SuperChassis 846XE2C-R1K23B - Computer Case Supermicro - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL SuperChassis 846XE2C-R1K23B Supermicro

Front panel diagram of a server rack with labeled ports and indicator lights, showing internal grid layout and port numbers.

USER'S MANUAL

Revision 1.0

The information in this User's Manual has been carefully reviewed and is believed to be accurate. The vendor assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this document, makes no commitment to update or to keep current the information in this manual, or to notify any person or organization of the updates. Please Note: For the most up-to-date version of this manual, please see our web site at www.supermicro.com.

Super Micro Computer, Inc. ("Supermicro") reserves the right to make changes to the product described in this manual at any time and without notice. This product, including software and documentation, is the property of Supermicro and/or its licensors, and is supplied only under a license. Any use or reproduction of this product is not allowed, except as expressly permitted by the terms of said license.

IN NO EVENT WILL SUPERMICRO BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECULATIVE OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT OR DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. IN PARTICULAR, SUPERMICRO SHALL NOT HAVE LIABILITY FOR ANY HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR DATA STORED OR USED WITH THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING THE COSTS OF REPAIRING, REPLACING, INTEGRATING, INSTALLING OR RECOVERING SUCH HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, OR DATA.

Any disputes arising between manufacturer and customer shall be governed by the laws of Santa Clara County in the State of California, USA. The State of California, County of Santa Clara shall be the exclusive venue for the resolution of any such disputes. Super Micro's total liability for all claims will not exceed the price paid for the hardware product.

FCC Statement: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction manual, may cause harmful interference with radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case you will be required to correct the interference at your own expense.

California Best Management Practices Regulations for Perchlorate Materials: This Perchlorate warning applies only to products containing CR (Manganese Dioxide) Lithium coin cells. "Perchlorate Material-special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate"

WARNING: Handling of lead solder materials used in this product may expose you to lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects and other reproductive harm.

Manual Revision 1.0

Release Date: April 30, 2015

mk

Unless you request and receive written permission from Super Micro Computer, Inc., you may not copy any part of this document.

Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.

Copyright © 2015 by Super Micro Computer, Inc.

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

Preface

About this Manual

This manual is written for professional system integrators and PC technicians. It provides information for the installation and use of the chassis. Installation and maintenance should be performed by experienced technicians only.

This document lists compatible parts available when this document was published. Refer to the Supermicor web site for updates on supported parts and configurations.

Warnings

Special attention should be given to the following symbols used in this manual.

Warning! Indicates important information given to prevent equipment/property damage or personal injury.

Warning! Indicates high voltage may be encountered when performing a procedure.

Contents

Contacting Supermicro 7

Chapter 1 Introduction....1-1

1-1 Overview 1-1

1-2 Shipping List.... 1-1

Part Numbers....1-1

1-3 Components.... 1-2

Drives 1-2

Power Supply 1-2

Cooling 1-2

Expansion Slots 1-2

Motherboard 1-2

Mounting Rails 1-3

1-4 Where to get Replacement Components.... 1-3

1-5 Returning Merchandise for Service.... 1-3

Chapter 2 Standardized Warning Statements for AC Systems......2-1

About Standardized Warning Statements.... 2-1

Warning Definition 2-1

Installation Instructions....2-4

Circuit Breaker 2-5

Power Disconnection Warning 2-6

Equipment Installation 2-8

Restricted Area....2-9

Battery Handling....2-10

Redundant Power Supplies 2-12

Backplane Voltage 2-13

Comply with Local and National Electrical Codes 2-14

Product Disposal 2-15

Hot Swap Fan Warning 2-16

Power Cable and AC Adapter 2-18

Chapter 3 System Interface....3-1

3-1 Overview 3-1

3-2 Control Panel Buttons 3-2

3-3 Control Panel LEDs 3-2

Overheating....3-3

Overheat Temperature Setting 3-3

Responses....3-3

3-4 Drive Carrier LEDs.... 3-4
3-5 Power Supply LEDs....3-4

Chapter 4 Chassis Setup and Maintenance .... 4-1

4-1 Overview 4-1
4-2 Removing Power from the System 4-2
4-3 Removing the Chassis Cover 4-3
4-4 Installing Hard Drives.... 4-4

Primary Hot-Swap Drives....4-4

Optional HDDs in the Rear of the Chassis....4-7

Installing the Optional Hot-Swap 2.5" HDD Carrier ....4-10

4-5 Installing the Serverboard 4-12

Installing the I/O Shield 4-12
Standoffs 4-12
Mounting Procedure....4-13

4-6 Expansion Cards 4-14

4-7 Installing the Air Shroud....4-15
4-8 System Fans 4-16

Checking the Server Air Flow 4-17

4-9 Power Supply 4-18
Optional Battery Backup Power 4-18

Chapter 5 Rack Installation....5-1

5-1 Unpacking the System....5-1
5-2 Preparing for Setup.... 5-1

Choosing a Setup Location....5-1

5-3 Warnings and Precautions....5-2

Rack Precautions 5-2
General Server Precautions....5-2
Rack Mounting Considerations 5-3

Ambient Operating Temperature 5-3
Sufficient Airflow 5-3
Circuit Overloading....5-3
Reliable Ground 5-3

5-4 Procedure for Rack Mounting 5-4

Identifying the Inner Rack Rails 5-4
Installing the Inner Rails on the Chassis 5-5
Installing the Outer Rails onto the Rack....5-6
Installing the Chassis into a Rack....5-7
Removing the Chassis from the Rack 5-8

Appendix A SC846X Cables and Hardware....A-1

Appendix B Power Supply Specifications....B-1

Appendix C BPN-SAS3_846EL Backplane Specifications...... C-1

Contacting Supermicro

Headquarters

Address: Super Micro Computer, Inc.

980 Rock Ave.

San Jose, CA 95131 U.S.A.

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] (General Information)

[e-mail] (Technical Support)

Web Site: www.supermicro.com

Europe

Address: Super Micro Computer B.V.

's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] (General Information)

[e-mail] (Technical Support)

[e-mail] (Customer Support)

Web Site: www.supermicro.nl

Asia-Pacific

Address: Super Micro Computer, Inc.

3F, No. 150, Jian 1st Rd.

Zhonghe Dist., New Taipei City 235

Taiwan (R.O.C)

Tel: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Web Site: www.supermicro.com.tw

Notes

Chapter 1

Introduction

1-1 Overview

Optimized for enterprise-level high capacity storage applications, Supermicro's SC846X chassis features 24 hot-swap 3.5" SAS/SATA hard drive trays and up to six internal hard drive bays in a 4U space. The chassis design offers maximum HDD per space ratio in a 4U form factor, high power efficiency, optimized HDD signal trace routing and improved HDD tray design to dampen HDD vibrations and maximize performance. Equipped with 1280W (Platinum Level) high-efficiency redundant power supplies and five hot-plug redundant cooling fans, the chassis is a reliable and trouble-free storage system.

SC846X Chassis Models
Model HDD PCI Slots Power Supply
SC846XA-R1K28B	24x SAS/SATA 1	3x FF	1280W Redundant
SC846XE2C-R1K28B	24x SAS/SATA 1	3x FF	1280W Redundant
SC846XE1C-R1K28B	24x SAS/SATA 1	3x FF	1280W Redundant

FF is full-height, full-width expansion card

1-2 Shipping List

Part Numbers

Please visit the Supermicro website for the latest shipping lists and part numbers for your particular chassis model http://www.supermicro.com/

1-3 Components

Drives

The chassis supports twenty-four hot-swap 3.5" SAS or SATA hard disk drives in the front. The drives are supported by a backplane.

In addition, you have the option to add up to six drives at the rear of the chassis. That can be some combination of:

• Two 2.5" hot-swap drives
• One to three fixed 3.5" internal hard drives
• One to six fixed 2.5" internal hard drives

Power Supply

The chassis features two 1280W redundant high-efficiency digital power supplies with PMBus 1.2 and 80 Plus Platinum level certification. It also can accommodate two optional battery backup power (BBP) modules.

Cooling

The chassis includes four 92 mm heavy-duty, hot-swap fans and one 80 mm exhaust fan. System fans are powered and controlled by 4-pin connectors.

An air shroud helps channel cooling air where needed.

Expansion Slots

The chassis supports up to thirteen PCI-E expansion cards. The total expansion card capacity may be less depending on the motherboard.

Motherboard

The chassis supports serverboards up to 15.2" x 13.2", including E-ATX and ATX form factors. Other form factors can be used, although this may impact the PCI card capacity.

Mounting Rails

Rack mount rails allow you to mount the chassis in a rack. The rails feature snap-in installation and quick release, and support modern square hole racks. Round hole rack are supported with a conversion kit.

1-4 Where to get Replacement Components

Though not frequently, you may need replacement parts for your system. To ensure the highest level of professional service and technical support, we strongly recommend purchasing exclusively from our Supermicro Authorized Distributors/System Integrators/Resellers. A list of Supermicro Authorized Distributors/System Integrators/Resellers can be found at: http://www.supermicro.com. Click the Where to Buy link.

1-5 Returning Merchandise for Service

A receipt or copy of your invoice marked with the date of purchase is required before any warranty service will be rendered. You can obtain service by calling your vendor for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. When returning to the manufacturer, the RMA number should be prominently displayed on the outside of the shipping carton, and mailed prepaid or hand-carried. Shipping and handling charges will be applied for all orders that must be mailed when service is complete.

For faster service, RMA authorizations may be requested online (http://www.supermicro.com/support/rma/).

Whenever possible, repack the chassis in the original Supermicro carton, using the original packaging material. If these are no longer available, be sure to pack the chassis securely, using packaging material to surround the chassis so that it does not shift within the carton and become damaged during shipping.

This warranty only covers normal consumer use and does not cover damages incurred in shipping or from failure due to the alteration, misuse, abuse or improper maintenance of products.

During the warranty period, contact your distributor first for any product problems.

Notes

Chapter 2

Standardized Warning Statements for AC Systems

2-1 About Standardized Warning Statements

The following statements are industry standard warnings, provided to warn the user of situations which have the potential for bodily injury. Should you have questions or experience difficulty, contact Supermicro's Technical Support department for assistance. Only certified technicians should attempt to install or configure components.

Read this appendix in its entirety before installing or configuring components in the Supermicro chassis.

These warnings may also be found on our web site at http://www.supermicro.com/about/policies/safety_information.cfm.

Warning Definition

Warning!

This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents.

警告の定義

この警告サインは危険を意味します。

Installation Instructions

Warning!

Read the installation instructions before connecting the system to the power source. 設置手順書

This product relies on the building's installation for short-circuit (overcurrent) protection. Ensure that the protective device is rated not greater than: 250 V, 20 A.

サーキット・ブレーカー

Power Disconnection Warning

Warning!

The system must be disconnected from all sources of power and the power cord removed from the power supply module(s) before accessing the chassis interior to install or remove system components.

電源切断の警告

Equipment Installation

Warning!

Only trained and qualified personnel should be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment.

機器の設置

This unit is intended for installation in restricted access areas. A restricted access area can be accessed only through the use of a special tool, lock and key, or other means of security. (This warning does not apply to workstations).

アクセス制限区域

There is the danger of explosion if the battery is replaced incorrectly. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions

電池の取り扱い

Redundant Power Supplies

Warning!

This unit might have more than one power supply connection. All connections must be removed to de-energize the unit.

冗長電源装置

Hazardous voltage or energy is present on the backplane when the system is operating. Use caution when servicing.

バックプレーンの電圧

Comply with Local and National Electrical Codes

Warning!

Installation of the equipment must comply with local and national electrical codes.

地方および国の電気規格に準拠

Ultimate disposal of this product should be handled according to all national laws and regulations.

製品の廃棄

The fans might still be turning when you remove the fan assembly from the chassis.

Keep fingers, screwdrivers, and other objects away from the openings in the fan assembly's housing.

ファン・ホットスワップの警告

Power Cable and AC Adapter

Warning!

When installing the product, use the provided or designated connection cables, power cables and AC adaptors. Using any other cables and adaptors could cause a malfunction or a fire. Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Law prohibits the use of UL or CSA-certified cables (that have UL/CSA shown on the code) for any other electrical devices than products designated by Supermicro only.

電源コードとACアダプター

The server includes a control panel on the front that houses power buttons and status monitoring lights, status lights on the externally accessible hard drives, and status lights for the power supply visible from the back of the chassis.

Diagram of a server rack with labeled ports and a highlighted RESET panel showing icons for status, reset, and function buttons.

Figure 3-1. Control Panel

3-2 Control Panel Buttons

The chassis includes two push-buttons that control power to the system.

Power

The main power switch applies or removes primary power from the power supply to the server but maintains standby power. To perform most maintenance tasks, unplug the system to remove all power..

RESET

Reset

The reset button is used to reboot the system.

3-3 Control Panel LEDs

There are six LEDs that provide status information about the system.

Power

Indicates power is being supplied to the system power supply units. This LED is illuminated when the system is operating normally.

HDD

Indicates activity on the hard disk drive when flashing.

NIC2

Indicates network activity on GLAN2 when flashing.

NIC1

Indicates network activity on GLAN1 when flashing.

Information LED

Alerts operator to several states, as noted in the table below.

Information LED
Status Description
Continuously on and red	An overheat condition has occurred. (This may be caused by cable congestion.)
Blinking red (1Hz) Fan failure	check for an inoperative fan.
Blinking red (0.25Hz) Power	failure, check for a non-operational power supply.
Solid blue	Local UID has been activated. Use this function to locate the server in a rack mount environment.
Blinking blue	Remote UID is on. Use this function to identify the server from a remote location.

Power Fail

Indicates a power supply module has failed.

Overheating

There are several possible responses if the system overheats.

Overheat Temperature Setting

Some backplanes allow the overheat temperature to be set at 45, 50, or 55 by changing a jumper setting. For more information, consult the backplane user manual at www.supermicro.com. (Click Support, then the Manuals link.)

Responses

If the server overheats:

1. Use the LEDs to determine the nature of the overheating condition.
2. Confirm that the chassis covers are installed properly.
3. Check the routing of the cables and make sure all fans are present and operating normally.
4. Verify that the heatsinks are installed properly.

3-4 Drive Carrier LEDs

The chassis includes externally accessible SAS/SATA drives. Each drive carrier displays two status LEDs on the front of the carrier.

	LED Color Blinking Pattern Behavior for Device
Activity LED	Blue Solid On SAS/NVMe drive installed
	Blue Blinking I/O activity
Status LED	Red Solid On Failure of drive with RSTe support
	Red Blinking at 1 Hz Rebuild drive with RSTe support
	Red Blinking with two blinks and one stop at 1 Hz		Hot spare for drive with RSTe support
	Red On for five seconds, then off		Power on for drive with RSTe support
	Red Blinking at 4 Hz Identify drive with RSTe support

3-5 Power Supply LEDs

On the rear of the power supply module, an LED displays the status.

• Solid Green: When illuminated, indicates that the power supply is on.
• Solid Amber: When illuminated, indicates the power supply is plugged in and turned off, or the system is off but in an abnormal state.
• Blinking Amber: When blinking, this system power supply temperature has reached 63C. The system will automatically power-down when the power supply temperature reaches 70C and restart when the power supply temperature goes below 60C.

Notes

Chapter 4

Chassis Setup and Maintenance

4-1 Overview

This chapter covers the steps required to install components and perform maintenance on the chassis. The only tool required is a Phillips screwdriver.

Review the warnings and precautions listed in the manual before setting up or servicing this chassis. These include information in Chapter 2: System Safety and the warning/precautions listed in the setup instructions.

Control Panel Primary Hot-Swap HDDs (24)

Power Supply Modules Optional BBP units Optional Rear HDDs

Figure 4-1. Front and Rear View (SC846XA Model shown)

4-2 Removing Power from the System

Before performing some setup or maintenance tasks, use the following procedure to ensure that power has been removed from the system.

1. Use the operating system to power down the node, following the on-screen prompts.
2. After the system has completely shut-down, carefully grasp the head of the power cord and gently pull it out of the back of the power supply. If your system has dual power supplies, remove the cords from both power supplies.
3. Disconnect the cord from the power strip or wall outlet.

4-3 Removing the Chassis Cover

Technical diagram of a server rack with labeled components and directional arrows indicating assembly or movement.

Figure 4-2. Removing the Chassis Cover

Removing the Chassis Cover

1. If necessary, unplug the chassis from any power source
2. Remove the two screws securing the cover to the side of the chassis.
3. Depress the two release buttons, pushing the cover toward the rear of the chassis, and lift it up and off.

Caution: Except for short periods of time, do not operate the server without the cover in place. The chassis cover must be in place to allow proper airflow and prevent overheating.

4-4 Installing Hard Drives

Primary Hot-Swap Drives

The drives are mounted in drive carriers to simplify their installation and removal from the chassis. These carriers also help to promote proper airflow for the drive bays.

Enterprise level hard disk drives are recommended for use in Supermicro chassis and servers.

Technical diagram showing server rack and internal components with labeled parts 1 and 2, illustrating hardware connection and storage.

Figure 4-3. Removing Hard Drive

Removing Hard Drive Carriers from the Chassis

1. Press the release button on the drive carrier. This extends the drive carrier handle.

2. Use the handle to pull the drive carrier out of the chassis.

Caution: Except for short periods of time, such as while swapping hard drives, do not operate the server with the carriers removed from the chassis drive bays.

Drive Carrier Dummy Drive

Figure 4-4. Removing the Dummy Drive from the Carrier

Installing a Hard Drive into the Hard Drive Carrier

1. Remove the two screws securing the dummy drive to the drive carrier and remove the dummy drive. Place the hard drive carrier on a flat surface such as a desk, table or work bench.
2. Slide the hard drive into the carrier with the printed circuit board side facing down.
3. Carefully align the mounting holes in both the drive carrier and the hard drive.

SAS/SATA Hard Drive Drive Carrier

Figure 4-5. Installing the Hard Drive into the Carrier

1. Secure the hard drive to the carrier using six screws.

2. Replace the drive tray into the chassis. Make sure to close the drive carrier handle to lock the drive carrier into place.

Diagram of a server rack with an attached module and a directional arrow indicating orientation (no text or symbols present)

Figure 4-6. Installing the Hard Drive

Optional HDDs in the Rear of the Chassis

The chassis offers the option of adding up to six hard disk drives in a special purpose drawer accessible from the rear of the chassis. Some configurations require an optional mounting bracket or kit.

Drive Bracket Position A Position B Position C

Figure 4-7. Drive Drawer with the Hot-Swap Drive Kit

Drives can be installed in one or more of three positions in the drawer, as labeled in the diagram above, positions A, B, and C.

Drives Configurations

Position A Two 2.5" hot-swap or two 2.5" fixed or one 3.5" fixed

Position B Two 2.5" fixed or one 3.5" fixed

Position C Two 2.5" fixed or one 3.5" fixed

Optional Bracket or Kit Required
Drive Configuration Part Number
Two hot-swap 2.5" HDDs, using a kit MCP-220-82609-0N
Two slim 2.5" HDDs in a bracket MCP-220-00044-0N
One 3.5" HDD No bracket required

To install drives in the rear drive drawer, first remove the drawer from the rear of the chassis.

Removing the Rear Drive Drawer

1. Power down the system as described in Section 5-2 and remove the chassis cover.
2. If any drives are already installed, disconnect the existing power and data cables from the serverboard and the power distributor board. Otherwise the cables will prevent the drawer from sliding all the way out.
3. Identify the drive drawer release button. It is on the inside left wall of the chassis under the chassis shelf the holds the serverboard and fans. See the diagram below.
4. Reach into the chassis in front of the fans, and pull the release button while pushing the drawer toward the rear the chassis.
5. From the rear of the chassis, pull the drawer out.

Position of Release Button When Drawer is Closed (inside chassis) Release Button on Inside of Drawer Wall Release Button

Figure 4-8. Drive Drawer Release Latch

Installing Drives

1. Remove the rear drive drawer.
2. Obtain the appropriate mounting brackets as described in the table on page 4-7.
3. If a bracket or kit is required, mount the drives into the bracket. For the hot-swap kit, see the instructions in the following procedure.
4. Mount the brackets and/or drives onto the drawer floor using screws through the bottom of the drawer.
5. Route the cables through the drive drawer as described in Figure 4-13.
6. Slide the drawer into the chassis, taking care with the cables. The drawer release button should click into place.
7. Connect the appropriate cables to the serverboard and power distributor board.
8. Replace the chassis cover and power up.

Technical line drawing of a multi-chamber electronic device chassis with mounting holes and wiring (no text or symbols)

Figure 4-9. Installing Drive Bracket in the Drawer

Installing the Optional Hot-Swap 2.5" HDDs

The user can install two 2.5" hot-swap hard drives in the drive drawer.

Drive Carriers Drive Cage PCB Backplane

Figure 4-10. Drive Drawer with the Hot-Swap Drive Kit

Installing the Hot-Swap Drive Kit

1. Remove the rear drive drawer.
2. Remove the small external cover plate from the rear of the drive drawer by removing the screws.

Technical line drawing of a mechanical housing assembly with mounting holes and connectors (no text or symbols)

Figure 4-11. Mounting the Backplane PCB from the Hot-Swap HDD Cage

1. Mount the small backplane PCB (from the kit) onto the mounting cage at the end opposite where the drives will be inserted using three screws.
2. Slide two 2.5" hard drives mounted in hard drive carriers into the tray.
3. Secure the drive cage assembly to the drawer with screws through the bottom of the drawer.
4. Remove the external cover on the back of the

Routing Cables in the Drive Drawer

1. Connect the power and signal cables to the devices in the drawer.
2. Route the cables through the O-clip at the front of the drawer.
3. Use zip ties to bundle the cables where indicated in the diagram below.
4. Push the drawer back into the chassis, while pulling the cables that lead to the drawer without breaking or disconnecting the cables, until the drawer clicks into the locked position.
5. Connect the power cable to the 4-pin peripheral connector from the power distributor board.
6. Route the signal cables through the holes under the fan brackets to the upper level and connect them to the serverboard and power distributor.

graph TD
    A["Drive Drawer (Lower Level)"] --> B["HDD"]
    B --> C["Chassis (Lower Level)"]
    C --> D["Signal Power"]
    D --> E["To Motherboard"]
    D --> F["To Power Distributor Board"]

Figure 4-12. Routing Power and Signal Cables

4-5 Installing the Serverboard

Installing the I/O Shield

The I/O shield holds the serverboard input/output ports in place. It should be included with your serverboard. Install the I/O shield before installing the serverboard.

Installing the I/O Shield

- With the illustrations facing outward, place the shield into the space provided at the rear of the chassis, beneath the exhaust fan.

Standoffs

Standoffs prevent short circuits by securing space between the serverboard and the chassis surface. Some standoffs are pre-installed, but some serverboards require additional standoffs. The chassis accessory box contains standoffs and mounting screws.

Compare the mounting holes in the serverboard to those in the chassis and add or remove standoffs as needed. Secure the hexagonal standoff, rounded side up, by screwing it into the mounting base of the chassis. Once all standoffs are in place, you are ready to mount the serverboard.

M/B standoff
6-32 to 6-32
Figure 4-13. Chassis Standoffs

Mounting Procedure

Isometric technical illustration of a server rack with internal components and ventilation ducts (no text or labels)

Figure 4-14. Secure the Serverboard onto the Chassis

Installing the Serverboard

1. Review your serverboard documentation. Become familiar with component placement, requirements, precautions, and cable connections.
2. Open the chassis cover and remove the chassis from any power source.
3. Lay the serverboard on the standoffs.
4. Secure the serverboard to the standoffs using the rounded, Phillips head mounting screws. Do not exceed eight inch-pounds of torque.
5. Secure the CPUs, heatsinks, and other components to the serverboard as described in the serverboard documentation.
6. Connect the cables between the serverboard, backplane, chassis, front panel, and power supply, as needed.

4-6 Expansion Cards

The chassis includes thirteen PCI slots for full-height, full-length expansion cards..

Expansion Card Slots

Figure 4-15. Expansion Slots

Installing Expansion Cards

1. Power down the system as described in Section 4-2, lay the chassis on a flat surface, and open the chassis cover.
2. Remove the screw holding the chassis slot shield in place.
3. Insert the expansion card into the serverboard slot, while aligning the expansion card shield with the slot in the rear of the chassis.
4. Secure expansion card shield to the chassis using the screw previously removed

4-7 Installing the Air Shroud

Technical line drawing of a server rack with multiple drive bays and fan dividers (no text or labels)

Figure 4-15. Air Shroud Installation

Air shrouds concentrate airflow to maximize fan effectiveness. It does not require screws for its installation. It is designed with removeable break-away tabs that allow the air shroud to be adjusted to fit a variety of serverboards.

Installing the Air Shroud

1. Power down the system as described in Section 4-2 and remove the cover.
2. Place the air shroud in the chassis. The air shroud fits behind the fans and beside to the power supply.
3. After checking the fit of the air shroud, remove any break-away tabs necessary to ensure a proper fit with the serverboard.

4-8 System Fans

Four hot-swappable, heavy-duty fans provide cooling from the middle of the chassis, augmented by one rear exhaust fan. Two optional rear external fans can be mounted to help cool expansion cards.

Mid-Chassis and Internal Rear Fans

Release Tab Mid-chassis Fan Internal Rear Fan Release Tab Airflow Direction Indicator

Figure 4-16. System Fans

Replacing a System Fan

1. Use IPMI or another monitoring tool, if available, to determine which fan has failed.
2. Open the chassis cover. If a monitoring tool is not available, observe which fan has failed. (Never run the server for an extended period of time with the chassis cover open.)
3. Remove the failed fan's power cord from the serverboard.
4. Press the fan release tab to lift the failed fan from the chassis and pull it completely out of the chassis.
5. Place the new fan into the vacant space in the housing while making sure the arrows on the top of the fan (indicating airflow direction) point in the same direction as the arrows on the other fans.
6. Check that the fan is working properly before replacing the chassis cover.

Isometric technical diagram of a server rack with cooling fans and drive bays (no text or labels)

Figure 4-17. Placing the System Fan

Optional External Rear Fans

Release Tab

Figure 4-18. External Fan in the Bracket

The chassis can support two additional external system fans for those expansion cards without cable outlets. If you are installing an external fan for the first time, follow the instructions below. If you are replacing an existing fan, see the instructions on the following page.

Installing a New External System Fan

1. Power down the system as described in Section 4-2 and remove the cover.
2. Locate the external fan brackets posts and screws included with the fan package. Secure the posts onto the bracket.

Figure 4-19. External Fan Brackets and Screws

1. Secure the external fan bracket on the rear of the chassis as illustrated using the screws provided.

External Fan Bracket

Figure 4-20. Securing the External System Fan Brackets

1. Tie off any excess fan cable inside the fan cage. Insert the holes on the base of the external fan cage onto the posts of the external fan bracket, with the fan cage at a slight angle as shown below. Guide the fan cable through the cage outlet.

Cage Outlet for Fan Cable

Figure 4-21. External Fan Cage

1. Bring the external fan cage to an upright position against the rear of the chassis and secure it with two screws as illustrated. Open the breakable cover next to the fan and pass the fan connector through the opening.

Technical line drawing of an internal server or rack unit with no visible text or symbols

Figure 4-22. Securing the External Fan

Replacing an Existing External System Fan

An external fan may be replaced without powering down the system.

1. Press the latch on the top of the fan.
2. Pull the fan away from the rear of the fan cage at a slight angle and lift the posts on the base of the fan out of the holes in the fan cage.
3. Remove the fan power cables.

Technical line drawing of an electronic device casing with internal components and mounting holes (no text or symbols)

Figure 4-23. Removing the External Fan

Isometric technical drawing of a server rack with multiple fans and drive bays (no text or labels)

Figure 4-24. External Fans Mounted

Checking the Server Air Flow

Checking the Air Flow

• Make sure there are no objects to obstruct airflow in and out of the server. In addition, if you are using a front bezel, make sure the bezel's filter is replaced periodically.
• Do not operate the server without drives or drive trays in the drive bays. Use only recommended server parts.
• Make sure no wires or foreign objects obstruct air flow through the chassis. Pull all excess cabling out of the airflow path or use shorter cables.

The control panel LEDs inform you of system status. See “Chapter 4: System Interface” for details on the LEDs and the control panel buttons.

4-9 Power Supply

The chassis features redundant power supplies. They are hot-swappable, meaning they can be changed without powering down the system. New units can be ordered directly from Supermicro or authorized distributors.

These power supplies are auto-switching capable. This feature enables them to automatically sense the input voltage and operate at a 100-120v or 180-240v. An amber light will be illuminated on the power supply when the power is off. An illuminated green light indicates that the power supply is operating.

Technical line drawing of a server rack unit with internal components and external casing (no text or symbols)

Figure 4-25. Power Supply Module and Dummy Cover for BBP Module

Optional Battery Backup Power

The chassis supports one or two optional battery backup modules. They can be inserted next to the standard power supply modules.

Changing the Power Supply:

1. Unplug the AC cord from the module to be replaced.

2. Push the release tab on the back of the power supply as illustrated.

Release Tab

Figure 4-26. Power Supply Release Tab

1. Pull the power supply out using the handle provided.
2. Replace the failed power module with the same model.
3. Push the new power supply module into the power bay until it clicks.
4. Plug the AC power cord back into the module.

Notes

Chapter 5

Rack Installation

This chapter provides instructions for preparing and mounting your chassis in a rack.

5-1 Unpacking the System

You should inspect the box the chassis was shipped in and note if it was damaged in any way. If the chassis itself shows damage, file a damage claim with the carrier who delivered it.

5-2 Preparing for Setup

Decide on a suitable location for the rack unit that will hold your chassis. It should be a clean, dust-free area that is well ventilated. Avoid areas where heat, electrical noise and electromagnetic fields are generated. A nearby grounded power outlet. is required

The box your chassis was shipped in should include two sets of rail assemblies, two rail mounting brackets and the mounting screws to mount the system into the rack. Please read this chapter in its entirety before beginning the installation procedure.

Choosing a Setup Location

• Leave at least 25 inches clearance in front of the rack to open the front door completely.
• Leave approximately 30 inches of clearance in the back of the rack to allow for sufficient airflow and access for servicing.
• It should be a restricted access location, such as a dedicated equipment room or a service closet.

5-3 Warnings and Precautions

Rack Precautions

• Ensure that the leveling jacks on the bottom of the rack are fully extended to the floor with the full weight of the rack resting on them.
• In single rack installations, stabilizers should be attached to the rack.
• In multiple rack installations, the racks should be coupled together.
• Always make sure that the rack is stable before extending a component from the rack.
• Only one chassis should be extended from the rack at a time. Extending two or more chassis simultaneously may cause the rack to become unstable.
• When initially installing the server to a rack, test that the rail locking tabs engage to prevent the server from being overextended. Have a rack lift in place as a precaution in case the test fails.
• In any instance of pulling the system from the rack, always use a rack lift and follow all associated safety precautions.

General Server Precautions

• Review the electrical and general safety precautions that came with the components you are adding to your chassis.
• Determine the placement of each component in the rack before you install the rails.
• Install the heaviest server components on the bottom of the rack first, and then work upward.
• Use a regulating uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect the server from power surges, voltage spikes and to keep your system operating in case of a power failure.
• Allow the hot-swappable hard drives and power supply modules to cool before touching them.
• Always keep the rack's front door and all panels and components on the servers closed when not servicing to maintain proper cooling.

Rack Mounting Considerations

Ambient Operating Temperature

If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the ambient operating temperature of the rack environment may be greater than the ambient temperature of the room. Therefore, consideration should be given to installing the equipment in an environment compatible with the manufacturer's maximum rated ambient temperature (TMRA).

Sufficient Airflow

Equipment should be mounted into a rack so that the amount of airflow required for safe operation is not compromised.

Circuit Overloading

Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the power supply circuitry and the effect that any possible overloading of circuits might have on overcurrent protection and power supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this concern.

Reliable Ground

A reliable ground must be maintained at all times. To ensure this, the rack itself should be grounded. Particular attention should be given to power supply connections other than the direct connections to the branch circuit (i.e. the use of power strips, etc.).

Warning: To prevent bodily injury when mounting or servicing this unit in a rack, you must take special precautions to ensure that the system remains stable. The following guidelines are provided to ensure your safety:

• This unit should be mounted at the bottom of the rack if it is the only unit in the rack.
• When mounting this unit in a partially filled rack, load the rack from the bottom to the top with the heaviest component at the bottom of the rack.
• If the rack is provided with stabilizing devices, install the stabilizers before mounting or servicing the unit in the rack.
• Slide rail mounted equipment is not to be used as a shelf or a work space.

5-4 Procedure for Rack Mounting

This section provides information on installing a 4U chassis into a rack unit with the rails provided. There are a variety of rack units on the market, so the assembly procedure may differ slightly. Also refer to the installation instructions for your rack unit.

Note: This rail will fit a rack between 26.5" and 36.4" deep.

Identifying the Inner Rack Rails

The chassis package includes one pair of rack rail assemblies in the rack mounting kit. Each assembly consists of an inner rail that secures to the chassis and an outer rail that is attached directly to the rack. The inner rails are etched with "L" (Left side) and "R" (Right side).

Inner Rail Assembly

Figure 5-1. Identifying the Rack Rails

Technical diagram of a server rack with labeled components and an inset view showing internal structure.

Figure 5-2. Installing the Rails

Installing the Inner Rails on the Chassis

Installing the Inner Rails

1. The inner rails are etched with "L" (Left side) and "R" (Right side). Place one inner rail on the side of the chassis, aligning the hooks of the chassis with the inner rail holes. Make sure the rail faces "outward" so that it will fit with the rack's mounting bracket.
2. Slide the rail toward the front of the chassis to hook the inner rail onto the side of the chassis.
3. If desired, secure the rail with two flat head M4 x 4mm screws as illustrated.
4. Repeat for the other inner rack rail.

Warning: Do not pick up the server by the front handles. They are designed to pull the system from a rack only.

Installing the Outer Rails onto the Rack

Installing the Outer Rails

1. Press upward on the locking tab at the rear end of the middle rail.
2. Push the middle rail back into the outer rail.
3. Hang the hooks on the front of the outer rail onto the square holes on the front of the rack. If desired, use screws to secure the outer rails to the rack.
4. Pull out the rear of the outer rail, adjusting the length until it just fits within the posts of the rack.
5. Hang the hooks of the rear section of the outer rail onto the square holes on the rear of the rack. Take care that the proper holes are used so the rails are level. If desired, use screws to secure the rear of the outer rail to the rear of the rack.
6. Repeat for the other outer rail.

Technical diagram illustrating four stages of a mechanical assembly: linear tracking, vertical rail, horizontal rail, and angled assembly.

Figure 5-3. Extending and Mounting the Outer Rails

Stability hazard. The rack stabilizing mechanism must be in place, or the rack must be bolted to the floor before you slide the unit out for servicing. Failure to stabilize the rack can cause the rack to tip over.

Do not use a two post "telco" type rack.

Technical diagram of a server rack unit with labeled components A and B, showing internal structure and directional arrow.

Figure 5-4. Installing the Chassis into a Rack

Note: Figures are for illustrative purposes only. Always install servers into racks from the bottom up.

Installing the Chassis into a Rack

Installing the Chassis into a Rack:

1. Align the chassis rails (A) with the front of the rack rails (B).
2. Slide the chassis rails into the rack rails, keeping the pressure even on both both sides. You may have to depress the locking tabs while inserting. When the server has been pushed completely into the rack, the locking tabs should "click" into the locked position.
3. If screws are used, tighten the screws on the front and rear of the outer rails.
4. (Optional) Insert and tightening the thumbscrews that hold the front of the server to the rack.

Removing the Chassis from the Rack

Caution! It is dangerous for a single person to off-load the heavy chassis from the rack without assistance. Be sure to have sufficient assistance supporting the chassis when removing it from the rack. Use a lift.

Technical line drawing of a server rack with labeled component (no text or symbols beyond label)

Figure 5-5. Removing the Chassis From the Rack

Removing the Chassis from the Rack

1. Pull the chassis forward out the front of the rack until it stops.
2. Press the release latches on each of the inner rails downward simultaneously and move the chassis forward in the rack.

Appendix A

Cables and Hardware

A-1 Overview

This appendix lists supported cables for your chassis system. It only includes the most commonly used components and configurations. For more compatible cables, refer to the manufacturer of the motherboard you are using and our Web site at: www.supermicro.com.

A-2 Cables Included (SAS/SATA)

Part # Type	Length Description
CBL-0174L Cable	6' US power	cord, 14 AWG
CBL-0071L	Ribbon, Round	30"	Round 16-pin to 16-pin ribbon FP cable 28AWG
CBL-0088L Cable	10.5"		4-pin middle fan power extension (PWM)
CBL-0216L Cable	7.9"-		4 to 4-pin middle fan power extension (PWM)
CBL-0217L Cable	8.7" 16-pin	control panel converter cable

Extending Power Cables

Although Supermicro chassis are designed with to be efficient and cost-effective, some compatible motherboards have power connectors located in different areas.

To use these motherboards you may have to extend the power cables to the mother boards. To do this, use the following chart as a guide.

Power Cable Extenders
Number of Pins Cable Part # Length
24-pin CBL-0042	7.9” (20 cm)
20-pin CBL-0059	7.9” (20 cm)
8-pin CBL-0062	7.9” (20 cm)
4-pin CBL-0060	7.9” (20 cm)

Front Panel to the Motherboard

The chassis includes a cable to connect the chassis front panel to the motherboard. If your motherboard uses a different connector, use the following list to find a compatible cable.

Front Panel to Motherboard Cable (Ribbon Cable)
Number of Pins(Front Panel)	Number of Pins(Motherboard)	Cable Part #
16-pin 16-pin CBL-049
16-pin 20-pin CBL-0048
20-pin 20-pin CBL-0047
16-pin varies CBL-0068

A-3 Chassis Screws

The accessory box includes all the screws needed to setup your chassis. This section lists and describes the most common screws used. Your chassis may not require all the parts listed.

M/B

Pan head 6-32 x 5 mm [0.197]

HARD DRIVE

Flat head 6-32 x 5 mm [0.197]

DVD-ROM, CD-ROM, and FLOPPY DRIVE

Pan head 6-32 x 5 mm [0.197]

Flat head 6-32 x 5 mm [0.197]

Round head M3 x 5 mm [0.197]

Round head M2.6 x 5 mm [0.197]

RAIL

Flat head M4 x 4 mm [0.157]

Round head M4 x 4 mm [0.157]

Flat head M5 x 12 mm[0.472] Washer for M5

M/B STANDOFFS

M/B standoff 6-32 to 6-32

M/B (CPU) standoff M5 to 6-32

M/B standoff M5 to 6-32

Thumb screw 6-32 x 5 mm [0.197]

1U M/B standoff 6-32 x 5 mm [0.197]

Notes

Appendix B

Power Supply Specifications

This appendix lists power supply specifications for your chassis system.

-R1K28
	1280W (up to 2+1)
MFR Part # PWS-1K28P-SQ
AC Input	1000W Output @ 100-140V, 8-12A, 50-60Hz1280W Output @ 180-240V, 6-8A, 50-60Hz
DC Output	1000W: +12V/83A; +5Vsb/4A1280W: +12V/106.7A, +5Vsb/4A

Notes

Appendix C

BPN-SAS3-846EL Backplane Specifications

To avoid personal injury and property damage, carefully follow all the safety steps listed below when accessing your system or handling the components.

C-1 Safety Guidelines

ESD Safety

Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) can damage electronic components. To prevent damage to your system, it is important to handle it very carefully. The following measures are generally sufficient to protect your equipment from ESD.

• Use a grounded wrist strap designed to prevent static discharge.
• Touch a grounded metal object before removing a component from the antistatic bag.
• Handle the backplane by its edges only; do not touch its components, peripheral chips, memory modules or gold contacts.
• When handling chips or modules, avoid touching their pins.
• Put the card and peripherals back into their antistatic bags when not in use.

General Safety

• Always disconnect power cables before installing or removing any components from the computer, including the backplane.
• Disconnect the power cable before installing or removing any cables from the backplane.
• Make sure that the backplane is securely and properly installed on the motherboard to prevent damage to the system due to power shortage.

C-2 Version Information

The BPN-SAS3-846EL backplane has been designed to utilize the most up-to-date technology available, providing your system with reliable, high-quality performance.

This manual reflects BPN-SAS3-846EL Revision 1.01, the most current release available at the time of publication. Always refer to the Supermicro Web site at www.supermicro.com for the latest updates, compatible parts and supported configurations.

C-3 Rear Connectors and Jumpers

The following connectors are on the side of the backplane that faces the rear of the chassis. They are marked by silkscreen labels.

10 9 11 7 2 1 8 11 6 3 3 3 ReHS Super BPN-SA63-B440 5 5 4 4 3 3

Figure C-1. Rear Connectors and Jumpers

Rear Connectors

1. Primary Expander Chip.
2. Secondary Expander Chip (not present on EL1 single port backplanes).
3. Backplane Power Connectors: PWR1 through PWR6.
4. Primary SAS Ports: J49, J50.
5. Secondary SAS Ports: J51, J52. (not present on EL1 single port backplanes).

6. Primary UART Connector: PRI-UART (J30) for manufacturer's use only.

7. Secondary UART Connector: SEC-UART(J24) for manufacturer's use only, not present on EL1 backplanes.

8. Primary SDB Connector: PRI-SDB (J31), for manufacturer's use only.
9. Secondary SDB Connector: SEC-SDB (J29), for manufacturer's use only, not present on EL1 backplanes.
10. I²C Connector, EXP I2C0 (J48).
11. JP3 P_MDIO and JP4 P_MDIO: Primary and secondary management data in/out. For manufacturer's use only.

C-4 Rear Connector and Pin Definitions

1-2. Primary and Secondary Expander Chips

The primary and secondary expander chips allow the backplane to support dual port, cascading, and failover configurations.

3. Backplane Power Connectors

The 4-pin connectors, designated PWR1 to PWR6 provide power to the backplane. See the table on the right for pin definitions.

BackplaneMain Power4-Pin Connector
Pin#	Definition
1	+12V
2 and 3 Ground
4 +5V

4-5. Primary and Secondary SAS Ports

The primary SAS connectors are designated J49 and J50. The secondary SAS Ports are designated J51 through J52 and are not present on EL1 single port backplanes.

6-7. Primary and Secondary UART Connectors

For manufacturer's diagnostic purposes only. The primary UART connector is designated PRI-UART and J30. The secondary UART connector is designated SEC-UART and J24 and is not present on BPN-SAS3-846EL1.

8-9. SDB Connectors

These are debug connectors used for the manufacturer's diagnostic purposes only. The Primary SDB connector is designated PRI-SDB and J31. The secondary SDB connector is designated SEC-SDB and J29. (Not present on BPN-SAS3-846EL1 backplanes)

10. I²C Connectors

The I²C connector. is designated EXP I2C0 and J48.

11. Management Data Port

For manufacturer's use only. JP3 P_MDIO and JP4 P_MDIO are primary and secondary management data in and out.

C-5 Rear Jumper Locations and Pin Definitions

LED Testing Only ACTLED SuperC BPM-GAS3-640

Figure C-2. Rear Jumpers

Jumper	Jumper Settings	Note
LED Testing Only ACTLED	Open: Disabled (Default) Closed: Enabled	Activity LED test.

Explanation of Jumpers

To modify the operation of the backplane, jumpers can be used to choose between optional settings. Jumpers create shorts between two pins to change the function of the connector. Pin 1 is identified with a square solder pad on the printed circuit board. Note: On two pin jumpers, "Closed" means the jumper is on and "Open" means the jumper is off the pins.

Connector Pins Jumper Setting 3 2 1 ● ● ■ 3 2 1

C-6 Rear LED Indicators

12V_LED1 12V_LED2 5V_LED2 5V_LED1 OVERHEATFAIL1 ReHB SUPERC SPN-AS348062

Figure C-3. Rear LEDs

Rear LEDs
LED	Normal State	Abnormal State	Specification
12V_LED1 On Off 12V	power status.
12V_LED2 Blinking		Steady on, or off	Primary expander heartbeat indicator.
5V_LED1 On Off 5V	power status.
5V_LED2 Blinking		Steady on, or off	Secondary expander heartbeat indicator (not present on BPN-SAS3-846EL1 backplanes).
OVERHEATFAIL1 Off	On System	overheat/failure	LED.

C-7 Front Components, Connectors and LED Indicators

graph TD
    A["SAS #5 J5"] --> B["ACT5 FAIL5"]
    C["SAS #4 J4"] --> D["ACT4 FAIL4"]
    E["SAS #3 J3"] --> F["ACT3 FAIL3"]
    G["SAS #2 J2"] --> H["ACT2 FAIL2"]
    I["SAS #1 J1"] --> J["ACT1 FAIL1"]
    K["SAS #0 J0"] --> L["ACT0 FAIL0"]

    M["SAS #1 J1"] --> N["SAS #7 J7"]
    O["SAS #6 J6"] --> P["SAS #8 J8"]
    Q["SAS #9 J9"] --> R["SAS #10 J10"]
    S["SAS #11 J11"] --> T["SAS #12 FAIL6"]

    U["SAS #17 J17"] --> V["SAS #16 FAIL9"]
    W["SAS #15 J15"] --> X["SAS #14 FAIL7"]
    Y["SAS #13 J13"] --> Z["SAS #12 FAIL6"]

    AA["SAS #23 J23"] --> AB["SAS #22 FAIL2"]
    AC["SAS #21 FAIL21"] --> AD["SAS #20 FAIL20"]
    AE["SAS #19 FAIL19"] --> AF["SAS #18 FAIL18"]

    AG["SAS #23 FAIL23"] --> AH["SAS #22 FAIL22"]
    AI["SAS #21 FAIL21"] --> AJ["SAS #20 FAIL20"]
    AK["SAS #19 FAIL19"] --> AL["SAS #18 FAIL18"]

Figure C-4. Front Connectors

Front SAS/SATA Connectors and LED Indicators
Drive Number Label		HDD Activity LED (blue)	Failure LED (red)
SAS #0 J0 ACT0 FAIL0
SAS #1 J1 ACT1 FAIL1
SAS #2 J2 ACT 2 FAIL2
SAS #3 J3 ACT3 FAIL3
SAS #4 J4 ACT4 FAIL4
SAS #5 J5 ACT5 FAIL5
SAS #6 J6 ACT6 FAIL6
SAS #7 J7 ACT7 FAIL7
SAS #8 J8 ACT8 FAIL8
SAS #9 J9 ACT 9 FAIL9
SAS #10 J10 ACT10 FAIL10
SAS #11 J11 ACT11 FAIL11
SAS #12 J12 ACT12		FAIL12
SAS #13 J13 ACT13		FAIL13
SAS #14 J14 ACT14 FAIL14
SAS #15 J15 ACT15 FAIL15
SAS #16 J16 ACT16		FAIL16
SAS #17 J17 ACT17 FAIL17
SAS #18 J18 ACT18 FAIL18
SAS #19 J19 ACT19 FAIL19
SAS #20 J20 ACT20 FAIL20
SAS #21 J21 ACT21 FAIL21
SAS #22 J22 ACT22 FAIL22
SAS #23 J23 ACT23 FAIL23

Dual Port and Cascading Configurations

C-8 Single and Dual Port Expanders

SAS primary connectors J49 to J50 and secondary connectors J51 to J52 are bidirectional and can be treated as input or output.

Single Ports

BPN-SAS3-846EL1 backplanes have a single port expander that accesses all of the drives and supports cascading.

Secondary Expander Not Present on EL1 Models Port A Primary Expander 1 SEC J52 J51 PRI J50 J49 From HBA or Higher Backplane To Lower Backplane in Cascaded System

Figure C-5 BPN-SAS3-846EL1 Single Port Configuration

Dual Ports

BPN-SAS3-846EL2 model backplanes have dual-port expanders that access all of the hard drives. These dual-port expanders support cascading, failover, and recovery.

Port B: Secondary Expander Ports From HBA#2 or Higher Backplane To Lower Backplane in Cascaded System Port A: Primary Expander Ports SEC J52 J51 J50 J49 From HBA#1 or Higher Backplane To Lower Backplane in Cascaded System

Figure C-6. BPN-SAS3-846EL2 Dual Port Configuration

C-9 Failover

The BPN-SAS3-846EL2 model backplane has two expanders which enable effective failover and recovery.

Single Host Bus Adapter

In a single host bus configuration, the backplane connects to one host bus adapter.

SAS HBA Port B Expander 2 SEC J52 J51 PRI J50 J49 Port A Expander 1

Figure C-7. Single HBA

Single Host Bus Adapter Failover

If the expander or data path in Port A fails, the system automatically switches to Port B with application software or failover support.

SAS HBA SEC J52 J51 PRI J50 J49 Port B Expander 2 Port A Expander 1

Figure C-8. Single HBA Failover

C-10 Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple HBAs

The BPN-SAS3-846EL backplane may be configured for failover with multiple HBAs using either RAID controllers or HBAs to achieve failover protection.

RAID Controllers: If RAID controllers are used, then the failover is accomplished through port failover on the same RAID card.

HBAs: If multiple HBAs are used to achieve failover protection and load balancing, Linux MPIO software must be installed and correctly configured to perform the load balancing and failover tasks.

Dual Host Bus Adapter

In a dual host bus configuration, the backplane connects to two HBA's.

graph TD
    A["Port A Expander 1"] --> B["SAS HBA"]
    B --> C["Port B Expander 2"]
    C --> D["SEC"]
    D --> E["J52"]
    D --> F["J51"]
    D --> G["PRI"]
    G --> H["J50"]
    G --> I["J49"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style B fill:#ccf,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#cfc,stroke:#333
    style D fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style E fill:#ffc,stroke:#333
    style F fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style G fill:#ffc,stroke:#333
    style H fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    note right of A: 'Chapter duration, the HBA's.'

Figure C-9. Dual HBA

Dual Host Bus Adapter Failover

If the expander or data path in Port A fails, the system automatically switches to Port B. This maintains a full connection to all drives.

graph TD
    A["SAS HBA"] --> B["Port B Expander 2"]
    C["SAS HBA"] --> D["Port A Expander 1"]
    E["SEC"] --> F["J52"]
    E --> G["J51"]
    H["PRI"] --> I["J50"]
    H --> J["J49"]
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style C fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style E fill:#ccf,stroke:#333
    style F fill:#cfc,stroke:#333
    style G fill:#cfc,stroke:#333
    style H fill:#fcc,stroke:#333
    style I fill:#fcc,stroke:#333

Figure C-10 Dual HBA Failover

IMPORTANT: For RAID controllers, redundancy is achieved through port failover. For multiple HBAs MPIO software is required to achieve failover protection.

C-11 Connecting HBAs to the Backplane

Connecting an Internal HBA to the Backplane

The following section lists the most common cables used to connect the HBA to the backplane.

HBA PRI J49 J50

Figure C-11. Single Internal Host Bus Adapter

HBA HBA SEC J51 J52 PRI J49 J50

Figure C-12. Dual Internal Host Bus Adapter

Supported Internal HBA Cables

Use the following cables to create connections between the internal HBA and BPN-SAS3-846EL model backplane. The cables required depend upon the HBA connector.

IMPORTANT: See Section 3-3 of this manual, Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple HBAs for important information on supported configurations.

Cable Name: Internal iPass (Mini-SAS) to HD (Mini-SAS)

Part #: CBL-SAST-0508-01 Length: 50 cm (19 inches)

Part #: CBL-SAST-0507-01 Length: 80 cm (31 inches)

Description: This cable has an iPass (SFF-8087/Mini-SAS) connector (36-pin) at one end and a Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643) connector at the other end. It connects from the SAS2 HBA to the BPN-SAS3-846EL model backplane.

Cable name: Internal HD (Mini-SAS) to HD (Mini-SAS)

Part #: CBL-SAST-0568 Length: 35 cm (13 inches)

Part #: CBL-SAST-0593 Length: 60 cm (23 inches)

Part #: CBL-SAST-0531 Length: 80 cm (31 inches)

Description: This cable has a Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643) connector at both ends. It connects from the SAS3 HBA to the BPN-SAS3-846EL model backplane.

Connecting an External HBA to the Backplane

This backplane supports external host bus adapters. In this configuration, the HBA and the backplane are in different physical chassis. This allows a JBOD (Just a Bunch Of Drives) configuration from an existing system.

Single External Host Bus Adapter

HBA JBOD Control Board PRI J50 J49 CBL-SAST-0573 External Mini-SAS HD Cable

Figure C-13. Single External Host Adapter

Dual External Host Bus Adapter

graph TD
    A["HBA"] --> B["SEC"]
    C["HBA"] --> D["J52"]
    C --> E["J51"]
    F["PRI"] --> G["J50"]
    F --> H["J49"]
    I["JBOD Control Board"] --> B
    I --> G
    I --> H
    J["CBL-SAST-0573 External Mini-SAS HD Cable"] --> I

Figure C-14. Dual External Host Bus Adapter

IMPORTANT: See Section 3-3 of this manual, Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple HBAs for important information on supported configurations.

Connecting Multiple Backplanes in a Single Channel Environment

This section describes the cables used when cascading from a single HBA. These connections use CBL-SAST-0531 internal cables and CBL-SAST-0573 external cables.

graph TD
    subgraph HBA
        A["Port B Expander 2"] --> B["PRI J50 J49"]
        B --> C["Port A Expander 1"]
    end

    subgraph CBL-SAST-0531 Internal Cable
        D["CBL-SAST-0531 Internal Cable"] --> E["Mini-SAS HD Internal to External Adapter AOM-SAS3-16I16E-LP"]
    end

    subgraph CBL-SAST-0573 External Cable
        F["CBL-SAST-0573 External Cable"] --> G["Port B Expander 2 JBOD Control Board"]
        G --> H["Port A Expander 1"]
    end

Figure C-15. Single HBA Configuration

Single HBA Configuration Cables

Coiled brown cable with two yellow connectors attached, against a plain blue background (no text or symbols visible)

Figure C-16. External Mini-SAS HD to External Mini-SAS HD Cable

Cable Name: 1 Meter External Mini-SAS HD to External Mini-SAS HD Cable

Part #: CBL-SAST-0573

Ports: Single

Placement: External Cable

Description: External cascading cable, connects ports between servers and JBODs.

Electronic device with two Ethernet ports and a green network top (no visible text or symbols)

Figure C-17. Mini-SAS HD Internal to External Adapter

Cable Name: 16-port Mini-SAS HD Internal to External Cable Adapter with full height bracket

Part #: AOM-SAS3-16I16E

Ports: Four wide ports (sixteen ports total)

Placement: Internal cable with adapter

Description: Internal cable, connects the SAS3 backplane to external ports.

Connecting Multiple Backplanes in a Dual Channel Environment

This section describes the cables used when cascading from dual HBAs. These connections use CBL-SAST-0531 internal cables and CBL-SAST-0573 external cables.

graph TD
    subgraph_Port_A_Expander_1["Port A Expander 1"]
        A1["SEC J52"] -->|J51| B1["PRI J50"]
        A2["SEC J52"] -->|J51| B2["PRI J49"]
    end
    subgraph_Port_B_Expander_2["Port B Expander 2"]
        B1 -->|J52| C1["CBL-SAST-0531 Internal Cable"]
        B2 -->|J51| C2["CBL-SAST-0573 External Cable"]
    end
    subgraph Port_A_Expander_1
        B1 -->|J50| C1
        B2 -->|J49| C2
    end
    subgraph_Port_B_Expander_2["Port B Expander 2"]
        B1 -->|J50| C1
        B2 -->|J49| C2
    end
    style Port_A_Expander_1 fill:#f9f,stroke:#333
    style Port_B_Expander_2 fill:#ccf,stroke:#333

Figure C-18. Dual HBA Configuration

IMPORTANT: See Section 3-3 of this manual, Failover with RAID Cards and Multiple HBAs for important information on supported configurations.

Disclaimer (cont.)

The products sold by Supermicro are not intended for and will not be used in life support systems, medical equipment, nuclear facilities or systems, aircraft, aircraft devices, aircraft/emergency communication devices or other critical systems whose failure to perform be reasonably expected to result in significant injury or loss of life or catastrophic property damage. Accordingly, Supermicro disclaims any and all liability, and should buyer use or sell such products for use in such ultra-hazardous applications, it does so entirely at its own risk. Furthermore, buyer agrees to fully indemnify, defend and hold Supermicro harmless for and against any and all claims, demands, actions, litigation, and proceedings of any kind arising out of or related to such ultra-hazardous use or sale.