1. Exadata Server X10M Service Manual
  2. Appendices: Server Reference
  3. Server Installation Information

C Server Installation Information

Overview of the Exadata Server X10M installation procedure.

Receiving and Unpacking Requirements

When the server is unloaded at your site:

  • Leave the server in its shipping carton until it arrives at its installation location.

  • Use a separate area to remove the packaging material to reduce particle contamination before the server is taken to the data center.

  • Ensure that there is enough clearance and clear pathways to move the server from the unpacking area to the installation location.

  • Ensure that the entire access route to the installation location is free of raised-pattern flooring that causes vibration.

Maintenance Space Requirements

The maintenance area for the rackmounted Exadata Server X10M must have the required access space. The following table lists the maintenance access requirements for the server when it is installed in a rack.

Table C-1 Maintenance Space Requirements

Location Maintenance Access Requirement

Back of the server

91.4 cm (36 inches)

Area above the rack

91.4 cm (36 inches)

Front of the server

123.2 cm (48.5 inches)

Rack Space Requirements

Exadata Server X10M is a 2U server. For physical dimensions, see Server Physical Specifications.

You can install the server into a four-post rack cabinet that conforms to ANSI/EIA 310-D-1992 or IEC 60297 standards, such as Oracle Rack Cabinet 1242. See Rack Compatibility.

The minimum ceiling height for the cabinet is 230 cm (90 inches), measured from the true floor or raised floor, whichever is higher. An additional 91.4 cm (36 inches) of ceiling height is required for top clearance. The space above the cabinet and its surroundings must not restrict the movement of cool air between the air conditioner and the cabinet, or the movement of hot air coming out of the top of the cabinet.

Rack Compatibility

The rack into which you install Exadata Server X10M must meet the requirements listed in the following table. Oracle Rack Cabinet 1242 and Sun Rack II are compatible with Exadata Server X10M. For information about the racks, see Rackmounting the Server.

Table C-2 Rack Compatibility

Item Requirement

Structure

Four-post rack: (mounting at both front and back) Supported rack types: square hole (9.5 mm) and round hole (M6 or 1/4-20 threaded only).

Two-post racks are not compatible.

Rack horizontal opening and unit vertical pitch

Conforms to ANSI/EIA 310-D-1992 or IEC 60297 standards.

Distance between front and back mounting planes

Minimum 61 cm and maximum 91.5 cm (24 inches to 36 inches).

Clearance depth in front of front mounting plane

Distance to front cabinet door is at least 2.54 cm (1 inch).

Clearance depth behind front mounting plane

Distance to back cabinet door is at least 90 cm (35.43 inches) with the cable management arm, or 80 cm (31.5 inches) without the cable management arm.

Clearance width between front and back mounting planes

Distance between structural supports and cable troughs is at least 45.6 cm (18 inches).

Minimum clearance for service access

Clearance, front of server: 123.2 cm (48.5 inches)

Clearance, back of server: 91.4 cm (36 inches)

The following table contains Oracle Rack Cabinet 1242 rack specifications:

Table C-3 Oracle Rack Cabinet 1242 Rack Specifications

Requirement Specification

Usable rack units

42

Height

199.9 cm (78.74 inches)

Width (with side panels)

60 cm (23.62 inches)

Maximum dynamic load

1005 kg (2215 lbs)

The following table contains Sun Rack II Model 1242 and Sun Rack II Model 1042 rack specifications:

Table C-4 Sun Rack II Model 1242 and Sun Rack II Model 1042 Rack Specifications

Requirement Specification

Usable rack units

42

Height

199.8 cm (78.66 inches)

Width (with side panels)

60 cm (23.62 inches)

Depth Model 1242

120 cm (47.24 inches)

Depth Model 1042

105.8 cm (41.66 inches)

Weight Model 1242

150.6 kg (332 lbs)

Weight Model 1042

123.4 kg (272 lbs)

Maximum dynamic load

1005 kg (2215 lbs)

Note:

Depth is measured from front door handle to back door handle.

Installation Procedure

This topic provides an overview of the Exadata Server X10M installation procedure. Review the entire installation procedure and find links to more information about each step.

The following list summarizes the tasks that you must perform to properly install Exadata Server X10M.

  1. Review Known Issues for any late-breaking information about the server. Refer to Oracle AMD-Based Cloud Servers Product Notes.

  2. Confirm Installation Prerequisites. Prepare to install the server.

  3. Install the server into a rack.

    Rackmount the server. To rackmount the server, secure the rack to the floor, stabilize the rack, and install the mounting brackets and slide rails. Install the server hardware.

  4. Connect to the system. Attach cables and power cords to the server.

  5. Power on the server.

  6. Connect to Oracle Integrated Lights Out Manager (ILOM).

  7. Install the operating system.

Installation Prerequisites

Prepare to install the server. Before you start the Rackmount Procedures or Reinstall the Server Into the Rack, ensure that the following tasks are complete.

  1. Review the server:
  2. Confirm that your site meets the required electrical and environmental requirements. See Site Planning Checklists.
  3. Familiarize yourself with safety precautions and electrostatic discharge (ESD).
  4. Before installing the server, read the safety information in Oracle Server Safety and Compliance Guide and in Important Safety Information for Oracle's Hardware Systems.
  5. Assemble the required tools and equipment for installation.
  6. Confirm that you received all the items you ordered. See Shipping Inventory.
  7. Install any separately shipped optional components.

Safety Precautions

This section describes safety precautions you must follow when installing the server into a rack.

Caution:

Observe these safety precautions:

Leveling feet position: When unpacking the rack at the installation site, or when repackaging and moving the rack to a new location, verify that the leveling feet are up before moving the rack.

Shipping brackets: The rack shipping brackets are not for use for bracing or anchoring the rack during seismic events.

Stabilize rack: Deploy the anti-tilt bar on the equipment rack before starting an installation.

Equipment loading: Always load equipment into a rack from the bottom up so that the rack does not become top-heavy and tip over. Deploy your rack anti-tilt bar to prevent the rack from tipping during equipment installation.

Lifting equipment: Exadata Server X10M weighs up to 76 lbs (34 kg). Two people are needed to mount the server into the rack enclosure.


Figure showing that two people are needed to lift the server.

Communicate instructions: When performing a two-person procedure, communicate your intentions clearly to the other person before, during, and after each step to minimize confusion.

Elevated operating ambient temperature: If you install the server in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment might be higher than the room ambient temperature. Install the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) specified for the server. For server environmental requirements, see Environmental Requirements.

Reduced airflow: Install the equipment in a rack so that it does not compromise the amount of airflow required for safe operation of the equipment.

Mechanical loading: Mount the equipment in the rack so that it does not cause a hazardous condition due to uneven mechanical loading.

Circuit overloading: Consider the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading the circuits might have on over-current protection and supply wiring. Also consider the equipment nameplate power ratings used when you address this concern.

Reliable earthing: Maintain reliable earthing of rackmounted equipment. Pay attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power strips).

Mounted equipment: Do not use slide-rail-mounted equipment as a shelf or a workspace.

ESD Precautions

Electronic equipment is susceptible to damage by static electricity. To prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) when you install or service the server:

  • Use a grounded antistatic wrist strap, foot strap, or equivalent safety equipment.

  • Place components on an antistatic surface, such as an antistatic discharge mat or an antistatic bag.

  • Wear an antistatic grounding wrist strap connected to a metal surface on the chassis when you work on system components.

Caution:

Equipment damage: Electrostatic damage can permanently disable the system or require repair by authorized service technicians.

Before installing the server, read the safety information in Oracle Server Safety and Compliance Guide and in Important Safety Information for Oracle's Hardware Systems.

Tools and Equipment For Installation

To install and maintain the server, you must have the following service tools:
  • Phillips (+) No. 1, No. 2
  • Torx (6 Lobe) T15, T20, T25, T30
  • Antistatic wrist strap
  • Antistatic mat

You must provide a system console device, such as a laptop (running terminal emulation software), workstation, or terminal server.

Shipping Inventory

Inspect the shipping cartons for evidence of physical damage. If a shipping carton appears damaged, request that the carrier agent be present when the carton is opened. Keep all contents and packing material for the agent inspection.

The carton contains these components:

  • Power cords, packaged separately with the country kit

  • Rackmount kit, containing rack rails, mounting brackets, screws, and the Rackmounting Template

  • Legal and safety documents

Rackmounting the Server

To rackmount the server, secure the rack to the floor, stabilize the rack, and install the mounting brackets and slide rails. Then, install the server into the rack.

Note:

Rack Mount Instructions

A) Elevated Operating Ambient - If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Therefore, consideration should be given to installing the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) specified by the manufacturer.

B) Reduced Air Flow - Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.

C) Mechanical Loading - Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.

D) Circuit Overloading - Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this concern.

E) Reliable Earthing - Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular attention should be given to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (e.g. use of power strips).

Equipment is intended for installation in Restricted Access Area

Rackmount Kit Contents

The following figure shows the Rackmount Kit contents. For additional instructions on how to install your server in a four-post rack using the slide-rail and cable management arm options, refer to the Rackmounting Template.
Figure showing the contents of the rackmount kit.

Call Out Description

1

Slide-rails

2

Mounting brackets

3

Four M4 x 5 fine-pitch mounting bracket securing screws (optional)

4

Rackmounting Template

Stabilize the Rack

Caution:

To reduce the risk of personal injury, stabilize the rack cabinet, and extend the anti-tilt bar before you install the server.

Refer to your rack documentation for detailed instructions for the following steps.

  1. Open and remove the front and back doors from the rack cabinet, only if they impinge on the mounting bay.
  2. To prevent the rack cabinet from tipping during the installation, fully extend the rack cabinet anti-tilt bar, which is located at the bottom front of the rack cabinet.
  3. If the rack includes leveling feet beneath the rack cabinet to prevent the rack from rolling, extend these leveling feet fully downward and lock to the floor.

    Caution:

    When moving the rack cabinet to a new location, verify that the leveling feet are up before moving the rack.

Related Rack Documentation

Install Mounting Brackets on the Server

To install the mounting brackets on the sides of the server:

  1. Position a mounting bracket against the chassis so that the slide-rail lock is at the server front, and the five keyhole openings on the mounting bracket are aligned with the five locating pins on the side of the chassis.
    Figure showing the mounting bracket aligned with server chassis locating pins.
    Call Out Description

    1

    Chassis front

    2

    Slide-rail lock

    3

    Mounting bracket

    4

    Mounting bracket clip
  2. When the heads of the five chassis locating pins protrude through the five keyhole openings in the mounting bracket, pull the mounting bracket toward the front of the chassis until the mounting bracket clip locks into place with an audible click.
  3. Verify that the back locating pin is engaged with the mounting bracket clip.
  4. Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 to install the other mounting bracket on the other side of the server.

Mark the Rackmount Location

Identify the location in the rack where you want to place the server. Exadata Server X10M requires two rack units (2U). Use the Rackmounting Template to identify the correct mounting holes for the slide-rails.

Caution:

Always load equipment into a rack from the bottom up so that the rack does not become top-heavy and tip over. Extend the rack anti-tilt bar to prevent the rack from tipping during equipment installation.

  1. Ensure that there is at least two rack units (2U) of vertical space in the rack cabinet to install the server. See Rack Compatibility.
  2. Place the Rackmounting Template against the front rails, and measure up from the bottom of the Rackmounting Template. The bottom edge of the Rackmounting Template card corresponds to the bottom edge of the server. Figure showing the Rackmounting Template being used for rackmount location.
  3. Mark the mounting holes for the front slide-rails. Figure showing the Rackmounting Template being used for 4-Drive server rackmount location.Figure showing the Rackmounting Template being used for 12-Drive server rackmount location.
  4. Mark the mounting holes for the back slide-rails.

Install AC Power Cables and Slide-Rails

  1. Before you install the slide-rails into the rack, install server right-angle AC power cables into the left-side and right-side PDU electrical sockets.

    Use part number 7079727 - Pwrcord, Jmpr, Bulk, SR2, 2m, C14RA, 10A, C13, 2-meter, right-angle AC power cable for this procedure.

    Figure showing slide-rails installed in the rack over the right-angle AC power cables.
  2. Install the slide-rails into the rack.

Attach the Slide-Rails

Use this procedure to attach slide-rail assemblies to the rack.

Note:

Before you install the slide-rails, be sure to install the server right-angle AC power cables (part number 7079727 - Pwrcord, Jmpr, Bulk, SR2, 2m, C14RA, 10A, C13). In the 1000 mm rack, the standard rail kit slide-rails obstruct access to the front of the 15kVA, 22kVA, and 24kVA Power Distribution Unit (PDU) electrical sockets. If you use the standard AC power cables, first plug them in, and then install the slide-rails into the rack. After you install the slide-rails, you cannot disconnect or remove the standard AC power cables from the PDU but you can remove them from the system.

  1. Orient the slide-rail assembly so that the ball-bearing track is forward and locked in place.

    Figure showing the slide-rail being oriented with the ball-bearing track locked into place.
    Call Out Description

    1

    Slide-rail

    2

    Ball-bearing track

    3

    Ball-bearing locking mechanism
  2. Starting with either the left or right side of the rack, align the back of the slide-rail assembly against the inside of the back rack rail, and push until the assembly locks into place with an audible click.

    Figure showing the Slide-rail assembly being aligned with the rack.
  3. Align the front of the slide-rail assembly against the outside of the front rack rail, and push until the assembly locks into place with an audible click.
  4. Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 to attach the slide-rail assembly to the other side of the rack.

Install the Server Into the Slide-Rail Assemblies

Use this procedure to install the server chassis with mounting brackets into the slide-rail assemblies that are mounted to the rack.

Caution:

Personal Injury or Equipment Damage: This procedure requires a minimum of two people because of the weight of the server. Attempting this procedure alone could result in equipment damage or personal injury.

Always load equipment into a rack from the bottom up so that the rack does not become top-heavy and tip over. Extend the rack anti-tilt bar to prevent the rack from tipping during equipment installation.

  1. Push the slide-rails as far as possible into the slide-rail assemblies in the rack.
  2. Position the server so that the back ends of the mounting brackets are aligned with the slide-rail assemblies that are mounted in the rack.
  3. Insert the mounting brackets into the slide-rails, and then push the server into the rack until the mounting brackets are flush with the slide-rail stops (approximately 30 cm or 12 inches).
    Figure showing the server with mounting brackets being inserted into the slide-rails.
    Call Out Description

    1

    Inserting mounting bracket into slide-rail

    2

    Slide-rail release button

    3

    Slide-rail lock
  4. Simultaneously push and hold the green slide-rail release buttons on each mounting bracket while you push the server into the rack. Continue pushing the server into the rack until the slide-rail locks (on the front of the mounting brackets) engage the slide-rail assemblies with an audible click.

    Figure showing the server being pushed back into the rack.

    Caution:

    Before you install the optional cable management arm verify that the server is securely mounted in the rack and that the slide-rail locks are engaged with the mounting brackets.

Install the Cable Management Arm (Optional)

Follow this procedure to install the cable management arm (CMA), which you can use to manage cables connected to the back of the server.

Note:

Before you install the CMA, ensure that the right-angle AC power cables are long enough to connect to the rackmounted servers when routed through the CMA.

  1. Unpack the CMA, which contains the following components.

    Figure showing CMA components.
    Call Out Description

    1

    Connector A

    2

    Front slide bar

    3

    Velcro straps (6)

    4

    Connector B

    5

    Connector C

    6

    Connector D

    7

    Slide-rail latching bracket (used with connector D)

    8

    Back slide bar

    9

    Server flat cable covers

    10

    Server round cable covers (optional)
  2. Prepare the CMA for installation.
    1. Ensure that you install the flat cable covers for your server on the CMA.
    2. Ensure that the six Velcro straps are threaded into the CMA.

      Note:

      Ensure that the two Velcro straps located on the front slide bar are threaded through the opening in the top of the slide bar, as shown in the illustration in Step 1. This prevents the Velcro straps from interfering with the expansion and contraction of the slide bar when the server is extended out of the rack and returned to the rack.

    3. To make it easier to install the CMA, extend the server approximately 13 cm (5 inches) out of the front of the rack.
    4. Take the CMA to the back of the equipment rack, and ensure that you have adequate room to work at the back of the server.

      Note:

      References to "left" or "right" in this procedure assume that you are facing the back of the equipment rack.

      Note:

      Throughout this installation procedure, support the CMA and do not allow it to hang under its own weight until it is secured at all four attachment points.

  3. To install CMA connector A into the left slide-rail:
    1. Insert CMA connector A into the front slot on the left slide-rail until it locks into place with an audible click [1 and 2].

      The connector A tab (callout 1) goes into the slide-rail front slot (callout 2).

    2. Gently tug on the left side of the front slide bar to verify that connector A is properly seated.

      Figure showing how to install connector A into the left slide-rail.
      Call Out Description

      1

      Connector A tab

      2

      Left slide-rail front slot
  4. To install CMA connector B into the right slide-rail:
    1. Insert CMA connector B into the front slot on the right slide-rail until it locks into place with an audible click [1 and 2].

      The connector B tab (callout 1) goes into the slide-rail front slot (callout 2).

    2. Gently tug on the right side of the front slide bar to verify that connector B is properly seated.

      Figure showing how to install the CMA's connector B into the right slide-rail.
      Call Out Description

      1

      Connector B tab

      2

      Right slide-rail front slot
  5. To install CMA connector C into the right slide-rail:
    1. Align connector C with the slide-rail so that the locking spring (callout 1) is positioned inside (server side) of the right slide-rail [1].
      Figure showing how to install the CMA's connector C into the right slide-rail.
      Call Out Description

      1

      Connector C locking spring
    2. Insert connector C into the right slide-rail until it locks into place with an audible click [2 and 3].
    3. Gently tug on the right side of the CMA back slide bar to verify that connector C is properly seated.
  6. To prepare CMA connector D for installation, remove the tape that secures the slide-rail latching bracket to connector D, and ensure that the latching bracket is properly aligned with connector D [1 and 2].

    Note:

    The CMA is shipped with the slide-rail latching bracket taped to connector D. You must remove the tape before you install this connector.


    Figure showing how to align the CMA slide-rail latching bracket with connector D.
  7. To install CMA connector D into the left slide-rail:
    1. While holding the slide-rail latching bracket in place, insert connector D and its associated slide-rail latching bracket into the left slide-rail until connector D locks into place with an audible click [1 and 2].

      Note:

      When inserting connector D into the slide-rail, the preferred and easier method is to install connector D and the latching bracket as one assembly into the slide-rail.

    2. Gently tug on the left side of the CMA back slide bar to verify that connector D is properly seated.

      Note:

      The slide-rail latching bracket has a green release tab. Use the tab to release and remove the latching bracket so that you can remove connector D.

      Figure showing how to install the CMA's connector D and its associated latching bracket into the left slide-rail.
  8. Gently tug on the four CMA connection points to ensure that the CMA connectors are fully seated before you allow the CMA to hang by its own weight.
  9. To verify that the slide-rails and the CMA are operating properly before routing cables through the CMA:
    1. Ensure that the rack anti-tilt bar is extended to prevent the rack from tipping forward when the server is extended.

      Caution:

      To reduce the risk of personal injury, stabilize the rack cabinet and extend the anti-tilt bar before extending the server from the rack.

      For instructions to stabilize the rack, see Stabilize the Rack.

    2. Slowly pull the server out of the rack until the slide-rails reach their stops.
    3. Inspect the attached cables for any binding or kinks.
    4. Verify that the CMA extends fully with the slide-rails.
      Figure showing the CMA fully extended.
  10. To return the server to the rack:
    1. Simultaneously pull and hold the two green release tabs (one on each side of the server) toward the front of the server while you push the server into the rack. As you push the server into the rack, verify that the CMA retracts without binding.
    2. To pull the green release tabs, place your finger in the center of each tab, not on the end, and apply pressure as you pull the tab toward the front of the server.

      Figure showing the location of the release tabs on the slide-rails.
    3. Continue pushing the server into the rack until the slide-rail locks (on the front of the server) engage the slide-rail assemblies.

      You hear a click when the server is in the normal rack position.

  11. Connect cables to the server, as required.
  12. Open the CMA cable covers, route the server cables through the CMA cable troughs (in the order specified in the following steps), close the cable covers, and secure the cables with the six Velcro straps.
    1. First through the front-most cable trough.
    2. Then through the small cable trough.
    3. Then through the back-most cable trough.

      Caution:

      When securing the cables with the Velcro straps located on the front slide bar, ensure that the Velcro straps do not wrap around the bottom of the slide bar. Otherwise, expansion and contraction of the slide bar might be hindered when the server is extended from the rack and returned to the rack.

      Figure showing CMA with cables installed, cable covers closed, and cables secured with Velcro straps.
  13. Ensure that the secured cables do not extend above the top or below the bottom of the server to which they are attached.

    Otherwise, the cables might snag on other equipment installed in the rack when the server is extended from the rack or returned to the rack.

  14. If necessary, bundle the cables with additional Velcro straps to ensure that they stay clear of other equipment.

    Note:

    If you need to install additional Velcro straps, wrap the straps around the cables only, not around any of the CMA components. Otherwise, expansion and contraction of the CMA slide bars might be hindered when the server is extended from the rack and returned to the rack.

Remove the Cable Management Arm

Follow this procedure to remove the cable management arm (CMA).

Before you begin this procedure, refer to the illustration provided in Step 1 in the procedure Install the Cable Management Arm (Optional) to identify CMA connectors A, B, C, and D. Disconnect the CMA connectors in the reverse order in which you installed them, that is, disconnect connector D first, followed by C, B, and A.

Throughout this procedure, after you disconnect any of the CMA four connectors, do not allow the CMA to hang under its own weight.

Note:

References to “left” or “right” in this procedure assume that you are facing the back of the equipment rack.

  1. To prevent the rack from tipping forward when the server is extended, ensure that the rack anti-tilt bar is extended.

    Caution:

    To reduce the risk of personal injury, stabilize the rack cabinet and extend the anti-tilt bar before extending the server from the rack.

    For instructions to stabilize the rack, see Stabilize the Rack.

  2. To make it easier to remove the CMA, extend the server approximately 13 cm (5 inches) out of the front of the rack.
  3. To remove the cables from the CMA:
    1. Disconnect all cables from the back of the server.
    2. If applicable, remove any additional Velcro straps that were installed to bundle the cables.
    3. Unwrap the six Velcro straps that are securing the cables.
    4. Open the three cable covers to the fully opened position.
    5. Remove the cables from the CMA and set them aside.
  4. To disconnect connector D:
    1. Press the green release tab (callout 1) on the slide-rail latching bracket toward the left and slide the connector D out of the left slide-rail [1 and 2].

      When you slide connector D out of the left slide-rail, the slide-rail latching bracket portion of the connector remains in place. You disconnect connector D in the next step.

      Note:

      After you disconnect connector D, do not allow the CMA to hang under its own weight. Throughout the remainder of this procedure, the CMA must be supported until all the remaining connectors are disconnected and the CMA can be placed on a flat surface.

      Figure showing how to disconnect connector D.
      Call Out Description

      1

      Connector D release tab (green)

      2

      Slide-rail latching bracket release tab (labeled PUSH)
    2. Use your right hand to support the CMA and use your left thumb to push in (toward the left) on the slide-rail latching bracket release tab labeled PUSH (callout 2), and pull the latching bracket out of the left slide-rail and put it aside [3 and 4].
  5. To disconnect connector C:
    1. Place your left arm under the CMA to support it.
    2. Use your right thumb to push in (toward the right) on the connector C release tab labeled PUSH (callout 1), and pull connector C out of the right slide-rail [1 and 2].
      Figure showing how to disconnect connector C.
      Call Out Description

      1

      Connector C release tab (labeled PUSH)
  6. To disconnect connector B:
    1. Place your right arm under the CMA to support it and grasp the back end of connector B with your right hand.
    2. Use your left thumb to pull the connector B release lever to the left, away from the right slide-rail (callout 1), and use your right hand to pull the connector out of the slide-rail [1 and 2].
      Figure showing how to disconnect connector B.
      Call Out Description

      1

      Connector B release lever
  7. To disconnect connector A:
    1. Place your left arm under the CMA to support it and grasp the back end of connector A with your left hand.
    2. Use your right thumb to pull the connector A release lever to the right, away from the left slide-rail (callout 1), and use your left hand to pull the connector out of the slide-rail [1 and 2].
      Figure showing how to disconnect connector A.
      Call Out Description

      1

      Connector A release lever
  8. Remove the CMA from the rack and place it on a flat surface.
  9. Go to the front of the server and push it back into the rack.

Operating System Installation Process

Each operating system has specific steps to follow to complete the installation. Refer to the OS documentation. The general process for all operating system installations is as follows.

  1. Review the server Known Issues.

  2. Confirm the server supported operating system version.

  3. Install the server hardware.

  4. Connect to the system.

  5. Select the installation method.

  6. Select the installation target.

  7. Install the operating system.

  8. Configure the operating system.

Configure NVMe RAID Using BRU

BRU on Oracle AMD Platforms

On Exadata Server X10M, BRU is employed in "Native" mode, which is based on Linux RAID metadata version 1.2. Oracle AMD platforms do not support IMSM (Intel© Matrix Storage Manager) containers and metadata, which are Intel VROC features.

Enabling/Disabling BRU

By default, BRU is disabled in UEFI. There is no BRU enable/disable switch in the UEFI menus. BRU is enabled by modifying the UEFI configuration in Oracle ILOM 'expert mode'. You must stop the system to perform this procedure.

BRU (Boot RAID on UEFI) enables Exadata Server X10M to boot from NVMe RAID1 devices. BRU replaces the boot device discovery functionality provided by Intel© VROC (Virtual RAID on CPU). Note that BRU is not a feature-for-feature replacement of VROC. BRU does not provide RAID device configuration and management capability. The RAID1 boot devices used by BRU are created with Linux mdadm utility. The underlying RAID functionality is managed with Linux mdadm utility and md driver.

The Configure NVMe RAID1 Boot Devices procedure configures a RAID1 volume so that you can install Oracle Linux. Boot RAID on UEFI (BRU), implements a UEFI driver that identifies a bootable NVMe M.2 RAID1 volume in the UEFI environment. OnExadata Server X10M, BRU uses native Linux RAID1 metadata (version 1.2) and is fully compatible with mdadm utilities in Linux.

Note:

Please note that Windows© and VMware© do not support booting from BRU devices. This procedure applies only to Exadata Server X10M with Oracle Linux and installed NVMe M.2 SSD boot devices.

  1. Access the host console locally or through Oracle ILOM.

    For instructions, see Accessing Oracle ILOM.

  2. Create a RAID1 with Oracle Linux mdadm.

    Assuming the system has two NVMe M.2 drives containing namespace of the same size (for information about creating NVMe namespaces, see "man -s 1 nvme").

    1. Type: # nvme list 
        # nvme list
        Node         SN             Model                      Namespace Usage             Format  FW Rev
        ------------ -------------- -------------------------- --------- ----------------- ------- --------
        /dev/nvme0n1 S435NF0KA01142 SAMSUNG MZ1LB960HAJQ-00007 1         960.20GB/960.20GB 512B+0B EDA7202Q
        /dev/nvme0n1 S435NF0KA01137 SAMSUNG MZ1LB960HAJQ-00007 1         960.20GB/960.20GB 512B+0B EDA7202Q
        #
    2. Create a RAID1 from the namespaces, specifying metadata version 1.2

      # mdadm --create /dev/md0 --level=1 --raid-devices 2 /dev/nvme0n1 /dev/nvme1n1 --metadata=1.2

    3. Shutdown the Oracle Linux OS.

      Use the recommended Oracle Linux OS shutdown command. # /etc/shutdown

    4. Stop the system. 
      -> stop /SYS
Are you sure you want to stop /SYS (y/n)? y 
Stopping /SYS ->
    5. Enable BRU. See "Enabling BRU" steps.
  3. Enable expert_mode in the SP Shell:

    -> set /System/BIOS/Config expert_mode=enabled

    Set 'expert_mode' to 'enabled'

    ->

  4. Dump uefi configuration file to remote system:

    -> dump -destination scp://username@remote_host.us.foo.com/var/tmp/ueficfg.xml /System/BIOS/Config

    Enter remote user password: ********

    Dump successful.

    ->

  5. On the remote host, use a text editor to modify ueficfg.xml; find the 'Block RAID in UEFI' heading, change the Block_RAID_in_UEFI value from 'Disable' to 'Enable'.
    1. Change this
      <Block_RAID_in_UEFI>
<!-- Block RAID in UEFI --> 
<!-- Description: Enable/Disable Block RAID in UEFI --> 
<!-- Possible Values: "Disable", "Enable" --> 
<!-- Expert Mode --> <Block_RAID_in_UEFI>Disable</Block_RAID_in_UEFI> 
</Block_RAID_in_UEFI>

      To this:

      <Block_RAID_in_UEFI>
<!-- Block RAID in UEFI --> 
<!-- Description: Enable/Disable Block RAID in UEFI --> 
<!-- Possible Values: "Disable", "Enable" -->  
<Block_RAID_in_UEFI>Enable</Block_RAID_in_UEFI> 
</Block_RAID_in_UEFI>
    2. Save the file.
  6. From the SP. reload the modified UEFI configuration file:

    -> load -source scp://username@remote_host.us.foo.com/var/tmp/ueficfg.xml /System/BIOS/Config

    Enter remote user password: ********

    Load successful.

    ->

  7. Disable ILOM expert mode.

    -> set /System/BIOS/Config expert_mode=disabled

    Set 'expert_mode' to 'disabled'

    ->

  8. Restart the system
    -> start /SYS
Are you sure you want to start /SYS (y/n)? y
Starting /SYS
->

    For more details, see Controlling System Power.

    The power-on self-test (POST) sequence begins.

  9. This completes the RAID configuration.

    You can now install an operating system on the volume that you created.