IBM eX5 Implementation Guide

302 IBM eX5 Implementation Guide

7.1 Before you apply power for the first time after shipping

Before you begin populating your server with all of its processors, memory, and PCI adapters,

and before you install an operating system (OS), perform the recommendations provided in

this section.

7.1.1 Verify that the components are securely installed

Perform the following tasks to ensure that all of the electrical components of your server have

proper connectivity:

򐂰 Inspect heat sinks to ensure that they are secure.

򐂰 Verify that dual inline memory modules (DIMMs) are mounted in the correct locations and

are fully plugged in with their retain clips in the closed position.

򐂰 Inspect the PCIe adapters to ensure that they are securely plugged into their slots.

򐂰 Check all of the cable connections on the hard drive backplane, system board, and all

internal disk controllers to ensure that they are properly snapped into place. A cable that

can easily be unplugged from its connector must be plugged back in until it clicks or clips

into place.

7.1.2 Clear CMOS memory

When a server is shipped from one location to another location, you have no idea what the

server was exposed to. For all you know, it might have been parked next to a large magnet or

electric motor, and everything in the server that stores information magnetically has been

altered, including the CMOS memory. IBM does not indicate on the shipping carton that

magnetic material is enclosed because the information is readily recoverable.

Booting the server to the F1 system configuration panel and selecting Load Default Settings

will restore the default values for items that you can change in configuration. It will not change

the setting of internal registers used between the Integrated Management Module (IMM) and

the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI). These registers define the system state of

the server. If they become corrupt, the server can experience these problems:

򐂰 Fail to power on

򐂰 Fail to complete power-on self test (POST)

򐂰 Turn on amber light path diagnostic lights that describe conditions that do not exist

򐂰 Reboot unexpectedly

򐂰 Fail to detect all of the installed CPU, memory, PCIe adapters, or physical disks

These internal registers cannot be modified or restored to defaults by the F1 system

configuration panel; however, they can be restored to defaults by clearing the CMOS memory.

With ac power removed from the server, CMOS memory can be cleared in one of two ways:

򐂰 Setting switch 1 on switch bock SW2 to the ON position for 30 seconds:

a. Disconnect the ac power from the server and remove the cover.

b. Locate the switch block SW2 in the back right of the server as you face the front of the

server, as shown in Figure 7-2 on page 303. If the optional PCIe riser card is installed,

it will need to be removed from the server first.

Chapter 7. IBM System x3690 X5 303

Figure 7-2 Location of switch block SW2 and the CMOS memory battery

c. The numbers on the switch block represent the OFF side of the switch. They are

located on the side of the switch block that is closest to the front of the server. To clear

CMOS, slide switch 1 (shown in Figure 7-3) to the ON position closest to the rear of the

server.

Figure 7-3 Location of switch 1 on switch block SW2

򐂰 Pull the CMOS memory battery for 30 seconds:

a. Disconnect the ac power from the server and remove the cover.

b. Locate the CMOS battery (shown in Figure 7-2).

c. Use your finger to pry up the battery on the side closest to the neighboring IC chip. The

battery will easily lift out of the socket.

d. After 30 seconds, insert one edge of the battery, with the positive side up, back into the

holder.

Note: The light path diagnostic (LPD) lights are powered from a separate power

source (capacitor) than the CMOS memory. LPD lights will remain lit for a period of

time after ac power and the CMOS memory battery have been removed.

Switch block SW2

CMOS memory battery

Switch 1 on switch block SW2

in the default OFF position