Dell PowerEdge R720 and R720xd

Owner's Manual

Regulatory Model: E14S Series

Regulatory Type: E14S001

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings

NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the
problem.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.

Copyright 2014 Dell Inc. All rights reserved. This product is protected by U.S. and international copyright and intellectual property
laws. Dell and the Dell logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. in the United States and/or other jurisdictions. All other marks and names
mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.
2014 - 07
Rev. A07

Contents
1 About Your System......................................................................................................................8
Front-Panel Features And Indicators....................................................................................................................... 8
LCD Panel Features.................................................................................................................................................11
Home Screen....................................................................................................................................................12
Setup Menu......................................................................................................................................................12
View Menu....................................................................................................................................................... 12
Diagnostic Indicators..............................................................................................................................................13
Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns................................................................................................................................ 15
Back-Panel Features And Indicators..................................................................................................................... 16
NIC Indicator Codes................................................................................................................................................17
Power Indicator Codes........................................................................................................................................... 18
Other Information You May Need...........................................................................................................................19

2 Using The System Setup and Boot Manager....................................................................... 20

Choosing The System Boot Mode.......................................................................................................................... 20
Entering System Setup............................................................................................................................................21
Responding To Error Messages.......................................................................................................................21
Using The System Setup Navigation Keys....................................................................................................... 21
System Setup Options.............................................................................................................................................21
System Setup Main Screen..............................................................................................................................22
System BIOS Screen........................................................................................................................................ 22
System Information Screen..............................................................................................................................22
Memory settings screen.................................................................................................................................. 23
Processor Settings Screen.............................................................................................................................. 23
SATA Settings Screen......................................................................................................................................25
Boot Settings Screen....................................................................................................................................... 26
Integrated devices screen............................................................................................................................... 26
Serial Communications Screen........................................................................................................................27
System Profile Settings Screen........................................................................................................................28
System Security Screen...................................................................................................................................29
Miscellaneous Settings....................................................................................................................................30
System And Setup Password Features.................................................................................................................. 30
Assigning A System And/Or Setup Password..................................................................................................30
Deleting Or Changing An Existing System And/Or Setup Password................................................................31
Using Your System Password To Secure Your System....................................................................................32
Operating With A Setup Password Enabled.................................................................................................... 32
Entering The UEFI Boot Manager........................................................................................................................... 32
Using The Boot Manager Navigation Keys...................................................................................................... 33

Boot Manager Screen......................................................................................................................................33

UEFI Boot Menu............................................................................................................................................... 33
Embedded System Management............................................................................................................................34
iDRAC Settings Utility..............................................................................................................................................34
Entering The iDRAC Settings Utility..................................................................................................................34
Changing The Thermal Settings....................................................................................................................... 34

3 Installing System Components................................................................................................35

Recommended Tools.............................................................................................................................................. 35
Front Bezel (Optional)............................................................................................................................................. 35
Removing The Front Bezel................................................................................................................................35
Installing The Front Bezel.................................................................................................................................36
Opening And Closing The System...........................................................................................................................36
Opening The System........................................................................................................................................ 36
Closing The System.......................................................................................................................................... 37
Inside The System...................................................................................................................................................37
Cooling Shroud....................................................................................................................................................... 39
Removing The Cooling Shroud......................................................................................................................... 39
Installing The Cooling Shroud.......................................................................................................................... 40
System memory...................................................................................................................................................... 40
General Memory Module Installation Guidelines............................................................................................ 42
Mode-Specific Guidelines................................................................................................................................43
Sample memory configurations....................................................................................................................... 44
Removing Memory Modules............................................................................................................................ 46
Installing Memory Modules............................................................................................................................. 48
Hard Drives............................................................................................................................................................. 49
Removing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank............................................................................................................ 50
Installing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank............................................................................................................. 50
Removing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank (Back).................................................................................................50
Installing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank (Back)..................................................................................................51
Removing A 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank............................................................................................................ 51
Installing A 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank............................................................................................................. 52
Removing A Hot-Swap Hard Drive................................................................................................................... 52
Installing A Hot-Swap Hard Drive.................................................................................................................... 52
Removing A Hard Drive From A Hard-Drive Carrier.........................................................................................53
Installing A Hard Drive Into A Hard-Drive Carrier............................................................................................54
Optical Drive (Optional)...........................................................................................................................................54
Removing The Optical Drive............................................................................................................................. 54
Installing The Optical Drive.............................................................................................................................. 55
Cooling Fans............................................................................................................................................................56
Removing A Cooling Fan...................................................................................................................................56
Installing A Cooling Fan....................................................................................................................................57

Removing The Cooling-Fan Assembly..............................................................................................................57

Installing The Cooling-Fan Assembly............................................................................................................... 58
Internal USB Memory Key (Optional)..................................................................................................................... 58
Replacing The Internal USB Key...................................................................................................................... 59
PCIe Card Holder.................................................................................................................................................... 59
Removing The PCIe Card Holder...................................................................................................................... 59
Installing The PCIe Card Holder....................................................................................................................... 60
Opening And Closing The PCIe Card Holder Latch.......................................................................................... 61
Top Cover Lock Latch............................................................................................................................................. 61
Installing The Top Cover Lock Latch................................................................................................................ 61
Cable Retention Bracket.........................................................................................................................................62
Removing The Cable Retention Bracket.......................................................................................................... 62
Installing The Cable Retention Bracket............................................................................................................63
Expansion Cards And Expansion-Card Risers........................................................................................................ 63
Expansion Card Installation Guidelines............................................................................................................63
Removing An Expansion Card From The Expansion-Card Riser 2 Or 3............................................................ 65
Installing An Expansion Card Into The Expansion-Card Riser 2 Or 3............................................................... 66
Removing An Expansion Card From The Expansion-Card Riser 1....................................................................67
Installing An Expansion Card Into The Expansion-Card Riser 1.......................................................................68
Removing Expansion-Card Risers.................................................................................................................... 69
Installing Expansion-Card Risers..................................................................................................................... 72
GPU Card Installation Guidelines..................................................................................................................... 72
Installing A GPU Card.......................................................................................................................................73
Removing A GPU Card......................................................................................................................................74
SD vFlash Card........................................................................................................................................................75
Replacing An SD vFlash Card...........................................................................................................................75
Removing The vFlash Media Unit.....................................................................................................................76
Installing The vFlash Media Unit...................................................................................................................... 77
Internal Dual SD Module........................................................................................................................................ 78
Removing The Internal Dual SD Module.......................................................................................................... 78
Installing The Internal Dual SD Module........................................................................................................... 79
Internal SD Card..................................................................................................................................................... 80
Removing An Internal SD Card.........................................................................................................................80
Installing An Internal SD Card..........................................................................................................................80
Integrated Storage Controller Card........................................................................................................................ 80
Removing The Integrated Storage Controller Card..........................................................................................81
Installing The Integrated Storage Controller Card...........................................................................................82
Network Daughter Card..........................................................................................................................................82
Removing The Network Daughter Card........................................................................................................... 82
Installing The Network Daughter Card.............................................................................................................83
Processors..............................................................................................................................................................83
Removing A Processor.....................................................................................................................................84

Installing A Processor...................................................................................................................................... 87
Power Supplies.......................................................................................................................................................88
Hot Spare Feature............................................................................................................................................ 89
Removing An AC Power Supply....................................................................................................................... 89
Installing An AC Power Supply........................................................................................................................ 90
Wiring Instructions For A DC Power Supply.................................................................................................... 91
Removing A DC Power Supply......................................................................................................................... 93
Installing A DC Power Supply.......................................................................................................................... 94
Removing The Power Supply Blank................................................................................................................. 95
Installing The Power Supply Blank.................................................................................................................. 95
System Battery....................................................................................................................................................... 95
Replacing The System Battery.........................................................................................................................95
Hard-Drive Backplane............................................................................................................................................ 96
Removing The Hard-Drive Backplane..............................................................................................................97
Installing The Hard-Drive Backplane............................................................................................................. 110
Removing The Optional Hard-Drive Backplane (Back).................................................................................. 111
Installing The Optional Hard-Drive Backplane (Back)................................................................................... 113
Control Panel Board..............................................................................................................................................114
Removing The Control Panel (PowerEdge R720)............................................................................................114
Installing The Control Panel (PowerEdge R720).............................................................................................115
Removing The Control Panel (PowerEdge R720xd)........................................................................................116
Installing The Control Panel (PowerEdge R720xd)......................................................................................... 117
Removing The I/O Panel (PowerEdge R720xd)...............................................................................................118
Installing The I/O Panel (PowerEdge R720xd)................................................................................................119
System Board........................................................................................................................................................119
Removing The System Board......................................................................................................................... 119
Installing The System Board.......................................................................................................................... 121

4 Troubleshooting Your System............................................................................................... 123

Safety FirstFor You And Your System............................................................................................................... 123
Troubleshooting System Startup Failure.............................................................................................................. 123
Troubleshooting External Connections.................................................................................................................123
Troubleshooting The Video Subsystem................................................................................................................ 123
Troubleshooting A USB Device............................................................................................................................ 123
Troubleshooting A Serial I/O Device.................................................................................................................... 124
Troubleshooting A NIC..........................................................................................................................................124
Troubleshooting A Wet System............................................................................................................................ 124
Troubleshooting A Damaged System................................................................................................................... 125
Troubleshooting The System Battery................................................................................................................... 126
Troubleshooting Power Supplies..........................................................................................................................126
Troubleshooting Cooling Problems.......................................................................................................................126
Troubleshooting Cooling Fans.............................................................................................................................. 127

Troubleshooting System Memory.........................................................................................................................127

Troubleshooting An Internal USB Key..................................................................................................................128
Troubleshooting An SD Card................................................................................................................................ 128
Troubleshooting An Optical Drive.........................................................................................................................129
Troubleshooting A Tape Backup Unit...................................................................................................................129
Troubleshooting A Hard Drive.............................................................................................................................. 129
Troubleshooting A Storage Controller..................................................................................................................130
Troubleshooting Expansion Cards........................................................................................................................ 131
Troubleshooting Processors.................................................................................................................................131

5 Using System Diagnostics..................................................................................................... 133

Dell Online Diagnostics.........................................................................................................................................133
Dell Embedded System Diagnostics..................................................................................................................... 133
When To Use The Embedded System Diagnostics........................................................................................ 133
Running The Embedded System Diagnostics.................................................................................................133
System Diagnostic Controls........................................................................................................................... 134

6 Jumpers And Connectors...................................................................................................... 135

System Board Jumper Settings............................................................................................................................ 135
System Board Connectors....................................................................................................................................136
Disabling A Forgotten Password.......................................................................................................................... 138

7 Technical Specifications....................................................................................................... 139

8 System Messages...................................................................................................................145
LCD Messages......................................................................................................................................................145
Viewing LCD Messages................................................................................................................................. 145
Removing LCD Messages...............................................................................................................................145
System Error Messages........................................................................................................................................145
Warning Messages...............................................................................................................................................161
Diagnostic Messages........................................................................................................................................... 161
Alert Messages.....................................................................................................................................................161

9 Getting Help..............................................................................................................................162
Contacting Dell..................................................................................................................................................... 162

About Your System

Front-Panel Features And Indicators

Figure 1. Front-Panel Features and Indicators (3.5 Inch Chassis)PowerEdge R720

Figure 2. Front-Panel Features and Indicators (2.5 Inch Chassis)PowerEdge R720

Item

Indicator, Button, or
Connector

Power-on indicator, power

button

Icon

Description
The power-on indicator lights when the system power is
on. The power button controls the power supply output to
the system.
NOTE: On ACPI-compliant operating systems, turning
off the system using the power button causes the
system to perform a graceful shutdown before
power to the system is turned off.

NMI button

Used to troubleshoot software and device driver errors

when running certain operating systems. This button can
be pressed using the end of a paper clip.
Use this button only if directed to do so by qualified
support personnel or by the operating system's
documentation.

System identification button

The identification buttons on the front and back panels

can be used to locate a particular system within a rack.
When one of these buttons is pressed, the LCD panel on

Item

Indicator, Button, or
Connector

Icon

Description
the front and the system status indicator on the back
flashes until one of the buttons is pressed again.
Press to toggle the system ID on and off.
If the system stops responding during POST, press and
hold the system ID button for more than five seconds to
enter BIOS progress mode.
To reset iDRAC (if not disabled in F2 iDRAC setup) press
and hold the button for more than 15 seconds.

Video connector

Allows you to connect a VGA display to the system.

LCD menu buttons

Allows you to navigate the control panel LCD menu.

Information tag

A slide-out label panel which allows you to record system

information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address and
so on as per your need.

LCD panel

Displays system ID, status information, and system error

messages. The LCD lights blue during normal system
operation. The LCD lights amber when the system needs
attention, and the LCD panel displays an error code
followed by descriptive text.
NOTE: If the system is connected to a power source
and an error is detected, the LCD lights amber
regardless of whether the system is turned on or off.

Optical drive (optional)

Hard drives

One optional SATA DVD-ROM drive or DVD+/-RW drive.

3.5 inch hard
drive systems

Up to eight 3.5 inch hotswappable drives.

2.5 inch hard

drive systems

Up to sixteen 2.5 inch hotswappable hard drives.

NOTE: In systems
supporting Dell PowerEdge
Express Flash devices (PCIe
SSDs), hard-drive slots 0
through 3 in hard-drive bay
2 support only PCIe SSDs.
Hard-drive bay 3 does not
support any hard drives and
is installed with a hard-drive
blank.

10

vFlash media card slot

Allows you to insert a vFlash media card.

11

USB connectors (2)

Allows you to connect USB devices to the system. The

ports are USB 2.0-compliant.

Item

Indicator, Button, or
Connector

12

Tape drive slot (optional)

Icon

Description
One optional 3.5 inch tape backup unit.

Figure 3. Front-Panel Features and Indicators (3.5 Inch Chassis)PowerEdge R720xd

Figure 4. Front-Panel Features and Indicators (2.5 Inch Chassis)PowerEdge R720xd

Item

Indicator, Button, or
Connector

Icon

Description

Diagnostic indicators

The diagnostic indicators light up to display error status.

System identification button

The identification buttons on the front and back panels

can be used to locate a particular system within a rack.
When one of these buttons is pressed, the system status
indicator on the back flashes until one of the buttons is
pressed again.
Press to toggle the system ID on and off.
If the system stops responding during POST, press and
hold the system ID button for more than five seconds to
enter BIOS progress mode.
To reset the iDRAC (if not disabled in F2 iDRAC setup)
press and hold the button for more than 15 seconds.

Power-on indicator, power

button

The power-on indicator lights when the system power is

on. The power button controls the power supply output to
the system.
NOTE: On ACPI-compliant operating systems, turning
off the system using the power button causes the
system to perform a graceful shutdown before
power to the system is turned off.

10

Item

Indicator, Button, or
Connector

NMI button

Icon

Description
Used to troubleshoot software and device driver errors
when running certain operating systems. This button can
be pressed using the end of a paper clip.
Use this button only if directed to do so by qualified
support personnel or by the operating system's
documentation.

Hard drives

3.5 inch hard

drive systems

Up to twelve 3.5 inch hotswappable hard drives.

2.5 inch hard

drive systems

Up to twenty-four 2.5 inch hotswappable hard drives.

Video connector

Allows you to connect a VGA display to the system.

USB connector

Allows you to connect USB devices to the system. The

port is USB 2.0-compliant.

Information tag

A slide-out label panel which allows you to record system

information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address, and
so on as per your need.

LCD Panel Features

NOTE: The LCD panel is present only on PowerEdge R720.
The system's LCD panel provides system information and status and error messages to indicate when the system is
operating correctly or when the system needs attention. See System Error Messages for information about specific
error codes.

The LCD backlight lights blue during normal operating conditions and lights amber to indicate an error condition.

The LCD backlight is off when the system is in standby mode and can be turned on by pressing either the Select,
Left, or Right button on the LCD panel.

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 Features

11

Item

Button

Description

Left

Moves the cursor back in one-step

increments.

Select

Selects the menu item highlighted by

the cursor.

Right

Moves the cursor forward in one-step

increments.
During message scrolling:

Press once to increase scrolling

speed
Press again to stop
Press again to return to default
scrolling speed
Press again to repeat the cycle

Home Screen
The Home screen displays user-configurable information about the system. This screen is displayed during normal
system operation when there are no status messages or errors. When the system is in standby mode, the LCD backlight
turns off after five minutes of inactivity if there are no error messages. Press one of the three navigation buttons (Select,
Left, or Right) to view the Home screen.
To navigate to the Home screen from another menu, continue to select the up arrow
displayed, and then select the Home icon.

until the Home icon

is

From the Home screen, press the Select button to enter the main menu.

Setup Menu
NOTE: When you select an option in the Setup menu, you must confirm the option before proceeding to the next
action.
Option

Description

iDRAC

Select DHCP or Static IP to configure the network mode. If Static IP is selected, the available
fields are IP, Subnet (Sub), and Gateway (Gtw). Select Setup DNS to enable DNS and to view
domain addresses. Two separate DNS entries are available.

Set error

Select SEL to display LCD error messages in a format that matches the IPMI description in the
SEL. This is useful when trying to match an LCD message with an SEL entry.
Select Simple to display LCD error messages in a simplified user-friendly description. See
System Error Messages for a list of messages in this format.

Set home

Select the default information to be displayed on the LCD Home screen. See View Menu to see
the options and option items that can be set as the default on the Home screen.

View Menu
NOTE: When you select an option in the View menu, you must confirm the option before proceeding to the next
action.

12

Option

Description

iDRAC IP

Displays the IPv4 or IPv6 addresses for the iDRAC7. Addresses include DNS (Primary and
Secondary), Gateway, IP, and Subnet (IPv6 does not have Subnet).

MAC

Displays the MAC addresses for iDRAC, iSCSI, or Network devices.

Name

Displays the name of the Host, Model, or User String for the system

Number

Displays the Asset tag or the Service tag for the system.

Power

Displays the power output of the system in BTU/hr or Watts. The display format can be
configured in the Set home submenu of the Setup menu.

Temperature

Displays the temperature of the system in Celsius or Fahrenheit. The display format can be
configured in the Set home submenu of the Setup menu.

Diagnostic Indicators
NOTE: The diagnostic indicators are present only on PowerEdge R720xd.
The diagnostic indicators on the system front panel display error status during system startup.
NOTE: No diagnostic indicators are lit when the system is switched off. To start the system, plug it into a working
power source and press the power button.
The following section describes system conditions and possible corrective actions associated with these indicators:
Health indicator
Condition

Corrective Action

If the system is on,

and in good health,
the indicator lights
solid blue.

None required.

The indicator blinks

amber if the system
is on or in standby,
and any error exists
(for example, a failed
fan or hard drive)

See the System Event Log or system messages for the specific issue.
Invalid memory configurations can cause the system to halt at
startup without any video output. See Getting Help.

Hard-drive indicator
Condition

Corrective Action

The indicator blinks

amber if a hard drive
experiences an
error.

See the System Event Log to determine the hard drive that has an
error. Run the appropriate Online Diagnostics test. Restart system
and run embedded diagnostics (ePSA). If the hard drives are
configured in a RAID array, restart the system and enter the host
adapter configuration utility program.

13

Electrical indicator
Condition

Corrective Action

The indicator blinks

amber if the system
experiences an
electrical error (for
example, voltage out
of range, or a failed
power supply or
voltage regulator).

See the System Event Log or system messages for the specific issue.
If it is due to a problem with the power supply, check the LED on the
power supply. Re-seat the power supply by removing and reinstalling
it. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Temperature indicator
Condition

Corrective Action

The indicator blinks

amber if the system
experiences a
thermal error (for
example, a
temperature out of
range or fan failure).

Ensure that none of the following conditions exist:

A cooling fan is removed or has failed.

System cover, cooling shroud, EMI filler panel, memory-module

blank, or back-filler bracket is removed.

Ambient temperature is too high.

External airflow is obstructed.

See Getting Help.

Memory indicator
Condition

Corrective Action

The indicator blinks

amber if a memory
error occurs.

See the system event log or system messages for the location of the
failed memory. Reinstall the memory device. If the problem persists,
see Getting Help.

PCIe indicator

14

Condition

Corrective Action

The indicator blinks

amber if a PCIe card
experiences an
error.

Restart the system. Update any required drivers for the PCIe card.
Re-install the card. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Hard-Drive Indicator Patterns

Figure 6. Hard-Drive Indicators

1.

hard-drive activity indicator (green)

2.

hard-drive status indicator (green and amber)

NOTE: If the hard drive is in Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) mode, the status indicator (on the right
side) does not function and remains off.
Drive-Status
Indicator Pattern
(RAID Only)

Condition

Blinks green two

times per second

Identifying drive or preparing for removal

Off

Drive ready for insertion or removal

NOTE: The drive status indicator remains off until all hard drives are initialized after the
system is turned on. Drives are not ready for insertion or removal during this time.

Blinks green, amber,

and off

Predicted drive failure

Blinks amber four

times per second

Drive failed

Blinks green slowly

Drive rebuilding

Steady green

Drive online

Blinks green three

Rebuild aborted
seconds, amber three
seconds, and off six
seconds

15

Back-Panel Features And Indicators

Figure 7. Back-Panel Features and IndicatorsPowerEdge R720

Figure 8. Back-Panel Features and IndicatorsPowerEdge R720xd

Item

Indicator, Button, or
Connector

System identification button

Icon

Description
The identification buttons on the front and back panels
can be used to locate a particular system within a rack.
PowerEdge R720

When one of these buttons is

pressed, the LCD panel on the
front and the system status
indicator on the back flashes
until one of the buttons is
pressed again.

PowerEdge
R720xd

When one of these buttons is

pressed, the system status
indicator on the back flashes
until one of the buttons is
pressed again.

Press to toggle the system ID on and off.

If the system stops responding during POST, press and
hold the system ID button for more than five seconds to
enter BIOS progress mode.
To reset iDRAC (if not disabled in F2 iDRAC setup) press
and hold the button for more than 15 seconds.
2

System identification
connector

Connects the optional system status indicator assembly

through the optional cable management arm.

iDRAC7 Enterprise port

Dedicated management port.

NOTE: The port is available for use only if the iDRAC7
Enterprise license is installed on your system.

16

Item

Indicator, Button, or
Connector

Icon

Description

PCIe expansion card slots

lowprofile (3)

Allows you to connect up to three PCI Express expansion

cards.

Serial connector

Allows you to connect a serial device to the system.

Video connector

Allows you to connect a VGA display to the system.

USB connectors (2)

Allows you to connect USB devices to the system. The

ports are USB 2.0-compliant.

Ethernet connectors

Four integrated 10/100/1000 Mbps NIC connectors

or
Four integrated connectors that include:

Two 10/100/1000 Mbps NIC connectors

Two 100 Mbps/1 Gbps/10 Gbps SFP+/10 GbE T
connectors

PCIe expansion card slots

full height (4) (PowerEdge
R720)

Allows you to connect up to four full-height PCI Express

expansion cards.

PCIe expansion card slots

full height (3) (PowerEdge
R720xd)

Allows you to connect up to three full-height PCI Express

expansion cards.

10

Power supply (PSU1)

11

Power supply (PSU2)

AC

495 W, 750 W, or 1100 W

or
DC

750 W, or 1100 W

12

Hard drives (2) (back)

Up to two hot-swappable 2.5 inch hard drives.

13

vFlash media card slot

Allows you to insert a vFlash media card.

NIC Indicator Codes

Figure 9. NIC Indicator

1.

link indicator

2.

activity indicator

17

Indicator

Indicator Code

Link and activity

indicators are off

The NIC is not connected to the network.

Link indicator is
green

The NIC is connected to a valid network at its maximum port speed (1 Gbps or 10 Gbps).

Link indicator is
amber

The NIC is connected to a valid network at less than its maximum port speed.

Activity indicator is
blinking green

Network data is being sent or received.

Power Indicator Codes

Each AC power supply has an illuminated translucent handle and each DC power supply (when available) has an LED
that serves as an indicator to show whether power is present or whether a power fault has occurred.

Figure 10. AC Power Supply Status Indicator

1.

AC power supply status indicator/handle

Figure 11. DC Power Supply Status Indicator

1.

18

DC power supply status indicator

Power Indicator
Pattern

Condition

Not lit

Power is not connected.

Green

The handle/LED indicator lights green indicating that a valid power source is connected to the
power supply and that the power supply is operational.

Flashing amber

Indicates a problem with the power supply.

CAUTION: When correcting a power supply mismatch, replace only the power supply
with the flashing indicator. Swapping the opposite power supply to make a matched pair
can result in an error condition and unexpected system shutdown. To change from a High
Output configuration to a Low Output configuration or vice versa, you must power down
the system.
CAUTION: AC power supplies support both 220 V and 110 V input voltages with the
exception of Titanium power supplies, which support only 220 V. When two identical
power supplies receive different input voltages, they can output different wattages, and
trigger a mismatch.
CAUTION: If two power supplies are used, they must be of the same type and have the
same maximum output power.
CAUTION: Combining AC and DC power supplies is not supported and triggers a
mismatch.

Flashing green

When hot-adding a power supply, this indicates that the power supply is mismatched with the
other power supply (in terms of efficiency, feature set, health status, and supported voltage).
Replace the power supply that has the flashing indicator with a power supply that matches the
capacity of the other installed power supply.

Other Information You May Need

WARNING: See the safety and regulatory information that shipped with your system. Warranty information may be
included within this document or as a separate document.

The Getting Started Guide provides an overview of setting up your system, and technical specifications. This
document is available online at [Link]/support/manuals.

The rack documentation included with your rack solution describes how to install your system into a rack, if
required.

Any media that ships with your system that provides documentation and tools for configuring and managing your
system, including those pertaining to the operating system, system management software, system updates, and
system components that you purchased with your system.

For the full name of an abbreviation or acronym used in this document, see the Glossary at [Link]/support/
manuals.
NOTE: Always check for updates on [Link]/support/manuals and read the updates first because they often
supersede information in other documents.

19

Using The System Setup and Boot Manager

System Setup enables you to manage your system hardware and specify BIOS-level options.
The following keystrokes provide access to system features during startup:
Keystroke

Description

<F2>

Opens the System Setup page.

<F10>

Enters System Services and starts Lifecycle Controller,

which supports systems management features such as
operating system deployment, hardware diagnostics,
firmware updates, and platform configuration, using a
graphical user interface. The feature set available in
Lifecycle Controller is determined by the iDRAC license
purchased. For more information, see Related
Documentation topic.

<F11>

Enters the BIOS Boot Manager or the Unified Extensible

Firmware Interface (UEFI) Boot Manager, depending on
the system's boot configuration.

<F12>

Starts Preboot Execution Environment (PXE) boot.

From the System Setup, you can:

Change the NVRAM settings after you add or remove hardware

View the system hardware configuration

Enable or disable integrated devices

Set performance and power management thresholds

Manage system security

You can access the System Setup using the:

Standard graphical browser, which is enabled by default

Text browser, which is enabled using Console Redirection

To enable Console Redirection, in System Setup, select System BIOS Serial Communication screen Serial
Communication, select On with Console Redirection.
NOTE: By default, help text for the selected field is displayed in the graphical browser. To view the help text in the
text browser, press <F1>.

Choosing The System Boot Mode

System Setup enables you to specify the boot mode for installing your operating system:

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 Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)
specifications that overlays the system BIOS.

20

You must select the boot mode in the Boot Mode field of the Boot Settings screen of System Setup. Once you specify the
boot mode, the system boots in the specified boot mode and you then proceed to install your operating system from that
mode. Thereafter, you must boot the system in the same boot mode (BIOS or UEFI) to access the installed operating
system. Trying to boot the operating system from the other boot mode will cause the system to halt at startup.
NOTE: Operating systems must be UEFI-compatible to be installed from the UEFI boot mode. DOS and 32-bit
operating systems do not support UEFI and can only be installed from the BIOS boot mode.
NOTE: For the latest information on supported operating systems, go to [Link]/ossupport.

Entering System Setup

1.

Turn on or restart your system.

2.

Press <F2> immediately after you see the following message:

<F2> = System Setup
If your operating system begins to load before you press <F2>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart
your system and try again.

Responding To Error Messages

If an error message is displayed while the system is booting, make a note of the message. For more information, see
System Error Messages.
NOTE: After installing a memory upgrade, it is normal for your system to display a message the first time you start
your system.

Using The System Setup Navigation Keys

Keys

Action

Up arrow

Moves to the previous field.

Down arrow

Moves to the next field.

<Enter>

Allows you to type in a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in the field.

Spacebar

Expands or collapses a drop-down menu, if applicable.

<Tab>

Moves to the next focus area.

NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.

<Esc>

Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen. Pressing <Esc> in the main screen
displays a message that prompts you to save any unsaved changes and restarts the system.

<F1>

Displays the System Setup help file.

NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded but do not take
effect until you restart the system.

System Setup Options

21

System Setup Main Screen

NOTE: Press <Alt><F> to reset the BIOS or UEFI settings to their default settings.
Menu Item

Description

System BIOS

This option is used to view and configure BIOS settings.

iDRAC Settings

This option is used to view and configure iDRAC settings.

Device Settings

This option is used to view and configure device settings.

System BIOS Screen

NOTE: The options for System Setup change based on the system configuration.
NOTE: System Setup defaults are listed under their respective options in the following sections, where applicable.
Menu Item

Description

System Information

Displays information about the system such as the system model name, BIOS version, Service
Tag, and so on.

Memory Settings

Displays information and options related to installed memory.

Processor Settings

Displays information and options related to the processor such as speed, cache size, and so
on.

SATA Settings

Displays options to enable or disable the integrated SATA controller and ports.
NOTE: This setting is not available on the PowerEdge R720xd.

Boot Settings

Displays options to specify the boot mode (BIOS or UEFI). Enables you to modify UEFI and BIOS
boot settings.

Integrated Devices

Displays options to enable or disable integrated device controllers and ports, and to specify
related features and options.

Serial Communication Displays options to enable or disable the serial ports and specify related features and options.
System Profile
Settings

Displays options to change the processor power management settings, memory frequency,
and so on.

System Security

Displays options to configure the system security settings like, system password, setup
password, TPM security, and so on. It also enables or disables support for local BIOS update,
the power and NMI buttons on the system.

Miscellaneous
Settings

Displays options to change the system date, time, and so on.

System Information Screen

Menu Item

Description

System Model Name

Displays the system model name.

22

Menu Item

Description

System BIOS Version Displays the BIOS version installed on the system.
System Service Tag

Displays the system Service Tag.

System Manufacturer Displays the name of the system manufacturer.

System Manufacturer Displays the contact information of the system manufacturer.
Contact Information

Memory settings screen

Menu Item

Description

System Memory Size

Displays the amount of memory installed in the system.

System Memory Type Displays the type of memory installed in the system.
System Memory
Speed

Displays the system memory speed.

System Memory
Voltage

Displays the system memory voltage.

Video Memory

Displays the amount of video memory.

System Memory
Testing

Specifies whether system memory tests are run during system boot. Options are Enabled and
Disabled. By default, the System Memory Testing option is set to Disabled.

Memory Operating
Mode

Specifies the memory operating mode. The options available are Optimizer Mode, Advanced
ECC Mode, Mirror Mode, Spare Mode, Spare with Advanced ECC Mode, and Dell Fault
Resilient Mode. By default, the Memory Operating Mode option is set to Optimizer Mode.
NOTE: The Memory Operating Mode can have different defaults and available options
based on the memory configuration of your system.
NOTE: The Dell Fault Resilient Mode establishes an area of memory that is fault resilient.
This mode can be used by an operating system that supports the feature to load critical
applications or enables the operating system kernel to maximize system availability.

Node Interleaving

If this field is Enabled, memory interleaving is supported if a symmetric memory configuration is

installed. If Disabled, the system supports Non-Uniform Memory architecture (NUMA)
(asymmetric) memory configurations. By default, Node Interleaving option is set to Disabled.

Serial Debug Output

By default, it is set to disabled.

Processor Settings Screen

Menu Item

Description

Logical Processor

Allows you to enable or disable logical processors and display the number of logical
processors. If the Logical Processor option is set to Enabled, the BIOS displays all the logical
processors. If this option is set to Disabled, the BIOS only displays one logical processor per
core. By default, the Logical Processor option is set to Enabled.

23

Menu Item

Description

QPI Speed

Allows you to set the QuickPath Interconnect data rate settings. By default, the QPI Speed
option is set to Maximum data rate.
NOTE: The QPI speed option displays only when both the processors are installed.

Alternate RTID
(Requestor
Transaction ID)
Setting

Allows you to allocate more RTIDs to the remote socket increasing cache performance
between the sockets or work in normal mode for NUMA. By default, the Alternate RTID
(Requestor Transaction ID) Setting is set to Disabled.

Virtualization
Technology

Allows you to enable or disable the additional hardware capabilities provided for virtualization.
By default, the Virtualization Technology option is set to Enabled.

Adjacent Cache Line

Prefetch

Allows you to optimize the system for applications that require high utilization of sequential
memory access. By default, the Adjacent Cache Line Prefetch option is set to Enabled. You can
disable this option for applications that require high utilization of random memory access.

Hardware Prefetcher Allows you to enable or disable hardware prefetcher. By default, the Hardware Prefetcher
option is set to Enabled.
DCU Streamer
Prefetcher

Allows you to enable or disable Data Cache Unit streamer prefetcher. By default, the DCU
Streamer Prefetcher option is set to Enabled.

DCU IP Prefetcher

Allows you to enable or disable Data Cache Unit IP prefetcher. By default, the DCU IP
Prefetcher option is set to Enabled.

Execute Disable

Allows you enable or disable execute disable memory protection technology. By default, the
Execute Disable option is set to Enabled.

Logical Processor
Idling

Allows you to enable or disable the OS capability to put logical processors in the idling state in
order to reduce power consumption. By default, the option is set to Disabled.

Dell Controlled Turbo

Helps in controlling Turbo engagement. By default, the option is set to Disabled. This feature is
also referred to as Dell Processor Acceleration Technology (DPAT).
NOTE: This option is available only on systems installed with an E5-2690 or E5-2600 V2
Xeon series processor and support Turbo. Enable Turbo Boost under System Profile
Settings and set the System Profile to Performance mode when utilizing this
feature. Enabling Dell Controlled Turbo will force fans to run at maximum R.P.M.
NOTE: DPAT works when DPAT is enabled in BIOS setup and either one of the following
settings is available:

System Profile is set to Maximum Performance. This automatically enables Turbo

mode.

System Profile is set to Custom and CPU Power Management is set to Maximum
Performance and Turbo is enabled.

NOTE: When DPAT is disabled, fan offset speed does not change and remains high. Set
Fan offset to normal on the iDRAC Thermal Settings page.
Number of Cores per
Processor

24

Allows you to control the number of enabled cores in each processor. By default, the Number
of Cores per Processor option is set to All.

Menu Item

Description

Processor 64-bit
Support

Specifies if the processor(s) support 64-bit extensions.

Processor Core
Speed

Displays the maximum core frequency of the processor.

Processor Bus Speed Displays the bus speed of the processors.

NOTE: The processor bus speed option displays only when both the processors are
installed.
Processor 1

NOTE: The following settings are displayed for each processor installed in the system.

Family-ModelStepping

Displays the family, model and stepping of the processor as defined by Intel.

Brand

Displays the brand name reported by the processor.

Level 2 Cache

Displays the total L2 cache.

Level 3 Cache

Displays the total L3 cache.

Number of Cores

Displays the number of cores per processor.

SATA Settings Screen

Menu Item

Description

Embedded SATA

Allows the embedded SATA to be set to Off, ATA, AHCI, or RAID mode. By default, Embedded
SATA is set to AHCI Mode.

Port A

Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port A. By default, Port A is set to
Auto.

Port B

Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port B. By default, Port B is set to
Auto.

Port C

Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port C. By default, Port C is set to
Auto.

Port D

Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port D. By default, Port D is set to
Auto.

Port E

Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port E. By default, Port E is set to
Auto.

Port F

Auto enables BIOS support for the device attached to SATA port F. By default, Port F is set to
Auto.

NOTE: Ports A, B, C, and D are used for the backplane drives, port E for the optical drive (CD/DVD), and port F for
the tape drive.

25

Boot Settings Screen

Menu Item

Description

Boot Mode

Allows you to set the boot mode of the system.

CAUTION: Switching the boot mode may prevent the system from booting if the operating
system is not installed in the same boot mode.
If the operating system supports UEFI, you can set this option to UEFI. Setting this field to BIOS
allows compatibility with non-UEFI operating systems. By default, the Boot Mode option is set
to BIOS.
NOTE: Setting this field to UEFI disables BIOS Boot Settings menu. Setting this field to
BIOS disables the UEFI Boot Settings menu.

Boot Sequence Retry Allows you to enable or disable the boot sequence retry feature. If this field is enabled and the
system fails to boot, the system reattempts the boot sequence after 30 seconds. By default, the
Boot Sequence Retry option is set to Disabled.
BIOS Boot Settings

Allows you to enable or disable BIOS Boot options.

NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is BIOS.

UEFI Boot Settings

Allows you to enable or disable UEFI Boot options. The Boot options include IPv4 PXE and IPv6
PXE. By default, the UEFI PXE boot protocol is set to IPv4.
NOTE: This option is enabled only if the boot mode is UEFI.

One-Time Boot

Allows you to enable or disable a one-time boot from a selected device.

Integrated devices screen

Menu Item

Description

Integrated RAID
Controller

Allows you to enable or disable the integrated RAID controller. By default, the Integrated RAID
Controller option is set to Enabled.

User Accessible USB Allows you enable or disable the user accessible USB ports. Selecting Only Back Ports On
Ports
disables the front USB ports and selecting All Ports Off disables both front and back USB ports.
By default, the User Accessible USB Ports option is set to All Ports On.
Internal USB Port

Allows you to enable or disable the internal USB port. By default, the Internal USB Port option
is set to On.

Internal SD Card Port Enables or disables the systems internal SD card port. By default, Internal SD Card Port option
is set to On.
NOTE: This option is displayed only if IDSDM is installed on the system board.
Internal SD Card
Redundancy

26

If set to Mirror mode, data is written on both SD cards. If any one of the SD card fails, data is
written to the active SD card. Data from this card is copied to the replacement SD card at the
next boot. By default, Internal SD Card Redundancy option is set to Mirror.

Menu Item

Description
NOTE: This option is displayed only if IDSDM is installed on the system board.

Integrated Network
Card 1

Allows you to enable or disable the integrated network card 1. By default, the Integrated
Network Card 1 option is set to Enabled.

OS Watchdog Timer

Allows you to enable or disable the OS watchdog timer. When this field is enabled, the
operating system initializes the timer and the OS watchdog timer helps in recovering the
operating system. By default, the OS Watchdog Timer option is set to Disabled.

Embedded Video
Controller

Allows you to enable or disable the Embedded Video Controller. By default, the embedded
video controller is Enabled.

SR-IOV Global Enable Allows you to enable or disable the BIOS configuration of Single Root I/O Virtualization (SRIOV) devices. By default, the SR-IOV Global Enable option is set to Disabled.
Slot Disablement

Allows you to enable or disable available PCIe slots on your system. The Slot Disablement
feature controls the configuration of PCIe cards installed in the specified slot.
CAUTION: Slot disablement must be used only when the installed peripheral card is
preventing booting into the Operating System or causing delays in system startup. If the
slot is disabled, both the Option ROM and UEFI driver are disabled.

Memory Mapped I/O

above 4 GB

Allows you to enable support for PCIe devices that require large amounts of memory. By
default, the option is set to Enabled.

Serial Communications Screen

Menu Item

Description

Serial Communication Allows you to select serial communication devices (Serial Device 1 and Serial Device 2) in the
BIOS. BIOS console redirection can also be enabled and the port address can be specified. By
default, Serial Communication option is set to On without Console Redirection.
Serial Port Address

Allows you to set the port address for serial devices. By default, the Serial Port Address option
is set to Serial Device 1=COM2, Serial Device 2=COM1.
NOTE: Only Serial Device 2 can be used for Serial Over LAN (SOL). To use console
redirection by SOL, configure the same port address for console redirection and the serial
device.

External Serial
Connector

Allows you to associate the external serial connector to serial device 1, serial device 2, or
remote access device. By default, the External Serial Connector option is set to Serial Device1.
NOTE: Only Serial Device 2 can be used for SOL. To use console redirection by SOL,
configure the same port address for console redirection and the serial device.

Failsafe Baud Rate

Displays the failsafe baud rate for console redirection. The BIOS attempts to determine the
baud rate automatically. This failsafe baud rate is used only if the attempt fails and the value
must not be changed. By default, the Failsafe Baud Rate option is set to 11520.

Remote Terminal
Type

Allows you to set the remote console terminal type. By default, the Remote Terminal Type
option is set to VT 100/VT 220.

27

Menu Item

Description

Redirection After
Boot

Allows you to enable or disable to the BIOS console redirection when the operating system is
loaded. By default, the Redirection After Boot option is set to Enabled.

System Profile Settings Screen

Menu Item

Description

System Profile

Allows you to set the system profile. If you set the System Profile option to a mode other than
Custom, the BIOS automatically sets the rest of the options. You can only change the rest of the
options if the mode is set to Custom. By default, the System Profile option is set to Performance
Per Watt Optimized (DAPC). DAPC is Dell Active Power Controller.
NOTE: The following parameters are available only when the System Profile is set to
Custom.

CPU Power
Management

Allows you to set the CPU power management. By default, the CPU Power Management option
is set to System DBPM (DAPC). DBPM is Demand-Based Power Management.

Memory Frequency

Allows you to set the memory frequency. By default, the Memory Frequency option is set to
Maximum Performance.

Turbo Boost

Allows you to enable or disable the processor to operate in turbo boost mode. By default, the
Turbo Boost option is set to Enabled.

C1E

Allows you to enable or disable the processor to switch to a minimum performance state when
it is idle. By default, the C1E option is set to Enabled.

C States

Allows you to enable or disable the processor to operate in all available power states. By
default, the C States option is set to Enabled.

Monitor/Mwait

Allows you to enable Monitor/Mwait instructions in the processor. By default, the Monitor/
Mwait option is set to Enabled for all system profiles, except Custom.
NOTE: This option can be disabled only if the C States option in Custom mode is disabled.
NOTE: When C States is enabled in Custom mode, changing the Monitor/Mwait setting
does not impact system power/performance.

Memory Patrol Scrub Allows you to set the memory patrol scrub frequency. By default, the Memory Patrol Scrub
option is set to Standard.
Memory Refresh Rate Allows you to set the memory refresh rate. By default, the Memory Refresh Rate option is set to
1x.
Memory Operating
Voltage

Allows you to set the DIMM voltage selection. When set to Auto, the system automatically sets
the system voltage to the optimal setting based on the DIMM capacity and the number of
DIMMs installed. By default, the Memory Operating Voltage option is set to Auto.

Collaborative CPU
Performance Control

When set to Enabled, the CPU power management is controlled by the OS DBPM and the
System DBPM (DAPC). By default, the option is set to Disabled.

28

System Security Screen

Menu Item

Description

Intel AES-NI

Improves the speed of applications by performing encryption and decryption using the
Advanced Encryption Standard Instruction Set and is set to Enabled by default.

System Password

Allows you to set the system password. This option is set to Enabled by default and is read-only
if the password jumper is not installed in the system.

Setup Password

Allows you to set the setup password. This option is read-only if the password jumper is not
installed in the system.

Password Status

Allows you to lock the system password. By default, the Password Status option is set to
Unlocked.

TPM Security

Allows you to control the reporting mode of the Trusted Platform Module (TPM). By default, the
TPM Security option is set to Off. You can only modify the TPM Status, TPM Activation , and
Intel TXT fields if the TPM Status field is set to either On with Pre-boot Measurements or On
without Pre-boot Measurements.

TPM Activation

Allows you to change the operational state of the TPM. By default, the TPM Activation option is
set to No Change.

TPM Status

Displays the TPM status.

TPM Clear

CAUTION: Clearing the TPM results in the loss of all keys in the TPM. The loss of TPM
keys may affect booting to the operating system.
Allows you to clear all the contents of the TPM. By default, the TPM Clear option is set to No.

Intel TXT

Allows you to enable or disable Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT). To enable Intel TXT,
Virtualization Technology must be enabled and TPM Security must be Enabled with Pre-boot
measurements. By default, the Intel TXT option is set to Off.

BIOS Update Control

Allows you to update the BIOS using either DOS or UEFI shell-based flash utilities. For
environments that do not require local BIOS updates, it is recommended to set this option to
Disabled. By default, the BIOS Update Control option is set to Unlocked.
NOTE: BIOS updates using the Dell Update Package are not affected by this option.

Power Button

Allows you to enable or disable the power button on the front of the system. By default, the
Power Button option is set to Enabled.

NMI 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 Disabled.

AC Power Recovery

Allows you to set how the system reacts after AC power is restored to the system. By default,
the AC Power Recovery option is set to Last.

AC Power Recovery
Delay

Allows you to set how the system supports staggering of power up after AC power is restored
to the system. By default, the AC Power Recovery Delay option is set to Immediate.

User Defined Delay

(60s to 240s)

Allows you to set the User Defined Delay when the User Defined option for AC Power Recovery
Delay is selected.

29

Miscellaneous Settings
Menu Item

Description

System Time

Allows you to set the time on the system.

System Date

Allows you to set the date on the system.

Asset Tag

Displays the asset tag and allows you to modify it for security and tracking purposes.

Keyboard NumLock

Allows you to set whether the system boots with the NumLock enabled or disabled. By default
the Keyboard NumLock is set to On.
NOTE: This option does not apply to 84-key keyboards.

Report Keyboard
Errors

Allows you to set whether keyboard-related error messages are reported during system boot.
By default, the Report Keyboard Errors option is set to Report.

F1/F2 Prompt on Error Allows you to enable or disable the F1/F2 prompt on error. By default, F1/F2 Prompt on Error is
set to Enabled.
In-System
Characterization

This option enables or disables In-System Characterization. By default, In-System

Characterization is set to Enabled.

System And Setup Password Features

You can create a system password and a setup password to secure your system. To enable creation of the system and
setup password, the password jumper must be set to enabled. For more information on the password jumper settings,
see System Board Jumper Settings.
System password

This is the password that you must enter before you can boot your system.

Setup password

This is the password that you must enter to access and make changes to the BIOS or UEFI
settings of your system.

CAUTION: The password features provide a basic level of security for the data on your system.
CAUTION: Anyone can access the data stored on your system if the system is running and unattended.
NOTE: Your system is shipped with the system and setup password feature disabled.

Assigning A System And/Or Setup Password

NOTE: The password jumper enables or disables the System Password and Setup Password features. For more
information on the password jumper settings, see System Board Jumper Settings.
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 setting is enabled and Password Status is Unlocked. If the Password Status
is Locked, you cannot change the System Password and/or Setup Password.
If the password jumper setting is disabled, the existing System Password and Setup Password is deleted and you need
not provide the system password to boot the system.

30

To assign a system and/or setup password:

1.

To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or reboot.

2.

In the System Setup Main Menu, select System BIOS and press <Enter>.
The System BIOS screen is displayed.

3.

In the System BIOS screen, select System Security and press <Enter>.
The System Security screen is displayed.

4.

In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.

5.

Select System Password , enter your system password, and press <Enter> or <Tab>.
Use the following guidelines to assign the system password:

A password can have up to 32 characters.

The password can contain the numbers 0 through 9.

Only lower case letters are valid, upper case letters are not allowed.

Only the following special characters are allowed: space, (), (+), (,), (-), (.), (/), (;), ([), (\), (]), (`).

A message prompts you to re-enter the system password.

6.

Re-enter the system password that you entered earlier and click OK.

7.

Select Setup Password, enter your system password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.
A message prompts you to re-enter the setup password.

8.

Re-enter the setup password that you entered earlier and click OK.

9.

Press <Esc> to return to the System BIOS screen. Press <Esc> again, and a message prompts you to save the
changes.
NOTE: Password protection does not take effect until the system reboots.

Deleting Or Changing An Existing System And/Or Setup Password

Ensure that the Password jumper is set to enabled and the Password Status is Unlocked before attempting to delete or
change the existing System and/or Setup password. You cannot delete or change an existing System or Setup password
if the Password Status is Locked.
To delete or change the existing System and/or Setup password:
1.

To enter System Setup, press <F2> immediately after a power-on or restart.

2.

In the System Setup Main Menu, select System BIOS and press <Enter>.
The System BIOS screen is displayed.

3.

In the System BIOS Screen, select System Security and press <Enter>.
The System Security screen is displayed.

4.

In the System Security screen, verify that Password Status is Unlocked.

5.

Select System Password, alter or delete the existing system password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.

6.

Select Setup Password, alter or delete the existing setup password and press <Enter> or <Tab>.
NOTE: If you change the System and/or Setup password a message prompts you to re-enter the new
password. If you delete the System and/or Setup password, a message prompts you to confirm the deletion.

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 password security while logging on to the system. To disable the password security, turn
on or reboot your system, type your password and press <Ctrl><Enter>.

31

Using Your System Password To Secure Your System

NOTE: If you have assigned a setup password, the system accepts your setup password as an alternate system
password.
1.

Turn on or reboot your system.

2.

Type your password and press <Enter>.

When Password Status is Locked, type the password and press <Enter> when prompted at reboot.
If an incorrect system password is entered, the system displays a message and prompts you to re-enter your password.
You have three attempts to enter the correct password. After the third unsuccessful attempt, the system displays an
error message that the system has halted and must be powered down.
Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message is displayed until the correct password is entered.
NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the System Password and Setup Password
options to protect your system from unauthorized changes.

Operating With A Setup Password Enabled

If Setup Password is Enabled, enter the correct setup password before modifying most of the System Setup options.
If you do not enter the correct password in three attempts, the system displays the message
Invalid Password! Number of unsuccessful password attempts: <x> System Halted!
Must power down.
Even after you shut down and restart the system, the error message is displayed until the correct password is entered.
The following options are exceptions:

If System Password is not Enabled and is not locked through the Password Status option, you can assign a system
password.

You cannot disable or change an existing system password.

NOTE: You can use the Password Status option in conjunction with the Setup Password option to protect the
system password from unauthorized changes.

Entering The UEFI Boot Manager

NOTE: Operating systems must be 64-bit UEFI-compatible (for example, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 x64
version) to be installed from the UEFI boot mode. DOS and 32-bit operating systems can only be installed from the
BIOS boot mode.
The Boot Manager enables you to:

Add, delete, and arrange boot options.

Access System Setup and BIOS-level boot options without restarting.

To enter the Boot Manager:

1.

Turn on or restart your system.

2.

Press <F11> after you see the following message:

<F11> = UEFI Boot Manager
If your operating system begins to load before you press <F11>, allow the system to finish booting, and then restart
your system and try again.

32

Using The Boot Manager Navigation Keys

Key

Description

Up arrow

Moves to the previous field.

Down arrow

Moves to the next field.

<Enter>

Allows you to type in a value in the selected field (if applicable) or follow the link in the field.

Spacebar

Expands or collapses a drop-down list, if applicable.

<Tab>

Moves to the next focus area.

NOTE: For the standard graphics browser only.

<Esc>

Moves to the previous page till you view the main screen. Pressing <Esc> in the main screen
exits the Boot Manager and proceeds with system boot.

<F1>

Displays the System Setup help file.

NOTE: For most of the options, any changes that you make are recorded but do not take effect until you restart the
system.

Boot Manager Screen

Menu Item

Description

Continue Normal
Boot

The system attempts to boot to devices starting with the first item in the boot order. If the boot
attempt fails, the system continues with the next item in the boot order until the boot is
successful or no more boot options are found.

BIOS Boot Menu

Displays the list of available BIOS boot options (marked with asterisks). Select the boot option
you wish to use and press <Enter>.

UEFI Boot Menu

Displays the list of available UEFI boot options (marked with asterisks). Select the boot option
you wish to use and press <Enter>. The UEFI Boot Menu enables you to Add Boot Option,
Delete Boot Option, or Boot From File.

Driver Health Menu

Displays a list of the drivers installed on the system and their health status.

Launch System Setup Enables you to access the System Setup.

System Utilities

Enables you to access the BIOS Update File Explorer, run the Dell Diagnostics program, and
reboot the system.

UEFI Boot Menu

Menu Item

Description

Select UEFI Boot

Option

Displays the list of available UEFI boot options (marked with asterisks), select the boot option
you wish to use and press <Enter>.

Add Boot Option

Adds a new boot option.

Delete Boot Option

Deletes an existing boot option.

33

Menu Item

Description

Boot From File

Sets a one-time boot option not included in the boot option list.

Embedded System Management

The Dell Lifecycle Controller provides advanced embedded systems management throughout the servers lifecycle. The
Lifecycle Controller can be started during the boot sequence and can function independently of the operating system.
NOTE: Certain platform configurations may not support the full set of features provided by the Lifecycle Controller.
For more information about setting up the Lifecycle Controller, configuring hardware and firmware, and deploying the
operating system, see the Lifecycle Controller documentation at [Link]/support/manuals.

iDRAC Settings Utility

The iDRAC Settings utility is an interface to set up and configure the iDRAC parameters using UEFI. You can enable or
disable various iDRAC parameters using the iDRAC Settings Utility.
NOTE: Accessing some of the features on the iDRAC Settings Utility requires the iDRAC7 Enterprise License
upgrade.
For more information on using iDRAC, see the iDRAC7 User's Guide at [Link]/esmmanuals.

Entering The iDRAC Settings Utility

1.

Turn on or restart the managed system.

2.

Press <F2> during Power-on Self-test (POST).

3.

In the System Setup Main Menu page, click iDRAC Settings.

The iDRAC Settings screen is displayed.

Changing The Thermal Settings

The iDRAC Settings utility enables you to select and customize the thermal control settings for your system.
1.

Enter the iDRAC Settings utility.

2.

Under iDRAC Settings Thermal User Option, select between the following options:

Default

Maximum Exhaust Temperature

Fan Speed Offset

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 Fan Speed Offset fields.

4.

Click Back Finish Yes.

34

Installing System Components

Recommended Tools
You may need the following items to perform the procedures in this section:

Key to the system keylock

#2 Phillips screwdriver

T10 and T15 Torx screwdrivers

Wrist grounding strap connected to ground

Following tools are required for assembling cables for a DC power supply unit (PSU), when available:

AMP 90871-1 hand-crimping tool or equivalent

Wire-stripper pliers capable of removing insulation from size 10 AWG solid or stranded, insulated copper wire
NOTE: Use alpha wire part number 3080 or equivalent (65/30 stranding).

Front Bezel (Optional)

Removing The Front Bezel
1.

Unlock the keylock at the left end of the bezel.

2.

Lift the release latch next to the keylock.

3.

Rotate the left end of the bezel away from the front panel.

4.

Unhook the right end of the bezel and pull the bezel away from the system.

35

Figure 12. Removing and Installing the Front Bezel

1.

release latch

2.

keylock

3.

front bezel

4.

locking hook

Installing The Front Bezel

1.

Hook the right end of the bezel onto the chassis.

2.

Fit the free end of the bezel onto the system.

3.

Secure the bezel with the keylock.

Opening And Closing The System

WARNING: Whenever you need to lift the system, get others to assist you. To avoid injury, do not attempt to lift the
system by yourself.
WARNING: Opening or removing the system cover when the system is on may expose you to a risk of electric
shock.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: Do not operate the system without the cover for a duration exceeding five minutes.

Opening The System

NOTE: It is recommended that you always use a static mat and static strap while working on components in the
interior of the system.
1.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

Rotate the latch release lock counter clockwise to the unlocked position.

3.

Lift the latch on top of the system and slide the cover back.

4.

Grasp the cover on both sides, and carefully lift the cover away from the system.

36

Figure 13. Opening and Closing the System

1.

system cover

3.

latch release lock

2.

latch

Closing The System

1.

Lift the latch on the cover.

2.

Place the cover onto the chassis and offset the cover slightly back so that it clears the chassis hooks and lays flush
on the chassis.

3.

Push down the latch to move the cover into the closed position.

4.

Rotate the latch release lock in a clockwise direction to secure the cover.

5.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Inside The System

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: Components that are hot-swappable are marked orange and touch points on the components are marked
blue.

37

Figure 14. Inside the SystemPowerEdge R720

1.

cooling-fan assembly

2.

cable securing bracket

3.

PCIe card holder

4.

cooling shroud

5.

expansion-card riser 3

6.

network daughter card

7.

expansion-card riser 2

8.

expansion-card riser 1

9.

heat sink for processor 1

10.

heat sink for processor 2

11.

DIMMs (24)

12.

cooling fans (6)

13.

hard-drive backplane

38

Figure 15. Inside the SystemPowerEdge R720xd

1.

cooling-fan assembly

2.

cable securing bracket

3.

cooling shroud

4.

hard-drive backplane (back)

5.

vFlash media slot

6.

hard drives (back) (2)

7.

expansion-card riser 3

8.

network daughter card

9.

expansion-card riser 2

10.

expansion-card riser 1

11.

heat sink for processor 1

12.

heat sink for processor 2

13.

DIMMs (24)

14.

cooling fans (6)

Cooling Shroud
Removing The Cooling Shroud
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: Never operate your system with the cooling shroud removed. The system may get overheated quickly,
resulting in shutdown of the system and loss of data.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

If installed, remove the full-length PCIe card.

39

4.

Hold the touch points and lift the shroud away from the system.

Figure 16. Removing and Installing the Cooling Shroud

1.

cooling shroud

2.

supports for a full-length PCIe card

Installing The Cooling Shroud

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: For proper seating of the cooling shroud in the chassis, ensure that the cables inside the system are routed
along the chassis wall and secured using the cable securing bracket.
1.

Align the tabs on the cooling shroud with the securing slots on the chassis.

2.

Lower the cooling shroud into the chassis until it is firmly seated.

3.

If applicable, replace the full-length PCIe card.

4.

Close the system.

5.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

System memory
Your system supports DDR3 unbuffered ECC DIMMs (ECC UDIMMs), registered DIMMs (RDIMMs), and load reduced
DIMMs (LRDIMMs). It supports DDR3 and DDR3L voltage specifications.
NOTE: MT/s indicates DIMM speed in MegaTransfers per second.
Memory bus operating frequency can be 1866 MT/s, 1600 MT/s, 1333 MT/s, 1066 MT/s, or 800 MT/s depending on:

DIMM type (UDIMM, RDIMM, or LRDIMM)

NOTE: PowerEdge R720xd with 3.5 inch hard-drive configuration does not support LRDIMMs due to thermal
limitations.

DIMM configuration (number of ranks)

maximum frequency of the DIMMs

40

number of DIMMs populated per channel

DIMM operating voltage

system profile selected (for example, Performance Optimized, Custom, or Dense Configuration Optimized)

maximum supported DIMM frequency of the processors

The system contains 24 memory sockets split into two sets of 12 sockets, one set per processor. Each 12-socket set is
organized into four channels. In each channel, the release levers of the first socket are marked white, the second socket
black, and the third socket green.
NOTE: DIMMs in sockets A1 to A12 are assigned to processor 1 and DIMMs in sockets B1 to B12 are assigned to
processor 2.

Figure 17. Memory socket locations

Memory channels are organized as follows:

41

Processor 1

channel 0: slots A1, A5, and A9

channel 1: slots A2, A6, and A10
channel 2: slots A3, A7, and A11
channel 3: slots A4, A8, and A12

Processor 2

channel 0: slots B1, B5, and B9

channel 1: slots B2, B6, and B10
channel 2: slots B3, B7, and B11
channel 3: slots B4, B8, and B12

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

DIMMs Populated/
Channel

Operating Frequency (in MT/s)

1.5 V

Maximum DIMM Rank/

Channel

1.35 V

UDIMM ECC 1

1600, 1333, 1066, and

800

1600, 1333, 1066 and 800

Dual rank

1600, 1333, 1066, and

800

1600, 1333, 1066 and 800

Dual rank

1866, 1600, 1333, 1066,

and 800

1600, 1333, 1066, and 800

Dual rank

1333, 1066 and 800

1066 and 800

Quad rank

1866, 1600, 1333, 1066,

and 800

1600, 1333, 1066, and 800

Dual rank

1066 and 800

1066 and 800

Quad rank

1333, 1066 and 800

1066 and 800

Dual rank

1866, 1600, 1333 and

1066

1600, 1333 and 1066

Quad rank

1600, 1333 and 1066

Not applicable

Octal rank

1600, 1333 and 1066

1600, 1333 and 1066

Quad rank

1600, 1333 and 1066

Not applicable

Octal rank

1333 and 1066

1066

Quad rank

1333 and 1066

Not applicable

Octal rank

RDIMM

LRDIMM

General Memory Module Installation Guidelines

This system supports Flexible Memory Configuration, enabling the system to be configured and run in any valid chipset
architectural configuration. The following are the recommended guidelines for best performance:

UDIMMs, RDIMMs, and LRDIMMs must not be mixed.

x4 and x8 DRAM based DIMMs can be mixed. For more information, see Mode-Specific Guidelines.

A maximum of two UDIMMs can be populated in a channel.

42

Up to two quad-rank RDIMMs and up to three dual- or single-rank RDIMMs can be populated per channel. When a
quad-rank RDIMM is populated in the first slot with white release levers, the third DIMM slot in the channel with
green release levers cannot be populated.

Up to three LRDIMMs can be populated regardless of rank count.

Populate DIMM sockets only if a processor is installed. For single-processor systems, sockets A1 to A12 are
available. For dual-processor systems, sockets A1 to A12 and sockets B1 to B12 are available.

Populate all sockets with white release tabs first, then black, and then green.

Do not populate the third DIMM socket in a channel with green release tabs, if a quad-rank RDIMM is populated in
the first socket with white release tabs.

Populate the sockets by highest rank count in the following order first in sockets with white release levers, then
black, and then green. For example, if you want to mix quad-rank and dual-rank DIMMs, populate quad-rank DIMMs
in the sockets with white release tabs and dual-rank DIMMs in the sockets with black release tabs.

In a dual-processor configuration, the memory configuration for each processor should be identical. For example, if
you populate socket A1 for processor 1, then populate socket B1 for processor 2, and so on.

Memory modules of different sizes can be mixed provided that other memory population rules are followed (for
example, 2 GB and 4 GB memory modules can be mixed).

Populate four DIMMs per processor (one DIMM per channel) at a time to maximize performance.

If memory modules with different speeds are installed, they will operate at the speed of the slowest installed
memory module(s) or slower depending on system DIMM configuration.

Mode-Specific Guidelines
Four memory channels are allocated to each processor. The allowable configurations depend on the memory mode
selected.
NOTE: x4 and x8 DRAM based DIMMs can be mixed, providing support for RAS features. However, all guidelines
for specific RAS features must be followed. x4 DRAM based DIMMs retain Single Device Data Correction (SDDC)
in memory optimized (independent channel) mode. x8 DRAM based DIMMs require Advanced ECC mode to gain
SDDC.
The following sections provide additional slot population guidelines for each mode.

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 failures during normal operation.
Memory installation guidelines:

Memory modules must be identical in size, speed, and technology.

DIMMs installed in memory sockets with white release tabs must be identical and similar rule applies for sockets
with black and green release tabs. This ensures that identical DIMMs are installed in matched pairs - for example,
A1 with A2, A3 with A4, A5 with A6, and so on.
NOTE: Advanced ECC with Mirroring is not supported.

Memory Optimized (Independent Channel) Mode

This mode supports SDDC only for memory modules that use x4 device width and does not impose any specific slot
population requirements.

Memory Sparing
NOTE: To use memory sparing, this feature must be enabled in the System Setup.
In this mode, one rank per channel is reserved as a spare. If persistent correctable errors are detected on a rank, the
data from this rank is copied to the spare rank and the failed rank is disabled.

43

With memory sparing enabled, the system memory available to the operating system is reduced by one rank per
channel. For example, in a dual-processor configuration with sixteen 4 GB dual-rank DIMMs, the available system
memory is: 3/4 (ranks/channel) 16 (DIMMs) 4 GB = 48 GB, and not 16 (DIMMs) 4 GB = 64 GB.
NOTE: Memory sparing does not offer protection against a multi-bit uncorrectable error.
NOTE: Both Advanced ECC/Lockstep and Optimizer modes support Memory Sparing.

Memory Mirroring

Memory Mirroring offers the strongest DIMM reliability mode compared to all other modes, providing improved
uncorrectable multi-bit failure protection. In a mirrored configuration, the total available system memory is one half of
the total installed physical memory. Half of the installed memory is used to mirror the active DIMMs. In the event of an
uncorrectable error, the system will switch over to the mirrored copy. This ensures SDDC and multi-bit protection.
Memory installation guidelines:

Memory modules must be identical in size, speed, and technology.

DIMMs installed in memory sockets with white release levers must be identical and similar rule applies for sockets
with black and green release tabs. This ensures that identical DIMMs are installed in matched pairs - for example,
A1 with A2, A3 with A4, A5 with A6, and so on.

Sample memory configurations

The following tables show sample memory configurations for one and two processor configurations that follow the
appropriate memory guidelines stated in this section.
NOTE: 16 GB quad-rank RDIMMs are not supported.
NOTE: 1R, 2R and 4R in the following tables indicate single-, dual-, and quad-rank DIMMs respectively.
Table 1. Memory configurationssingle processor

System Capacity DIMM Size (in Number of

(in GB)
GB)
DIMMs

DIMM Rank, Organization,

and Frequency

DIMM Slot Population

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

A1

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

A1, A3

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4

12

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

16

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

2R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x8, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4

12

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10,
A11, A12

2R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x8, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

12

2R, x8, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10,
A11, A12

24

48

44

System Capacity DIMM Size (in Number of

(in GB)
GB)
DIMMs

DIMM Rank, Organization,

and Frequency

DIMM Slot Population

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

12

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10,
A11, A12

16

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

128

16

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s,

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

144

16 and 8

10

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A11

96

NOTE: 16 GB DIMMs must be

installed in slots numbered A1,
A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, and A8
and 8 GB DIMMs must be
installed in slots A9 and A11.
384

32

12

LRDIMM, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10,
A11, A12

768

64

12

LRDIMM, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10,
A11, A12

Table 2. Memory configurationstwo processors

System
Capacity (in
GB)

DIMM Size (in

GB)

Number of
DIMMs

DIMM Rank,
Organization, and
Frequency

DIMM Slot Population

16

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4

B1, B2, B3, B4

32

16

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8

32

2R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x8, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4

B1, B2, B3, B4

64

16

2R, x8, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4

B1, B2, B3, B4

24

2R, x8, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,

A10, A11, A12
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9,
B10, B11, B12

12

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6

16

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8

16

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4

96

128

45

System
Capacity (in
GB)

DIMM Size (in

GB)

Number of
DIMMs

DIMM Rank,
Organization, and
Frequency

DIMM Slot Population

160

20

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,

A11
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9,
B11

16 and 8

12

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6,

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6
NOTE: 16 GB DIMMs must be
installed in slots numbered A1,
A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, and B4
and 8 GB DIMMs must be
installed in slots A5, A6, B5,
and B6.

24

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,

A10, A11, A12
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9,
B10, B11, B12

16

12

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6

256

16

16

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s,

2R, x4, 1600 MT/s,

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8

384

16

24

2R, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,

A10, A11, A12
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9,
B10, B11, B12

32

12

4R, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6

512

32

16

4R, x4, 1066 MT/s

4R, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8

768

32

24

LRDIMM, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,

A10, A11, A12
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9,
B10, B11, B12

1536

64

24

LRDIMM, x4, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9,

A10, A11, A12
B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9,
B10, B11, B12

192

Removing Memory Modules

WARNING: The memory modules are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been powered down.
Allow time for the memory modules to cool before handling them. Handle the memory modules by the card edges
and avoid touching the components or metallic contacts on the memory module.

46

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: To ensure proper system cooling, memory-module blanks must be installed in any memory socket that
is not occupied. Remove memory-module blanks only if you intend to install memory modules in those sockets.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the cooling shroud.

4.

Locate the appropriate memory-module socket(s).

5.

To release the memory-module blank from the socket, simultaneously press the ejectors on both ends of the
memory module socket.
CAUTION: Handle each memory module only by the card edges, making sure not to touch the middle of the
memory module or metallic contacts. To avoid damaging the memory module, handle only one memory
module at a time.

Figure 18. Ejecting The Memory Module

6.

1.

memory module

3.

memory-module socket

2.

memory-module socket ejectors (2)

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.

47

Figure 19. Removing The Memory Module

1.

memory module/memory-module blank

7.

Install the cooling shroud.

8.

Close the system.

9.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Installing Memory Modules

WARNING: The memory modules are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been powered down.
Allow time for the memory modules to cool before handling them. Handle the memory modules by the card edges
and avoid touching the components or metallic contacts on the memory module.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: To ensure proper system cooling, memory-module blanks must be installed in any memory socket that
is not occupied. Remove memory-module blanks only if you intend to install memory modules in those sockets.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

If applicable, remove the cooling shroud.

4.

Locate the memory-module sockets.

CAUTION: Handle each memory module only by the card edges, making sure not to touch the middle of the
memory module or metallic contacts. To avoid damaging the memory module, handle only one memory
module at a time.

5.

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.

6.

Align the memory-module's edge connector with the alignment key of the memory-module socket, and insert the
memory module in the socket.
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 prevent damage to the memory-module socket during installation, apply pressure at both ends
of the memory module evenly. Do not apply pressure to the center of the memory module.

48

7.

Press down on the memory module with your thumbs until the memory module snaps into place.

Figure 20. Installing The Memory Module

1.

memory module

2.

memory-module ejectors

3.

memory-module socket alignment key

4.

memory-module alignment key

NOTE: When the memory module is properly seated in the socket, the levers on the memory-module socket
align with the levers on the other identical sockets that have memory modules installed.
8.

Repeat step 4 through step 7 of this procedure to install the remaining memory modules.

9.

Replace the cooling shroud.

10. Close the system.

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn on the system, including any attached peripherals.
12. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup, and check the memory settings.
The system should have already changed the value to reflect the newly installed memory.
13. If the value is incorrect, one or more of the memory modules may not be installed properly. Repeat step 4 through
step 7 of this procedure, checking to ensure that the memory modules are firmly seated in their sockets.
14. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

Hard Drives
All hard drives connect to the system board through the hard-drive backplane. Hard drives are supplied in hotswappable hard-drive carriers that fit in the hard-drive slots.
CAUTION: Before attempting to remove or install a hard drive while the system is running, see the documentation
for the storage controller card to ensure that the host adapter is configured correctly to support hot-swap hard
drive removal and insertion.
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 drives that have been tested and approved for use with the hard-drive backplane.
When you format a hard drive, allow enough time for the formatting to be completed. Be aware that high-capacity hard
drives can take a number of hours to format.

49

Removing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank

CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have hard-drive blanks installed.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Press the release button and slide the hard-drive blank out until it is free of the hard-drive slot.

Figure 21. Removing and Installing a 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank

1.

hard-drive blank

2.

release button

Installing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank

1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Insert the hard-drive blank into the hard-drive slot until the release button clicks into place.

3.

If applicable, install the front bezel.

Removing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank (Back)

NOTE: This procedure applies only to PowerEdge R720xd.

50

CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have drive blanks installed.
Pull the hard-drive blank out until it is free of the hard-drive slot.

Figure 22. Removing and Installing a 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank (Back)

1.

hard-drive blank (back)

Installing A 2.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank (Back)

NOTE: This procedure applies only to PowerEdge R720xd.
Insert the hard-drive blank into the hard-drive slot until it clicks into place.

Removing A 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank

CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have drive blanks installed.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Grasp the front of the hard-drive blank, press the release button and slide the blank out until it is free of the harddrive slot.

Figure 23. Removing and Installing a 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank

1.

hard-drive blank

2.

release button

51

Installing A 3.5 Inch Hard-Drive Blank

1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Insert the hard-drive blank into the hard-drive slot until the release button clicks into place.

3.

If applicable, install the front bezel.

Removing A Hot-Swap Hard Drive

CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports hot-swap drive installation. See the
documentation supplied with your operating system.
1.

From the management software, prepare the hard drive for removal. Wait until the indicators on the hard-drive
carrier signal that the hard drive can be removed safely. For more information, see the documentation for the
storage controller.
If the hard drive is online, the green activity/fault indicator flashes as the drive is turned off. When the hard-drive
indicators are off, the hard drive is ready for removal.

2.

Press the release button to open the hard-drive carrier release handle.

3.

Slide the hard-drive carrier out until it is free of the hard-drive slot.
CAUTION: To maintain proper system cooling, all empty hard-drive slots must have hard-drive blanks
installed.

4.

Insert a hard-drive blank in the empty hard-drive slot.

Figure 24. Removing and Installing a Hot-Swap Hard Drive

1.

release button

3.

hard-drive carrier handle

2.

hard drive

Installing A Hot-Swap Hard Drive

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.

52

CAUTION: Use only hard drives that have been tested and approved for use with the hard-drive backplane.
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 drives are fully installed. Inserting a hard-drive
carrier and attempting to lock its handle next to a partially installed carrier can damage the partially installed
carrier's shield spring and make it unusable.
CAUTION: To prevent data loss, ensure that your operating system supports hot-swap drive installation. See the
documentation supplied with your operating system.
CAUTION: When a replacement hot-swappable hard drive is installed and the system is powered on, the hard
drive automatically begins to rebuild. Make absolutely sure that the replacement hard drive is blank or contains
data that you wish to have over-written. Any data on the replacement hard drive is immediately lost after the hard
drive is installed.
1.

If a hard-drive blank is installed in the hard-drive slot, remove it.

2.

Install a hard drive in the hard-drive carrier.

3.

Press the release button on the front of the hard-drive carrier and open the hard-drive carrier handle.

4.

Insert the hard-drive carrier into the hard-drive slot until the carrier connects with the backplane.

5.

Close the hard-drive carrier handle to lock the hard drive in place.

Removing A Hard Drive From A Hard-Drive Carrier

1.

Remove the screws from the slide rails on the hard-drive carrier.

2.

Lift the hard drive out of the hard-drive carrier.

Figure 25. Removing and Installing a Hard Drive Into a Hard-Drive Carrier

1.

hard-drive carrier

2.

hard drive

53

3.

screws (4)

Installing A Hard Drive Into A Hard-Drive Carrier

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Insert the hard drive into the hard-drive carrier with the connector end of the hard drive toward the back.

2.

Align the screw holes on the hard drive with the set of screw holes on the hard-drive carrier.
When aligned correctly, the back of the hard drive is flush with the back of the hard-drive carrier.

3.

Attach the screws to secure the hard drive to the hard-drive carrier.

Optical Drive (Optional)

Removing The Optical Drive
NOTE: This procedure applies only to PowerEdge R720.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Remove the cooling-fan assembly.

5.

Disconnect the power/data cable from the back of the optical drive.
Note the routing of the power/data cable on the side of the system as you remove them from the system board and
the optical drive. You must route these cables properly when you replace them to prevent them from being pinched
or crimped.

6.

To release the optical drive, press and push the release tab toward the front of the system.

7.

Slide the optical drive out of the system until it is free of the optical-drive slot.

8.

If you are not adding a new optical drive, install the optical-drive blank.

9.

Install the cooling-fan assembly.

10. Close the system.

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.
12. If applicable, install the front bezel.

54

Figure 26. Removing and Installing the Optical Drive

1.

optical drive

3.

release tab

2.

power/data cable

Installing The Optical Drive

NOTE: This procedure applies only to PowerEdge R720.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

3.

Open the system.

4.

To remove the optical drive blank, press the blue release tab at the back of the blank and push the blank out of the
system.

5.

Align the optical drive with the optical drive slot on the front of chassis.

6.

Slide the optical drive into the slot until the latch snaps into place.

7.

Connect the power/data cable to the back of the drive.

8.

Route the power/data cable along the inside left wall of the chassis.

9.

Connect the power/data cable to the connectors on the system board.

10. Install the cooling-fan assembly.

11. Close the system.
12. If applicable, install the front bezel.
13. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

55

Cooling Fans
Your system supports hot-swappable cooling fans.
NOTE: In the event of a problem with a particular fan, the fan number is referenced by the systems management
software, allowing you to easily identify and replace the proper fan by noting the fan numbers on the cooling fan
assembly.

Removing A Cooling Fan

WARNING: Opening or removing the system cover when the system is on may expose you to a risk of electric
shock. Exercise utmost care while removing or installing cooling fans.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: The cooling fans are hot-swappable. To maintain proper cooling while the system is on, replace only
one fan at a time.
CAUTION: Do not operate the system with the cover removed for a duration exceeding five minutes.
NOTE: The procedure for removing each fan is identical.
1.

Open the system.

2.

Press the fan release tab and lift the cooling fan out of the cooling-fan assembly.

Figure 27. Removing and Installing a Cooling Fan

1.

cooling-fan assembly

2.

fan release tab

3.

cooling fans (6)

4.

cooling-fan connectors (6)

56

Installing A Cooling Fan

CAUTION: The PowerEdge R720 and R720xd cooling fans are not compatible with each other and must not be
interchanged.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Open the system.

2.

Align the plug at the base of the cooling fan with the connector on the system board.

3.

Slide the cooling fan into the securing slots until the tabs lock into place.

4.

Close the system.

Removing The Cooling-Fan Assembly

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Unlock the cooling-fan assembly from the chassis by rotating the blue release lever upward.

4.

Lift the cooling-fan assembly out of the chassis.

57

Figure 28. Removing and Installing the Cooling-Fan Assembly

1.

cooling-fan assembly

2.

cooling fans (6)

3.

blue release levers (2)

4.

guide pins (2)

5.

cooling-fan connectors (6)

Installing The Cooling-Fan Assembly

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: Ensure that the cables are correctly installed and retained by the cable retention bracket before
installing the cooling-fan assembly. Incorrectly installed cables may get damaged.
1.

Align the cooling-fan assembly slots with the guide pins on the chassis.

2.

Slide the cooling-fan assembly into the chassis.

3.

Lock the cooling-fan assembly into the chassis by rotating the blue release levers downward until firmly seated.

4.

Close the system.

5.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Internal USB Memory Key (Optional)

An optional USB memory key installed inside your system can be used as a boot device, security key, or mass storage
device. The USB connector must be enabled by the Internal USB Port option in the Integrated Devices screen of the
System Setup.

58

To boot from the USB memory key, configure the USB memory key with a boot image and then specify the USB memory
key in the boot sequence in the System Setup.
NOTE: To locate the internal USB connector (J_USB_INT) on the system board, see System Board Connectors.

Replacing The Internal USB Key

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Locate the USB connector / USB key on the system board.

To locate the USB connector (J_USB_INT), see System Board Connectors.

4.

If installed, remove the USB key.

5.

Insert the USB key into the USB connector.

6.

Close the system.

7.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

8.

Enter the System Setup and verify that the USB key is detected by the system.

Figure 29. Replacing the Internal USB Key

1.

USB memory key connector

2.

USB memory key

PCIe Card Holder

Removing The PCIe Card Holder
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.

59

CAUTION: Do not use your system without the PCIe card holder installed. The PCIe card holder is necessary to
ensure proper system cooling.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

If installed, remove the full-length PCIe card.

4.

Press the release tab and the touch-point to release the PCIe card holder from the chassis.

5.

Lift the PCIe card holder out of the chassis.

NOTE: To ensure proper system cooling, you must replace the PCIe card holder.

Figure 30. Removing and Installing the PCIe Card Holder

1.

PCIe card holder

2.

release tab

Installing The PCIe Card Holder

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: Do not use your system without the PCIe card holder installed. The PCIe card holder is necessary to
ensure proper system cooling.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Align the PCIe card holder with the projection on the chassis and push it down until firmly seated.

4.

If applicable, replace the full-length PCIe card.

5.

Close the system.

60

6.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Opening And Closing The PCIe Card Holder Latch

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

To open the PCIe card holder latch, press the tab.

4.

To close the PCIe card holder latch, rotate the latch clockwise until it locks.
NOTE: Before installing a full-length PCIe card, the PCIe card holder latch must be closed. When the fulllength PCIe card is installed, open the PCIe card holder latch. Before removing the full-length PCIe card, you
must close the PCIe card holder latch.

Figure 31. Opening and Closing the PCIe Card Holder Latch

1.

PCIe card holder

3.

PCIe card holder latch

2.

tab

5.

Close the system.

6.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Top Cover Lock Latch

Installing The Top Cover Lock Latch
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the cover.

4.

If applicable, remove the PCIe card holder.

61

5.

Orient the top cover lock latch in a direction such that the screw hole on the top cover lock latch is aligned with the
screw hole on the latch.

6.

Slide the top cover lock latch until the screw holes are completely aligned.

7.

Attach the top cover lock latch to the latch using the Torx screw.

Figure 32. Installing the Top Cover Lock Latch

1.

screw

3.

latch

8.

If applicable, install the PCIe card holder.

9.

Close the system.

2.

top cover lock latch

10. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Cable Retention Bracket

Removing The Cable Retention Bracket
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the cooling shroud.

4.

Remove all cables routed through the cable retention bracket.

5.

Press the tab and slide the cable retention bracket toward the front of the chassis to release it from the chassis.

6.

Lift the cable retention bracket out of the chassis.

62

Figure 33. Removing and Installing the Cable Retention Bracket

1.

alignment pins (2)

3.

cable retention bracket

2.

tab

Installing The Cable Retention Bracket

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Using alignment pins as guide, slide the cable retention bracket along the chassis wall until the tab snaps into
place.

4.

Place all cables to be routed in the cable retention bracket.

5.

Install the cooling shroud.

6.

Close the system.

7.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Expansion Cards And Expansion-Card Risers

NOTE: A missing or an unsupported expansion-card riser logs an SEL event. It does not prevent your system from
powering on and no BIOS POST message or F1/F2 pause is displayed.

Expansion Card Installation Guidelines

Depending on your system configuration:

PowerEdge R720 supports seven expansion cards

PowerEdge R720xd supports six expansion cards

The following PCI Express Generation 3 expansion cards are supported:

63

Table 3. Supported Expansion Cards

Riser

PCIe Slot

Processor Connection

Height

Length

Link Width

Slot Width

Processor 2

Low Profile

Half Length

x8

x16

Processor 2

Low Profile

Half Length

x8

x16

Processor 2

Low Profile

Half Length

x8

x16

Processor 2

Standard Height

Full Length

x16

x16

Processor 1

Standard Height

Full Length

x8

x16

3 (default)

Processor 1

Standard Height

Full Length

x8

x16

3 (default)

Processor 1

Standard Height

Full Length

x8

x16

3 (alternate)

Processor 1

Standard Height

Full Length

x16

x16

NOTE: To use PCIe slots 1 through 4 on the riser, both the processors must be installed.
NOTE: PowerEdge R720xd does not support riser 3 (default).
NOTE: The expansion-card slots are not hot-swappable.
The following table provides guidelines for installing expansion cards to ensure proper cooling and mechanical fit. The
expansion cards with the highest priority should be installed first using the slot priority indicated. All other expansion
cards should be installed in card priority and slot priority order.
Table 4. Expansion Card Installation Order

Card
Priority

Card Type

Slot PriorityPowerEdge R720

Slot PriorityPowerEdge
R720xd

Max Allowed

2Processor

1Processor

2Processor

1Processor

R720

R720xd

Dell PowerEdge
Express Flash
(PCIe SSD)
Bridge

Not Supported

Not
Supported

Not Supported

GPU (double
wide)

6, 4

Not Supported

Not
Supported

Not Supported

GPU (single
wide)

4, 6, 7, 5

Not Supported

Not
Supported

Not Supported

GPU Host
Interface Card
(HIC)

4, 6

Not
Supported

Not Supported

RAID H810

7, 6, 4, 5

7, 6, 5

6, 4, 5

6, 5

RAID H710P

Not Supported

Not
Supported

Not Supported

FC16 HBA Full

Height,FH

5, 7, 4, 6

5, 7, 6

4, 6, 5

6, 5

Low Profile,LP

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

64

Card
Priority
6

Card Type

Converged
Network
Adapters
(CNAs)Full
Height,FH

Slot PriorityPowerEdge R720

Slot PriorityPowerEdge
R720xd

Max Allowed

2Processor

1Processor

2Processor

1Processor

R720

R720xd

5, 7, 4, 6

5, 7, 6

4, 6, 5

6, 5

NOTE: Brocade 1020 CNA adapter must not be installed in Slot 1.

Low Profile,LP

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

2-3

2-3

10 Gb NICsFull
Height,FH

5, 7, 4, 6

5, 7, 6

4, 6, 5

6, 5

Low Profile,LP

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

FC8/4 HBA

5, 7, 4, 6

5, 7, 6

4, 6, 5

6, 5

NOTE: Brocade FC8 low profile HBA must not be installed in Slot 1.

10

11

Low Profile,LP

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

2-3

2-3

1 Gb NICs

5, 7, 4, 6

5, 7, 6

4, 6, 5

6, 5

Low Profile,LP

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

Non-RAID

5, 7, 4, 6

5, 7, 6

4, 6, 5

6, 5

Low Profile,LP

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

2, 3, 1

Not Supported

Dell ioDrive

5, 7, 4, 6

5, 7, 6

4, 6, 5

6, 5

Removing An Expansion Card From The Expansion-Card Riser 2 Or 3

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Disconnect any cables connected to the expansion card.

4.

Lift the expansion-card latch out of the slot.

5.

Grasp the expansion card by its edges, and remove it from the expansion-card connector.

6.

If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty expansion slot opening and
close the expansion-card latch.
NOTE: You must install a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid
in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

7.

Close the system.

8.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

65

Figure 34. Removing and Installing the Expansion Card

1.

expansion card

2.

expansion-card latch

3.

expansion-card connector

4.

expansion-card riser

5.

power connector (for GPU cards)

Installing An Expansion Card Into The Expansion-Card Riser 2 Or 3

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Unpack the expansion card and prepare it for installation.

For instructions, see the documentation accompanying the card.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Lift the expansion-card latch and remove the filler bracket.

5.

Holding the card by its edges, position the card so that the connector on the expansion card aligns with the
expansion-card connector on the riser.

6.

Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector until the card is fully seated.

66

7.

Replace the expansion-card latch.

8.

To install a full-length card, use the supports provided on the cooling shroud.

9.

If applicable, connect cables to the expansion card.

NOTE: When installing a GPU card on riser 2 or riser 3 (default), connect the GPU card power cable to the
power connector on the riser.

10. Close the system.

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.
12. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

Removing An Expansion Card From The Expansion-Card Riser 1

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: The expansion-card riser 1 can be used only when both the processors are installed.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Disconnect any cables connected to the expansion card.

4.

Remove the expansion-card riser.

5.

Press tab A and rotate the latch clockwise.

6.

Press tab B and rotate the latch down.

7.

Remove the expansion card from the expansion-card riser.

8.

If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty expansion slot opening and
close the expansion-card latch.
NOTE: You must install a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid
in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

9.

Reinstall the expansion-card riser.

10. Close the system.

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

67

Figure 35. Removing and Installing the Expansion-Card Riser 1

1.

expansion-card riser 1 cage

2.

expansion-card connector

3.

expansion card

4.

expansion-card latches (2)

Installing An Expansion Card Into The Expansion-Card Riser 1

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: The expansion-card riser 1 can be used only when both the processors are installed.
1.

Unpack the expansion card and prepare it for installation.

For instructions, see the documentation accompanying the card.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Remove the expansion-card riser.

5.

Press tab A and rotate the latch clockwise.

6.

Press tab B and rotate the latch down.

7.

Holding the card by its edges, position the card so that the card-edge connector aligns with the expansion-card
connector.

8.

Insert the card-edge connector firmly into the expansion-card connector until the card is fully seated.

9.

Close the expansion-card latches.

10. If applicable, connect any cables to the expansion card.

68

11. Install the expansion-card riser.

12. Close the system.
13. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.
14. Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

Removing Expansion-Card Risers

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: The expansion-card riser 1 can be used only when both the processors are installed.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Holding the touch points, lift the expansion-card riser from the riser connector on the system board.

Figure 36. Removing and Installing the Expansion Card Riser 1

1.

expansion-card riser 1 cage

2.

expansion-card riser 1

3.

riser guide-back (right)

4.

riser guide-back (left)

5.

expansion-card riser 1 connector

6.

riser guidefront

69

Figure 37. Identifying Connectors on the Expansion Card Riser 1

1.

expansion-card slot 1

3.

expansion-card slot 3

2.

expansion-card slot 2

Figure 38. Removing and Installing the Expansion Card Riser 2

70

1.

power connector (for GPU cards)

2.

expansion-card riser 2

3.

riser guide-back

4.

expansion-card riser 2 connector

5.

riser guidefront

Figure 39. Identifying Connectors on the Expansion Card Riser 2

1.

chassis intrusion switch

2.

expansion-card slot 4

3.

expansion-card slot 5

4.

power connector (for GPU cards)

Figure 40. Removing and Installing the Expansion Card Riser 3

1.

riser guidefront

2.

power connector (for GPU cards)

3.

expansion-card riser 3

4.

expansion-card riser 3 connector

5.

riser guideback

71

Figure 41. Identifying Connectors on the Expansion Card Riser 3

1.

expansion-card slot 6

3.

power connector (for GPU cards)

2.

expansion-card slot 7

4.

If applicable, remove or install an expansion card on the riser.

5.

Replace the expansion-card riser.

6.

Close the system.

7.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Installing Expansion-Card Risers

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If applicable, reinstall the expansion card(s) into the expansion card riser.

2.

Align the expansion-card riser with the connector and the riser guide pin on the system board.

3.

Lower the expansion-card riser into place until the expansion-card riser is fully seated in the connector.

4.

Close the system.

5.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

6.

Install any device drivers required for the card as described in the documentation for the card.

GPU Card Installation Guidelines

NOTE: Internal GPU cards are supported on the PowerEdge R720 and not on the PowerEdge R720xd.
NOTE: Due to the high power consumption of GPUs, the ambient system inlet temperature is restricted to 30 C to
ensure adequate system cooling when one or more GPU cards are installed in PowerEdge R720. Note that this is
less than the standard environmental specification of 35 C.

The PowerEdge R720 must be installed with two processors.

The processor must be of 115 W or less.

The processor must use a GPU kit low-profile heat sink.

Ensure the GPU enablement kit is available.

GPU enablement kit includes:

72

Low-profile heat sinks

System board support brackets

Power cables for the GPU cards

Filler brackets with closeout EMI shield for unoccupied PCI-e slots

All GPU cards must be of the same type and model.

Ensure that your system uses the redundant 1100 W power supplies.

You can install up to two double-wide GPU cards.

NOTE: Two double-wide GPU cards configuration requires optional riser 3.

You can install up to four single-wide GPU cards.

Installing A GPU Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Unpack the GPU cards and the GPU enablement kit.

4.

Attach the system board support bracket for the GPU card to the system chassis using the screw provided in the
kit.

a.
5.

screw

b. system board support bracket

Remove the cooling shroud.

73

6.

Remove the heat sinks.

7.

Install the heat sinks from the kit and reinstall the cooling shroud.

8.

Connect the GPU power cable/s to the riser card.

9.

Unlatch the GPU card lock on the shroud by pushing in the black tab while pulling up the blue card latch.

10. With the blue card latch pulled up, remove the filler brackets for the single- or double-wide GPU cards.
11. Replace the remaining filler brackets with those from the GPU kit.
12. Locate the GPU power connectors on the cable and plug them to the 6-pin and 8-pin connectors on the GPU card.
13. With the GPU card at an angle to the slot on the riser card, insert the connector on the edge of the card into the
corresponding connector on the riser slot until the card is fully seated.
NOTE: Ensure the GPU card is installed correctly into the GPU card lock.
14. Press down on the GPU card lock to secure the card in position.
15. Ensure the GPU card is seated into the baffle and press down on the blue dot to close the baffle.
16. Close the system.

Removing A GPU Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Lift the GPU-card latch.

4.

Open the baffle.

5.

Grasp the GPU card by its edges and slide out the GPU card at an angle to release it from the connector on the riser
card.

6.

Disconnect the cables from the GPU card.

7.

If you are removing the card permanently, install a metal filler bracket over the empty slot opening and close the
GPU-card latch.
NOTE: You must install a filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid
in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.

8.

Close the system.

9.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

74

Figure 42. Removing and Installing the GPU Card

1.

GPU card latch

2.

baffle

3.

GPU-card locks

4.

expansion-card riser 2

5.

GPU card

SD vFlash Card
A vFlash SD card is a Secure Digital (SD) card that plugs into the vFlash SD card slot in the system. It provides persistent
on-demand local storage and a custom deployment environment that allows automation of server configuration, scripts,
and imaging. It emulates USB device(s). For more information, see the iDRAC7 User's Guide at [Link]/support/
manuals.

Replacing An SD vFlash Card

1.

Locate the vFlash media slot on the system.

2.

To remove the SD vFlash card, push inward on the card to release it, and pull the card from the card slot.

75

Figure 43. Removing and Installing the SD vFlash Card

1.
3.

SD vFlash card

2.

SD vFlash card slot

To install the SD vFlash card, with the label side facing up, insert the contact-pin end of the SD card into the card
slot on the module.
NOTE: The slot is keyed to ensure correct insertion of the card.

4.

Press inward on the card to lock it into the slot.

Removing The vFlash Media Unit

NOTE: This procedure applies only to PowerEdge R720xd.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the screw securing the vFlash media unit to the chassis.

4.

Remove the cable from the vFlash media unit and the backplane.

5.

Slide the vFlash media unit toward front of chassis and lift it out of the system.

6.

Close the system.

7.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

76

Figure 44. Removing and Installing the vFlash Media Unit

1.

cable

2.

screw

3.

vFlash media unit

4.

standoff

Installing The vFlash Media Unit

NOTE: This procedure applies only to PowerEdge R720xd.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from its electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Slide in and align the vFlash media unit toward the back of chassis.

4.

Connect the cable to the vFlash media unit.

5.

Replace the screw securing the vFlash media unit to the chassis.

6.

Close the system.

7.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

77

Internal Dual SD Module

NOTE: When the Redundancy option is set to Mirror Mode in the Integrated Devices screen of the System Setup,
the information is replicated from one SD card to another.

Removing The Internal Dual SD Module

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the expansion-card riser 3 and any card(s) installed in the riser.

4.

Locate the internal dual SD module installed on the J_IDSDM connector on the system board.

5.

If applicable, remove the SD card(s).

6.

Holding the tab, pull the dual SD module to remove it from the system board.

7.

Replace the expansion-card riser 3 and if applicable, replace the card(s) in the riser.

8.

Close the system.

9.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

78

Figure 45. Removing and Installing the Internal Dual SD Module

1.

blue pull tab

2.

SD card 1

3.

SD card 2

4.

dual SD module

5.

connector on the system board

Installing The Internal Dual SD Module

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the expansion-card riser cage 3 and any card(s) installed in the riser.

4.

Locate the J_IDSDM connector on the system board.

5.

Align the connectors on the system board and the dual SD module.

6.

Holding the tab, push the dual SD module until it is firmly seated on the system board.

7.

Replace the expansion-card riser 1 and if applicable, replace the card(s) in the riser.

8.

Close the system.

9.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

79

Internal SD Card
Removing An Internal SD Card
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the expansion-card riser 3 and any card(s) installed in the riser.

4.

Locate the SD card slot on the internal dual SD module and press inward on the card to release it from the slot and
remove the card.

5.

Replace the expansion-card riser 3 and if applicable, replace the card(s) in the riser.

6.

Close the system.

7.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Installing An Internal SD Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: To use an SD card with your system, ensure that the internal SD card port is enabled in the System Setup.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the expansion-card riser 3 and any card(s) installed in the riser.

4.

Locate the SD card connector on the internal dual SD module. With the label side facing up, insert the contact-pin
end of the card into the slot.
NOTE: The slot is keyed to ensure correct insertion of the card.

5.

Press the card into the card slot to lock it into place.

6.

Replace the expansion-card riser 3 and if applicable, replace the card(s) in the riser.

7.

Close the system.

8.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Integrated Storage Controller Card

Your system includes a dedicated expansion-card slot on the system board for an integrated controller card that
provides the integrated storage subsystem for your systems internal hard drives. The controller supports SAS and SATA
hard drives and also enables you to set up the hard drives in RAID configurations as supported by the version of the
storage controller included with your system.

80

Removing The Integrated Storage Controller Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the cooling shroud.

4.

Remove the expansion-card riser 1.

5.

Push down the two release levers at the edge of the card to disengage the card from the connector.

6.

Angle the card so that the other end of the card disengages from the storage-controller card holder on the system
board.

7.

Replace the expansion-card riser 1.

8.

Replace the cooling shroud.

9.

Close the system.

10. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Figure 46. Removing and Installing the Integrated Storage Controller Card

1.

storage connector on the system board

2.

storage controller card

3.

storage-controller card holder

4.

release levers (2)

81

Installing The Integrated Storage Controller Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the cooling shroud.

4.

Remove the expansion-card riser 1.

5.

Align one end of the card with the card holder on the system board.

6.

Lower the other end of the card into the storage-controller card holder on the system board.

7.

Press the card down until it is fully seated.

When the card is fully seated, the release levers snap over the edge of the card.

8.

Replace the expansion-card riser 1.

9.

Replace the cooling shroud.

10. Close the system.

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Network Daughter Card

Removing The Network Daughter Card
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

If installed, remove expansion card(s) from the expansion-card riser 2.

4.

Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the two captive screws that secure the network daughter card to the
system board.

5.

Hold the network daughter card by the edges on either side of the touch point and lift to remove it from the
connector on the system board.

6.

Slide the network daughter card away from the back of the system until the NIC connectors are clear of the slot in
the back panel.

7.

Lift the network daughter card out of the chassis.

82

Figure 47. Removing and Installing the Network Daughter Card

1.

captive screw sockets (2)

2.

connector on the system board

3.

captive screws (2)

4.

touch point

5.

network daughter card

6.

back panel slot for RJ-45 connectors

Installing The Network Daughter Card

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Angle the card so that the RJ-45 connectors fit through the slot in the back panel.

2.

Align the captive screws at back-end of the card with the captive screw sockets on the system board.

3.

Press the touch point on the card until the card connector is firmly seated on the system board connector.

4.

Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the two captive screws to secure the network daughter card to the system
board.

5.

If applicable, install the expansion card(s) in the expansion-card riser 2.

6.

Close the system.

7.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Processors
Use the following procedure when:

Installing an additional processor

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

83

Removing A Processor
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Before upgrading your system, download the latest system BIOS version from [Link] and follow the
instructions included in the compressed download file to install the update on your system.
NOTE: You can update the system BIOS using the Lifecycle Controller.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. When
disconnected from the power source, press and hold the power button for three seconds to fully drain the system
of stored power prior to removing the cover.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Remove the cooling shroud.

WARNING: The heat sink and processor are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been
powered down. Allow the heat sink and processor to cool before handling them.
CAUTION: Never remove the heat sink from a processor unless you intend to remove the processor. The heat
sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.

5.

Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen one of the heat-sink retention sockets. Wait 30 seconds for the heat sink to
loosen from the processor.

6.

Loosen the second heat-sink retention socket.

7.

Lift the heat sink away from the processor and set the heat sink aside.

84

Figure 48. Removing and Installing the Processor Heat Sink

1.

heat sink

2.

retention sockets (2)

3.

retention screws (2)

4.

processor

CAUTION: The processor is held in its socket under strong pressure. Be aware that the release lever can
spring up suddenly if not firmly grasped.
8.

Position your thumb firmly over the processor socket-release lever near the unlock icon
from the locked position by pushing down and out from under the tab.

and release the lever

9.

Similarly, position your thumb firmly over the processor socket-release lever near the lock icon
and release the
lever from the locked position by pushing down and out from under the tab. Rotate the lever 90 degrees upward.

85

Figure 49. Processor Shield Opening and Closing Lever Sequence

1.

close-lock symbol

2.

processor socket-release lever

3.

processor

4.

processor socket-release lever

5.

open-lock symbol

10. Rotate the processor shield upward and out of the way.
CAUTION: The socket pins are fragile and can be permanently damaged. Be careful not to bend the pins in
the socket when removing the processor out of the socket.
11. Lift the processor out of the socket and leave the release lever up so that the socket is ready for the new
processor.
NOTE: If you are permanently removing a processor, you must install a processor/DIMM blank in the vacant
socket to ensure proper system cooling. The processor/DIMM blank covers the vacant sockets for the
DIMMs and the processor.

86

Figure 50. Removing and Installing a Processor

1.

processor socket-release lever

2.

pin 1 indicator

3.

processor socket-release lever

4.

processor shield

5.

processor

6.

ZIF socket

7.

socket keys (4)

8.

notches in processor (4)

NOTE: After removing the processor, place it in an antistatic container for reuse, return, or temporary
storage. Do not touch the bottom of the processor. Touch only the side edges of the processor.

Installing A Processor
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: If you are installing a single processor, it must be installed in socket CPU1.
1.

Before upgrading your system, download the latest system BIOS version from [Link] and follow the
instructions included in the compressed download file to install the update on your system.
NOTE: You can update the system BIOS using the Lifecycle Controller.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet. When
disconnected from the power source, press and hold the power button for three seconds to fully drain the system
of stored power prior to removing the cover.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Remove the cooling shroud.

87

WARNING: The heat sink and processor are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been
powered down. Allow the heat sink and processor to cool before handling them.
CAUTION: Never remove the heat sink from a processor unless you intend to remove the processor. The heat
sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.
5.

Remove the heat sink/heat-sink blank and processor/processor blank, as applicable.

NOTE: The procedure to remove the heat-sink blank or processor blank is similar to removing a heat-sink or
processor.

6.

Unpack the new processor.

7.

Align the processor with the socket keys on the ZIF socket.
CAUTION: Positioning the processor incorrectly can permanently damage the system board or the processor.
Be careful not to bend the pins in the socket.
CAUTION: Do not use force to seat the processor. When the processor is positioned correctly, it engages
easily into the socket.

8.

With the release levers on the processor socket in the open position, align pin 1 of the processor, using pin 1
position guide on the socket, as reference and set the processor lightly in the socket.

9.

Close the processor shield.

10. Rotate the socket-release lever near the lock icon

until it is locked in position.

11. Similarly, rotate the socket-release lever near the unlock icon

until it is locked in position.

12. Using a clean lint-free cloth, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink.
CAUTION: Applying too much thermal grease can result in excess grease coming in contact with and
contaminating the processor socket.
13. Open the grease applicator included with your processor kit and apply all of the thermal grease in the applicator to
the center of the topside of the new processor.
14. Place the heat sink on the processor.
15. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the heat-sink retention sockets.
16. Install the cooling shroud.
17. Close the system.
18. Reconnect your system and peripherals to their electrical outlets, and turn on the system.
19. Press <F2> to enter the System Setup and check that the processor information matches the new system
configuration.
20. Run the system diagnostics to verify that the new processor operates correctly.

Power Supplies
Your system supports either:

Two 495 W, 750 W, or 1100 W AC power supply modules or

Two 750 W or 1100 W DC power supply modules

NOTE: Titanium power supply is nominally rated for 200 VAC to 240 VAC input only.

When two identical power supplies are installed, the power supply configuration is redundant (1 + 1). In redundant
mode, power is supplied to the system equally from both power supplies to maximize efficiency.
When only one power supply is installed, the power supply configuration is non-redundant (1 + 0). Power is supplied to
the system only by the single power supply.

88

NOTE: If two power supplies are used, they must be of the same type and have the same maximum output power.

Hot Spare Feature

Your system supports the Hot Spare feature that significantly reduces the power overhead associated with power
supply redundancy.
When the Hot Spare feature is enabled, a redundant power supply is switched to a sleep state. The active power supply
supports 100% of the load, thus operating at higher efficiency. The redundant power supply in the sleep state monitors
output voltage of the active power supply. If the output voltage of the active power supply drops, the redundant power
supply in the sleep state returns to an active output state.
The active power supply can also activate a sleeping power supply if having both power supplies active is more efficient
than having the redundant power supply in a sleep state. The power supply defaults are to wake both power supplies if
the load on the active power supply is greater than 50% and to sleep the redundant power supply if the load falls below
20%.
You can configure the Hot Spare feature using the iDRAC settings. For more information on iDRAC settings, see the
iDRAC7 User's Guide at [Link]/support/manuals.

Removing An AC Power Supply

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
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 a system that is powered on.
NOTE: You may have to unlatch and lift the optional cable management arm if it interferes with power supply
removal. For information about the cable management arm, see the systems rack documentation.
1.

Disconnect the power cable from the power source and the power supply you intend to remove and remove the
cables from the strap.

2.

Press the release latch and slide the power supply out of the chassis.

89

Figure 51. Removing and Installing an AC Power Supply

1.

connector

2.

power supply

3.

release latch

4.

power supply handle

Installing An AC Power Supply

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Verify that both the power supplies are the same type and have the same maximum output power.
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 power supply into the chassis until the power supply is fully seated and the release latch snaps into
place.
NOTE: If you unlatched the cable management arm, re-latch it. For information about the cable management
arm, see the systems rack documentation.

4.

Connect the power cable to the power supply and plug the cable into a power outlet.
CAUTION: When connecting the power cable, secure the cable with the strap.
NOTE: When installing, hot-swapping, or hot-adding a new power supply, allow several seconds for the
system to recognize the power supply and determine its status. The power-supply status indicator turns
green to signify that the power supply is functioning properly.

90

Wiring Instructions For A DC Power Supply

Your system supports up to two (4860) V DC power supplies (when available).
WARNING: For equipment using (4860) V DC power supplies, a qualified electrician must perform all
connections to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds
yourself. All electrical wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to
servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that
came with the product.
CAUTION: Wire the unit with copper only, unless otherwise specified, use only 10 American Wire Gauge (AWG)
wire rated minimum 90 C for source and return. Protect the (4860) V DC (1 wire) with a branch circuit overcurrent protection rated 50 A for DC with a high interrupt current rating.
CAUTION: Connect the equipment to a (4860) V DC supply source that is electrically isolated from the AC source
(reliably grounded (4860) V DC SELV source). Ensure that the (4860) V DC source is efficiently secured to earth
(ground).
NOTE: A readily accessible disconnect device that is suitably approved and rated shall be incorporated in the field
wiring.

Input Requirements

Supply voltage: (4860) V DC

Current consumption: 32 A (maximum)

Kit Contents

Dell part number 6RYJ9 terminal block or equivalent (1)

#6-32 nut equipped with lock washer (1)

Required Tools
Wire-stripper pliers capable of removing insulation from size 10 AWG solid or stranded, insulated copper wire
NOTE: Use alpha wire part number 3080 or equivalent (65/30 stranding)

Required Wires

One UL 10 AWG, 2 m maximum (stranded) black wire [(4860) V DC]

One UL 10 AWG, 2 m maximum (stranded) red wire (V DC return)

One UL 10 AWG, 2 m maximum green/yellow, green with a yellow stripe, stranded wire (safety ground)

Assembling And Connecting The Safety Ground Wire

WARNING: For equipment using (4860) V DC power supplies, a qualified electrician must perform all
connections to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds
yourself. All electrical wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to
servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that
came with the product.
1.

Strip the insulation from the end of the green/yellow wire, exposing approximately 4.5 mm (0.175 inch) of copper
wire.

2.

Using a hand-crimping tool (Tyco Electronics, 58433-3 or equivalent), crimp the ring-tongue terminal (Jeeson
Terminals Inc., R5-4SA or equivalent) to the green/yellow wire (safety ground wire).

91

3.

Connect the safety ground wire to the grounding post on the back of the system using a #6-32 nut equipped with a
locking washer.

Figure 52. Assembling and Connecting the Safety Ground Wire

1.

safety ground wire

2.

grounding post

3.

locking washer

4.

spring washer

5.

#6-32 nut

Assembling The DC Input Power Wires

WARNING: For equipment using (4860) V DC power supplies, a qualified electrician must perform all
connections to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds
yourself. All electrical wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to
servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that
came with the product.
1.

Strip the insulation from the ends of the DC power wires, exposing approximately 13 mm (0.5 inch) of copper wire.
WARNING: Reversing polarity when connecting DC power wires can permanently damage the power supply
or the system.

2.

Insert the copper ends into the mating connectors and tighten the captive screws at the top of the mating
connector using a #2 Phillips screwdriver.
WARNING: To protect the power supply from electrostatic discharge, the captive screws must be covered
with the rubber cap before inserting the mating connector into the power supply.

3.

Rotate the rubber cap clockwise to fix it over the captive screws.

4.

Insert the mating connector into the power supply.

92

Figure 53. Assembling the DC Input Power Wires

1.

DC power socket

2.

rubber cap

3.

captive screws (2)

4.

DC power connector

5.

wire 48 V

6.

wire RTN

7.

grounding wire

Removing A DC Power Supply

WARNING: For equipment using (4860) V DC power supplies, a qualified electrician must perform all
connections to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds
yourself. All electrical wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to
servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that
came with the product.
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 a system that is powered on.
NOTE: You may have to unlatch and lift the optional cable management arm if it interferes with power supply
removal. For information about the cable management arm, see the systems rack documentation.
1.

Disconnect the power wires from the power source and the connector from the power supply you intend to
remove.

2.

Disconnect the safety ground wire.

3.

Press the release latch and slide the power supply out of the chassis.

93

Figure 54. Removing and Installing a DC Power Supply

1.

connector

2.

power supply

3.

power supply status indicator

4.

release latch

5.

power supply handle

Installing A DC Power Supply

WARNING: For equipment using (4860) V DC power supplies, a qualified electrician must perform all
connections to DC power and to safety grounds. Do not attempt connecting to DC power or installing grounds
yourself. All electrical wiring must comply with applicable local or national codes and practices. Damage due to
servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow all safety instructions that
came with the product.
1.

Verify that both the power supplies are the same type and have the same maximum output power.
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 power supply into the chassis until the power supply is fully seated and the release latch snaps into
place.
NOTE: If you unlatched the cable management arm, re-latch it. For information about the cable management
arm, see the systems rack documentation.

4.

Connect the safety ground wire.

5.

Install the DC power connector in the power supply.

CAUTION: When connecting the power wires, secure the wires with the strap to the power supply handle.

6.

Connect the wires to a DC power source.

NOTE: When installing, hot-swapping, or hot-adding a new power supply, allow several seconds for the
system to recognize the power supply and determine its status. The power-supply status indicator turns
green to signify that the power supply is functioning properly.

94

Removing The Power Supply Blank

CAUTION: To ensure proper system cooling, the power supply blank must be installed in the second power supply
bay in a non-redundant configuration. Remove the power supply blank only if you are installing a second power
supply.
If you are installing a second power supply, remove the power supply blank in the bay by pulling outward on the
blank.

Figure 55. Removing and Installing the Power Supply Blank

1.

power supply blank

Installing The Power Supply Blank

NOTE: Install the power supply blank only in the second power supply bay.
To install the power supply blank, align the blank with the power supply bay and insert it into the chassis until it clicks
into place.

System Battery
Replacing The System Battery
WARNING: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with
the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. See your safety information for additional
information.

95

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Remove the cooling shroud.

4.

Locate the battery socket.

CAUTION: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while installing
or removing a battery.

5.

To remove the battery, support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the connector.

Figure 56. Replacing the System Battery

1.

positive side of battery connector

3.

negative side of battery connector

2.

system battery

6.

Lift the battery out of the securing tabs at the negative side of the connector.

7.

To install a new system battery, support the battery connector by pressing down firmly on the positive side of the
connector.

8.

Hold the battery with the "+" facing up and slide it under the securing tabs at the positive side of the connector.

9.

Press the battery straight down into the connector until it snaps into place.

10. Install the cooling shroud.

11. Close the system.
12. Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.
13. Enter the System Setup to confirm that the battery is operating properly.
14. Enter the correct time and date in the System Setup Time and Date fields.
15. Exit the System Setup.

Hard-Drive Backplane
Depending on your system configuration:

96

PowerEdge R720
supports

2.5 inch (x16) SAS/SATA backplane or

dual 2.5 inch (x8) SAS/SATA backplanes or
2.5 inch (x8) SAS/SATA backplane and 2.5 inch (x4) Dell PowerEdge Express Flash (PCIe SSD)
backplane or
3.5 inch (x8) SAS/SATA backplane or
no backplane

PowerEdge
R720xd supports

2.5 inch (x24) SAS/SATA backplane and optional 2.5 inch (x2) SAS/SSD backplane (back) or
3.5 inch (x12) SAS/SATA backplane and optional 2.5 inch (x2) SAS/SSD backplane (back)

Removing The Hard-Drive Backplane

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3.

Open the system.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the drives and backplane, you must remove the hard drives from the system
before removing the backplane.
CAUTION: You must note the number of each hard drive and temporarily label them before removal so that
you can replace them in the same locations.

4.

Remove the cooling shroud.

5.

Remove the cooling-fan assembly.

6.

Remove all hard drives.

7.

Disconnect the SAS/SATA/SSD data, signal, and power cable(s) from the backplane.

8.

Press the release tabs and slide the backplane upward.

97

Figure 57. Removing and Installing the 3.5 Inch (x8) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720

98

1.

release tabs (2)

2.

SAS A cable

3.

backplane signal cable

4.

backplane power cable A

5.

SAS B cable

6.

backplane power cable B

Figure 58. Cabling Diagram3.5 Inch (x8) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720

1.

cable retention bracket

2.

system board

3.

integrated storage controller card

4.

SAS connector (mini PERC SAS) on the

system board

5.

SAS connectors on the backplane (2)

99

Figure 59. Cabling Diagram3.5 Inch (x4) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720

100

1.

cable retention bracket

2.

system board

3.

SAS connector on the system board

4.

SAS connector on the backplane

Figure 60. Removing and Installing the 2.5 Inch (x16) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720

1.

x16 hard-drive backplane

2.

hard-drive backplane connectors (16)

3.

backplane power cables (2)

4.

backplane signal cable

5.

SAS cables (2)

6.

release tabs (2)

101

Figure 61. Cabling Diagram2.5 Inch (x16) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720

102

1.

cable retention bracket

2.

system board

3.

integrated storage controller card

4.

SAS connector on the system board

5.

SAS connectors on the backplane (2)

Figure 62. Removing and Installing the 2.5 Inch (x8) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720

1.

x8 hard-drive backplane

2.

hard-drive backplane connectors (8)

3.

release tab

4.

backplane power cable

5.

SAS cables (2)

6.

backplane signal cable

103

Figure 63. Cabling DiagramDual 2.5 Inch (x8) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720

104

1.

system board

2.

cable retention bracket

3.

integrated storage controller card

4.

SAS connector on the system board

5.

SAS controller card

6.

SAS backplane

7.

SAS backplane

Figure 64. Removing and Installing the 2.5 Inch (x4) SSD/Dell PowerEdge Express Flash (PCIe SSD) Backplane
PowerEdge R720

1.

hard-drive backplane connectors (4)

2.

x4 hard-drive backplane

3.

release tab

4.

SSD/PCIe SSD cables (4)

5.

backplane power cable

6.

backplane signal cable

105

Figure 65. Cabling Diagram2.5 Inch (x8) SAS/SATA and (x4) PCIe SSD BackplanePowerEdge R720

106

1.

cable retention bracket

2.

system board

3.

integrated storage controller card

4.

SSD/PCIe SSD controller card

5.

SAS connector on the system board

6.

SSD/PCIe SSD backplane

7.

SAS backplane

Figure 66. Removing and Installing the 3.5 Inch (x12) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720xd

1.

release tabs (2)

2.

pass-through I2C cable

3.

left control panel cable

4.

I2C cable

5.

power cable A

6.

USB cable

7.

SAS cables (3)

8.

power cable B

9.

front I/O cable

10. right control panel cable

11. x12 hard-drive backplane

12. hard-drive backplane connectors (12)

107

Figure 67. Cabling Diagram3.5 Iinch (x12) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720xd

108

1.

cable retention bracket

2.

system board

3.

integrated storage controller card

4.

SAS connector on the system board

5.

SAS backplane

Figure 68. Removing and Installing the 2.5 Inch (x24) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720xd

1.

x24 hard-drive backplane

2.

left control panel cable

3.

release tabs (2)

4.

power cable A

5.

sideband cable

6.

pass-through I2C cable

7.

SAS cables (3)

8.

power cable B

9.

backplane/expander bracket

10. right control panel cable

11. power cable C

12. front I/O cable

13. USB cable

14. hard-drive backplane connectors (24)

109

Figure 69. Cabling Diagram2.5 Inch (x24) SAS/SATA BackplanePowerEdge R720xd

1.

cable retention bracket

2.

system board

3.

integrated storage controller card

4.

SAS connector on the system board

5.

SAS backplane

Installing The Hard-Drive Backplane

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Use the hooks at the base of the chassis as guides to align the hard-drive backplane.

2.

Slide down the hard-drive backplane until the release tabs snap into place.

3.

Connect the SAS/SATA/SSD data, signal, and power cable(s) to the backplane.

4.

Replace the cooling-fan assembly.

5.

Replace the cooling shroud.

6.

Install the hard drives in their original locations.

7.

Close the system.

110

8.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

9.

If applicable, install the front bezel.

Removing The Optional Hard-Drive Backplane (Back)

NOTE: This procedure applies only to PowerEdge R720xd.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the drives and backplane, you must remove the hard drives from the system
before removing the backplane.
CAUTION: You must note the number of each hard drive and temporarily label them before removal so that
you can replace them in the same locations.

3.

Remove both hard drives.

4.

Disconnect all the cables from the backplane.

5.

Lift the release pin and slide the backplane away from the chassis.

6.

Lift the backplane to remove it from the chassis.

111

Figure 70. Removing and Installing the Optional 2.5 Inch (x2) Hard-Drive BackplanePowerEdge R720xd

112

1.

pass-through I2C cable

2.

I2C cable

3.

sideband cable

4.

hard-drive backplane (back)

5.

SAS/SATA connectors (2)

6.

SAS cable

7.

release pin

Figure 71. Cabling DiagramOptional 2.5 Inch (x2) Hard-Drive Backplane (back) PowerEdge R720xd

1.

PCIe card holder

2.

hard-drive backplane (back)

3.

system board

4.

integrated storage controller card

5.

SAS connector on the system board

6.

cable retention bracket

7.

x12 or x24 hard-drive backplane

Installing The Optional Hard-Drive Backplane (Back)

NOTE: This procedure applies only to PowerEdge R720xd.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Align the notches on the backplane with the notches on the chassis.

4.

Lift the release pin and slide the backplane on the chassis until firmly seated.

5.

Release the release pin to lock the backplane to the chassis.

113

6.

Reconnect all the cables to the backplane.

7.

Install both the hard drives in their original location.

8.

Close the system.

9.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

Control Panel Board

Removing The Control Panel (PowerEdge R720)
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw(s) securing the control panel to the chassis.
CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when removing the control panel as it can damage the connectors.

5.

From inside the system, push the front panel out of the chassis.

6.

Remove all the cables connecting the control panel to the chassis.

Figure 72. Removing and Installing the Control Panel3.5 inch Hard DrivesPowerEdge R720

114

1.

control panel

2.

control-panel board

3.

control-panel connector cable

4.

USB connector cable

5.

vFlash media connector cable

6.

screw

Figure 73. Removing and Installing the Control Panel2.5 inch Hard DrivesPowerEdge R720

1.

control panel

2.

control-panel board

3.

control-panel connector cable

4.

USB connector cable

5.

vFlash media connector cable

6.

screws (2)

7.

Locate and press the tabs on the information tag.

8.

Push the information tag out of the slot to remove it from the control panel.
NOTE: Retain the information tag for replacement in the new control panel.

Figure 74. Removing and Installing the Information Tag

1.

information tag

3.

slot

2.

tabs (2)

Installing The Control Panel (PowerEdge R720)

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Replace the blank information tag in the new control panel with the information tag retained from the old control
panel.

115

NOTE: Information tag lists system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address, and so on.
2.

To install the information tag, push the information tag into the control-panel slot.

3.

Connect all the applicable cables to the control panel.

4.

Insert the control panel into the slot in the chassis and secure the module with the screw.

5.

Close the system.

6.

Reconnect the system and peripherals to their power sources, and turn them on.

7.

If applicable, install the front bezel.

Removing The Control Panel (PowerEdge R720xd)

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

3.

Open the system.

CAUTION: Do not use excessive force when removing the control panel cable as it can damage the
connectors.

4.

Disconnect the control panel cable from the backplane by pulling on the pull tab.

5.

Remove the three Torx screws that secure the I/O panel to the chassis.

6.

Fold the pull tab close to the connector.

7.

Pull out the control panel cable as you guide the connector and the pull tab through the channel on the chassis.

116

Figure 75. Removing and Installing the Control PanelPowerEdge R720xd

1.

Torx screws (3)

2.

control panel

3.

pull tab

4.

connector

5.

hard-drive backplane

6.

chassis

Installing The Control Panel (PowerEdge R720xd)

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Fold the label around the cable.

5.

Fold the pull tab close to the connector and guide the connector and pull tab into the channel.

6.

Push the cable until the cable passes completely through the channel.

7.

Tighten the three Torx screws to secure the control panel to the chassis.
NOTE: You must route the cable properly to prevent it from being pinched or crimped.

8.

Connect the cable connector on the backplane by pushing on the center of the connector.

9.

Close the system.

10. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.
11. If applicable, install the front bezel.

117

Removing The I/O Panel (PowerEdge R720xd)

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

3.

Open the system.

CAUTION: To prevent damage to the I/O cable, you must release the locking tab before removing or installing
the I/O cable from the connector on the hard-drive backplane.

4.

Rotate the locking tab on the I/O cable connector clockwise 90 degrees to release the lock.

5.

Disconnect the I/O cable from the backplane.

6.

Remove the three Torx screws securing the I/O panel to the chassis.

7.

Pull out the I/O panel cable through the channel on the chassis.

Figure 76. Removing and Installing the I/O Panel PowerEdge R720xd

118

1.

I/O panel cable

2.

hard-drive backplane

3.

Torx screws (3)

4.

I/O panel

5.

chassis

Installing The I/O Panel (PowerEdge R720xd)

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet and
peripherals.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Fold the label around the cable.

5.

Push the cable until the cable passes completely through the channel.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the I/O cable, you must release the locking tab before removing or installing
the I/O cable from the connector on the hard-drive backplane.

6.

If locked, rotate the locking tab on the I/O cable connector clockwise 90 degrees to release the lock.

7.

Connect the I/O panel cable to the connector on the hard-drive backplane.

8.

Rotate the locking tab on the I/O cable connector counter clockwise 90 degrees to secure the lock.

9.

Tighten the three Torx screws to secure the control panel to the chassis.
NOTE: You must route the cable properly to prevent it from being pinched or crimped.

10. Close the system.

11. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.
12. If applicable, install the front bezel.

System Board
Removing The System Board
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: If you are using the Trusted Program Module (TPM) with an encryption key, you may be prompted to
create a recovery key during program or System Setup. Be sure to create and safely store this recovery key. If you
replace this system board, you must supply the recovery key when you restart your system or program before you
can access the encrypted data on your hard drives.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

If installed, remove the front bezel.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Remove the following:

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

cooling shroud
cooling-fan assembly
power supply(s)
all expansion-card risers
integrated storage controller card

119

f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

internal dual SD module

internal USB key (if installed)
PCIe card holder
cable retention bracket
if present, support bracket
NOTE: The support bracket is present on certain system configurations for protection during shipping and
can be discarded after removal.
CAUTION: To avoid damaging the mini SAS cable and connector, follow the correct procedure when
removing the mini SAS cable from the system board.

5.

Disconnect the mini SAS cable from the system board:

a. Push the mini SAS cable connector to slide it further into the connector (J_SASX8) on the system board.
b. Press down and hold the metal tab on the mini SAS cable connector.
c. Pull the mini SAS cable out of the connector on the system board.

6.

a.

mini SAS cable connector

c.

connector on the system board

b.

metal tab

Disconnect all cables from the system board.

CAUTION: Take care not to damage the system identification button while removing the system board from
the chassis.
CAUTION: Do not lift the system board assembly by grasping a memory module, processor, or other
components.

7.

120

Grasp the system-board holder, lift the blue release pin and slide the system board toward the front of the system.

Figure 77. Removing and Installing the System Board

1.

system board

2.

system-board holder

3.

release pin

4.

support bracket (present on certain systems

only)

WARNING: The heat sink and processor are hot to the touch for some time after the system has been
powered down. Allow the heat sink and processor to cool before handling them.
8.

Remove heat sink(s)/heat-sink blank(s) and processors(s)/processor blank(s).

9.

Remove memory modules and memory module blanks.

10. Remove network daughter card.

Installing The System Board

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Unpack the new system board assembly.

2.

Transfer the following components to the new system board:

a. heat sink(s)/heat-sink blank(s) and processors(s)/processor blank(s)
b. memory modules and memory module blanks
c. network daughter card
CAUTION: Do not lift the system board assembly by grasping a memory module, processor, or other
components.
CAUTION: Take care not to damage the system identification button while placing the system board into the
chassis.

3.

Hold the touch points and lower the system board into the chassis.

121

4.

Push the system board toward the back of the chassis until the board clicks into place.

5.

Replace the following:

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.

6.

cable retention bracket

PCIe card holder
integrated storage controller card
internal USB key (if installed)
internal dual SD module
all expansion-card risers
cooling-fan assembly
cooling shroud
power supply(s)

Reconnect all cables to the system board.

NOTE: Ensure that the cables inside the system are routed along the chassis wall and secured using the
cable securing bracket.

7.

Close the system.

8.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

9.

Import your new or existing iDRAC Enterprise license. For more information, see iDRAC7 User's Guide, at [Link]/
support/manuals.

122

Troubleshooting Your System

Safety FirstFor You And Your System

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.

Troubleshooting System Startup Failure

If you boot the system to the BIOS boot mode after installing an operating system from the UEFI Boot Manager, the
system hangs. The reverse is also true. You must boot to the same boot mode in which you installed the operating
system.
For all other startup issues, note the system messages that appear on the screen.

Troubleshooting External Connections

Ensure that all external cables are securely attached to the external connectors on your system before troubleshooting
any external devices.

Troubleshooting The Video Subsystem

1.

Check the system and power connections to the monitor.

2.

Check the video interface cabling from the system to the monitor.

3.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

If the tests run successfully, the problem is not related to video hardware.
If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A USB Device

Use the following steps to troubleshoot a USB keyboard/mouse. For other USB devices, go to step 7.
1.

Disconnect the keyboard and mouse cables from the system briefly and reconnect them.

2.

Connect the keyboard/mouse to the USB port(s) on the opposite side of the system.

3.

If the problem is resolved, restart the system, enter the System Setup, and check if the non-functioning USB ports
are enabled.

4.

Replace the keyboard/mouse with another working keyboard/mouse.

5.

If the problem is resolved, replace the faulty keyboard/mouse.

6.

If the problem is not resolved, proceed to the next step to begin troubleshooting the other USB devices attached to
the system.

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7.

Power down all attached USB devices and disconnect them from the system.

8.

Reboot the system and, if your keyboard is functioning, enter the System Setup. Verify that all USB ports are
enabled on the Integrated Devices screen, in the System Setup options.
If your keyboard is not functioning, you can also use remote access. If the system is not accessible, reset the
NVRAM_CLR jumper inside your system and restore the BIOS to the default settings.

9.

Reconnect and power on each USB device one at a time.

10. If a device causes the same problem, power down the device, replace the USB cable with a known good cable, and
power up the device.
If all troubleshooting fails, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Serial I/O Device

1.

Turn off the system and any peripheral devices connected to the serial port.

2.

Swap the serial interface cable with a working cable, and turn on the system and the serial device.
If the problem is resolved, replace the interface cable with a known good cable.

3.

Turn off the system and the serial device, and swap the device with a comparable device.

4.

Turn on the system and the serial device.

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A NIC
1.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. See Using System Diagnostics for available diagnostic tests.

2.

Reboot the system and check for any system messages pertaining to the NIC controller.

3.

Check the appropriate indicator on the NIC connector:

If the link indicator does not light, check all cable connections.

If the activity indicator does not light, the network driver files might be damaged or missing.
Remove and reinstall the drivers if applicable. See the NIC's documentation.

If applicable, change the autonegotiation setting.

Use another connector on the switch or hub.

4.

Ensure that the appropriate drivers are installed and the protocols are bound. See the NIC's documentation.

5.

Enter the System Setup and confirm that the NIC ports are enabled on the Integrated Devices screen.

6.

Ensure that the NICs, hubs, and switches on the network are all set to the same data transmission speed and
duplex. See the documentation for each network device.

7.

Ensure that all network cables are of the proper type and do not exceed the maximum length.

If all troubleshooting fails, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Wet System

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

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3.

Disassemble components from the system:

Hard drives

Hard-drive backplane

USB memory key

Cooling shroud

Expansion-card risers (if present)

Expansion cards

Power supply(s)

Cooling-fan assembly (if present)

Cooling fans

Processor(s) and heat sink(s)

4.

Memory modules
Let the system dry thoroughly for at least 24 hours.

5.

Reinstall the components you removed in step 3.

6.

Close the system.

7.

Turn on the system and attached peripherals.

If the system does not start properly, see Getting Help.

8.

If the system starts properly, shut down the system and reinstall all of the expansion cards that you removed.

9.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Damaged System

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Ensure that the following components are properly installed:

Cooling shroud

Expansion-card risers (if present)

Expansion cards

Power supply(s)

Cooling-fan assembly (if present)

Cooling fans

Processor(s) and heat sink(s)

Memory modules

Hard-drive carriers

4.

Hard-drive backplane
Ensure that all cables are properly connected.

5.

Close the system.

6.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see System Diagnostics.

125

If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting The System Battery

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: If the system is turned off for long periods of time (for weeks or months), the NVRAM may lose its system
configuration information. This situation is caused by a defective battery.
1.

Re-enter the time and date in the System Setup.

2.

Turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet for at least one hour.

3.

Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet and turn on the system.

4.

Enter the System Setup.

If the date and time are not correct in the System Setup, check the SEL for system battery messages.

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

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 Setup, the problem may be caused by software rather than by a
defective battery.

Troubleshooting Power Supplies

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Reseat the power supply by removing and reinstalling it.
NOTE: After installing a power supply, allow several seconds for the system to recognize the power supply and to
determine if it is working properly.
If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting Cooling Problems

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
Ensure that none of the following conditions exist:

System cover, cooling shroud, EMI filler panel, memory-module blank, or back-filler bracket is removed.

Ambient temperature is too high.

External airflow is obstructed.

A cooling fan is removed or has failed.

The expansion card installation guidelines have not been followed.

126

Troubleshooting Cooling Fans

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Open the system.

2.

Reseat the fan or the fan's power cable.

3.

If the fan functions properly, close the system.

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting System Memory

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

If the system is operational, run the appropriate diagnostic test. See Using System Diagnostics for available
diagnostic tests.
If diagnostics indicates a fault, follow the corrective actions provided by the diagnostic program.

2.

If the system is not operational, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and unplug the system from the
power source. Wait at least 10 seconds and then reconnect the system to power.

3.

Turn on the system and attached peripherals and note the messages on the screen.
If an error message is displayed indicating a fault with a specific memory module, go to step 12.

4.

Enter the System Setup and check the system memory setting. Make any changes to the memory settings, if
needed.
If the memory settings match the installed memory but a problem is still indicated, go to step 12.

5.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

6.

Open the system.

7.

Check the memory channels and ensure that they are populated correctly.

8.

Reseat the memory modules in their sockets.

9.

Close the system.

10. Enter the System Setup and check the system memory setting.
If the problem is not resolved, proceed with the next step.
11. Open the system.
12. If a diagnostic test or error message indicates a specific memory module as faulty, swap or replace the module
with a known good memory module.
13. To troubleshoot an unspecified faulty memory module, replace the memory module in the first DIMM socket with a
module of the same type and capacity.
If an error message is displayed on the screen, this may indicate a problem with the installed DIMM type(s),
incorrect DIMM installation, or defective DIMM(s). Follow the on-screen instructions to resolve the problem. For
more information, see General Memory Module Installation Guidelines.
14. Close the system.
15. As the system boots, observe any error message that is displayed and the diagnostic indicators on the front of the
system.

127

16. If the memory problem is still indicated, repeat step 12 through step 15 for each memory module installed.
If the problem persists after all memory modules have been checked, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting An Internal USB Key

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Enter the System Setup and ensure that the USB key port is enabled on the Integrated Devices screen.

2.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Locate the USB key and reseat it.

5.

Close the system.

6.

Turn on the system and attached peripherals and check if the USB key is functioning.

7.

If the problem is not resolved, repeat step 2 and step 3.

8.

Insert a different USB key that you know works properly.

9.

Close the system.

If the problem is not resolved, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting An SD Card
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: Certain SD cards have a physical write-protect switch on the card. If the write-protect switch is turned on
then the SD card is not writeable.
1.

Enter the System Setup and ensure that the Internal SD Card Port is enabled.

2.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3.

Open the system.

CAUTION: If the Internal SD Card Redundancy option is set to Mirror Mode in the Integrated Devices screen
of the System Setup, you must follow the instructions in step 4 through step 7 to avoid loss of data.
NOTE: When an SD card failure occurs, the internal dual SD module controller notifies the system. On the
next reboot, the system displays a message indicating the failure.

4.

If the Internal SD Card Redundancy option is set to Disabled, replace the failed SD card with a new SD card.

5.

If SD card 1 has failed, remove the card from SD card slot 1. If SD card 2 has failed, install a new SD card in SD
card slot 2 and proceed to step 7.

6.

Remove the card present in SD card slot 2 and insert it into SD card slot 1.

7.

Insert the new SD card into SD card slot 2.

8.

Close the system.

9.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

10. Enter the System Setup and ensure that the Internal SD Card Port and Internal SD Card Redundancy mode is
enabled.

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11. Check if the SD card is functioning properly.

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting An Optical Drive

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Try using a different CD or DVD.

2.

Enter the System Setup and ensure that the integrated SATA controller and the drive's SATA port are enabled.

3.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test.

4.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

5.

Open the system.

6.

Remove the front bezel.

7.

Ensure that the interface cable is securely connected to the optical drive and to the controller.

8.

Ensure that a power cable is properly connected to the drive.

9.

Close the system.

If the problem is not resolved, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Tape Backup Unit

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Try using a different tape cartridge.

2.

Ensure that the device drivers for the tape backup unit are installed and are configured correctly. See your tape
drive documentation for more information about device drivers.

3.

Reinstall the tape-backup software as instructed in the tape-backup software documentation.

4.

Ensure that the tape drives interface cable is fully connected to the external port on the controller card.

5.

Check that the controller card is properly installed:

a. Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
b. Open the system.
c. Reseat the controller card in the expansion card slot.
d. Close the system.
e. Turn on the system and attached peripherals.

6.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

If you cannot resolve the problem, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Hard Drive

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.

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CAUTION: This troubleshooting procedure can erase data stored on the hard drive. Before you proceed, back up
all files on the hard drive.
1.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.
Depending on the results of the diagnostics test, proceed as needed through the following steps.

2.

If your system has a RAID controller and your hard drives are configured in a RAID array, perform the following
steps:
a. Reboot the system and press <F10> during system startup to run the Lifecycle Controller, and then run the
Hardware Configuration wizard to check the RAID configuration.
See the Lifecycle Controller documentation or online help for information on RAID configuration.
b. Ensure that the hard drive(s) are configured correctly for the RAID array.
c. Take the hard drive offline and reseat the drive.
d. Exit the configuration utility and allow the system to boot to the operating system.

3.

Ensure that the required device drivers for your controller card are installed and are configured correctly. See the
operating system documentation for more information.

4.

Reboot the system and enter the System Setup.

5.

Verify that the controller is enabled and the drives are displayed in the System Setup.

If the problem persists, try troubleshooting the expansion cards or see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting A Storage Controller

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: When troubleshooting a SAS or PERC controller, see the documentation for your operating system and the
controller.
1.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

2.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Verify that the installed expansion cards are compliant with the expansion card installation guidelines.

5.

Ensure that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.

6.

Close the system

7.

Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

8.

If the problem is not resolved, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the
electrical outlet.

9.

Open the system.

10.

Remove all expansion cards installed in the system.

11.

Close the system.

12.

Reconnect the system to the electrical outlet, and turn on the system and attached peripherals.

13.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics. If the tests fail, see
Getting Help.

14.

For each expansion card you removed in step 10, perform the following steps:

130

a.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

b.

Open the system.

c.

Reinstall one of the expansion cards.

d.

Close the system.

e.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

If the tests fail, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting Expansion Cards

CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
NOTE: When troubleshooting an expansion card, see the documentation for your operating system and the
expansion card.
1.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

2.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Ensure that each expansion card is firmly seated in its connector.

5.

Close the system.

6.

If the problem is not resolved, turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the
electrical outlet.

7.

Open the system.

8.

Remove all expansion cards installed in the system.

9.

Close the system.

10. Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.
If the tests fail, see Getting Help.
11. For each expansion card you removed in step 8, perform the following steps:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
Open the system.
Reinstall one of the expansion cards.
Close the system.
Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information, see Using System Diagnostics.

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Troubleshooting Processors
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Run the appropriate diagnostics test. See Using System Diagnostics for available diagnostic tests.

2.

Turn off the system and attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

3.

Open the system.

4.

Ensure that the processor and heat sink are properly installed.

5.

Close the system.

6.

Run the appropriate diagnostic test. For more information , see Using System Diagnostics.

131

If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

132

Using System Diagnostics

If you experience a problem with your system, run the system diagnostics before contacting Dell for technical
assistance. The purpose of running system diagnostics is to test your system hardware without requiring additional
equipment or risking data loss. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, service and support personnel can use the
diagnostics results to help you solve the problem.

Dell Online Diagnostics

Dell Online Diagnostics, a stand-alone suite of diagnostic programs or test modules, allows you to run diagnostic tests
on the systems in a production environment, and helps you ensure maximum uptime of your systems. Online Diagnostics
allows you to run diagnostic tests on chassis and storage components such as hard drives, physical memory, and
network interface cards (NICs). You can use the graphical user interface (GUI) or the command line interface (CLI) to run
diagnostic tests on the hardware that Online Diagnostics discovers on your system. For information about using
diagnostics, see the Dell Online PowerEdge Diagnostics Users Guide under Software Serviceability Tools, at
[Link]/support/manuals.

Dell Embedded System Diagnostics

NOTE: Also known as Enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA) diagnostics.
The embedded system diagnostics provides a set of options for particular device groups or devices allowing you to:

Run tests automatically or in an interactive mode

Repeat tests

Display or save test results

Run thorough tests to introduce additional test options to provide extra information about the failed device(s)

View status messages that inform you if tests are completed successfully

View error messages that inform you of problems encountered during testing

When To Use The Embedded System Diagnostics

If a major component or device in the system does not operate properly, running the embedded system diagnostics may
indicate component failure.

Running The Embedded System Diagnostics

The embedded system diagnostics program is run from the Dell Lifecycle Controller.
CAUTION: Use the embedded system diagnostics to test only your system. Using this program with other systems
may cause invalid results or error messages.
1.

As the system boots, press <F11>.

2.

Use the up and down arrow keys to select System Utilities Launch Dell Diagnostics.

133

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

System Diagnostic Controls

Menu

Description

Configuration

Displays the configuration and status information of all detected devices.

Results

Displays the results of all tests that are executed.

System Health

Provides the current overview of the system performance.

Event Log

Displays a time-stamped log of the results of all tests run on the system. This is displayed if at
least one event description is recorded.

134

Jumpers And Connectors

System Board Jumper Settings

For information on resetting the password jumper to disable a password, see Disabling A Forgotten Password.
Table 5. System Board Jumper Settings

Jumper
PWRD_EN

Setting
(default)

Description
The password feature is enabled (pins 46).
The password feature is disabled (pins 24). iDRAC local
access is unlocked at the next AC power cycle.

NVRAM_CLR

(default)

The configuration settings are retained at system boot

(pins 13).
The configuration settings are cleared at the next system
boot (pins 35).

135

System Board Connectors

Figure 78. System Board Jumpers and Connectors

Item

Connector

Description

J_PS2

PSU 2 power connector

J_SATA_CD

Optical drive SATA connector

J_SATA_TBU

Tape backup unit SATA connector

J_BP0

Optical drive power connector

J_TBU

Tape backup unit power connector

J_PS1

PSU 1 power connector

J_IDSDM

Internal dual SD module connector

J_NDC

Network daughter card connector

J_RISER_3A

Riser 3 connector

10

J_RISER_3B

Riser 3 connector

11

J_USB

USB connector

136

Item

Connector

Description

12

J_VIDEO_REAR

Video connector

13

J_COM1

Serial connector

14

J_IDRAC_RJ45

iDRAC7 connector

15

J_CYC

System identification connector

16

CYC_ID

System identification button

17

J_RISER_2A

Riser 2 connector

18

J_RISER_1A

Riser 1 connector

19

J_RISER_2B

Riser 2 connector

20

J_RISER_1B

Riser 1 connector

21

J_STORAGE

Integrated storage controller card connector

22

J_SASX8

Mini SAS connector

23

J_USB_INT

Internal USB connector

24

J_SAS_PCH

SAS connector for software RAID

25

BAT

Battery connector

26

CPU2

Processor socket 2

27

B10, B6, B2, B9, B5, B1

Memory module sockets

28

J_BP3

Backplane power connector

29

J_BP_SIG3

Backplane signal connector 3

30

J_FAN2U_6

Cooling fan connector

31

J_BP_SIG2

Backplane signal connector 2

32

J_FAN2U_5

Cooling fan connector

33

J_BP2

Backplane power connector

34

J_FAN2U_4

Cooling fan connector

35

A10, A6, A2, A9, A5, A1, B3, B7, B11, B4, B8, B12

Memory module sockets

36

J_FAN2U_3

Cooling fan connector

37

J_BP1

Backplane power connector

38

J_FAN2U_2

Cooling fan connector

39

J_FAN2U_1

Cooling fan connector

40

A3, A7, A11, A4, A8, A12

Memory module sockets

41

J_CP

Control panel interface connector

42

CPU1

Processor socket 1

43

J_FP_USB

Front-panel USB connector

44

J_BP_SIG1

Backplane signal connector 1

137

Item

Connector

Description

45

J_BP_SIG0

Backplane signal connector 0

Disabling A Forgotten Password

The system's software security features include a system password and a setup password. The password jumper
enables these password features or disables them and clears any password(s) currently in use.
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your
warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

2.

Open the system.

3.

Move the jumper on the system-board jumper from pins 4 and 6 to pins 2 and 4.

4.

Close the system.

The existing passwords are not disabled (erased) until the system boots with the jumper on pins 2 and 4. However,
before you assign a new system and/or setup password, you must move the jumper back to pins 4 and 6.
NOTE: If you assign a new system and/or setup password with the jumper on pins 2 and 4, the system
disables the new password(s) the next time it boots.

5.

Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.

6.

Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.

7.

Open the system.

8.

Move the jumper on the system-board jumper from pins 2 and 4 to pins 4 and 6.

9.

Close the system.

10. Reconnect the system to its electrical outlet and turn the system on, including any attached peripherals.
11. Assign a new system and/or setup password.

138

Technical Specifications
NOTE: The following specifications apply to both PowerEdge R720 and PowerEdge R720xd unless specified
otherwise.
Processor
Processor type

One or two Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 or E5-2600v2

product family

Expansion Bus
Bus type

PCI Express Generation 3

Expansion slots using riser card:

Riser 1

(Slot 1) One half-height, low-profile x8 link

(Slot 2) One half-height, low-profile x8 link
(Slot 3) One half-height, low-profile x8 link

Riser 2

(Slot 4) One full-height, full-length x16 link

NOTE: To use slots 1 through 4, both the processors
must be installed.
(Slot 5) One full-height, full-length x8 link

Riser 3 (default)

(Slot 6) One full-height, full-length x8 link (PowerEdge

R720)
(Slot 7) One full-height, full-length x8 link (PowerEdge
R720)

Riser 3 (alternate for GPU)

(Slot 6) One full-height, full-length x16 link

Memory
Architecture

800 MT/s, 1066 MT/s, 1333 MT/s or 1600 MT/s, or 1866

MT/s DDR3 registered, unbuffered or load-reduced Error
Correcting Code (ECC) DIMMs
Support for advanced ECC or memory optimized
operation

Memory module sockets

Twenty-four 240-pin

Memory module capacities

LRDIMMs

32 GB quad-ranked or 64 GB octal-ranked

139

Memory
RDIMMs

2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, or 32 GB single-, dual-, or quad-ranked

16 GB single- or dual-ranked

UDIMMs
Minimum RAM

2 GB or 4 GB
2 GB with a single processor
4 GB with two processors

Maximum RAM
LRDIMMs

Up to 1536 GB (PowerEdge R720xd with 2.5 inch harddrive configuration)

RDIMMs

Up to 512 GB

UDIMMs

Up to 64 GB

Drives
Hard drives
(PowerEdge R720)
Fourhard-drive systems

Up to four 3.5 inch, internal, hot-swappable SATA hard

drives in hard-drive slots 0 through 3 (hard-drive slots 4
through 7 do not support any hard drives and are installed
with a hard-drive blank).
NOTE: Fourhard-drive systems support software
RAID. For more information on software RAID, see the
Dell PowerEdge RAID Controller (PERC) documentation
at [Link]/manuals.

Eighthard-drive systems

Up to eight 3.5 inch or 2.5 inch, internal, hot-swappable SAS,

SATA, or Nearline SAS hard drives in hard-drive slots 0
through 7.

Sixteen or eight plus eighthard-drive systems

Up to sixteen 2.5 inch, internal, hot-swappable SAS, SATA,

SATA SSD, or Nearline SAS hard drives in hard-drive slots 0
through 15 or 0 through 7 and 0 through 7.

Twelvehard-drive systems

Up to eight 2.5 inch, internal, hot-swappable SAS, SATA,

SATA SSD, or Nearline SAS hard drives in hard-drive slots 0
through 7 (hard-drive bay 1) and up to four 2.5 inch Dell
PowerEdge Express Flash devices (PCIe SSDs) in hard-drive
slots 0 through 3 (hard-drive bay 2).

Hard drives
(PowerEdge R720xd)

140

Twelve plus twohard-drive systems

Up to twelve 3.5 inch, internal, hot-swappable SAS, SATA,

SATA SSD, or Nearline SAS drives, and two optional 2.5 inch
back-accessible SAS, Nearline SAS, or SSD hard drives in
hard-drive slots 0 through 11 and 12 through 13.

Twenty-four plus twohard-drive systems

Up to twenty-four 2.5 inch, internal, hot-swappable SAS,

SATA, SATA SSD, or Nearline SAS drives in hard-drive slots

Drives
0 through 23 and two optional 2.5 inch back-accessible SAS,
Nearline SAS, or SSD hard drives in hard-drive slots 24 and
25.
Optical drive
(PowerEdge R720)

One optional SATA DVD-ROM drive or DVD+/-RW drive.

NOTE: DVD devices are data only.

Connectors
Back
NIC

Four 10/100/1000 Mbps or two 10/100/1000 Mbps and two

100 Mbps/1 Gbps/10 Gbps

Serial

9-pin, DTE, 16550-compatible

USB

Two 4-pin, USB 2.0-compliant

Video

15-pin VGA

External vFlash card

One flash memory card slot with iDRAC7 Enterprise card

(PowerEdge R720xd)

NOTE: The card slot is available for use only if the

iDRAC7 Enterprise license is installed on your
system.

Front
USB

Two 4-pin, USB 2.0-compliant (PowerEdge R720)

One 4-pin, USB 2.0-compliant (PowerEdge R720xd)

Video

15-pin VGA

External vFlash card

One flash memory card slot with iDRAC7 Enterprise card

(PowerEdge R720)

NOTE: The card slot is available for use only if the

iDRAC7 Enterprise license is installed on your
system.

Internal
USB

One 4-pin, USB 2.0-compliant

Internal Dual SD Module

Two optional flash memory card slots with the internal SD

module
NOTE: One card slot is dedicated for redundancy.

Video
Video type

Integrated Matrox G200

Video memory

16 MB shared

141

Expanded Operating Temperature

NOTE: When operating in the expanded temperature range, system performance may be impacted.
NOTE: When operating in the expanded temperature range, ambient temperature warnings may be reported on
the LCD and in the System Event Log.
< 10% of annual operating hours

5 C to 40 C at 5% to 85% RH with 26 C dew point.

NOTE: Outside the standard operating temperature
(10 C to 35 C), the system can operate down to 5
C or up to 40 C for a maximum of 10% of its annual
operating hours.
For temperatures between 35 C and 40 C, de-rate
maximum allowable dry bulb temperature by 1 C per 175
m above 950 m (1 F per 319 ft).

< 1% of annual operating hours

5 C to 45 C at 5% to 90% RH with 26 C dew point.

NOTE: Outside the standard operating temperature
(10 C to 35 C), the system can operate down to 5
C or up to 45 C for a maximum of 1% of its annual
operating hours.
For temperatures between 40 C and 45 C, de-rate
maximum allowable dry bulb temperature by 1 C per 125
m above 950 m (1 F per 228 ft).

Expanded Operating Temperature Restrictions

Do not perform a cold startup below 5 C.

The operating temperature specified is for a
maximum altitude of 3050 m (10,000 ft).
130 W (4 core) processor is not supported.
Redundant power supplies are required.
Non Dell qualified peripheral cards and/or peripheral
cards greater than 25 W are not supported.
NOTE: For PowerEdge R720, maximum 130 W
processor is supported in either 8 hard drive or 16
hard drive chassis.
NOTE: The following additional restrictions apply to
PowerEdge R720xd.

142

Maximum 95 W processor supported on 3.5 inch hard

drive chassis.
Maximum 115 W processor supported on 2.5 inch
hard drive chassis.
Only SSDs are allowed in the hard drive slots at the
back of the 3.5 inch hard drive chassis.

Environmental
NOTE: For additional information about environmental measurements for specific system configurations, see
[Link]/environmental_datasheets.
Temperature
Maximum Temperature Gradient (Operating and
Storage)

20 C/h (36 F/h)

Storage Temperature Limits

40 C to 65 C (40 F to 149 F)

Temperature (Continuous Operation)

Temperature Ranges (for altitude less than 950 m or
3117 ft)

10 C to 35 C (50 F to 95 F) with no direct sunlight on

the equipment.
NOTE: When using PowerEdge R720 with internal
GPU card(s), the continuous operation range is 10
C to 30 C at 10% to 80% RH, with 26 C max dew
point.

Humidity Percentage Range

10% to 80% Relative Humidity with 26 C (78.8 F)

maximum dew point.

Relative Humidity
Storage

5% to 95% RH with 33 C (91 F) maximum dew point.

Atmosphere must be non-condensing at all times.

Maximum Vibration
Operating

0.26 Grms at 5 Hz to 350 Hz (all operation orientations).

Storage

1.87 Grms at 10 Hz to 500 Hz for 15 min (all six sides

tested).

Maximum Shock
Operating

One shock pulse in the positive z axis of 31 G for 2.6 ms in

all operational orientations.

Storage

Six consecutively executed shock pulses in the positive

and negative x, y, and z axes (one pulse on each side of
the system) of 71 G for up to 2 ms.

Maximum Altitude
Operating

3048 m (10,000 ft).

Storage

12,000 m (39,370 ft).

Operating Altitude De-rating

Up to 35 C (95 F)

Maximum temperature is reduced by 1 C/300 m (1 F/547

ft) above 950 m (3,117 ft).

35 C to 40 C (95 F to 104 F)

Maximum temperature is reduced by 1 C/175 m (1 F/319

ft) above 950 m (3,117 ft).

143

Environmental
40 C to 45 C (104 F to 113 F)

Maximum temperature is reduced by 1 C/125 m (1 F/228

ft) above 950 m (3,117 ft).

Particulate Contamination
NOTE: This section defines the limits to help avoid IT equipment damage and/or failure from particulates and
gaseous contamination. If it is determined that levels of particulates or gaseous pollution are beyond the limits
specified below and are the reason for the damage and/or failures to your equipment, it may be necessary for you
to re-mediate the environmental conditions that are causing the damage and/or failures. Re-mediation of
environmental conditions will be the responsibility of the customer.
Air Filtration
NOTE: Applies to data center environments only.
Air filtration requirements do not apply to IT
equipment designed to be used outside a data
center, in environments such as an office or
factory floor.
Conductive Dust
NOTE: Applies to data center and non-data center
environments.
Corrosive Dust

Data center air filtration as defined by ISO Class 8 per

ISO 14644-1 with a 95% upper confidence limit.
NOTE: Air entering the data center must have
MERV11 or MERV13 filtration.

Air must be free of conductive dust, zinc whiskers, or

other conductive particles.

NOTE: Applies to data center and non-data center

environments.

Air must be free of corrosive dust.

Residual dust present in the air must have a
deliquescent point less than 60% relative humidity.

Gaseous Contamination
NOTE: Maximum corrosive contaminant levels measured at 50% relative humidity.

144

Copper Coupon Corrosion Rate

<300 /month per Class G1 as defined by ANSI/

ISA71.04-1985.

Silver Coupon Corrosion Rate

<200 /month as defined by AHSRAE TC9.9.

System Messages

LCD Messages
NOTE: Applicable only if your system has an LCD display.
The LCD messages consist of brief text messages that refer to events recorded in the System Event Log (SEL). For
information on the SEL and configuring system management settings, see the systems management software
documentation.
NOTE: If your system fails to boot, press the System ID button for at least 5 seconds until an error code is
displayed on the LCD. Record the code, then see System Error Messages.

Viewing LCD Messages

If a system error occurs, the LCD screen will turn amber. Press the Select button to view the list of errors or status
messages. Use the Left and Right buttons to highlight an error number, and press the Select button to view the error.

Removing LCD Messages

For faults associated with sensors, such as temperature, voltage, fans, and so on, the LCD message is automatically
removed when that sensor returns to a normal state. For other faults, you must take action to remove the message from
the display:

Clear the SEL You can perform this task remotely, but you will lose the event history for the system.

Power cycle Turn off the system and disconnect it from the electrical outlet; wait approximately 10 seconds,
reconnect the power cable, and restart the system.

System Error Messages

System messages appear on the monitor to notify you of a possible problem with the system. These messages refer to
events recorded in the System Event Log (SEL). For information on the SEL and configuring system management settings,
see the systems management software documentation.
Some messages are also displayed in an abbreviated form on the system's LCD, if the system includes that feature.
NOTE: The LCD error messages listed here are displayed in the simple format. See Setup Menu to select the
format in which the messages are displayed.
NOTE: If you receive a system message not listed here, check the documentation of the application that was
running when the message was displayed or the operating system's documentation for an explanation of the
message and recommended action.
NOTE: In some messages, a particular system component is identified by name (<name>) component number
(<number>), or location (bay).

145

Error Code
AMP0302

Message Information
Message

The system board <name> current is greater than the upper warning
threshold.

Details

System board <name> current is outside of the optimum range.

Action

AMP0303

ASR0001

ASR0002

146

Review system power policy.

2.

Check system logs for power related failures.

3.

Review system configuration changes.

4.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

The system board <name> current is greater than the upper critical
threshold.

LCD Message

System board <name> current is outside of range.

Details

System board <name> current is outside of the optimum range.

Action

ASR0000

1.

1.

Review system power policy.

2.

Check system logs for power related failures.

3.

Review system configuration changes.

4.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

The watchdog timer expired.

Details

The operating system or an application failed to communicate within

the time-out period.

Action

Check the operating system, application, hardware, and system event

log for exception events.

Message

The watchdog timer reset the system.

Details

The operating system or an application failed to communicate within

the time-out period. The system was reset.

Action

Check the operating system, application, hardware, and system event

log for exception events.

Message

The watchdog timer powered off the system.

Details

The operating system or an application failed to communicate within

the time-out period. The system was shut down.

Action

Check the operating system, application, hardware, and system event

log for exception events.

Error Code
ASR0003

BAT0002

BAT0017

CPU0000

CPU0001

CPU0005

Message Information
Message

The watchdog timer power cycled the system.

Details

The operating system or an application failed to communicate within

the time-out period. The system was power-cycled.

Action

Check the operating system, application, hardware, and system event

log for exception events.

Message

The system board battery has failed.

LCD Message

The system board battery has failed. Check battery.

Details

The system board battery is either missing or bad.

Action

See Getting Help.

Message

The <name> battery has failed.

LCD Message

The <name> battery has failed. Check battery.

Details

The <name> battery is either missing, bad, or unable to charge due to

thermal issues.

Action

Check system fans. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Message

CPU <number> has an internal error (IERR).

LCD Message

CPU <number> has an internal error (IERR).

Details

System Event Log and Operating System Logs may indicate that the
exception is external to the processor.

Action

Review System Event Log and Operating System Logs. If the issue
persists, see Getting Help.

Message

CPU <number> has a thermal trip (over-temperature) event.

LCD Message

CPU <number> has a thermal trip. Check CPU heat sink.

Details

The processor temperature increased beyond the operational range.

Action

Review the logs for fan failures. If no fan failures are detected, check
inlet temperature (if available) and reinstall processor heat sink. If the
problem persists, see Getting Help.

Message

CPU <number> configuration is unsupported.

LCD Message

CPU <number> configuration is unsupported. Check CPU or BIOS

revision.

Details

System is unable to boot or may run in a degraded state.

147

Error Code

CPU0010

CPU0023

CPU0204

Message Information
Action

Review the technical specifications for supported processor types.

Message

CPU <number> is throttled.

Details

The CPU is throttled due to thermal or power conditions.

Action

Review system logs for power or thermal exceptions.

Message

CPU <number> is absent.

LCD Message

CPU <number> is absent. Check CPU.

Action

Verify processor installation. If present, re-seat the processor.

Message

CPU <number> <name> voltage is outside of range.

LCD Message

CPU <number> <name> voltage is outside of range. Re-seat CPU.

Details

Voltages outside the allowable range may damage electrical

components or may cause the system to shutdown.

Action

CPU0700

Ensure the processor is seated correctly.

3.

Reapply input power and turn on the system.

4.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

CPU <number> initialization error detected.

LCD Message

CPU <number> initialization error detected. Power cycle system.

Details

System BIOS was unable to initialize the processor.

1.

Turn off the system and remove input power for one minute.

2.

Ensure the processor is seated correctly.

3.

Reapply input power and turn on the system.

4.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

CPU <number> protocol error detected.

LCD Message

CPU <number> protocol error detected. Power cycle system.

Details

System event log and operating system logs may indicate that the
exception is external to the processor.

Action

148

Turn off the system and remove input power for one minute.

2.

Message

Action

CPU0701

1.

1.

Check system and operating system logs for exceptions. If no

exceptions are found, continue.

Error Code

CPU0702

Message Information
Ensure the processor is seated correctly.

4.

Reapply input power and turn on the system.

5.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

CPU bus parity error detected.

LCD Message

CPU bus parity error detected. Power cycle system.

Details

System event log and operating system logs may indicate that the
exception is external to the processor.
1.

Check system and operating system logs for exceptions. If no

exceptions are found, continue.

2.

Turn off the system and remove input power for one minute.

3.

Ensure the processor is seated correctly.

4.

Reapply input power and turn on the system.

5.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

CPU bus initialization error detected.

LCD Message

CPU bus initialization error detected. Power cycle system.

Details

System event log and operating system logs may indicate that the
exception is external to the processor.

Action

CPU0704

Turn off the system and remove input power for one minute.

3.

Message

Action

CPU0703

2.

1.

Check system and operating system logs for exceptions. If no

exceptions are found, continue.

2.

Turn off the system and remove input power for one minute.

3.

Ensure the processor is seated correctly.

4.

Reapply input power and turn on the system.

5.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

CPU <number> machine check error detected.

LCD Message

CPU <number> machine check error detected. Power cycle system.

Details

System event log and operating system logs may indicate that the
exception is external to the processor.

Action

1.

Check system and operating system logs for exceptions. If no

exceptions are found, continue.

2.

Turn off the system and remove input power for one minute.

3.

Ensure the processor is seated correctly.

4.

Reapply input power and turn on the system.

149

Error Code

Message Information
5.

FAN0000

FAN0001

FAN1201

HWC1001

HWC2003

HWC2005

150

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Fan <number> RPM is less than the lower warning threshold.

Details

Fan operating speed is out of range.

Action

Remove and reinstall the fan. If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Fan <number> RPM is less than the lower critical threshold.

LCD Message

Fan <number> RPM is outside of range. Check fan.

Details

Fan operating speed is out of range.

Action

Remove and reinstall the fan. If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Fan redundancy is lost.

LCD Message

Fan redundancy is lost. Check fans.

Details

Fan has failed.

Action

Remove and reinstall failed fans or install additional fans.

Message

The <name> is absent.

LCD Message

The <name> is absent. Check hardware.

Details

The absent device may be necessary for proper operation. System

functionality may be degraded.

Action

Reinstall or reconnect the hardware.

Message

The storage <name> cable is not connected, or is improperly

connected.

LCD Message

Storage <name> cable or interconnect failure. Check connection.

Details

The cable may be necessary for proper operation. System

functionality may be degraded.

Action

Check if the cable is present, then reinstall or reconnect.

Message

The system board <name> cable is not connected, or is improperly

connected.

LCD Message

System board <name> cable connection failure. Check connection.

Details

The cable may be necessary for proper operation. System

functionality may be degraded.

Error Code

MEM0000

MEM0001

MEM0007

MEM0701

MEM0702

MEM1205

Message Information
Action

Check if the cable is present, then reinstall or reconnect.

Message

Persistent correctable memory errors detected on a memory device

at location(s) <location>.

Details

This is an early indicator of a possible future uncorrectable error.

Action

Re-seat the memory modules. If the issue persists, see Getting Help .

Message

Multi-bit memory errors detected on a memory device at location(s)

<location>.

LCD Message

Multi-bit memory error on <location>. Re-seat memory.

Details

The memory module has encountered an uncorrectable error. System

performance may be degraded. The operating system and/or
applications may fail as a result.

Action

Re-seat the memory modules. If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Unsupported memory configuration; check memory device at location

<location>.

LCD Message

Unsupported memory configuration. Check memory <location>.

Details

The memory may not be seated correctly, misconfigured, or has

failed. Memory size is reduced.

Action

Check the memory configuration. Re-seat the memory modules. If the

issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Correctable memory error rate exceeded for <location>.

Details

The memory may not be operational. This an early indicator of a

possible future uncorrectable error.

Action

Re-seat the memory modules. If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Correctable memory error rate exceeded for <location>.

LCD Message

Correctable memory error rate exceeded for <location>. Re-seat

memory.

Details

The memory may not be operational. This an early indicator of a

possible future uncorrectable error.

Action

Re-seat the memory modules. If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Memory mirror redundancy is lost. Check memory device at

location(s) <location>.

151

Error Code

MEM1208

MEM8000

PCI1302

PCI1304

PCI1308

152

Message Information
LCD Message

Memory mirror lost on <location>. Power cycle system.

Details

The memory may not be seated correctly, misconfigured, or has

failed.

Action

Check the memory configuration. Re-seat the memory modules. If the

issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Memory spare redundancy is lost. Check memory device at location

<location>.

LCD Message

Memory spare lost on <location>. Power cycle system.

Details

Memory sparing is no longer available.

Action

Re-seat the memory modules. If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Correctable memory error logging disabled for a memory device at

location <location>.

LCD Message

SBE log disabled on <location>. Re-seat memory.

Details

Errors are being corrected but no longer logged.

Action

Review system logs for memory exceptions. Reinstall memory at

location <location>.

Message

A bus time-out was detected on a component at bus <bus>

device<device> function <func>.

Details

System performance may be degraded. The device has failed to

respond to a transaction.

Action

Cycle input power, update component drivers, if device is removable,

reinstall the device.

Message

An I/O channel check error was detected.

LCD Message

I/O channel check error detected. Power cycle system.

Action

Cycle input power, update component drivers, if device is removable,

reinstall the device.

Message

A PCI parity error was detected on a component at bus

<bus>device<device>function <func>.

LCD Message

PCI parity error on bus <bus> device <device> function <func>.

Power cycle system.

Details

System performance may be degraded, PCI device may fail to

operate, or system may fail to operate.

Error Code

PCI1320

PCI1342

PCI1348

PCI1360

PDR0001

PDR1016

Message Information
Action

Cycle input power, update component drivers, if device is removable,

reinstall the device.

Message

A bus fatal error was detected on a component at bus

<bus>device<device>function <func>.

LCD Message

Bus fatal error on bus <bus> device <device> function <func>. Power
cycle system.

Details

System performance may be degraded, or system may fail to operate.

Action

Cycle input power, update component drivers, if device is removable,

reinstall the device.

Message

A bus time-out was detected on a component at slot <number>.

Details

System performance may be degraded, or system may fail to operate.

Action

Cycle input power, update component drivers, if device is removable,

reinstall the device.

Message

A PCI parity error was detected on a component at slot <number>.

LCD Message

PCI parity error on slot <number>. Re-seat PCI card.

Details

System performance may be degraded, or system may fail to operate.

Action

Cycle input power, update component drivers, if device is removable,

reinstall the device.

Message

A bus fatal error was detected on a component at slot <number>.

LCD Message

Bus fatal error on slot <number>. Re-seat PCI card.

Details

System performance may be degraded, or system may fail to operate.

Action

Cycle input power, update component drivers, if device is removable,

reinstall the device.

Message

Fault detected on drive <number>.

LCD Message

Fault detected on drive <number>. Check drive.

Details

The controller detected a failure on the disk and has taken the disk
offline.

Action

Remove and re-seat the failed disk. If the issue persists, see Getting
Help.

Message

Drive <number> is removed from disk drive bay <bay>.

153

Error Code

PST0128

PST0129

PSU0001

PSU0002

PSU0003

154

Message Information
LCD Message

Drive <number> removed from disk drive bay <bay>. Check drive.

Details

The controller detected that the drive was removed.

Action

Verify drive installation. Re-seat the failed drive. If the issue persists,
see Getting Help.

Message

No memory is detected.

LCD Message

No memory is detected. Inspect memory devices.

Details

System BIOS was unable to detect memory in the system.

Action

Re-seat the memory modules. If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Memory is detected, but is not configurable.

LCD Message

Memory is detected, but is not configurable. Check memory devices.

Details

System BIOS detected memory, but was unable to configure the

memory for system operation.

Action

Compare system memory installation to supported system memory

configurations.

Message

Power supply <number> failed.

LCD Message

PSU <number> failed. Check PSU.

Action

Remove and reinstall the power supply. If the issue persists, see
Getting Help.

Message

A predictive failure detected on power supply <number>.

LCD Message

Predictive failure on PSU <number>. Check PSU.

Details

System performance and power redundancy may be degraded or

lost.

Action

Remove and reinstall the power supply at the next service window. If
the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

The power input for power supply <number> is lost.

LCD Message

Power input for PSU <number> is lost. Check PSU cables.

Details

The power supply is installed correctly but an input source is not

connected or is not functional.

Action

Verify the input source is attached to the power supply. Verify the
input power is within the operating requirements for the power
supply.

Error Code
PSU0006

PSU0016

Message Information
Message

Power supply <number> type mismatch.

LCD Message

Power supply <number> is incorrectly configured. Check PSU.

Details

Power supplies should be of the same input type and power rating.

Action

Install matched power supplies and review proper configuration in

this manual.

Message

Power supply <number> is absent.

LCD Message

PSU <number> is absent. Check PSU.

Details

The power supply has been removed or has failed.

Action

PSU0031

PSU0032

PSU0033

1.

Remove and reinstall the power supply.

2.

Check cables and subsystem components in the system for

damage.

3.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Cannot communicate with power supply <number>.

LCD Message

Cannot communicate with PSU <number>. Re-seat PSU.

Details

The power supply may operate, however power supply monitoring is

degraded. System performance may be degraded.

Action

Remove and reinstall the power supply. If the issue persists, see
Getting Help.

Message

The temperature for power supply <number> is in a warning range.

Details

System performance may be degraded.

Action

Check the system operating environment, including airflow and inlet

temperature. Check system logs for temperature and thermal
component failures.

Message

The temperature for power supply <number> is outside of the

allowable range.

LCD Message

PSU <number> temperature outside of range. Check PSU.

Details

System performance may be degraded.

Action

Check the system operating environment, including airflow and inlet

temperature. Check system logs for temperature and thermal
component failures.

155

Error Code
PSU0034

Message Information
Message

An under voltage fault detected on power supply <number>.

LCD Message

An under voltage fault detected on PSU <number>. Check power

source.

Details

This failure may be the result of an electrical issue with cables or

subsystem components in the system.

Action

PSU0035

PSU0036

PSU0076

156

Remove and reinstall the power supply.

2.

Check cables and subsystem components in the system for

damage.

3.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

An over voltage fault detected on power supply <number>.

LCD Message

Over voltage fault on PSU <number>. Check PSU.

Action

Check input power or reinstall the power supply. If the issue persists,
see Getting Help.

Message

An over current fault detected on power supply <number>.

LCD Message

An over current fault detected on PSU <number>. Check PSU.

Details

This failure may be the result of an electrical issue with cables or

subsystem components in the system.

Action

PSU0037

1.

1.

Remove and reinstall the power supply.

2.

Check cables and subsystem components in the system for

damage.

3.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Fan failure detected on power supply <number>.

LCD Message

Fan failure detected on PSU <number>. Check PSU.

Action

Check for fan blockage. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Message

A power supply wattage mismatch is detected; power supply

<number> is rated for <value> watts.

LCD Message

PSU wattage mismatch; PSU <number> = <value >watts

Details

Power supplies should be of the same input type and power rating.

Action

Install matched power supplies and review this manual for proper
configuration.

Error Code
PSU1201

PSU1204

PWR1004

PWR1005

PWR1006

RFM1008

Message Information
Message

Power supply redundancy is lost.

Details

The power supply tries to operate in a degraded state. System

Performance and power redundancy may be degraded or lost.

Action

Check input power. Reinstall the power supply. If the issue persists,
see Getting Help.

Message

The power supplies are not redundant. Insufficient resources to

maintain normal operations.

LCD Message

PSU redundancy degraded. Check PSU cables.

Details

The current power operational mode is non-redundant because of a

power supply exception, a power supply inventory change, or a
system power inventory change.

Action

Check the event log for power supply failures. Review system
configuration and power consumption.

Message

The system performance degraded because power capacity has

changed.

Details

The system may power down or operate in a performance degraded

state.

Action

Check the event log for power supply failures. Review system
configuration and power consumption and upgrade or install power
supplies accordingly.

Message

The system performance degraded because the user-defined power

capacity has changed.

Details

The user-defined power settings have affected system operation.

Action

If unintended, review system configuration changes and power

policy.

Message

The system halted because system power exceeds capacity.

LCD Message

System power demand exceeds capacity. System halted.

Details

The system halted because system power exceeds capacity.

Action

Review system configuration, upgrade power supplies or reduce

system power consumption.

Message

Failure detected on Removable Flash Media <name>.

LCD Message

Removable Flash Media <name> failed. Check SD Card.

157

Error Code

RFM1014

RFM1201

RFM2001

RFM2002

RFM2004

RFM2006

158

Message Information
Details

An error was reported during a SD card read or write.

Action

Reseat the flash media. If the problem persists, see Getting Help.

Message

Removable Flash Media <name> is write protected.

LCD Message

Removable Flash Media <name> is write protected. Check SD Card.

Details

The card is write-protected by the physical latch on the SD card. A

write-protected card cannot be used.

Action

If unintended, remove the media and disable write protection.

Message

Internal Dual SD Module redundancy is lost.

LCD Message

Internal Dual SD Module redundancy is lost. Check SD Card.

Details

Either one or both the SD cards are not functioning properly.

Action

See Getting Help.

Message

Internal Dual SD Module <name> is absent.

LCD Message

Internal Dual SD Module <name> is absent. Check SD Card.

Details

The SD card module is not detected or not installed.

Action

If unintended, reinstall the SD module.

Message

Internal Dual SD Module <name> is offline.

Details

The SD card module is installed but may be improperly installed or

configured incorrectly.

Action

Reinstall the SD module.

Message

Failure detected on Internal Dual SD Module <name>.

LCD Message

Internal Dual SD Module <name> failed. Check SD Card.

Details

The SD card module is installed but improperly configured or failed to

initialize.

Action

Reinstall the SD module and remove and reinstall SD cards.

Message

Internal Dual SD Module <name> is write protected.

Details

The module is write-protected. Changes may not be written to the

media.

Action

If unintended, remove the media and disable write protection.

Error Code
SEC0031

SEC0033

SEL0006

SEL0008

SEL0012

SEL1204

Message Information
Message

The chassis is open while the power is on.

LCD Message

Intrusion detected. Check chassis cover.

Details

The chassis is open. System performance may be degraded, and

security may be compromised.

Action

Close the chassis. Check system logs.

Message

The chassis is open while the power is off.

LCD Message

Intrusion detected. Check chassis cover.

Details

The chassis was opened while the power was off. System security
may have been compromised.

Action

Close the chassis and verify hardware inventory. Check system logs.

Message

All event logging is disabled.

Details

This message is displayed when all event logging has been disabled
by the user.

Action

If unintended, re-enable logging.

Message

Log is full.

Details

When the event log is full, additional events are not written to the log.
Older events may be overwritten and lost. This message may also
appear if the user disabled event logging.

Action

Backup and clear log.

Message

Could not create or initialize the system event log.

Details

If the system event log fails to initialize, platform status and failure
events are not captured. Some management software do not report
platform exceptions.

Action

Reboot the management controller or iDRAC. Cycle system input

power. If problem persists call support.

Message

An unknown system hardware failure detected.

LCD Message

Unknown system hardware failure.

Details

If the system event log failed to initialize, platform status and failure
events are not captured. Some management software do not report
platform exceptions.

159

Error Code

TMP0118

TMP0119

TMP0120

TMP0121

VLT0204

Message Information
Action

Re-configure system to the minimum supported configuration. If

issues persists, contact support.

Message

The system inlet temperature is less than the lower warning

threshold.

LCD Message

System inlet temperature is outside of range.

Details

Ambient air temperature is too cool.

Action

Check the system operating environment.

Message

The system inlet temperature is less than the lower critical threshold.

LCD Message

System inlet temperature is outside of range.

Details

Ambient air temperature is too cool.

Action

Check the system operating environment.

Message

The system inlet temperature is greater than the upper warning

threshold.

LCD Message

System inlet temperature is outside of range.

Details

Ambient air temperature is too warm or one or more fans may have
failed.

Action

Check the system operating environment and review event log for fan
failures.

Message

The system inlet temperature is greater than the upper critical

threshold.

LCD Message

System inlet <name> temperature is outside of range. Check Fans.

Details

Ambient air temperature is too warm or one or more fans may have
failed.

Action

Check the system operating environment and review event log for fan
failures.

Message

The system board <name> voltage is outside of the allowable range.

LCD Message

System board voltage is outside of range.

Details

System hardware detected an over voltage or under voltage

condition.
If multiple voltage exceptions occur consecutively the system may
power down in fail-safe mode.

160

Error Code

Message Information
Action

1.

Review system logs for power supply exceptions.

2.

Re-configure the system to minimum configuration, inspect and

reinstall system cables.

3.

If the issue persists, see Getting Help.

Warning Messages
A warning message alerts you to a possible problem and prompts you to respond before the system continues a task.
For example, before you format a hard drive, a message warns you that you may lose all data on the hard drive. Warning
messages usually interrupt the task and require you to respond by typing y (yes) or n (no).
NOTE: Warning messages are generated by either the application or the operating system. For more information,
see the documentation that accompanied the operating system or application.

Diagnostic Messages
The system diagnostic utilities may issue messages if you run diagnostic tests on your system. See the Using System
Diagnostics chapter for more information about system diagnostics.

Alert Messages
Systems management software generates alert messages for your system. Alert messages include information, status,
warning, and failure messages for drive, temperature, fan, and power conditions. For more information, see the systems
management software documentation.

161

Getting Help

Contacting Dell
NOTE: If you do not have an active Internet connection, you can find contact information on your purchase
invoice, packing slip, bill, or Dell product catalog.
Dell provides several online and telephone-based support and service options. Availability varies by country and
product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical support, or customer
service issues:
1.

Visit [Link]/support

2.

Select your support category.

3.

Verify your country or region in the Choose a Country/Region drop-down menu at the top of page.

4.

Select the appropriate service or support link based on your need.

162