This chapter tells you how to upgrade a Silicon Graphics Octane2 workstation containing a single VPro graphics board to one containing two VPro graphics boards.
This upgrade is accomplished by removing the existing XIO Tri-Module (holding the single head graphics board set) and replacing it with a new Dual Head XIO Module (holding the Dual Head graphics board sets). The original XIO Tri-Module, along with its attached graphics card, is then returned to SGI.
Before performing the installation, check any release notes for software information.
 | Note: Before proceeding with the upgrade, ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for VPro Dual Head graphics detailed in Appendix A, “Checking for VPro Dual Head Readiness”. |
Dual graphics boards in the Octane2 workstation are designated primary and secondary heads.
All graphics boards reside on the XIO module. Access to this module is from the back of the Octane2 workstation, as shown in Figure 1-1.
Octane2 systems with a single graphics head contain an XIO Tri-Module. The XIO Tri-Module holds the VPro graphics boards and any optional XIO boards installed in the system.
Octane2 systems with two graphics heads (that is, Dual Head systems) contain a Dual Head XIO module. The Dual Head XIO module holds two graphics heads, with each head occupying two XIO slots. There are thus no slots available for additional XIO boards.
Follow the directions in this chapter to install the Octane2 Dual Head graphics upgrade, beginning with the next section.
Open the cover and push the power button once to power off the Octane2 workstation (see Figure 1-2).
Unplug the power cord.
Power off the monitor by pressing the monitor power button.
Wait 5 minutes before removing the XIO Tri-Module.
Warning: The heatsinks on the XIO boards become very hot. Wait 5 minutes after powering off the Octane2 workstation before you remove the XIO Tri-Module. Test before touching any of the XIO boards. Remove all the cables from the XIO Tri-Module, as shown in Figure 1-3 (only one cable is shown here).
Attach the wrist strap. See Figure 1-4 and follow these steps:
Unwrap the first two folds of the band and wrap the exposed adhesive side firmly around your wrist.
Unroll the rest of the band and peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end.
Attach the copper foil to the XIO Tri-Module. Otherwise, use any convenient and exposed electrical ground, such as a metal part of the Octane2 workstation.
Caution: The components inside the Octane2 workstation are extremely sensitive to static electricity; you must wear the wrist strap while replacing parts inside the workstation.
Before removing the XIO Tri-Module, you must power off the Octane2 workstation, wait 5 minutes to allow the heat sinks to cool, and attach the wrist strap. If you have not already done this, go to “Preparing the Workstation to Install the Dual Head XIO Module” and follow the instructions through attaching the wrist strap. Then return here and follow the directions.
| Caution: When you remove the XIO Tri-Module, the compression connectors on the back of the XIO boards are accessible and easily damaged. Do not touch or bump the bristled pad (shown in Figure 1-5). All XIO graphics boards have compression connectors, as do most XIO option boards. Before you remove the XIO Tri-Module, read Appendix B, “Care and Cleaning of Compression Connectors”. |
| Warning: The heat sinks on the XIO boards become very hot. Wait 5 minutes after powering off the Octane2 workstation before you remove the XIO Tri-Module. Test before touching any of the XIO boards. |
Loosen the two captive screws in the XIO Tri-Module handles with the supplied Phillips screwdriver, as shown in Figure 1-6, until the screws are disconnected from the chassis.
Grasp the plastic knobs and pull until the XIO Tri-Module latching board protrudes about an inch (2.5 cm) from the chassis, as shown in Figure 1-7.
The plastic knobs and XIO Tri-Module latching board move out about one inch (2.5 cm) before the XIO Tri-Module itself moves.
Continue to pull on the plastic knobs until the XIO Tri-Module releases from the workstation.
Grasp the XIO Tri-Module along its length, and support the base of the module with your hand as you remove it from the chassis, as shown in Figure 1-8.
The plastic knob assembly protrudes when the XIO Tri-Module is out of the chassis. When the assembly protrudes, the identification label for XIO slots B and C is visible. XIO slots A and D are on the reverse side. See Figure 1-9.
Note: Do not push on the plastic knob assembly after you have removed the XIO Tri-Module. The module locks to the workstation only if the plastic knob assembly is protruding. Place the XIO Tri-Module on a flat, antistatic surface. An empty antistatic bag on your desk works well.
Caution: Do not touch or bump the gold (front) surface of the XIO compression connector. Touching it could damage the connector. Place a protective cap on the XIO compression connector to prevent damage when the XIO boards are removed from the Octane2 workstation. See Appendix B, “Care and Cleaning of Compression Connectors”. Place a cap over the compression connector on each XIO board. Spare caps are shipped with the Octane2 workstation, or you may use one of the caps that came on your new Dual Head XIO module. See Figure 1-10.
Place the XIO Tri-Module in an antistatic bag.
Follow the instructions in this section to install a Dual Head XIO module in an Octane2 workstation.
The instructions in this section assume that you have completed the instructions in “Removing the Existing XIO Tri-Module”, and now have an Octane2 that:
Is powered off and unplugged
Has an empty XIO module slot
Has a wrist strap properly attached
Is “VPro Dual Head Ready,” as described in Appendix A, “Checking for VPro Dual Head Readiness”.
Note: Be sure to install the Dual Head XIO module in the orientation shown in Figure 1-11. This orientation can be confirmed by ensuring that the silk-screened labels on the I/O panel are right-side up, and that the center plastic knob is in the orientation shown in Figure 1-11.
Remove the caps from both Dual Head XIO Module compression connectors.
Make sure the center plastic knob protrudes from the I/O panel, as shown in Figure 1-12.
Slide the Dual Head XIO module into the guides on the top and bottom of the workstation, as shown in Figure 1-12. Be sure the module is oriented correctly, as shown in Figure 1-11. If the module does not slide smoothly into the chassis, rock it very slightly up and down.
If the Dual Head XIO module stops before it is fully inserted, check the center plastic knob. If the center plastic knob is flush with I/O panel, back the entire module out of the slot about an inch (2.5 cm), pull out the center knob, and then continue inserting the Dual Head XIO module into the chassis.
If the center plastic knob is correctly extended, but the module still does not seat fully, the connectors may not be mating correctly to the frontplane. Try fully removing the module and carefully reinserting it.
Once the Dual Head XIO Module is fully inserted, grasp the center plastic knob, as shown in Figure 1-13, and push it into place against the I/O panel.
Gently tighten each of the three captive screws in the plastic knobs, as shown in Figure 1-14. Be careful not to cross-thread these screws and do not over-tighten them.
Remove the wrist strap.
To return any parts, use the packaging materials and box that came with those replacement parts.
For product support information, see “Product Support ”.
You are finished installing the Dual Head XIO module. Go to Chapter 2, “Connecting the Monitors”.