Chapter 4. Installing and Removing Customer-Replaceable Units

This chapter provides safety instructions to follow when using and maintaining your system. It also describes how to install and remove customer-replaceable units (CRUs). This information is covered in the following sections:

Safety Instructions

Before you perform any type of maintenance to your system, read the following safety instructions:

  • Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product and noted in this and other documentation included with the product.

  • Unplug this product from the wall outlet before you clean it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

  • Do not use this product near water.

  • Do not place this product or components of this product on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to the product.

  • Perforation openings on the cabinet and components are provided for ventilation, reliable operation, and protection from overheating of the product. These ventilation holes must not be blocked or covered. This product should never be placed near or over a radiator or heat register, or in a built-in installation unless proper ventilation is provided.

  • This product should be operated with the type of power indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power available, consult your dealer or local power company.

  • Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord. Do not locate this product where people will walk on the cord.

  • Do not use extension cords with your SGI system.

  • Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet holes because they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock.

  • Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

  • Do not attempt to service this product yourself except as noted in this guide. Opening or removing covers of internal components may expose you to dangerous voltage points or other risks. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

  • Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

    • If the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.

    • If the product has been exposed to rain, water, or other type of liquid.

    • If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed.


      Note: Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, because improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to normal condition.


    • If the product has been dropped or if the cabinet has been damaged.

    • If the product exhibits a distinct change in performance, which indicates a need for service.

  • Only qualified service personnel should replace the soldered lithium battery (or batteries) in the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. Please see Appendix D, “Regulatory Specifications and Safety Information” for more information.

  • Use only the proper type of power supply cord set (provided with the system) for this unit.

Accessing the System's Internal Components

Many of the procedures in this chapter require the removal of the top cover, a frame rail, or a support bracket in order to access the internal components you are removing or replacing. This section describes how to remove and replace these items.

Opening the Cover

Use the following steps to open the cover:

  1. To remove the module's top cover and access the internal system components, remove the ten Phillips screws as shown in Figure 4-1.

  2. Lift the hinged cover into the fully open position.

    Figure 4-1. Opening the System Cover

    Opening the System Cover

Removing the Optional Chassis Rail

If you are installing a card in one of the two lower-most card slots (or the bottom card, in the case of an XG2N module), you will need to remove the optional chassis rail. To do this, unscrew the five Phillips screws, as shown in Figure 4-2. (If you are not installing a card into one of the lower-most card slots, or your module is not slide-rail mounted, you will not need to perform this step.)


Caution: The module may or may not have a factory-installed IO10 card, which always comes installed in the lowermost slot. To prevent damage to your system, only a trained SGI service support engineer can install or remove an IO10 card.

Figure 4-2. Removing an Optional Chassis Rail

Removing an Optional Chassis Rail

Removing the PCI/PCI-X Support Bracket

If you are accessing one of the two lower-most card slots (or the bottom card, in the case of an XG2N module), you must remove the lower PCI/PCI–X support bracket that covers the two lower-most slots. To do this remove the four Phillips screws, as shown in Figure 4-3. (If you are not installing a card into one of the lower-most card slots you will not need to perform this step.)

Figure 4-3. Removing the Lower PCI/PCI–X Support Bracket

Removing the Lower PCI/PCI–X Support Bracket

Reinstalling the PCI/PCI-X Support Bracket

If you removed the PCI/PCI-X support bracket, replace it and screw in the four Phillips screws, as shown in Figure 4-4

Figure 4-4. Replacing the Lower PCI/PCI–X Support Bracket

Replacing the Lower PCI/PCI–X Support Bracket

Reinstalling the Optional Chassis Rail

If you removed the optional chassis rail, replace it and screw in the five Phillips screws, as shown in Figure 4-5

Figure 4-5. Replacing the Chassis Rail

Replacing the Chassis Rail

Closing the Cover

Use the following steps to close the cover:

  1. Close the hinged cover on the system and screw in the ten Phillips screws to secure the cover, as shown in Figure 4-6.

    Figure 4-6. Closing the System Cover

    Closing the System Cover

PCI and PCI–X Cards

Your base compute module and various optional modules in your system support PCI and PCI–X cards. The following instructions, which describe how to install and remove a PCI or PCI–X card from system base compute module, can be used to install and remove PCI and PCI–X cards from the base compute, CPU expansion, or CMPX module. For specific information on removing or replacing XG2N graphics cards, see “Replacing an XG2N Graphics Card”.

Figure 4-7 shows the location of the PCI and PCI–X card slots in the base compute module.

For an updated list of supported PCI and PCI-X cards, see SGI Supportfolio at http://support.sgi.com .

This section describes the following:

Rules for Card Installation and Removal

When installing or removing PCI or PCI–X cards from your system, be aware of the following rules:

  • If you operate PCI and PCI–X cards on the same bus at the same time, the PCI–X card will run in PCI mode.

  • If you place cards of different speeds on the same bus, the highest-speed card will run at the speed of the slower card. For example, if you have a 100 MHz-capable card in one slot of a bus and a 33 MHz card on the second slot of the same bus, both cards will run at 33 MHz.

  • When deciding to install a PCI or PCI–X card, be aware that if an IO10 card (a PCI card that runs at 66 MHz) is installed in your module (in the lowermost slot), and if you want to install a card in the slot immediately above the IO10, the slot will operate only in PCI mode at a speed no faster than 66 MHz.

  • Note the following caution when installing or removing a card:


    Caution: Electronic equipment can be irreparably damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Always follow these preventive measures when you handle a system component:

    - Remove a component from its antistatic bag only when you are ready to install it.

    - If you handle a component before installation, do not place it on surfaces that produce ESD (carpeting, for example) or near devices that create static electricity.

    - Attach a static wrist strap to a grounded connection on your system when you install or remove a component.


Installing a PCI or PCI-X Card

To install a PCI or PCI–X card, follow these steps:

  1. Power off the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For power off instructions, see “Powering Off Manually” in Chapter 1.

  2. Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module.


    Warning: Components may be hot. To avoid injury, allow the components to cool for approximately five minutes before you proceed with these instructions.


  3. If your module is rackmounted, remove the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. If the module is mounted with shelf rails, remove the screws at the rear. If your module is not rackmounted, proceed to step 5.

  4. If the module is mounted with the optional slide rail kit, pull the module from the rack until it is stopped by the safety latches. If the module uses shelf rails, two people should lift the unit from the rack and place it on a stable work surface.

  5. Open the top cover as described in “Opening the Cover”.

  6. If you are installing a card into the top two PCI/PCI–X slots, you can install it without completely removing the module from the rack (optional slide rails only).


    Note: If you are removing a card from one of the two lower slots (bus 1, slot 1, or bus 1, slot 2), you must remove the module from the rack. For detailed instructions, see “Removing a Rail-Mounted Module from a Rack” in Appendix B.


  7. Make sure that you read “Safety Instructions ”, and “Rules for Card Installation and Removal” before beginning your card installation.

  8. If you are installing a card in one of the two lower-most card slots, you also need to remove the optional chassis rail, as described in “Removing the Optional Chassis Rail”. (If you are not installing a card into one of the lower-most card slots or your module is not slide-rail mounted, proceed to step 9.)


    Caution: The module may or may not have a factory-installed IO10 card, which always comes installed in the lowermost slot. To prevent damage to your system, only a trained SGI service support engineer can install or remove an IO10 card.


  9. If you are installing a card in one of the two lower-most card slots, you must remove the lower PCI/PCI–X support bracket that covers the two lowermost slots, as described in “Removing the PCI/PCI-X Support Bracket”.

  10. If a blanking plate covers the slot that is needed for the installation, remove the retaining screw, as shown in Figure 4-8, and the blanking plate.

    Figure 4-8. Removing the Blanking Plate

    Removing the Blanking Plate

  11. Insert the card into the slot by pushing the card into the connector until it is properly seated and install the retaining screw, as shown in Figure 4-9. If you have installed the card into one of the upper two slots, proceed to step 13.

    Figure 4-9. Installing the Card and Retaining Screw

    Installing the Card and Retaining Screw

  12. If you have installed a card in one of the two bottommost card slots, replace the lower PCI/PCI–X support bracket as described in “Reinstalling the PCI/PCI-X Support Bracket”.

  13. If you removed the optional chassis rail, replace it as described in “Reinstalling the Optional Chassis Rail”.

  14. Close the top cover as described in “Closing the Cover”.

  15. If you removed the module from the rack, perform the following substeps. (If you have not removed the module from the rack, proceed to step 16.)

    1. Fully extend the left and right slide rails from the rack until they lock into place.

    2. This step requires two people. With one person holding each side of the module, align the chassis rails of the module with the slide rails of the rack.

    3. Slide the chassis rails into the slide rails until the chassis rails are stopped by the safety latches.

  16. Press the safety latches on both sides of the module and slide the module into the rack.

  17. Install the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. For shelf mounted units, install the two screws at the rear of the module.

  18. Install all of the cables at the rear of the module.

  19. Power on the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For power on instructions, see “Power-On the System” in Chapter 1.

Removing a PCI or PCI–X Card

To remove a PCI or PCI–X card, follow these steps:

  1. Power off the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For powering off instructions, see “Powering Off Manually” in Chapter 1.

  2. Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module.


    Warning: Components may be hot. To avoid injury, allow the components to cool for approximately five minutes before you proceed with these instructions.


  3. Remove the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack.

  4. If the module is mounted on shelf rails, remove the two screws at the rear of the unit.

  5. If your system uses optional slide rails, pull the module from the rack until it is stopped by the safety latches, then press the latches to release the unit.

  6. Use two people to move the module from the rack to a sturdy non-static surface.


    Note: If you are removing a PCI or PCI–X card from one of the two lower slots (bus 1, slot 1, or bus 1, slot 2), you must remove the module from the rack. For detailed instructions, see “Removing a Rail-Mounted Module from a Rack” in Appendix B.


  7. Open the top cover as described in “Opening the Cover”.

  8. Make sure that you read “Safety Instructions ”, and “Rules for Card Installation and Removal”, before installing the card.

  9. If you are removing a card from one of the two lower-most card slots, you also need to remove the optional chassis rail, as described in “Removing the Optional Chassis Rail”. (If you are not removing a card from one of the lower-most card slots or your module is not slide-rail mounted, proceed to step 10.)


    Caution: The module may or may not have a factory-installed IO10 card, which always comes installed in the lowermost slot. To prevent damage to your system, only a trained SGI service support engineer can install or remove an IO10 card.


  10. If you are removing a card from one of the two lower-most card slots, you must remove the lower PCI/PCI–X support bracket that covers the two lowermost slots, as described in “Removing the PCI/PCI-X Support Bracket”.

  11. Unscrew the retaining screw from the card that you will remove, and extract the card, as shown in Figure 4-10. Place the card on an ESD-safe surface.

    Figure 4-10. Removing the Retaining Screw and Extracting the Card

    Removing the Retaining Screw and Extracting the Card

  12. If you are replacing the card that you have removed, reference the instructions in “Installing a PCI or PCI-X Card”. If you are not replacing the card that you have removed, proceed to the next step.

  13. Place a blanking plate to cover the slot where you removed the card, and screw in the retaining screw, as shown in Figure 4-11. After installing the blanking plate, if you have removed a card from one of the two lowermost slots, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, proceed to step 14.

    Figure 4-11. Replacing a Blanking Plate

    Replacing a Blanking Plate

  14. If you have removed a card from one of the two bottommost card slots, replace the lower PCI/PCI–X support bracket as described in “Reinstalling the PCI/PCI-X Support Bracket”.

  15. If you removed the optional chassis rail, replace it as described in “Reinstalling the Optional Chassis Rail”.

  16. Close the top cover as described in “Closing the Cover”.

  17. If your system uses optional slide rails and you removed the module from the rack, follow these substeps; if not, go on to step 19.

    1. Fully extend the left and right slide rails from the rack until they lock into place.

    2. This step requires two people. With one person holding each side of the module, align the chassis rails of the module with the slide rails of the rack.

    3. Slide the chassis rails into the slide rails until stopped by the safety latches.

  18. Press the safety latches on both sides of the module, and slide it into the rack.

  19. For modules mounted on shelf rails, use two people to slide the unit into the rack.

  20. Install the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. For shelf mounted units, secure the two screws at the back.

  21. Install all of the cables at the rear of the module.

  22. Power on the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For powering on instructions, see “Power-On the System” in Chapter 1.

Replacing an XG2N Graphics Card

To replace a graphics card, follow these steps:

  1. Power off the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For power off instructions, see “Powering Off Manually” in Chapter 1.

  2. Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module.


    Warning: Components may be hot. To avoid injury, allow the components to cool for approximately five minutes before you proceed with these instructions.


  3. If your module is rackmounted, remove the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. If the module is mounted with shelf rails, remove the screws at the rear also. If your module is not rackmounted, proceed to step 6.

  4. If the module is mounted with the optional slide rail kit, pull the module from the rack until it is stopped by the safety latches. Otherwise, two people should lift the unit from the rack and place it on a stable work surface.

  5. Remove the module (using two people) from the optional slide rails by depressing the safety latches and sliding the module outward. Place it on a stable work surface.

  6. Open the top cover as described in “Opening the Cover”.

  7. Make sure that you read “Safety Instructions ”, before beginning removal of a graphics card.

  8. When removing and replacing a graphics card, you may need to remove an optional chassis rail by unscrewing the five Phillips screws (as described in “Removing the Optional Chassis Rail”).

  9. Remove the lower PCI/PCI–X support bracket by unscrewing the four Phillips screws, as shown in Figure 4-12.

    Figure 4-12. Removing the XG2N Graphics Card Bracket

    Removing the XG2N Graphics Card Bracket

  10. Undo and remove the two screws that hold the card to the back panel, as shown in Figure 4-13.


    Caution: Each graphics card has a 7-pin synchronization cable connected from the PCI riser board to the underside of the graphics card. Be careful not to pull the graphics card away from the board too far as you remove it.


  11. Pull the card gently out of the main connector on the riser board until it is clear of the back panel and main connector.

  12. Carefully rotate the board over and disconnect the 7-pin keyed synchronization cable from the bottom of the graphics board (it attaches the graphics card assembly to the PCI riser board). See Figure 4-14.

  13. Place the graphics card on an ESD-safe surface or in a protective bag.

    Figure 4-13. Remove XG2N Graphics Board Assembly

    Remove XG2N Graphics Board Assembly

    Figure 4-14. Synchronization Cable Connection on Underside of Graphics Board

    Synchronization Cable Connection on Underside of Graphics Board

To install a new XG2N graphics card, use the following steps:

  1. Place the board close to the graphics connector on the riser board and tilt it up until you can see the connector location for the 7-pin synchronization cable.

  2. Gently insert the 7-pin synchronization cable into the connector on the bottom of the replacement graphics card (see Figure 4-14). The connector is keyed and will only insert in the proper orientation. You should hear or feel a slight snap as the connector is seated.

  3. Insert the card into the slot the old graphics card was removed from by pushing the card into the connector until it is properly seated and installing the back panel retaining screws, as shown in Figure 4-15.

    Be careful not to snag the 7-pin synchronization cable between the graphics card and the riser board connector when you install the new card.

    Figure 4-15. Installing the Graphics Card and Retaining Screws

    Installing the Graphics Card and Retaining Screws

  4. Replace the lower PCI/PCI–X support bracket and screw in the four Phillips screws, as shown in Figure 4-16.

    Figure 4-16. Replacing the PCI/PCI–X Support Bracket

    Replacing the PCI/PCI–X Support Bracket

  5. Replace the optional chassis rail (if applicable) as described in “Reinstalling the Optional Chassis Rail”.

  6. Close the top cover as described in “Closing the Cover”.

  7. If your system uses optional slide rails, follow substeps a-d; otherwise go to step 8.

    1. Fully extend the left and right slide rails from the rack until they lock into place.

    2. This step requires two people. With one person holding each side of the module, align the chassis rails of the module with the slide rails of the rack.

    3. Slide the chassis rails into the slide rails until the chassis rails are stopped by the safety latches.

    4. Press the safety latches on both sides of the module, and slide the module into the rack.

  8. For modules mounted on shelf rails, use two people to slide the unit into the rack.

  9. Install the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. For shelf mounted units, secure the two screws at the back.

  10. Install all of the cables at the rear of the module.

  11. Power on the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For powering on instructions, see “Power-On the System” in Chapter 1.

Disk Drives

Each base compute module contains one or two sled-mounted serial ATA disk drives (see Figure 4-17).

Figure 4-17. Disk Drive Locations

Disk Drive Locations

Installing a Disk Drive

To install a disk drive, follow these steps:

  1. Open the bezel door as far as it will open. Position the drive assembly so that it engages the bay guide rails and, with the locking handle fully swung open, gently push the drive into the bay until the locking handle engages with left side of the bay opening, as shown in Figure 4-18A.


    Note: If you have only one disk drive in your system, it should be located in the bottom-most slot.


  2. Swing the locking handle towards the chassis until the locking handle engages the latch, as shown in Figure 4-18B and Figure 4-18C.

  3. Close the bezel door, as shown in Figure 4-18D.

    Figure 4-18. Installing a Disk Drive

    Installing a Disk Drive

Removing a Disk Drive 

To remove a disk drive, follow these steps:

  1. If you are replacing the system drive, you must first power off the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For instructions to power off the Silicon Graphics Prism platform, see “Powering Off Manually” in Chapter 1.

    If you are replacing a data drive, ensure that the drive has spun down before you remove it.

  2. Open the bezel door located on the left side of the front panel of the module, as shown in Figure 4-19A. (Make sure that you open the door as far as it will open.)

  3. Remove the drive by depressing the locking handle with your forefinger (Figure 4-19B). Then swing open the locking handle away from the chassis until the handle disengages the drive connector from the backplane connector (see Figure 4-19C).


    Note: If you will have only one disk drive, it should be located in the bottom–most slot.


  4. Carefully slide the drive out of the bay (see Figure 4-19D) and gently place it on a flat ESD-safe surface. (Do not use the handle to pull the drive out of the bay.)

  5. If you are replacing the disk drive, proceed to “Installing a Disk Drive”. (After you have replaced the disk drive, return to step 8 for instructions to power on your module.) If you are not replacing the disk drive, proceed to the next step.

  6. Close the bezel door.

  7. Power on the Silicon Graphics Prism platform as described in “Power-On the System” in Chapter 1.

    Figure 4-19. Removing a Disk Drive

    Removing a Disk Drive

Removing and Replacing Power Supplies

Each module in a Silicon Graphics Prism system can contain one or two sled-mounted power supplies (see Figure 4-20). For information on determining the operational status of a power supply, see “Reading Power Supply Status LEDs” in Chapter 5.


Note: The XG2N graphics module always requires two power supplies; no redundant power is available. The system must be shut down prior to power supply replacement.

Figure 4-20. Power Supplies Location

Power Supplies Location

To replace a power supply, follow these steps:

  1. If you are replacing a power supply in an XG2N module, power off the Silicon Graphics Prism platform as described in the section “Powering Off Manually” in Chapter 1. The XG2N module always uses two supplies. There is no redundant power supply option available.

  2. Remove the power supply to be replaced, as follows:

    1. Swing open the bezel door located on the right side of the module front panel. With a Phillips screw driver, unscrew the two screws on the screen cover as shown in Figure 4-21A.

    2. Swing open the screen cover as shown in Figure 4-21B.

    3. Disengage the power supply from the power supply bay by pushing the interior release button to the right and pulling up and out on the green–colored handle lock as shown in Figure 4-21C.

    4. Gently pull out the power supply from the chassis until it clears the power supply bay as shown in Figure 4-21D. Place the power supply on an ESD-safe surface.


      Caution: When pulling out the power supply from the chassis, make sure not to disturb the power supply fan's ribbon cable.


  3. Install the replacement power supply, as follows:

    1. Position the power supply in the slot and with the power supply handle pulled up (fully opened), gently push the power supply into the bay as shown in Figure 4-22A.


      Caution: When installing the power supply, make sure that the power supply does not clip or pinch the power supply fan's ribbon cable.


    2. Push in and down on the green–colored handle and snap the power supply into place as shown in Figure 4-22B.

    3. After you have installed the power supply, swing the screen cover until it closes as shown in Figure 4-22C.


      Caution: When closing the screen cover, make sure that the cover does not clip or pinch the power supply fan's ribbon cable.


    4. Screw in the two Phillips screws that you had removed as shown in Figure 4-22D, and close the bezel door.

  4. Power on the Silicon Graphics Prism platform, as described in “Power-On the System” in Chapter 1.

    Figure 4-21. Removing a Power Supply

    Removing a Power Supply

    Figure 4-22. Installing the Power Supply

    Installing the Power Supply

Removing and Replacing Memory DIMMs

This section provides guidelines for DIMM selection and installation, followed by instructions to install and remove DIMMs.

Memory DIMM Group Placement and Guidelines

Memory is contained on cards that are referred to as DIMMs (dual inline memory modules). Each base compute, XG2N, CPU expansion, or CMPX module can contain four, eight, or twelve DIMMs installed in DIMM slots located on the module's node board.

These twelve DIMM slots are organized into three groups of four DIMMs each, as shown in Figure 4-23.

DIMMs are installed one per DIMM slot, and must be installed in groups of four.

Follow these guidelines when installing DIMM groups:

  • Memory is increased or decreased in four-DIMM group increments only.

  • Each of the four DIMMs that make up a DIMM group must be the same memory size and speed; however, different groups of DIMMs can differ in memory size.

  • The first four DIMMs (group 0) must be in place for the base compute module to operate properly.

  • Mixing DIMM groups with different access speeds will cause the memory bus to default to the speed used for the slowest group.

  • The maximum bus speed for a completely full set of DIMM memory slots (three installed groups), defaults to 100 MHz or 133 MHz, depending on the type of DIMMs installed.

  • The DIMMs used in the Silicon Graphics Prism platform modules are not compatible with DIMMs used in the Origin 200, Origin 350 series, SGI 3000 series, SGI 2000 series, Onyx systems, Fuel, Octane or Tezro systems.

    Figure 4-23. Layout of Slots and DIMM Memory Groups

    Layout of Slots and DIMM Memory Groups


    Caution: Electronic equipment can be irreparably damaged by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Always follow these preventive measures when you handle a system component:

    - Remove a component from its antistatic bag only when you are ready to install it.

    - If you handle a component before installation, do not place it on surfaces that produce ESD (carpeting, for example) or near devices that create static electricity.

    - Attach a static wrist strap to a grounded connection on your system when you install or remove a component.


Installing a DIMM Group

To install a DIMM group, follow these steps:

  1. Power off the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For powering off instructions, see “Powering Off Manually” in Chapter 1.

  2. Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module.


    Warning: Components may be hot. To avoid injury, allow the components to cool for approximately five minutes before you proceed with these instructions.


  3. Remove the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. For shelf-mounted modules, remove the two screws at the rear of the unit.

  4. With shelf-mounted rails, use two people to slide the module out and move it to a stable work surface. With optional slide rails, pull the module from the rack until it is stopped by the safety latches.

  5. Open the top cover as described in “Opening the Cover”.

    Figure 4-24. DIMM Locations (XG2N Module Shown, Others Similar)

    DIMM Locations (XG2N Module Shown, Others Similar)

  6. Install the DIMMs, as follows (see Figure 4-24 and Figure 4-25):


    Note: If you need to find the correct locations in which to install the DIMMs, make sure to read the introductory material in “Removing and Replacing Memory DIMMs”.


    1. Ensure the ejector latches are in the open position (leaning away from the slot).

    2. Hold the DIMM only by its edges and remove it from its antistatic package.

    3. Align the bottom edge of the DIMM with the keyed socket.

    4. Insert the bottom edge of the DIMM into the socket, and then press down evenly on the DIMM until it seats correctly. Use extreme care when you install a DIMM. If you apply too much pressure, you can damage the socket.

    5. When the DIMM is fully seated in the connector, the ejector latches snap into place flush with each end of the DIMM, see Figure 4-25.

  7. Close the top cover as described in “Closing the Cover”.

  8. If using optional slide rails, press the safety latches on both sides of the module and slide the module into the rack. For shelf-mounted units, use two people to slide the module back into the rack.

  9. Install the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. If shelf rails are used, install the two rear screws.

  10. Install all of the cables at the rear of the module.

  11. Power on the Silicon Graphics Prism platform as described in “Power-On the System” in Chapter 1.

    Figure 4-25. Inserting a DIMM

    Inserting a DIMM

Removing a DIMM

To remove a DIMM, follow these steps:

  1. Power off the Silicon Graphics Prism platform. For powering off instructions, see “Powering Off Manually” in Chapter 1.

  2. Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module.


    Warning: Components may be hot. To avoid injury, allow the components to cool for approximately five minutes before you proceed with these instructions.


  3. Remove the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. For shelf-mounted modules, remove the two screws at the rear of the unit.

  4. With shelf-mounted rails, use two people to slide the module out and move it to a stable work surface. With optional slide rails, pull the module from the rack until it is stopped by the safety latches.

  5. Open the top cover as described in “Opening the Cover”.

  6. Remove the DIMM, as follows (see Figure 4-24 and Figure 4-26):


    Note: For guidelines on removing or replacing the DIMMs, make sure to read the introductory material in “Removing and Replacing Memory DIMMs” and see Figure 4-23.


    1. Push out and down on the two ejector latches (located at each end of the DIMM socket) to disengage the DIMM from its connector.

    2. Carefully grasp the DIMM and pull it up and out of the guide rails.


      Note: Hold the DIMM only by its edges. Be careful not to touch its components or gold edge connectors.


    3. Place the DIMM on an ESD-safe surface.

  7. If you are installing a new DIMM, proceed to “Installing a DIMM Group”. If you are not installing a new DIMM, proceed to the next step.

  8. Close the top cover as described in “Closing the Cover”.

  9. If using optional slide rails, press the safety latches on both sides of the module and slide the module into the rack. For shelf-mounted units, use two people to slide the module back into the rack.

  10. Install the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. If shelf rails are used, install the two rear screws.

  11. Install all of the cables at the rear of the module.

  12. Power on the Silicon Graphics Prism platform as described in “Power-On the System” in Chapter 1.

    Figure 4-26. Removing a DIMM

    Removing a DIMM

L1 Controller Display

The L1 controller, which is used to monitor and manage the base compute module of the Silicon Graphics Prism platform, has a display located on the front panel as shown in Figure 4-27. Every Silicon Graphics Prism platform module is factory- shipped with an L1 controller display. Note that the optional TP900 mass storage module is an exception and does not have an L1.

This section describes how to replace an L1 controller display panel for a base compute module. (You can also use these instructions to replace an L1 controller display panel for an XG2N, CPU expansion, or CMPX module.)

Figure 4-27. L1 Controller Display on Base Compute Module

L1 Controller Display on Base Compute Module

To replace an L1 controller display, follow these steps:

  1. Power off the system as described in “Powering Off Manually” in Chapter 1.

  2. Disconnect all of the cables at the rear of the module.


    Warning: Components may be hot. To avoid injury, allow the components to cool for approximately five minutes before you proceed with these instructions.


  3. Remove the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. For shelf-mounted modules, remove the two screws at the rear of the unit.

  4. With shelf-mounted rails, use two people to slide the module out and move it to a stable work surface. With optional slide rails, pull the module from the rack until it is stopped by the safety latches.

  5. Open the top cover as described in “Opening the Cover”.

  6. On the front panel of your system, remove the front bezel by unscrewing the two Phillips screws holding the bezel to the chassis, as shown in Figure 4-28A.

  7. Holding the L1 display cover with one hand, unscrew the single Phillips screw holding the L1 display cover to the chassis, as shown in Figure 4-28B. Gently unhook and pull away the L1 display cover from the chassis.

  8. Unscrew the two Phillips screws holding the L1 controller display panel to the L1 display protective cover, as shown in Figure 4-28C.

  9. Gently disconnect the L1 controller cable from the connector on the L1 controller display, as shown in Figure 4-28D.

    Figure 4-28. Removing the L1 Controller Display Panel

    Removing the L1 Controller Display Panel

  10. Connect the L1 controller cable to the connector on the new L1 controller display, making sure that the red stripe is to your left, as shown in Figure 4-29A.

  11. Align the two screw holes on the L1 controller display with the holes on the L1 display protective cover, and screw in the two Phillips screws, as shown in Figure 4-29B.

  12. Hook in the L1 display protective cover onto the slots on the front chassis and, holding the L1 display cover up against the front chassis, screw in the Phillips screw, as shown in Figure 4-29C.

  13. Replace the front bezel onto the front chassis of the system by screwing in the two Phillips screws holding the bezel to the chassis, as shown in Figure 4-29D.

    Figure 4-29. Installing an L1 Controller Display Panel

    Installing an L1 Controller Display Panel

  14. Close the top cover as described in “Closing the Cover”.

  15. If using optional slide rails, press the safety latches on both sides of the module and slide the module into the rack. For shelf-mounted units, use two people to slide the module back into the rack.

  16. Install the two screws that secure the module to the front rails of the rack. If shelf rails are used, install the two rear screws.

  17. Install all of the cables at the rear of the module.

  18. Power on the Silicon Graphics Prism platform as described in “Power-On the System” in Chapter 1.