when the password jumper s

7. Press <Esc> to return to the System BIOS screen. Press <Esc> again, and a message prompts you to save the changes.NOTE: You can disable

To enter the Boot Manager:1. Turn on or restart your system.2. Press <F11> after you see the following message:<F11> = UEFI Boot ManagerIf

UEFI Boot MenuMenu Item DescriptionSelect UEFI Boot OptionDisplays the list of available UEFI boot options (marked with asterisks), select the boot op

NOTE: When the User Option is set to the default Auto setting, the user option cannot be modified.3. Set the Maximum Air Exhaust Temperature or the Fa

Entering The UEFI Boot Manager...

3Installing System Components Recommended ToolsYou may need the following items to perform the procedures in this section:• Key to the system keylock•

Figure 11. Removing and Installing the Front Bezel1. system 2. front bezel3. keylock 4. release latchRemoving The Front Bezel1. Insert the bezel key i

Figure 12. Removing and Installing the System Feet1. base of the tower 2. system feet (4)3. screws (4)Installing The System Feet1. Lay the system on i

4. Offset the front wheel assembly unit slightly to the back of the system to release the retention hooks, and pull out the front wheel assembly unit.

7. Offset the front wheel assembly slightly to the front and secure the unit in place using a screw.8. Using two screws, install the support unit on t

Figure 14. Opening and Closing the System1. cover release latch 2. latch release lock3. system cover 4. system feet (4)Closing The System1. Ensure tha

Figure 15. Inside the System—With Hot-Swappable Hard Drives1. power interposer board 2. PCIe card holder (optional)3. cooling shroud 4. internal cooli

Figure 16. Inside the System—With Cabled Hard Drives1. cabled power supply 2. PCIe card holder (optional)3. cooling shroud 4. internal cooling fan5. s

Removing The Optical Drive Or Tape DriveCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshoot

Figure 17. Removing and Installing the Optical Drive or Tape Drive1. optical drive 2. tape drive3. release latch49

Removing The Internal Hard-Drive Bay... 60Inst

Figure 18. Cabling—Optical Drive and Tape Drive1. connector for power cable extension 2. mini-SAS connector on PERC card3. ODD2/TBU connector on syste

Installing The Optical Drive Or Tape DriveCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troublesho

CAUTION: Never operate your system with the cooling shroud removed. The system may get overheated quickly, resulting in shutdown of the system and los

NOTE: For proper seating of the cooling shroud in the system chassis, ensure that the cables inside the system are routed along the chassis wall and s

Figure 20. Removing and Installing a Hot-Swap Hard Drive1. release button 2. hard drive3. hard-drive carrier handleInstalling A Hot-Swap Hard DriveCAU

Removing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive BlankCAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have hard-drive blanks installed.1. If

Figure 22. Removing and Installing a 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank1. hard-drive blank 2. release buttonInstalling A 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank1. If install

Figure 23. Removing and Installing a 2.5 Inch Hard Drive Into a 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Adapter1. screws (2) 2. 3.5 inch hard-drive adapter3. 2.5 inch har

Figure 24. Removing and Installing a Hot-Swap Hard Drive Into a Hard-Drive Carrier1. hard-drive carrier 2. screws (4)3. hard drive 4. screw holes (4)5

Figure 25. Removing and Installing a Hard-Drive Adapter Into a 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Carrier1. hard-drive carrier 2. screws (5)3. hard-drive adapter 4.

Installing An Internal SD Card...

CAUTION: Do not turn off or reboot your system while the hard drive is being formatted. Doing so can cause a hard drive failure.NOTE: Use only hard dr

Installing The Internal Hard-Drive BayCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshootin

Figure 27. Removing and Installing a Cabled Hard Drive1. hard drive connector 2. hard drive3. internal hard-drive bay 4. screws (4)Installing A Cabled

10. Close the system.11. Place the system upright on a flat, stable surface and if applicable, rotate the system feet outward.12. Reconnect the system

Figure 28. Removing and Installing an x8 Hard-Drive Backplane1. x8 hard-drive backplane 2. release pin3. hooks (11)64

Figure 29. Connectors on an x8 Hard-Drive Backplane1. SAS B connector 2. power connector for the optical and tape drives3. backplane power connector 4

Figure 30. Cabling—x8 Hard-Drive Backplane1. power connector 2. SAS A connector on system board3. I2C connector on system board 4. I2C connector on ba

Figure 31. Removing and Installing an x16 Hard-Drive Backplane1. x16 hard-drive backplane 2. release pin3. hooks (7)67

Figure 32. Connectors on an x16 Hard-Drive Backplane1. backplane power connector 2. backplane3. power connector for the optical and tape drives 4. I2C

Figure 33. Cabling—x16 Hard-Drive Backplane With Expansion Card1. power connector on power distribution board 2. SAS B connector on PowerEdge RAID Con

Safety First—For You And Your System... 12

6. If applicable, place the system upright on a flat, stable surface and rotate the system feet outward.7. Reconnect the system to its electrical outl

Figure 34. Installing and Removing the Four-Slot Hard-Drive Blank1. four-slot hard-drive blank 2. release tab3. screwdriverInstalling A Four-Slot Hard

• DIMM operating voltage• system profile selected (for example, Performance Optimized, Custom, or Dense Configuration Optimized)• maximum supported DI

Processor 1 channel 1: memory sockets A1 and A4channel 2: memory sockets A2 and A5channel 3: memory sockets A3 and A6Processor 2 channel 1: memory soc

Advanced ECC (Lockstep)Advanced ECC mode extends SDDC from x4 DRAM based DIMMs to both x4 and x8 DRAMs. This protects against single DRAM chip failure

Table 1. Memory Configurations — Single ProcessorSystem Capacity (in GB)DIMM Size (in GB)Number of DIMMsOrganization and SpeedDIMM Slot Population2 2

System Capacity (in GB)DIMM Size (in GB)Number of DIMMsOrganization and SpeedDIMM Slot Population160 16 102R x4, 1333 MT/s2R x4, 1600 MT/sA1, A2, A3,

6. If a memory module or a memory-module blank is installed in the socket, remove it.NOTE: Retain removed memory-module blank(s) for future use.Figure

NOTE: The memory-module socket has an alignment key that allows you to install the memory module in the socket in only one orientation.CAUTION: To pre

Removing The Internal Cooling FanCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and

Diagnostic Messages...

Figure 39. Removing and Installing the Internal Cooling Fan1. arrow 2. internal cooling fan3. internal cooling fan power cable 4. release tabFigure 4

Installing The Internal Cooling FanCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting a

Figure 41. Removing and Installing the External Cooling Fan1. back of the system chassis 2. lower hooks (2)3. external cooling fan 4. screws (4)5. upp

Installing The External Cooling FanCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting a

NOTE: For systems installed with the wheel assembly, ensure that you lay the system on a sturdy, stable surface with the wheel assembly extending off

PCIe Card Holder (Optional)Removing The PCIe Card HolderCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perf

3. PCIe card holderInstalling The PCIe Card HolderCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform tr

Table 4. Expansion Card Installation OrderCard Priority Card Type Slot Priority Maximum Allowed1 GPU 3, 5 22 External RAID 1, 4, 5, 3, 6 13 Internal R

7. From inside the system, press and push out the expansion card release latch to open it.8. Holding the card by its edge, pull the card to disengage

NOTE: For systems installed with the wheel assembly, ensure that you lay the system on a sturdy, stable surface with the wheel assembly extending off

1About Your System Front-Panel Features And Indicators—Tower ModeFigure 1. Front-Panel Features and Indicators—2.5 Inch Hot-Swappable Hard-Drive Chass

10. Install the PCIe card holder.11. Close the system.12. If applicable, place the system upright on a flat, stable surface and rotate the system feet

5. Locate the x16 slot on the system board.6. From inside the system, press and push out the expansion card release latch for the x16 slot.NOTE: If yo

Figure 47. Removing and Installing the iDRAC Ports Card1. screw 2. iDRAC ports card3. iDRAC ports card connectorInstalling The iDRAC Ports CardCAUTION

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.Replacing An SD vFlash Card1. Locate the

8. If applicable, place the system upright on a flat, stable surface and rotate the system feet outward.9. Reconnect the system to its electrical outl

Removing An Internal SD CardCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simp

NOTE: When selecting or upgrading your system configuration, verify the system power consumption with the Dell Energy Smart Solution Advisor at dell.c

Figure 50. Removing and Installing the Heat Sink1. heat sink 2. captive screws (4)3. processor shield 4. standoffs (4)CAUTION: The processor is held i

Figure 51. Removing and Installing a Processor1. socket release lever 2. processor3. processor shield 4. socket 5. guide 6. slotNOTE: After removing t

7. If applicable, remove the socket protective cap.8. If you are adding a second processor for the first time, remove the heat sink blank and the proc