Dell R7910 Owner's Manual

Dell Precision Rack 7910Owner's ManualRegulatory Model: E31SRegulatory Type: E31S001

To navigate to the Home screen from another menu, continue to select the up arrow until the Home icon is displayed, and then select the Home icon.

• cooling-fan assembly (if present)• cooling fans• processor(s) and heat sink(s)• memory modules4. Let the system dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours

NOTE: Some software may cause the system time to speed up or slow down. If the system seems to operate normally except for the time kept in the System

Troubleshooting cooling problemsCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and

Troubleshooting system memoryCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and sim

Troubleshooting an internal USB keyCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting a

NOTE: The rebuild will always be sourced from the primary SD card to the secondary SD card. Perform the rebuild of the SD card as necessary.Troublesho

Troubleshooting a storage controllerCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting

4. Ensure that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.5. Install the system cover.6. If the problem is not resolved, turn off the syste

• Alert! Card-cage fan failure.• Alert! CPU 0 fan failure.• Alert! Chipset heatsink not detected.• Alert! Operating is debug mode. Please populate mem

more information, see the systems management software documentation (Dell OpenManage Systems Management Overview Guide at dell.com/openmanagemanuals).

3Documentation matrixThe documentation matrix provides information on documents that you can refer to for setting up and managing your system.To... Re

7Using system diagnosticsIf you experience a problem with your system, run the system diagnostics before contacting Dell for technical assistance. The

System diagnostic controlsMenu DescriptionConfiguration Displays the configuration and status information of all detected devices.Results Displays the

8Jumpers and connectorsSystem board jumper settingsFor information on resetting the password jumper to disable a password, see Disabling a forgotten p

System board connectorsFigure 47. System board jumpers and connectorsItem Connector Description1 J_BP_SIG1 Backplane signal connector 12 J_PS_2 PSU 2

Item Connector Description11 J_USB USB connector12 J_VIDEO_REAR Video connector13 J_COM1 Serial connector14 J_IDRAC_RJ45 iDRAC8 connector15 J_CYC Syst

Item Connector Description44 J_CTRL_PNL Control panel signal connector45 CPU 1 Processor 146 J_FP_USB Front-panel USB connectorDisabling a forgotten p

9SpecificationsNOTE: Offerings may vary by region. The following specifications are only those required by law to ship with your computer. For more in

Memory Specification8 GB with a dual processor (minimum one DIMM module per processor)Maximum memoryLRDIMMs Up to 768 GB with a dual processorUp to 25

Card Slots SpecificationNOTE: To use slots 1 through 4, both the processors must be installed.Slot 5 One full-height, full-length x8 linkRiser 3 (defa

Internal connectors SpecificationInternal USB One 4-pin, USB 3.0-compliantSystem power one 24-pin connectorPower distribution board communication one

4Hard-drive indicator codesFigure 2. Hard-drive indicators1. hard-drive activity indicator 2. hard-drive status indicator 3. hard driveFigure 3. Hard

Controls and Lights Specificationoff (no light) — The computer is not detecting a physical connection to the network.Network link integrity lights (re

Table 18. EnvironmentalEnvironmental SpecificationTemperature:Operating 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F to 95 °F)Storage -40 °C to 65 °C (-40 °F to 149 °F)Maxim

10System SetupBoot MenuAs with previous workstation platforms, this computer includes a one-time boot menu. This feature gives users a quick and conve

Dell DiagnosticsFactory-installed platforms include 32-bit system diagnostics on the installed utility partition. Access these diagnostics using the &

Option DescriptionService Tag SettingsEnables service tag of the systemSystem BIOS screenYou can use the System BIOS screen to view BIOS settings as w

Menu Item DescriptionSystem BIOS VersionDisplays the BIOS version installed on the system.System Management Engine VersionDisplays the current revisio

Menu Item DescriptionNOTE: The Dell Fault Resilient Mode establishes an area of memory that is fault resilient. This mode can be used by an operating

Menu Item DescriptionDCU IP Prefetcher Enables or disables the Data Cache Unit (DCU) IP prefetcher. By default, the DCU IP Prefetcher option is set to

Menu Item DescriptionNumber of Cores Displays the number of cores per processor.SATA Settings screen detailsYou can use the SATA Settings screen to vi

Menu Item DescriptionPort D Sets the drive type of the selected device. For Embedded SATA settings in ATA mode, set this field to Auto to enable BIOS

Drive-status indicator pattern (RAID only) ConditionBlinks green two times per second Identifying drive or preparing for removal.Off Drive ready for i

Menu Item DescriptionCapacity Displays the total capacity of the hard drive. The field is undefined for removable media devices such as optical drives

Menu Item Descriptionin order, as listed in the Hard-Disk Drive Sequence. This option is not enabled for UEFI Boot Mode.Boot Options SettingsConfigure

Menu Item Descriptioninstalled), then the Embedded Video Controller is automatically used as the primary display even if the Embedded Video Controller

Menu Item Description• Enabled (default)• DisabledSerial Communication screen detailsYou can use the Serial Communication screen to view the propertie

Menu Item Descriptionthe rest of the options if the mode is set to Custom. By default, the System Profile option is set to Performance Per Watt Optimi

Menu Item DescriptionCores for Processor 2Controls the number of turbo boost enabled cores for processor 1. By default, the maximum number of cores is

Menu Item DescriptionNMI Button Enables or disables the NMI button on the front of the system. By default, the NMI Button option is set to Disabled.AC

The Miscellaneous Settings screen details are explained as follows:Menu Item DescriptionSystem Time Enables you to set the time on the system.System D

Menu Item DescriptionMemory RMT — Disabled138

11NIC indicator codesFigure 48. NIC indicators1. link indicator 2. activity indicatorIndicator Indicator codeLink and activity indicators are off The

5Installing and removing system componentsSafety instructionsWARNING: Whenever you need to lift the system, get others to assist you. To avoid injury,

12Power indicator codesEach AC power supply unit (PSU) has an illuminated translucent handle and each DC power supply unit (when available) has an LED

Convention Power indicator patternConditionNOTE: For AC power supplies, use only PSUs with the Extended Power Performance (EPP) label on the back. Mix

13Contacting DellContacting DellNOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase invoice, pac

• #2 Phillips screwdriverFor how-to videos, documentation, and troubleshooting solutions, scan this QR code, or click here: http://www.Dell.com/QRL/Wo

Item Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description1 Power-on indicator, power buttonThe power-on indicator lights when the system power is on. The p

Item Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon DescriptionNOTE: If the system is connected to a power source and an error is detected, the LCD lights amber

Item Indicator, Button, or ConnectorIcon Description17 Serial connector Allows you to connect a serial device to the system.18 Video connector Allows

Figure 5. Removing and installing the front bezel1. bezel lock 2. front bezelInstalling the front bezel1. Hook the right end of the bezel onto the cha

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

6. Hold the cover on both sides, and lift the cover away from the system.1. system cover2. latch3. latch release lockTo see a video on removing and in

1. Align the slots of the system cover with the tabs on the chassis.2. Press the cover release latch, and push the cover toward the front of the chass

Figure 6. Inside the system—Precision Rack 79101. cooling-fan (6)2. processor (2)3. DIMM (24)4. PCIe card holder5. internal USB port6. power supply un

Removing the cooling shroudCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simpl

4. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.System memoryYour system supports DDR4 registered DIMMs (RDIMMs), and load reduced

Memory channels are organized as follows:Processor 1 channel 0: slots A1, A5, and A9channel 1: slots A2, A6, and A10channel 2: slots A3, A7, and A11ch

The following table shows the memory populations and operating frequencies for the supported configurations.DIMM Type DIMMs Populated/ChannelOperating

NOTE: 1R, 2R, and 4R in the following tables indicate single-, dual-, and quad-rank DIMMs respectively.Table 1. Memory configurations—single processor

System capacity (in GB)DIMM size (in GB)Number of DIMMsDIMM rank, organization, and frequencyDIMM slot populationNOTE: 16 GB DIMMs must be installed i

System capacity (in GB)DIMM size (in GB)Number of DIMMsDIMM rank, organization, and frequencyDIMM slot population160 8 202R, x8, 1866 MT/s2R, x8, 1600

Contents1 Working on Your Computer... 8Turning Off Your Computer...

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.3. Remove the cooling shroud.WARNING: The memory modules are hot to the touch for

Installing memory modulesCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple

Figure 9. Installing the memory module1. memory module 2. alignment key3. memory-module socket ejector (2) When the memory module is properly seated i

Hard drivesYour system supports Client and Enterprise-class hard drives, which are designed for 24x7 operating environment. Selecting the correct driv

Figure 10. Removing and installing a 2.5 inch hard-drive blank1. hard-drive blank 2. release buttonInstalling a 2.5 inch hard-drive blank1. Ensure tha

CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have hard-drive blanks installed.3. If you are not replacing the hard driv

CAUTION: Combining SAS and SATA hard drives in the same RAID volume is not supported.CAUTION: When installing a hard drive, ensure that the adjacent d

Figure 12. Removing and installing a hard drive into a hard-drive carrier1. screw (4) 2. hard drive3. hard-drive carrierTo see a video on how to remov

Optical drive (optional)Removing the optical drive1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working in

Figure 13. Removing and installing the optical drive1. optical drive2. power and data cable3. release tabFollow the procedure listed in After working

Installing a hard drive into a hard-drive carrier...37Optical drive (op

NOTE: This procedure applies only to the 8-hard drive system.1. Align the optical drive with the optical drive slot on the front of chassis.2. Slide i

Figure 14. Removing and installing a cooling fan1. cooling-fan assembly 2. cooling-fan connector (6)3. fan release tab (6) 4. cooling fan (6)5. coolin

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in

Figure 15. Removing and installing the cooling-fan assembly1. cooling-fan assembly 2. cooling fan (6)3. release lever (2) 4. guide pin on the system b

Installing the cooling-fan assemblyCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting a

Replacing the internal USB key1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.CAU

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in

Installing the PCIe card holder1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.CA

Figure 18. Opening and closing the PCIe card holder latch1. PCIe card holder 2. release tab3. PCIe card holder latchFollow the procedure listed in Aft

Figure 19. Removing and installing the cable retention bracket1. alignment pin (2) 2. tab3. cable retention bracket1. Follow the procedure listed in A

Removing the network daughter card ...72Installing the network d

Expansion cards and expansion-card risersNOTE: A missing or an unsupported expansion-card riser logs an SEL event. It does not prevent your system fro

5. Replace the expansion-card latch into the slot.6. Close the expansion-card locking tabs.NOTE: You must install a filler bracket over an empty expan

Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.Installing an expansion card into the expansion-card riser 2 or 31. Ensure that you re

Removing an expansion card from the expansion-card riser 1CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only pe

Figure 21. Removing and installing an expansion-card from expansion-card riser 11. tab A 2. expansion-card riser 1 cage3. expansion-card connector 4.

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.3. Remove the expansion-card riser. Pull straight up on the riser using the blue t

Figure 22. Removing and installing the riser 1 blank1. slot on the chassis 2. tab (2)3. riser 1 blankInstalling the riser 1 blank1. Align the blank wi

NOTE: To remove expansion-card risers 2 and 3, hold the edges of the expansion-card riser.NOTE: To ensure proper system cooling, the riser 1 blank mus

Figure 24. Identifying connectors on the expansion card riser 11. expansion-card slot 1 2. expansion-card slot 23. expansion-card slot 358

Figure 25. Removing and installing the expansion card riser 21. power connector (for GPU cards) 2. expansion-card riser 23. riser guide-back 4. expans

Power supply unit problems... 101Troubleshooting c

Figure 26. Identifying connectors on the expansion card riser 21. expansion-card slot 4 2. expansion-card slot 53. power connector (for GPU cards)60

Figure 27. Removing and installing the expansion card riser 31. riser guide-front 2. power connector (for GPU cards)3. expansion-card riser 3 4. riser

Figure 28. Identifying connectors on the expansion card riser 3 (default)1. expansion-card slot 6 2. expansion-card slot 73. power connector (for GPU

2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.3. If applicable, reinstall the expansion card(s) into the expansion-card riser 1.

9. Ensure the GPU card is seated into the PCIe card holder latch.10. Press the touch point to open the PCIe card holder latch and/or the expansion-car

Figure 30. Removing and installing the GPU card1. expansion-card locking tab (3) 2. GPU card3. PCIe card holder latch 4. expansion-card latch 5. expan

Figure 31. Removing and installing the SD vFlash media card1. SD vFlash media card 2. SD vFlash media-card slot3. To install an SD vFlash media card,

Installing an internal SD card1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.CAU

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in

5. SD card slot 1 6. IDSDM connectorThe following table describes the IDSDM indicator codes.Convention IDSDM indicator code ConditionA Green Indicates

Memory Settings screen details...125Processor Settings

Integrated storage controller cardYour system includes a dedicated expansion-card slot on the system board for an integrated controller card that prov

Figure 33. Removing and installing the integrated storage controller card1. integrated storage controller cable 2. integrated storage controller card3

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in

Figure 34. Removing and installing the Network Daughter Card (NDC)1. captive screw socket (2) 2. connector on the system board3. captive screw (2) 4.

Installing the network daughter card1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your syst

• Replacing a processorNOTE: To ensure proper system cooling, you must install a processor blank and a heat-sink blank in any empty processor socket.R

Figure 35. Removing and installing a processor heat sink1. captive screw (4) 2. heat sink3. processor socket 4. slot (4)CAUTION: The processor is held

Figure 36. Processor shield1. close first socket release lever 2. lock icon3. processor 4. open first socket release lever5. unlock icon2. To remove t

Figure 37. Removing and installing a processor1. close first socket-release lever 2. pin-1 indicator of processor3. processor 4. slot (4)5. processor

Installing a processorCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting and simple rep

1Working on Your ComputerTurning Off Your ComputerCAUTION: To avoid losing data, save and close all open files and exit all open programs before you t

CAUTION: Do not use force to seat the processor. When the processor is positioned correctly, it engages easily into the socket.d. Close the processor

NOTE: Tighten the screws diagonally opposite to each other. Do not over-tighten the heat sink retention screws when installing the heat sink. To preve

You can configure the Hot Spare feature using the iDRAC settings. For more information on iDRAC settings, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Contro

CAUTION: The system requires one power supply for normal operation. On power-redundant systems, remove and replace only one power supply at a time in

Installing an AC power supply unitCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform troubleshooting an

System batteryReplacing the system battery1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside you

4. Press the battery into the connector until it snaps into place.Figure 42. Installing the system battery1. system battery 2. positive side of the ba

Removing the hard-drive backplane 1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system

3. release tab 4. backplane power cable5. SAS cable 6. mini SAS cable connector1. hard-drive backplane 2. backplane signal connector 13. system board

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the control panel flex cable, do not to bend the control panel flex cable after it is inserted into the connector.1. Use

2LCD panel featuresNOTE: The LCD panel is present only on Precision Rack 7910The LCD panel of your system provides system information and status and e

2. control-panel board3. control-panel connector cable4. USB connector cableFigure 44. Removing and installing the control panel—2.5 inch hard-drive s

Figure 45. Removing and installing the information tag1. information tag 2. tab 3. slotInstalling the control panel 1. Ensure that you read the Safety

CAUTION: If you are using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with an encryption key, you may be prompted to create a recovery key during program or Sys

Figure 46. Removing and installing the system board1. release pin 2. system board3. system-board holder1. Replace the system board. 2. Follow the proc

Installing the system board1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.CAUTIO

3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.4. Import your new or existing iDRAC Enterprise license. For more information, see

After the restore process is complete, BIOS prompts to restore the system configuration data.3. Do one of the following:• Press Y to restore the syste

6Troubleshooting your systemSafety first—for you and your systemCAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should o

5. Replace the keyboard/mouse with a working keyboard/mouse.If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step to begin troubleshooting other US

Troubleshooting a serial I/O device1. Turn off the system and any peripheral devices connected to the serial port.2. Swap the serial interface cable w