Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server Installation and Service Guide

First Published: 2021-07-06

Last Modified: 2023-01-26

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© 2021, 2022, 2023 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1 Overview 1

Overview 1
External Features 4
PCIe Risers 23
Summary of Server Features 29
Serviceable Component Locations 40

CHAPTER 2 Installing the Server 43

Preparing for Installation 43

Installation Warnings and Guidelines 43
Rack Requirements 45
Installing the Server in a Rack 46
Installing the Cable Management Arm (Optional) 49
Reversing the Cable Management Arm (Optional) 50
Initial Server Setup 51
Connecting to the Server Locally For Setup 52
Connecting to the Server Remotely For Setup 53
Setting Up the System With the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility 54
NIC Mode and NIC Redundancy Settings 56
Updating the BIOS and Cisco IMC Firmware 57
Accessing the System BIOS 58
Smart Access Serial 58
Smart Access USB 59

CHAPTER 3 Maintaining the Server 61

Status LEDs and Buttons 61

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Front-Panel LEDs 62
Rear-Panel LEDs 65
Internal Diagnostic LEDs 67
Preparing For Component Installation 68
Required Equipment For Service Procedures 68
Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server 68
Shutting Down Using the Power Button 68
Shutting Down Using The Cisco IMC GUI 69

Shutting Down Using The Cisco IMC CLI 69

Removing the Server Top Cover 69
Serial Number Location 71
Hot Swap vs Hot Plug 72
Replacing the Air Duct 72
Removing the Air Duct 72
Installing the Air Duct 74
Removing and Replacing Components 75
Serviceable Component Locations 76
Replacing Front-Loading SAS/SATA Drives 78
Front-Loading SAS/SATA Drive Population Guidelines 78
4K Sector Format SAS/SATA Drives Considerations 79
Replacing a Front-Loading SAS/SATA Drive 80
Replacing Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drives 81
Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drive Population Guidelines 81
Replacing a Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drive 82
Replacing Mid-Mounted SAS/SATA Drives (LFF Server) 83
Basic Troubleshooting: Reseating a SAS/SATA Drive 85
Reseating a SAS/SATA Drive 86
Replacing Front-Loading NVMe SSDs 87
Front-Loading NVMe SSD Population Guidelines 87
Front-Loading NVME SSD Requirements and Restrictions 87
Enabling Hot-Plug Support in the System BIOS 88
Replacing a Front-Loading NVMe SSD 88
Cabling NVMe Drives 1 Through 4 (UCS C240 M6 24 SFF Drives Only) 90
Replacing Rear-Loading NVMe SSDs 94

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Rear-Loading NVMe SSD Population Guidelines 95

Rear-Loading NVME SSD Requirements and Restrictions 95
Replacing a Rear-Loading NVMe SSD 96
Replacing Fan Modules 97
Removing the Fan Tray 99
Installing the Fan Tray 100
Replacing CPUs and Heatsinks 100
CPU Configuration Rules 101
Tools Required For CPU Replacement 102
Removing CPUs and Heat Sinks 102
Installing the CPUs and Heatsinks 107
Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement CPUs 111
Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement System Chassis 112
Replacing Memory DIMMs 113
DIMM Population Rules and Memory Performance Guidelines 113

Replacing DIMMs 115

Replacing Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Modules 116
Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Module Population Rules and Performance Guidelines 116
Installing Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Modules 117
Server BIOS Setup Utility Menu for DCPMM 118
Replacing a Mini-Storage Module 120
Replacing a Mini-Storage Module Carrier 120
Replacing an M.2 SSD in a Mini-Storage Carrier For M.2 121
Replacing the RTC Battery 121
Replacing Power Supplies 122
Supported Power Supplies 122
Replacing AC Power Supplies 123
Replacing DC Power Supplies 124
Installing DC Power Supplies (First Time Installation) 125
Grounding for DC Power Supplies 126
Replacing a PCIe Riser 127
Replacing a PCIe Card 128
PCIe Slot Specifications 128
Replacing a PCIe Card 129

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Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC) Considerations 130

Replacing an mLOM Card 132
Replacing a SAS Storage Controller Card (RAID or HBA) 133
Storage Controller Card Firmware Compatibility 133
Removing the Dual Storage Controller Cards 133
Installing the Dual Storage Controller Cards 137
Removing the Storage Controller Card 140
Installing the Storage Controller Card 144
Verify Cabling 147
Replacing a SATA Interposer Card (12-Drive SFF Server Only) 149
Replacing the Supercap (RAID Backup) 153
Replacing a Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller Module 156
Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller Considerations 156
Replacing a Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller 158
Replacing a Chassis Intrusion Switch 160
Installing a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 161
TPM Considerations 161
Installing and Enabling a TPM 161
Installing TPM Hardware 162
Enabling the TPM in the BIOS 162
Enabling the Intel TXT Feature in the BIOS 163
Removing the PCB Assembly (PCBA) 164
Service Headers and Jumpers 165
Using the Clear CMOS Switch (SW12, Switch 9) 167

Using the BIOS Recovery Switch (SW12, Switch 5) 168

Procedure 1: Reboot With bios.cap Recovery File 168
Using the BIOS Recovery Switch (SW12, Switch 5) and bios.cap File 169
Using the Clear BIOS Password Switch (SW12, Switch 6) 170
Using the Boot Alternate Cisco IMC Image Header (CN3, Pins 1-2) 170
Using the System Firmware Secure Erase Header (CN3, Pins 3-4) 171

APPENDIX A Server Specifications 173

Server Specifications 173
Physical Specifications 173

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Environmental Specifications 175

Power Specifications 176
1050 W AC Power Supply 177
1050 W DC Power Supply 177
1600 W AC Power Supply 178
2300 W AC Power Supply 179
Power Cord Specifications 180

APPENDIX B Storage Controller Considerations 183

Supported Storage Controllers and Cables 183
Storage Controller Card Firmware Compatibility 186
RAID Backup (Supercap) 186
Mixing Drive Types in RAID Groups 186
Storage Controller Cable Connectors and Backplanes 186
For More RAID Utility Information 190

APPENDIX C GPU Installation 191

Supported GPUs and Server Firmware Requirements 191
GPU Card Configuration Rules 192
Requirement For All GPUs: Memory-Mapped I/O Greater Than 4 GB 193
Installing a Single-Wide GPU Card 193
Installing a Double-Wide GPU Card 196
Replacing a Heatsink 198
Removing a Heat Sink 199
Installing a Heatsink 202
Installing GRID Licenses From the NVIDIA Licensing Portal to the License Server 204
Reading Your License Server’s MAC Address 205
Installing Licenses From the Licensing Portal 205
Viewing Available GRID Licenses 205
Viewing Current License Usage 206
Managing GRID Licenses 206

Acquiring a GRID License on Windows 206

Acquiring a GRID License on Linux 206
Using gpumodeswitch 207

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Installing Drivers to Support the GPU Cards 208

1. Updating the Server BIOS 208
2. Updating the GPU Card Drivers 208

APPENDIX D UCSM Integration 211

Installation For Cisco UCS Manager Integration 211

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 Preface
This preface contains the following topics:
• Bias-Free Documentation, on page ix
• Introduction, on page ix
• Communications, Services, and Additional Information, on page xi

Bias-Free Documentation

Note The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For purposes of this
documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age,
disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and
intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in
the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on standards documentation, or language
that is used by a referenced third-party product.

Introduction
THE SPECIFICATIONS AND INFORMATION REGARDING THE PRODUCTS IN THIS MANUAL
ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL STATEMENTS, INFORMATION, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS IN THIS MANUAL ARE BELIEVED TO BE ACCURATE BUT ARE PRESENTED
WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. USERS MUST TAKE FULL
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR APPLICATION OF ANY PRODUCTS.
THE SOFTWARE LICENSE AND LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE ACCOMPANYING PRODUCT
ARE SET FORTH IN THE INFORMATION PACKET THAT SHIPPED WITH THE PRODUCT AND
ARE INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO LOCATE THE
SOFTWARE LICENSE OR LIMITED WARRANTY, CONTACT YOUR CISCO REPRESENTATIVE
FOR A COPY.
The following information is for FCC compliance of Class A devices: 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

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 Preface
Preface

in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in
which case users will be required to correct the interference at their own expense.
The following information is for FCC compliance of Class B devices: This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If the equipment causes interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, users are encouraged to
try to correct the interference by using one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Modifications to this product not authorized by Cisco could void the FCC approval and negate your authority
to operate the product.
The Cisco implementation of TCP header compression is an adaptation of a program developed by the
University of California, Berkeley (UCB) as part of UCB’s public domain version of the UNIX operating
system. All rights reserved. Copyright © 1981, Regents of the University of California.
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PRACTICE.
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CONSEQUENTIAL, OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOST
PROFITS OR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO DATA ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE
THIS MANUAL, EVEN IF CISCO OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES.
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All printed copies and duplicate soft copies of this document are considered uncontrolled. See the current
online version for the latest version.
Cisco has more than 200 offices worldwide. Addresses and phone numbers are listed on the Cisco website at
www.cisco.com/go/offices.
The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For purposes of this documentation
set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial
identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be

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Communications, Services, and Additional Information

present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software,
language used based on standards documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product.
Cisco and the Cisco logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Cisco and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and
other countries. To view a list of Cisco trademarks, go to this URL: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/
legal/trademarks.html. Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. The use
of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. (1721R)

Communications, Services, and Additional Information

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you with detailed defect information about your products and software.

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 CHAPTER 1
Overview
This chapter contains the following topics:
• Overview, on page 1
• External Features, on page 4
• Summary of Server Features, on page 29
• Serviceable Component Locations, on page 40

Overview
The Cisco UCS C240 M6 is a stand-alone 2U rack server chassis that can operate in both standalone
environments and as part of the Cisco Unified Computing System (Cisco UCS).
The Cisco UCS C240 M6 servers support a maximum of two 3rd Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors, in
either one or two CPU configurations.
The servers support:
• 16 DIMM slots per CPU for 3200-MHz DDR4 DIMMs in capacities up to 128 GB DIMMs.
• A maximum of 8 or 12 TB of memory is supported for a dual CPU configuration populated with either:
• DIMM memory configurations of either 32 128 GB DDR DIMMs, or 16 128 GB DDR4 DIMMs
plus 16 512 GB Intel® Optane™ Persistent Memory Modules (DCPMMs).

• The servers have different supported drive configurations depending on whether they are configured
with large form factor (LFF) or small form factor (SFF) front-loading drives.
• The C240 M6 12 LFF supports midplane mounted storage through a maximum of r4 LFF HDDs.
• Up to 2 M.2 SATA RAID cards for server boot.
• Rear Storage risers (2 slots each)
• One rear PCIe riser (3 slots)
• Internal slot for a 12 G SAS RAID controller with SuperCap for write-cache backup, or for a SAS HBA.
• Network connectivity through either a dedicated modular LAN over motherboard card (mLOM) that
accepts a series 14xx/15xxx Cisco virtual interface card (VIC) or a third-party NIC. These options are
in addition to Intel x550 10Gbase-T mLOM ports built into the server motherboard.

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Overview

• One mLOM/VIC card provides 10/25/40/50/100 Gbps. The following mLOMs are supported:
• Cisco UCS VIC 15238 Dual Port 40/100G QSFP28 mLOM (UCSC-M-V5D200G) supports:
• a x16 PCIe Gen4 Host Interface to the rack server
• two 40G/100G QSFP28 ports
• 4GB DDR4 Memory, 3200 MHz
• Integrated blower for optimal ventilation

• Cisco UCS VIC 15428 Quad Port CNA MLOM (UCSC-M-V5Q50G) supports:
• a x16 PCIe Gen4 Host Interface to the rack server
• four 10G/25G/50G SFP56 ports
• 4GB DDR4 Memory, 3200 MHz
• Integrated blower for optimal ventilation

• Cisco UCS VIC 1467 Quad Port 10/25G SFP28 mLOM (UCSC-M-V25-04) supports:
• a x16 PCIe Gen3 Host Interface to the rack server
• four 10G/25G QSFP28 ports
• 2GB DDR3 Memory, 1866 MHz

• Cisco UCS VIC 1477 Dual Port 40/100G QSFP28 (UCSC-M-V100-04)

• a x16 PCIe Gen3 Host Interface to the rack server
• two 40G/100G QSFP28 ports
• 2GB DDR3 Memory, 1866 MHz

These options are in addition to Intel x550 10Gbase-T mLOM ports built into the server motherboard.
• The following virtual interface cards (VICs) are supported in addition to some third-party VICs):
• Cisco UCS VIC 1455 quad port 10/25G SFP28 PCIe (UCSC-PCIE-C25Q-04=)
• Cisco UCS VIC 1495 Dual Port 40/100G QSFP28 CNA PCIe (UCSC-PCIE-C100-042)

• Two power supplies (PSUs) that support N+1 power configuration.

• Six modular, hot swappable fans.

Server Configurations, LFF

The server is orderable with the following configuration for LFF drives.
• Cisco UCS C240 M6 LFF 12 (UCSC-C240-M6L)—Large form-factor (LFF) drives, with a 12-drive
backplane.
• Front-loading drive bays 1—12 support 3.5-inch SAS/SATA drives.

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Overview

• The midplane drive cage supports four 3.5-inch SAS-only drives.

• Optionally, rear-loading drive bays support either two or four SAS/SATA or NVMe drives.

Server Configurations, SFF 12 SAS/SATA

The SFF 12 SAS/SATA configuration (UCSC-C240-M6-S) can be configured with 12 SFF drives and an
optional optical drive. Also, The SFF configurations can be ordered as either an I/O-centric configuration or
a storage centric configuration. This server supports the following:
• A maximum of 12 Small form-factor (SFF) drives, with a 12-drive backplane.
• Front-loading drive bays 1—12 support a maximum of 12 2.5-inch SAS/SATA drives as SSDs or
HDDs.
• Optionally, drive bays 1—4 can support 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs. In this configuration, any number
of NVMe drives can be installed up to the maximum of 4.

Note NVMe drives are supported only on a dual CPU server.

• The server can be configured with a SATA Interposer card. If your server uses a SATA Interposer
card, up to a maximum of 8 SATA-only drives can be configured. These drives can be installed
only in slots 1-8.
• Drive bays 5 —12 support SAS/SATA SSDs or HDDs only; no NVMe.
• Optionally, the rear-loading drive bays support four 4 2.5-inch SAS/SATA or NVMe drives.

Server Configurations, 24 SFF SAS/SATA

The SFF 24 SAS/SATA configuration (UCSC-C240-M6SX) can be ordered as either an I/O-centric
configuration or a storage centric configuration. This server supports the following:
• A maximum of 24 small form-factor (SFF) drives, with a 24-drive backplane.
• Front-loading drive bays 1—24 support 2.5-inch SAS/SATA drives as SSDs or HDDs.
• Optionally, drive bays 1—4 can support 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs. In this configuration, any number
of NVMe drives can be installed up to the maximum of 4.

Note NVMe drives are supported only on a dual CPU server.

• Drive bays 5 —24 support SAS/SATA SSDs or HDDs only; no NVMe.

• Optionally, the rear-loading drive bays support four 4 2.5-inch SAS/SATA or NVMe drives.
• As an option, this server can be ordered with "GPU ready" configuration. This option supports
adding GPUs at a later date even though the GPU is not purchased at the time the server is initially
ordered.

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External Features

Note To order the GPU Ready configuration through the Cisco online ordering
and configuration tool, you must select the GPU air duct PID to enable GPU
ready configuration. Follow the additional rules displayed in the tool. For
additional information, see GPU Card Configuration Rules, on page 192.

Server Configurations, 12 NVMe

The SFF 12 NVMe configuration (UCSC-C240-M6N) can be ordered as an NVMe-only server. The
NVMe-optimized server requires two CPUs. T His server supports the following:
• A maximum of 12 SFF NVMe drives as SSDs with a 12-drive backplane, NVMe-optimized.
• Front-loading drive bays 1—12 support 2.5-inch NVMe PCIe SSDs only.
• The two rear-loading drive bays support two 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs only. These drive bays are the
top and middle slot on the left of the rear panel.

Server Configurations, 24 NVMe

The SFF 24 NVMe configuration (UCSC-C240-M6SN) can be ordered as an NVMe-only server. The
NVMe-optimized server requires two CPUs. This server supports the following:
• A maximum of 24 SFF NVMe drives as SSDs with a 24-drive backplane, NVMe-optimized.
• Front-loading drive bays 1—24 support 2.5-inch NVMe PCIe SSDs only.
• The two rear-loading drive bays support two 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs only. These drive bays are the
top and middle slot on the left of the rear panel.
• As an option, this server can be ordered with "GPU ready" configuration. This option supports
adding GPUs at a later date even though the GPU is not purchased at the time the server is initially
ordered.

Note To order the GPU Ready configuration through the Cisco online ordering
and configuration tool, you must select the GPU air duct PID to enable GPU
ready configuration. Follow the additional rules displayed in the tool. For
additional information, see GPU Card Configuration Rules, on page 192.

External Features
This topic shows the external features of the different configurations of the server.
For definitions of LED states, see Front-Panel LEDs, on page 62.

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External Features

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 24 SAS/SATA Front Panel Features

The following figure shows the front panel features of Cisco UCS C240 M6SX, which is the small form-factor
(SFF), 24 SAS/SATA drive version of the server. Front-loading drives can be mix and match in slots 1 through
4 to support up to four SFF NVMe or SFF SAS/SATA drives. UCS C240 M6 servers with any number of
NVMe drives must be dual CPU systems.
This configuration can support up to 4 optional SAS/SATA drives in the rear PCIe slots.
Figure 1: Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 24 SAS/SATA Front Panel

1 Power Button/Power Status LED 2 Unit Identification LED

3 System Status LEDs 4 Fan Status LED

5 Temperature Status LED 6 Power Supply Status LED

7 Network Link Activity LED 8 Drive Status LEDs

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9 NVMe Drive Bays, front loading 10 KVM connector (used with KVM cable that provides
one DB-15 VGA, one DB-9 serial, and two USB 2.0
Drive bays 1—24 support front-loading SFF
connectors)
SAS/SATA drives.
Drive bays 1 through 4 can support SAS/SATA
hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) or NVMe
PCIe drives. Any number of NVMe drives up to 4
can reside in these slots.
Drive bays 5 - 24 support SAS/SATA hard drives
and solid-state drives (SSDs) only.
Drive bays are numbered 1 through 24 with bay 1
as the leftmost bay.

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 SAS/SATA Drives Front Panel Features

The following figure shows the front panel features of Cisco UCS C240 M6S, which is the small form-factor
(SFF) drive, 12 SAS/SATA drive version of the server. Front-loading drives can be mix and match in slots 1
through 4 to support up to four SFF NVMe or SFF SAS/SATA drives. UCS C240 M6 servers with any number
of NVMe drives must be dual CPU systems.
This configuration can support up to 4 optional SAS/SATA or NVMe drives in the rear PCIe slots.
For definitions of LED states, see Front-Panel LEDs, on page 62.
Figure 2: Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server (SFF SAS/SATA, 12-Drive) Front Panel

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1 Power Button/Power Status LED 2 Unit Identification LED

3 System Status LEDs 4 Fan Status LED

5 Temperature Status LED 6 Power Supply Status LED

7 Network Link Activity LED 8 Drive Status LEDs

9 Drive Bays front loading 10 Drive Bays 13 through 24 are blocked off with sheet
metal.
Drive bays 1—12 support front-loading SFF
SAS/SATA drives.
Drive bays 1 thorough 4 can support SAS/SATA
hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) as well
as NVME PCIe drives. Any number of NVMe
drives up to 4 can reside in these slots.
Drive bays 5 - 12 support SAS/SATA hard drives
and solid-state drives (SSDs) only.
Drive bays are numbered 1 through 24 with bay 1
as the leftmost bay.
Note If the server has a SATA Interposer
card, a maximum of 8 SATA drives is
supported in slots 1 through 8.

11 KVM connector (used with KVM cable that -

provides one DB-15 VGA, one DB-9 serial, and
two USB 2.0 connectors)

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 SAS/SATA Drives (Plus Optical) Front Panel Features
The following figure shows the front panel features of Cisco UCS C240 M6S, which is the small form-factor
(SFF) drive, 12-drive version of the server. Front-loading drives can be mix and match in slots 1 through 4
to support up to four SFF NVMe or SFF SAS/SATA drives. UCS C240 M6 servers with any number of NVMe
drives must be dual CPU systems.
This configuration can support up to 4 optional SAS/SATA drives in the rear PCIe slots.
For definitions of LED states, see Front-Panel LEDs, on page 62.

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Figure 3: Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 SAS/SATA Plus Optical Drive, Front Panel Features

1 Power Button/Power Status LED 2 Unit Identification LED

3 System Status LEDs 4 Fan Status LED

5 Temperature Status LED 6 Power Supply Status LED

7 Network Link Activity LED 8 Drive Status LEDs

9 Drive Status LEDs 10 Drive bays 13-24 are blocked off with sheet metal.
Drive bays 1—12 support front-loading SFF drives.
Drive bays 1 thorough 4 can support SAS/SATA
hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) as well
as NVME PCIe drives. Any number of NVMe
drives up to 4 can reside in these slots.
Note If the server has a SATA Interposer
card, a maximum of 8 SATA drives is
supported in slots 1 through 8.

11 KVM connector (used with KVM cable that 12 Optional optical DVD drive is installed horizontally.
provides one DB-15 VGA, one DB-9 serial, and
two USB 2.0 connectors)

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External Features

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 NVMe Drive Front Panel Features

The following figure shows the front panel features of Cisco UCS C240 M6N, which is the small form-factor
(SFF) drive, 12 NVMe drive version of the server. Front-loading drives are all NVMe only. UCS C240 M6
servers with any number of NVMe drives must be dual CPU systems.
This configuration can support up to 2 optional NVMe drives in the rear PCIe slots.
For definitions of LED states, see Front-Panel LEDs, on page 62.
Figure 4: Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 NVMe Front Panel

1 Power Button/Power Status LED 2 Unit Identification LED

3 System Status LEDs 4 Fan Status LED

5 Temperature Status LED 6 Power Supply Status LED

7 Network Link Activity LED 8 Drive Status LEDs

9 Drive bays 1—12 support front-loading SFF 10 Drive bays 13 —24 are blocked off with sheet metal.
NVMe drives only.
Drive bays are numbered 1 through 12 with bay 1
as the leftmost bay.

11 KVM connector (used with KVM cable that -

provides one DB-15 VGA, one DB-9 serial, and
two USB 2.0 connectors)

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Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 24 NVMe Drives Front Panel Features

The following figure shows the front panel features of Cisco UCS C240 M6SN, which is the small form-factor
(SFF) drive, 24 NVMe drive version of the server. Front-loading drives are all NVMe; SAS/SATA drives are
not supported. UCS C240 M6 servers with any number of NVMe drives must be dual CPU systems.
This configuration can support up to 2 optional NVMe drives in the rear PCIe slots.
Figure 5: Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 24 NVMe Front Panel

1 Power Button/Power Status LED 2 Unit Identification LED

3 System Status LEDs 4 Fan Status LED

5 Temperature Status LED 6 Power Supply Status LED

7 Network Link Activity LED 8 Drive Status LEDs

9 Drive Status LEDs 10 Drive bays 1—24 support front-loading SFF NVMe
drives.
Drive bays are numbered 1 through 24 with bay 1
as the leftmost bay.

11 KVM connector (used with KVM cable that -

provides one DB-15 VGA, one DB-9 serial, and
two USB 2.0 connectors)

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External Features

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 LFF Drive Front Panel Features

The following figure shows the front panel features of the large form-factor (LFF) configuration of the server.
This version of the server supports 12 3.5-inch LFF SAS-only front-loading hard disk drives (HDDs) plus up
to 4 3.5-inch LFF mid-plane mounted HDDs. As an option, the server can also support up to 4 SFF drives as
SAS, SATA, or NVME in the rear PCIe slots.
For definitions of LED states, see Front-Panel LEDs, on page 62.
Figure 6: Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 LFF Drive Front Panel

1 Power Button/Power Status LED 2 Unit Identification LED

3 System Status LEDs 4 Fan Status LED

5 Temperature Status LED 6 Power Supply Status LED

7 Network Link Activity LED 8 Drive Status LEDs

9 KVM connector (used with KVM cable that 10 Drive bays 1—12 support front-loading LFF
provides one DB-15 VGA, one DB-9 serial, and SAS-only drives.
two USB 2.0 connectors)
Drive bays are numbered 1 through 12 with bay 1
as the leftmost bay, 12 as the rightmost bottom bay.

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Common Rear Panel Features

The following illustration shows the rear panel hardware features that are common across all models of the
server.

1 Rear hardware configuration options: 2 Power supplies (two, redundant as 1+1)

• For I/O-Centric, these are PCIe slots. See Power Specifications, on page 176 for
specifications and supported options.
• For Storage-Centric, these are storage drives
bays.

This illustration shows the slots unpopulated

3 VGA video port (DB-15 connector) 4 Serial port (RJ-45 connector)

5 1-Gb/10-Gb auto negotiating Ethernet ports, 2 6 USB 3.0 ports, 2

which are ports 1 and 2 in the cluster.
These LAN ports (LAN1 and LAN2) support 1
Gbps and 10 Gbps and auto negotiate to the
optimal speed based on the link partner capability.
The third port in the cluster is the dedicated1 Gb
management port.

7 Rear unit identification button/LED 8 Modular LAN-on-motherboard (mLOM) card slot

(x16)

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 24 Drive Rear Panel, I/O Centric

The Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 SAS/SATA SFF version has a rear configuration option, for either I/O (I/O
Centric) or Storage (Storage Centric) with the I/O Centric version of the server offering PCIe slots and the
Storage Centric version of the server offering drive bays.
The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the I/O Centric version of the Cisco UCS C240
M6SX.
• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

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External Features

1 Riser 1A 2 Riser 2A

3 Riser 3A or 3C - -

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

Table 1: Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 SFF SAS/SATA/NVMe (UCSC-C240-M6SX)

Riser Options

Riser 1 Riser 1A supports three PCIe slots numbered bottom

to top:
This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 1 or
CPU 2. • Slot 1 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8, NCSI
• Slot 2 is full-height, full-length, x16, NCSI
• Slot 3 is full-height, full-length, x8, no NCSI

Riser 2 Riser 2A supports three PCIe slots:

This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 2. • Slot 1 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8, NCSI
• Slot 2 is full-height, full-length, x16, NCSI
• Slot 3 is full-height, full-length, x8, no NCSI

Riser 3 Riser 3A supports two PCIe slots:

This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 2. • Slot 7 is full-height, full-length, x8
• Slot 8 is full-height, full-length, x8

Riser 3C supports a GPU only.

• Supports one full-height, full-length, double-wide
GPU (PCIe slot 7 only), x16
• Slot 8 is blocked by double-wide GPU

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External Features

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 SAS/SATA Drive Rear Panel, I/O Centric
The Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 SAS/SATA SFF version has a rear configuration option, for either I/O (I/O
Centric) or Storage (Storage Centric) with the I/O Centric version of the server offering PCIe slots and the
Storage Centric version of the server offering drive bays.

Note This version of server has an option for a DVD drive on the front of the server. The rear panel shown
here is the same for both the standard server and the DVD drive version of the server.

The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the I/O Centric version of the Cisco UCS C240
M6S.
• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

1 Riser 1A 2 Riser 2A

3 Riser 3A or 3C -

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

Table 2: Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 SFF SAS/SATA (USC-C240M6-S)

Riser Options

Riser 1 Riser 1A supports three PCIe slots numbered bottom

to top:
This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 1.
• Slot 1 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8, NCSI
• Slot 2 is full-height, full-length, x16, NCSI
• Slot 3 is full-height, full-length, x8, no NCSI

Riser 2 Riser 2A supports three PCIe slots:

This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 2. • Slot 4 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8, NCSI
• Slot 5 is full-height, full-length, x16, NCSI
• Slot 6 is full-height, full-length, x8, no NCSI

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Riser Options

Riser 3 Riser 3A supports two PCIe slots

This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 2. • Slot 7 is full-height, full-length, x8, no NCSI
• Slot 8 is full-height, full-length, x8, no NCSI

• Riser 3C supports a GPU only.

• Supports one full-height, full-length,
double-wide GPU (PCIe slot 7 only), x16
• Slot 8 is blocked by double-wide GPU

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 24 NVMe Drive Rear Panel, I/O Centric
The Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 NVMe version has a rear configuration option, for either I/O (I/O Centric) or
Storage (Storage Centric) with the I/O Centric version of the server offering PCIe slots and the Storage Centric
version of the server offering drive bays.
The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the I/O Centric version of the Cisco UCS C240
M6SN.
• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

1 Riser 1A 2 Riser 2A

3 Riser 3A, 3B, or 3C (not -

supported)

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Table 3: Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 SFF NVMe (UCSC-C240M6-SN)

Riser Options

Riser 1 Riser 1A supports three PCIe slots:

This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 1 or • Slot 1 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8, NCSI
CPU 2.
• Slot 2 is full-height, full-length, x16, NCSI
• Slot 3 is full-height, full-length, x8, no NCSI

Riser 2A Riser 2A supports three PCIe slots:

This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 2. • Slot 4 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8
• Slot 5 is full-height, full-length, x16
• Slot 6 is full-height, full-length, x8

Riser 3 Riser 3A, 3B, and 3C are not supported.

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 NVMe Drive Rear Panel, I/O Centric
The Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 NVMe version has a rear configuration option, for either I/O (I/O Centric) or
Storage (Storage Centric) with the I/O Centric version of the server offering PCIe slots and the Storage Centric
version of the server offering drive bays.
The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the I/O Centric version of the Cisco UCS C240
M6N.
• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

1 Riser 1A 2 Riser 2A

3 Riser 3A, 3B, or 3C (Not -

Supported)

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Table 4: Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 SFF NVMe (UCSC-C240M6-SN)

Riser Options

Riser 1 Riser 1A supports three PCIe slots:

This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 1 or • Slot 1 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8, NCSI
CPU 2.
• Slot 2 is full-height, full-length, x16, NCSI
• Slot 3 is full-height, full-length, x8, no NCSI

Riser 2A Riser 2A supports three PCIe slots:

This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 2. • Slot 4 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8, NCSI
• Slot 5 is full-height, full-length, x16, NCSI
• Slot 6 is full-height, full-length, x8

Riser 3 Riser 3A, 3B, and 3C are not supported.

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 24 Drive Rear Panel, Storage Centric

The Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 SAS/SATA SFF version has a rear configuration option, for either I/O (I/O
Centric) or Storage (Storage Centric) with the I/O Centric version of the server offering PCIe slots and the
Storage Centric version of the server offering drive bays.
The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the Storage Centric version of the Cisco UCS
C240 M6SX.
• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

1 Riser 1B 2 Riser 2A (Not supported)

3 Riser 3B, 3C -

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Table 5: Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 SFF SAS/SATA/NVMe (UCSC-C240-M6SX)

Riser Options

Riser 1 Riser 1B supports two SFF SAS/SATA/NVMe drives

This riser is Storage-centric and controlled by CPU • Slot 1 is reserved
2.
• Slot 2 (drive bay 102), x4
• Slot 3 (drive bay 101), x4

When the server uses a hardware RAID controller

card, SAS/SATA HDDs or SSDs, or NVMe PCIe
SSDs are supported in the rear bays.

Riser 2 Riser 2A is not supported for a Storage-centric version

of the server.
This riser is I/O-centric and controlled by CPU 2.

Riser 3 Riser 3B has two PCIe slots that can support two SFF
drives (NVMe).
This riser is controlled by CPU 2.
• Slot 7 (drive bay 104), x4
• Slot 8 (drive bay 103), x4

When the server uses a hardware RAID controller

card, SAS/SATA HDDs or SSDs, or NVME PCIe
SSDs, are supported in the rear bays.
Riser 3C has two PCIe slots that can support a GPU.
• Slot 7 supports one full-height, full-length,
double-wide GPU, x16
• Slot 8 is blocked when a double-wide GPU is
installed

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 Drive Rear Panel, Storage Centric

The Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 SAS/SATA SFF version has a rear configuration option, for either I/O (I/O
Centric) or Storage (Storage Centric) with the I/O Centric version of the server offering PCIe slots and the
Storage Centric version of the server offering drive bays.
The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the Storage Centric version of the Cisco UCS
C240 M6S.
• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

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External Features

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

1 Riser 1A 2 Riser 2A

3 Riser 3B, 3C -

Table 6: Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 SFF SAS/SATA (CSC-C240M6-S)

Riser Options

Riser 1 Riser 1A is not supported for a Storage Centric version

of the server.

Riser 2 Riser 2A is not supported for a Storage Centric version

of the server.

Riser 3 Riser 3B can support two SFF drives

(SAS/SATA/NVMe):
This riser is Storage-centric and controlled by CPU
2. • Slot 7 (drive bay 104), x4
• Slot 8 (drive bay 103), x4

When you are using a HWRAID controller,

SAS/SATA HDDs or SSDs, or NVME PCIe SSDs,
are supported in the rear bays.
Riser 3C has two PCIe slots that can support a GPU.
• Slot 7 supports one full-height, full-length,
double-wide GPU, x16
• Slot 8 is blocked when a double-wide GPU is
installed

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 24 NVMe Drive Rear Panel, Storage Centric
The Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 NVMe SFF version has a rear configuration option, for either I/O (I/O Centric)
or Storage (Storage Centric) with the I/O Centric version of the server using PCIe slots and the Storage Centric
version of the server offering drive bays.
The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the Storage Centric version of the Cisco UCS
C240 M6SN.

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External Features

• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

1 Riser 1B 2 Riser 2A (Not Supported)

3 Riser 3A, 3B, or 3C (Not -

Supported)

Table 7: Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 SFF NVMe (UCSC-C240M6-SN)

Riser Options

Riser 1B Riser 1B supports two NVMe drives:

This riser is Storage centric and controlled by CPU • Slot 1 is reserved
2.
• Slot 2 (drive bay 102), x4
• Slot 3 (drive bay 101), x4

When the server uses a hardware RAID controller

card, NVMe PCIe SSDs are supported in the rear bays.

Riser 2 Riser 2A does not support storage devices.

Riser 3 Riser 3A, 3B, and 3C are not supported.

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 NVMe Drive Rear Panel, Storage Centric
The Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 NVMe SFF version has a rear configuration option, for either I/O (I/O Centric)
or Storage (Storage Centric) with the I/O Centric version of the server using PCIe slots and the Storage Centric
version of the server offering drive bays.
The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the Storage Centric version of the Cisco UCS
C240 M6N.
• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

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External Features

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

1 Riser 1B 2 Riser 2A (Not Supported)

3 Riser 3A, 3B, or 3C (Not -

Supported)

Table 8: Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 SFF NVMe (UCSC-C240-M6N)

Riser Options

Riser 1B Riser 1B supports two NVME drives:

This riser is Storage-centric and controlled by CPU • Slot 1 is reserved
2.
• Slot 2 (drive bay 102), x4
• Slot 3 (drive bay 101), x4

When the server uses a hardware RAID controller

card, NVMe PCIe SSDs are supported in the rear bays.

Riser 2 Riser 2A does not support storage devices.

Riser 3 Riser 3A, 3B, and 3C are not supported.

Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server 12 LFF Drive Rear Panel

Unlike the SFF versions of the server, the Cisco UCS C240 M6 LFF has one supported hardware configuration
on the rear panel. The rear panel hardware configuration offers both PCIe slots and drive bays.
The following illustration shows the rear panel features for the I/O Centric version of the Cisco UCS C240
LFF.
• For features common to all versions of the server, see Common Rear Panel Features.
• For definitions of LED states, see Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65.

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External Features

The following table shows the riser options for this version of the server.

1 Riser 1B 2 Riser 2A

3 Riser 3B -

Table 9: Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 LFF (UCSC-C240-LFF)

Riser Options

Riser 1 Riser 1B supports three PCIe slots numbered bottom

to top.
This riser is controlled by CPU 1.
• Slot 1 is reserved for a drive controller.
• Slot 2 supports one drive (drive bay 102), x4
• Slot 3 supports one drive (drive bay 101), x4
When using a hardware RAID controller card or
SAS

When using a hardware RAID controller card or SAS

HBA in the server, SAS/SATA HDDs or SSDs are
supported in the rear bays.
NVMe PCIe SSDs are supported in the rear bays
without need for a RAID controller.

Riser 2 Riser 2A supports three PCIe slots:

This riser is controlled by CPU 2. • Slot 4 is full-height, 3/4 length, x8
• Slot 5 is full-height, full-length, x16
• Slot 6 is full-height, full-length, x8

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PCIe Risers

Riser Options

Riser 3 Riser 3B supports two drives:

This riser is controlled by CPU 2. • Slot 7 (drive bay 104), x4
• Slot 8 (drive bay 103), x4

When the server uses a hardware RAID controller

card or SAS HBA, SAS/SATA HDDs or SSDs are
supported in the rear bays.
NVMe PCIe SSDs are supported in the rear bays
without need for a RAID controller

PCIe Risers
The following different PCIe riser options are available.

Riser 1 Options
This riser supports two options, Riser 1A and 1B.

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PCIe Risers

1 PCIe slot 1, Full height, ¾ length, 2 PCIe slot 2, full height, full length,
x8, NCSI x16, NCSI, GPU capable

3 PCIe slot 3, full height, full length, 4 Edge Connectors

x8, no NCSI

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Overview
PCIe Risers

1 PCIe slot 1, Reserved for drive 2 Drive Bay 102, x4

controller

3 Drive 103, x4 4 Edge Connectors

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PCIe Risers

Riser 2
This riser supports one option, Riser 2A.

1 PCIe slot 4, Full height, ¾ length, 2 PCIe slot 5, full height, full length,
x8 x16

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PCIe Risers

3 PCIe slot 6, full height, full length, 4 Edge Connectors

x16

Riser 3
This riser supports three options, 3A, 3B, and 3C.

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PCIe Risers

1 PCIe slot 7, Full height, full length 2 PCIe slot 8, full height, full length,
x8 x16

3 Edge Connectors

1 PCIe Slot 7, Drive Bay 103, x4 2 PCIe Slot 8, Drive Bay 103, x4

3 Edge Connectors

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Summary of Server Features

1 PCIe Slot 7, supports one full 2 Edge Connectors

height, full length, double-wide
GPU (slot 7 only), x16

Summary of Server Features

The following tables list a summary of the server features for the LFF version and SFF versions of the server.

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Table 10: Server Features, SFF

Feature Description

Chassis Two rack-unit (2RU) chassis

Central Processor One or two 3rd Generation Intel Xeon processors.

Chipset Intel® C621 series chipset

Memory 32 slots for registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) or load-reduced

DIMMs (LR DIMMs) and support for Intel® Optane™ Persistent
Memory Modules (DCPMMs)

Multi-bit error protection Multi-bit error protection is supported

Video The Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) provides

video using the Matrox G200e video/graphics controller:
• Integrated 2D graphics core with hardware acceleration
• Embedded DDR memory interface supports up to 512 MB
of addressable memory (8 MB is allocated by default to video
memory)
• Supports display resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 16bpp @
60Hz
• High-speed integrated 24-bit RAMDAC
• Single lane PCI-Express host interface running at Gen 1
speed

Network and management I/O Rear panel:

• One 1-Gb Ethernet dedicated management port (RJ-45
connector)
• Two 1-Gb/10-Gb BASE-T Ethernet LAN ports (RJ-45
connectors)
The dual LAN ports can support 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps,
depending on the link partner capability.
• One RS-232 serial port (RJ-45 connector)
• One VGA video connector port (DB-15 connector)
• Two USB 3.0 ports

Front panel:
• One front-panel keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) connector
that is used with the KVM breakout cable. The breakout
cable provides two USB 2.0, one VGA, and one DB-9 serial
connector.

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Feature Description

Power Up to two of the following hot-swappable power supplies:

• 1050 W (AC)
• 1050 W (DC)
• 1600 W (AC)
• 2300 W (AC)

One power supply is mandatory; one more can be added for 1 +

1 redundancy as long power supplies are the same.
For additional information, see Supported Power Supplies, on
page 122

ACPI The advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) 4.0

standard is supported.

Front Panel The front panel controller provides status indications and control
buttons

Cooling Six hot-swappable fan modules for front-to-rear cooling.

InfiniBand The PCIe bus slots in this server support the InfiniBand
architecture.

Expansion Slots For the SFF versions of the server, three half-height riser slots
are supported:
• Riser 1A (3 PCIe slots)
• Riser 1B (2 drive bays)
• Riser 2A (3 PCIe slots)
• Riser 3A (2 PCIe slots)
• Riser 3B (2 drive bays)
• Riser 3C (1 full-length, double-wide GPU)

Note Not all risers are available in every server configuration

option.

One or two dedicated slots (depending on the server type) for a

SATA interposer or storage controller(s).

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Feature Description

Interfaces Rear panel:

• One 1Gbase-T RJ-45 management port
• Two 10Gbase-T LOM ports
• One RS-232 serial port (RJ45 connector)
• One DB15 VGA connector
• Two USB 3.0 port connectors
• One flexible modular LAN on motherboard (mLOM) slot
that can accommodate various interface cards

Front panel supports one KVM console connector that supplies:

• two USB 2.0 connectors,
• one VGA DB15 video connector
• one serial port (RS232) RJ45 connector

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Feature Description

Internal Storage Devices

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Feature Description
• UCSC-C240-M6S:
• Up to 12 SFF SAS/SATA hard drives (HDDs) or
SAS/SATA solid state drives (SSDs)
• Optionally, up to four SFF NVMe PCIe SSDs. These
drives must be placed in front drive bays 1, 2, 3, and 4
only, can be mixed with SAS/SATA drives. The rest of
the bays (5 - 12) can be populated with SAS/SATA
SSDs or HDDs. Two CPUs are required in a server that
has any number of NVMe drives.
• Optionally, one front-facing DVD drive
• Optionally, up to two SFF rear-facing
SAS/SATA/NVMe drives
• If using a SATA Interposer, up to 8 SATA-only drives
can be installed (slots 1-8 only).

• UCSC-C240-M6SX:
• Up to 24 front SFF SAS/SATA hard drives (HDDs) or
SAS/SATA solid state drives (SSDs).
• Optionally, up to four front SFF NVMe PCIe SSDs.
These drives must be placed in front drive bays 1, 2, 3,
and 4 only. The rest of the bays (5 - 24) can be
populated with SAS/SATA SSDs or HDDs. Two CPUs
are required in a server that has any number of NVMe
drives.
• Optionally, up to four SFF rear-facing
SAS/SATA/NVMe drives

• UCSC-C240-M6N:
• Up to 12 front NVMe (only) drives
• Optionally, up to 2 rear NVMe (only) drives
• Two CPUs are required in a server that has any number
of NVMe drives.

• UCSC-C240-M6SN:
• Up to 24 front NVMe drives (only).
• Optionally, up to 2 rear NVMe drives (only)
• Two CPUs are required when choosing NVMe SSDs

• Other Storage:
• A mini-storage module connector on the motherboard

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Feature Description
supports a boot-optimized RAID controller carrier that
holds up two SATA M.2 SSDs. Mixing different
capacity SATA M.2 SSDs is not supported.

• Optional 2 M.2 RAID cards for use as boot volumes.

Integrated Management Processor Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) running Cisco

Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) firmware.
Depending on your CIMC settings, the CIMC can be accessed
through the 1GE dedicated management port, the 1GE/10GE
LOM ports, or a Cisco virtual interface card (VIC).
CIMC manages certain components within the server, such as the
Cisco 12G SAS HBA.

Storage Controllers One SATA Interposer board, 12G RAID HBA, or one or two 12G
SAS HBAs plug into a dedicated slot.
• SATA Interposer board:
• AHCI support for up to eight SATA-only drives (slots
1- 8)
• Supported only on the UCSC-C240M6-S server

• Cisco 12G RAID controller with 4GB FBWC (for

UCSC-240-M6S server)
• RAID support (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60) and SW
RAID0
• Supports up to 14 internal SAS/SATA drives

• Cisco M6 12G SAS RAID controller with 4GB FBWC (for

UCSC-240-M6SX server)
• RAID support (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60) and
SRAID0
• Supports up to 28 internal SAS/SATA drives

• Cisco M6 12G SAS HBA (for UCSC-240-M6S and

UCSC-240-M6SX servers)
• RAID Support 0, 1, and 10
• JBOD/Pass-through Mode support
• Each HBA supports up to 14 SAS/SATA internal drives

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Feature Description

Modular LAN over Motherboard (mLOM) slot The dedicated mLOM slot on the motherboard can flexibly
accommodate the following cards:
• Cisco Virtual Interface Cards (VICs)
• Quad Port Intel i350 1GbE RJ45 Network Interface Card
(NIC)

Note The four Intel i350 ports are provided on an optional

card that plugs into the mLOM slot. These ports are
separate from the two embedded LAN ports on the
motherboard.

Server Management Cisco Intersight provides server management.

CIMC Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) 4.2(1) or later

is required for the server.

Table 11: Server Features, LFF

Feature Description

Chassis Two rack-unit (2RU) chassis

Central Processor One or two 3rd Generation Intel Xeon processors.

Chipset Intel® C621 series chipset

Memory 32 slots for registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) or load-reduced

DIMMs (LR DIMMs) and support for Intel® Optane™ Persistent
Memory Modules (DCPMMs)

Multi-bit error protection Multi-bit error protection is supported

Video The Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) provides

video using the Matrox G200e video/graphics controller:
• Integrated 2D graphics core with hardware acceleration
• DDR2/3 memory interface supports up to 512 MB of
addressable memory (8 MB is allocated by default to video
memory)
• Supports display resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 16bpp @
60Hz
• High-speed integrated 24-bit RAMDAC
• Single lane PCI-Express host interface running at Gen 1
speed

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 Overview
Summary of Server Features

Feature Description

Network and management I/O Rear panel:

• One 1Gbase-T RJ-45 management port
• Two 10Gbase-T LOM ports
• One RS-232 serial port (RJ-45 connector)
• One DB15 VGA connector
• Two USB 3.0 ports
• One flexible modular LAN on motherboard (mLOM) slot
that can accommodate various interface cards

Front panel supports one KVM console connector that supplies:

• two USB 2.0 connectors,
• one VGA DB15 video connector
• one serial port (RS232) RJ45 connector

Power Up to two of the following hot-swappable power supplies:

• 1050 W (AC)
• 1050 W (DC)
• 1600 W (AC)
• 2300 W (AC)

One power supply is mandatory; one more can be added for 1 +

1 redundancy. With two power supplies, both must be the same
type and wattage.

ACPI The advanced configuration and power interface (ACPI) 4.0

standard is supported.

Front Panel The front panel controller provides status indications and control
buttons

Cooling Six hot-swappable fan modules for front-to-rear cooling.

InfiniBand The PCIe bus slots in this server support the InfiniBand
architecture.

Expansion Slots • Riser 1B (1 PCIe slot reserved for a drive controller and 2
HDD slots)
• Riser 2A (3 PCIe slots)
• Riser 3B (2 HDD slots)

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 Overview
Summary of Server Features

Feature Description

Interfaces Rear panel:

• One 1Gbase-T RJ-45 management port
• Two 10Gbase-T LOM ports
• One RS-232 serial port (RJ45 connector)
• One DB15 VGA connector
• Two USB 3.0 port connectors
• One flexible modular LAN on motherboard (mLOM) slot
that can accommodate various interface cards

Front panel: Supports one KVM console connector that supplies

two USB 2.0 connectors, one VGA DB15 video connector, and
one serial port (RS232) RJ45 connector

Internal Storage Devices • Large Form Factor (LFF) drives with a 12-drive backplane.
The server can hold a maximum of:
• 12 LFF 3.5-inch front-loading SAS-only hard drives
(HDDs, 4 mid-plane LFF drives,
• As an option, up to four 3.5-inch mid-plane SAS-only
LFF HDDs
• Optionally, up to four rear-facing SAS/SATA
HDDs/SSDs or up to four rear-facing NVMe PCIe SSDs

• A mini-storage module connector on the motherboard

supports a boot-optimized RAID controller carrier that holds
up two SATA M.2 SSDs. Mixing different capacity SATA
M.2 SSDs is not supported.

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 Overview
Summary of Server Features

Feature Description

Storage Controllers The 12G RAID HBA or 12G SAS HBA plugs into slot 1 (bottom
slot) of riser 1B.
• Cisco M6 12G SAS RAID Controller with 4GB FBWC
• RAID support (RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60) and
SRAID
• Supports up to 32 internal SAS/SATA drives
• Plugs into drive slot 1 of riser 1B

• Cisco M6 12G SAS HBA

• RAID 0, 1, and 10 support
• JBOD/Pass-through Mode support
• Supports up to 32 SAS/SATA internal drives
• Plugs into slot 1 of riser 1B

Integrated Management Processor Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) running Cisco

Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) firmware.
Depending on your CIMC settings, the CIMC can be accessed
through the 1GE dedicated management port, the 1GE/10GE
LOM ports, or a Cisco virtual interface card (VIC).
CIMC manages certain components within the server, such as the
Cisco 12G SAS HBA.

Modular LAN over Motherboard (mLOM) slot The dedicated mLOM slot on the motherboard can flexibly
accommodate the following cards:
• Cisco Virtual Interface Cards (VICs)
• Quad Port Intel i350 1GbE RJ45 Network Interface Card
(NIC)

Note The four Intel i350 ports are provided on an optional

card that plugs into the mLOM slot. These ports are
separate from the two LAN ports embedded on the
motherboard.

Server Management Cisco Intersight provides server management.

CIMC Cisco Integrated Management Controller 4.2(1) or later is required

for this server.

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 Overview
Serviceable Component Locations

Serviceable Component Locations

This topic shows the locations of the field-replaceable components and service-related items. The view in the
following figure shows the server with the top cover removed.
Figure 7: Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server, Serviceable Component Locations

1 Front-loading drive bays. 2 Cooling fan modules (six, hot-swappable)

3 DIMM sockets on motherboard (16 per CPU) 4 CPU socket 1

See DIMM Population Rules and Memory
Performance Guidelines , on page 113 for DIMM
slot numbering.
Note An air baffle rests on top of the DIMM
and CPUs when the server is operating.
The air baffle is not displayed in this
illustration.

5 CPU socket 2 6 M.2 RAID Controller

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 Overview
Serviceable Component Locations

7 PCIe riser 3 (PCIe slots 7 and 8 numbered from 8 PCIe riser 2 (PCIe slots 4, 5, 6 numbered from
bottom to top), with the following options: bottom to top), with the following options:
• 3A (Default Option)—Slots 7 (x16 • 2A (Default Option)—Slot 4 (x24 mechanical,
mechanical, x8 electrical), and 8 (x16 x8 electrical) supports full height, ¾ length
mechanical, x8 electrical). Both slots can card; Slot 5 (x24 mechanical, x16 electrical)
accept a full height, full length GPU card. supports full height, full length GPU card; Slot
6 (x16 mechanical, x8 electrical) supports full
• 3B (Storage Option)—Slots 7 (x24 height, full length card.
mechanical, x4 electrical) and 8 (x24
mechanical, x4 electrical). Both slots can
accept 2.5-ich SFF universal HDDs.
• 3C (GPU Option)—Slots 7 (x16 mechanical,
x16 electrical) and 8 empty (NCSI support
limited to one slot at a time). Slot 7 can
support a full height, full length GPU card.

9 PCIe riser 1 (PCIe slot 1, 2, 3 numbered bottom to -

top), with the following options:
• 1A (Default Option)—Slot 1 (x24 mechanical,
x8 electrical) supports full height, ¾ length
card; Slot 2 (x24 mechanical, x16 electrical)
supports full height, full length GPU card;
Slot 3 (x16 mechanical, x8 electrical) supports
full height, full length card.
• 1B (Storage Option)—Slot 1 (x24 mechanical,
x8 electrical) supports full height, ¾ length
card; Slot 2 (x4 electrical), supports 2.5-inch
SFF universal HDD; Slot 3 (x4 electrical),
supports 2.5-inch SFF universal HDD

The Technical Specifications Sheets for all versions of this server, which include supported component part
numbers, are at Cisco UCS Servers Technical Specifications Sheets (scroll down to Technical Specifications).

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 Overview
Serviceable Component Locations

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 CHAPTER 2
Installing the Server
This chapter contains the following topics:
• Preparing for Installation, on page 43
• Installing the Server in a Rack, on page 46
• Initial Server Setup, on page 51
• NIC Mode and NIC Redundancy Settings, on page 56
• Updating the BIOS and Cisco IMC Firmware, on page 57
• Accessing the System BIOS, on page 58
• Smart Access Serial, on page 58
• Smart Access USB, on page 59

Preparing for Installation

This section contains the following topics:

Installation Warnings and Guidelines

Note Before you install, operate, or service a server, review the Regulatory Compliance and Safety Information
for Cisco UCS C-Series Servers for important safety information.

Warning IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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. Use the statement number provided at
the end of each warning to locate its translation in the translated safety warnings that accompanied
this device.
Statement 1071

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Installation Warnings and Guidelines

Warning To prevent the system from overheating, do not operate it in an area that exceeds the maximum
recommended ambient temperature of: 35° C (95° F).
Statement 1047

Warning The plug-socket combination must be accessible at all times, because it serves as the main
disconnecting device.
Statement 1019

Warning 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, 15 A.
Statement 1005

Warning Installation of the equipment must comply with local and national electrical codes.
Statement 1074

Warning 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.
Statement 1017

Caution To ensure proper airflow it is necessary to rack the servers using rail kits. Physically placing the units
on top of one another or “stacking” without the use of the rail kits blocks the air vents on top of the
servers, which could result in overheating, higher fan speeds, and higher power consumption. We
recommend that you mount your servers on rail kits when you are installing them into the rack because
these rails provide the minimal spacing required between the servers. No additional spacing between
the servers is required when you mount the units using rail kits.

Caution Avoid uninterruptible power supply (UPS) types that use ferroresonant technology. These UPS types
can become unstable with systems such as the Cisco UCS, which can have substantial current draw
fluctuations from fluctuating data traffic patterns.

When you are installing a server, use the following guidelines:

• Plan your site configuration and prepare the site before installing the server. See the Cisco UCS Site
Preparation Guide for the recommended site planning tasks.

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 Installing the Server
Rack Requirements

• Ensure that there is adequate space around the server to allow for accessing the server and for adequate
airflow. The airflow in this server is from front to back.
• Ensure that the air-conditioning meets the thermal requirements listed in the Environmental Specifications,
on page 175.
• Ensure that the cabinet or rack meets the requirements listed in the Rack Requirements, on page 45.
• Ensure that the site power meets the power requirements listed in the Power Specifications, on page 176.
If available, you can use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect against power failures.

Rack Requirements
The rack must be of the following type:
• A standard 19-in. (48.3-cm) wide, four-post EIA rack, with mounting posts that conform to English
universal hole spacing, per section 1 of ANSI/EIA-310-D-1992.
• The rack-post holes can be square 0.38-inch (9.6 mm), round 0.28-inch (7.1 mm), #12-24 UNC, or #10-32
UNC when you use the Cisco-supplied slide rails.
• The minimum vertical rack space per server must be two rack units (RUs), equal to 3.5 in. (88.9 mm).

Supported Cisco Slide Rail Kits

The server supports the following rail kit options:
• Cisco part UCSC-RAIL-M6= (Ball bearing rail kit for C220 & C240 M6 rack servers)
• Cisco part UCSC-CMA-C240M6= (Reversible CMA for ball bearing rail kit)

Rack Installation Tools Required

The slide rails sold by Cisco Systems for this server do not require tools for installation.

Slide Rail and Cable Management Arm Dimensions

The slide rails for this server have an adjustment range of 24 to 36 inches (610 to 914 mm).
The optional cable management arm (CMA) adds additional length requirements:
• The additional distance from the rear of the server to the rear of the CMA is 7.6 inches (193 mm).
• The total length of the server including the CMA, measured from the rear of slam latch to rear of the
CMA 37.6 inches (955mm).

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 Installing the Server
Installing the Server in a Rack

Installing the Server in a Rack

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.
Statement 1006

Step 1 Attach the inner rails to the sides of the server:

a) Align an inner rail with one side of the server so that the three keyed slots in the rail align with the three pegs on the
side of the server.
b) Set the keyed slots over the pegs, and then slide the rail toward the front to lock it in place on the pegs. The front slot
has a metal clip that locks over the front peg.

1 Keyed installation slots 2 Front of server

c) Install the second inner rail to the opposite side of the server.
Step 2 Open the front securing plate on both slide-rail assemblies. The front end of the slide-rail assembly has a spring-loaded
securing plate that must be open before you can insert the mounting pegs into the rack-post holes.
On the outside of the assembly, push the green-arrow button toward the rear to open the securing plate.

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 Installing the Server
Installing the Server in a Rack

Figure 8: Front Securing Mechanism, Inside of Front End

1 Front mounting pegs 3 Securing plate shown pulled back to the open
position

2 Rack post between mounting pegs and opened -

securing plate

Step 3 Install the outer slide rails into the rack:

a) Align one slide-rail assembly front end with the front rack-post holes that you want to use.
The slide rail front-end wraps around the outside of the rack post and the mounting pegs enter the rack-post holes
from the outside-front. See Figure 8: Front Securing Mechanism, Inside of Front End, on page 47.
Note The rack post must be between the mounting pegs and the open securing plate.

b) Push the mounting pegs into the rack-post holes from the outside-front.
c) Press the securing plate release button, marked PUSH. The spring-loaded securing plate closes to lock the pegs in
place.
d) Adjust the slide-rail length, and then push the rear mounting pegs into the corresponding rear rack-post holes. The
slide rail must be level front-to-rear.
The rear mounting pegs enter the rear rack-post holes from the inside of the rack post.
e) Attach the second slide-rail assembly to the opposite side of the rack. Ensure that the two slide-rail assemblies are at
the same height and are level front-to-back.
f) Pull the inner slide rails on each assembly out toward the rack front until they hit the internal stops and lock in place.
Step 4 Insert the server into the slide rails:
Caution This server can weigh up to 64 pounds (29 kilograms) when fully loaded with components. We recommend
that you use a minimum of two people or a mechanical lift when lifting the server. Attempting this procedure
alone could result in personal injury or equipment damage.

a) Align the rear ends of the inner rails that are attached to the server sides with the front ends of the empty slide rails
on the rack.

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 Installing the Server
Installing the Server in a Rack

b) Push the inner rails into the slide rails on the rack until they stop at the internal

spots .
c) Slide the inner-rail release clip toward the rear on both inner rails, and then continue pushing the server into the rack
until its front slam-latches engage with the rack posts.
Figure 9: Inner-Rail Release Clip

1 Inner-rail release clip 3 Outer slide rail attached to rack post

2 Inner rail attached to server and inserted into -

outer slide rail

Step 5 (Optional) Secure the server in the rack more permanently by using the two screws that are provided with the slide rails.
Perform this step if you plan to move the rack with servers installed.
With the server fully pushed into the slide rails, open a hinged slam latch lever on the front of the server and insert a
screw through the hole that is under the lever. The screw threads into the static part of the rail on the rack post and prevents
the server from being pulled out. Repeat for the opposite slam latch.

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 Installing the Server
Installing the Cable Management Arm (Optional)

Installing the Cable Management Arm (Optional)

Note The cable management arm (CMA) is reversible left-to-right. To reverse the CMA, see Reversing the
Cable Management Arm (Optional), on page 50 before installation.

Step 1 With the server pushed fully into the rack, slide the CMA tab of the CMA arm that is farthest from the server onto the
end of the stationary slide rail that is attached to the rack post. Slide the tab over the end of the rail until it clicks and
locks.

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 Installing the Server
Reversing the Cable Management Arm (Optional)

Figure 10: Attaching the CMA to the Rear Ends of the Slide Rails

1 CMA tab on arm farthest from server attaches 3 CMA tab on width-adjustment slider attaches
to end of stationary outer slide rail. to end of stationary outer slide rail.

2 CMA tab on arm closest to the server attaches 4 Rear of server

to end of inner slide rail attached to server.

Step 2 Slide the CMA tab that is closest to the server over the end of the inner rail that is attached to the server. Slide the tab
over the end of the rail until it clicks and locks
Step 3 Pull out the width-adjustment slider that is at the opposite end of the CMA assembly until it matches the width of your
rack.
Step 4 Slide the CMA tab that is at the end of the width-adjustment slider onto the end of the stationary slide rail that is attached
to the rack post. Slide the tab over the end of the rail until it clicks and locks.
Step 5 Open the hinged flap at the top of each plastic cable guide and route your cables through the cable guides as desired.

Reversing the Cable Management Arm (Optional)

Step 1 Rotate the entire CMA assembly 180 degrees, left-to-right. The plastic cable guides must remain pointing upward.
Step 2 Flip the tabs at the ends of the CMA arms so that they point toward the rear of the server.

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 Installing the Server
Initial Server Setup

Step 3 Pivot the tab that is at the end of the width-adjustment slider. Depress and hold the metal button on the outside of the tab
and pivot the tab 180 degrees so that it points toward the rear of the server.
Figure 11: Reversing the CMA

1 CMA tab on end of width-adjustment slider 2 Metal button on outside of tab

Initial Server Setup

Note This section describes how to power on the server, assign an IP address, and connect to server management
when using the server in standalone mode.

Server Default Settings

The server is shipped with these default settings:
• The NIC mode is Shared LOM EXT.
Shared LOM EXT mode enables the 1-Gb/10-Gb Ethernet ports and the ports on any installed Cisco
virtual interface card (VIC) to access the Cisco Integrated Management Interface (Cisco IMC). If you
want to use the 10/100/1000 dedicated management ports to access Cisco IMC, you can connect to the
server and change the NIC mode as described in Setting Up the System With the Cisco IMC Configuration
Utility, on page 54.
• The NIC redundancy is Active-Active. All Ethernet ports are utilized simultaneously.
• DHCP is enabled.
• IPv4 is enabled.

Connection Methods
There are two methods for connecting to the system for initial setup:

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 Installing the Server
Connecting to the Server Locally For Setup

• Local setup—Use this procedure if you want to connect a keyboard and monitor directly to the system
for setup. This procedure can use a KVM cable (Cisco PID N20-BKVM) or the ports on the rear of the
server.
• Remote setup—Use this procedure if you want to perform setup through your dedicated management
LAN.

Note To configure the system remotely, you must have a DHCP server on the
same network as the system. Your DHCP server must be preconfigured
with the range of MAC addresses for this server node. The MAC address
is printed on a label that is on the pull-out asset tag on the front panel. This
server node has a range of six MAC addresses assigned to the Cisco IMC.
The MAC address printed on the label is the beginning of the range of six
contiguous MAC addresses.

This section contains the following topics:

Connecting to the Server Locally For Setup

This procedure requires the following equipment:
• VGA monitor
• USB keyboard
• Either the supported Cisco KVM cable (Cisco PID N20-BKVM); or a USB cable and VGA DB-15 cable

Step 1 Attach a power cord to each power supply in your server, and then attach each power cord to a grounded AC power outlet.
If you are using DC power supplies, see Installing DC Power Supplies (First Time Installation).
Wait for approximately two minutes to let the server boot to standby power during the first bootup. You can verify system
power status by looking at the system Power Status LED on the front panel. The system is in standby power mode when
the LED is amber.

Step 2 Connect a USB keyboard and VGA monitor to the server using one of the following methods:
• Connect an optional KVM cable (Cisco PID N20-BKVM) to the KVM connector on the front panel. Connect your
USB keyboard and VGA monitor to the KVM cable.
• Connect a USB keyboard and VGA monitor to the corresponding connectors on the rear panel.

Step 3 Open the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility:

a) Press and hold the front panel power button for four seconds to boot the server.
b) During bootup, press F8 when prompted to open the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility.
Note The first time that you enter the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility, you are prompted to change the default
password. The default password is password. The Strong Password feature is enabled.

The following are the requirements for Strong Password:

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 Installing the Server
Connecting to the Server Remotely For Setup

• The password can have a minimum of 8 characters and a maximum of 14 characters.

• The password must not contain the user’s name.
• The password must contain characters from three of the following four categories:
• English uppercase letters (A through Z)
• English lowercase letters (a through z)
• Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
• Non-alphabetic characters !, @, #, $, %, ^, &, *, -, _, =, “

Step 4 Continue with Setting Up the System With the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility, on page 54.

Connecting to the Server Remotely For Setup

This procedure requires the following equipment:
• One RJ-45 Ethernet cable that is connected to your management LAN.

Before you begin

Note To configure the system remotely, you must have a DHCP server on the same network as the system.
Your DHCP server must be preconfigured with the range of MAC addresses for this server node. The
MAC address is printed on a label that is on the pull-out asset tag on the front panel. This server node
has a range of six MAC addresses assigned to the Cisco IMC. The MAC address printed on the label is
the beginning of the range of six contiguous MAC addresses.

Step 1 Attach a power cord to each power supply in your server, and then attach each power cord to a grounded AC power outlet.
If you are using DC power supplies, see Installing DC Power Supplies (First Time Installation).
Wait for approximately two minutes to let the server boot to standby power during the first bootup. You can verify system
power status by looking at the system Power Status LED on the front panel. The system is in standby power mode when
the LED is amber.

Step 2 Plug your management Ethernet cable into the dedicated management port on the rear panel.
Step 3 Allow your preconfigured DHCP server to assign an IP address to the server node.
Step 4 Use the assigned IP address to access and log in to the Cisco IMC for the server node. Consult with your DHCP server
administrator to determine the IP address.
Note The default username for the server is admin. The default password is password.

Step 5 From the Cisco IMC Server Summary page, click Launch KVM Console. A separate KVM console window opens.
Step 6 From the Cisco IMC Summary page, click Power Cycle Server. The system reboots.
Step 7 Select the KVM console window.

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 Installing the Server
Setting Up the System With the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility

Note The KVM console window must be the active window for the following keyboard actions to work.

Step 8 When prompted, press F8 to enter the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility. This utility opens in the KVM console window.
Note The first time that you enter the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility, you are prompted to change the default
password. The default password is password. The Strong Password feature is enabled.

The following are the requirements for Strong Password:

• The password can have a minimum of 8 characters and a maximum of 14 characters.
• The password must not contain the user’s name.
• The password must contain characters from three of the following four categories:
• English uppercase letters (A through Z)
• English lowercase letters (a through z)
• Base 10 digits (0 through 9)
• Non-alphabetic characters !, @, #, $, %, ^, &, *, -, _, =, “

Step 9 Continue with Setting Up the System With the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility, on page 54.

Setting Up the System With the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility

Before you begin
The following procedure is performed after you connect to the system and open the Cisco IMC Configuration
Utility.

Step 1 Set the NIC mode to choose which ports to use to access Cisco IMC for server management:
• Shared LOM EXT (default)—This is the shared LOM extended mode, the factory-default setting. With this mode,
the Shared LOM and Cisco Card interfaces are both enabled. You must select the default Active-Active NIC
redundancy setting in the following step.
In this NIC mode, DHCP replies are returned to both the shared LOM ports and the Cisco card ports. If the system
determines that the Cisco card connection is not getting its IP address from a Cisco UCS Manager system because
the server is in standalone mode, further DHCP requests from the Cisco card are disabled. Use the Cisco Card
NIC mode if you want to connect to Cisco IMC through a Cisco card in standalone mode.
• Shared LOM—The 1-Gb/10-Gb Ethernet ports are used to access Cisco IMC. You must select either the
Active-Active or Active-standby NIC redundancy setting in the following step.
• Dedicated—The dedicated management port is used to access Cisco IMC. You must select the None NIC redundancy
setting in the following step.
• Cisco Card—The ports on an installed Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card (VIC) are used to access the Cisco IMC.
You must select either the Active-Active or Active-standby NIC redundancy setting in the following step.
See also the required VIC Slot setting below.

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 Installing the Server
Setting Up the System With the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility

• VIC Slot—Only if you use the Cisco Card NIC mode, you must select this setting to match where your VIC is
installed. The choices are Riser1, Riser2, or Flex-LOM (the mLOM slot).
• If you select Riser1, you must install the VIC in slot 2.
• If you select Riser2, you must install the VIC in slot 5.
• If you select Flex-LOM, you must install an mLOM-style VIC in the mLOM slot.

Step 2 Set the NIC redundancy to your preference. This server has three possible NIC redundancy settings:
• None—The Ethernet ports operate independently and do not fail over if there is a problem. This setting can be
used only with the Dedicated NIC mode.
• Active-standby—If an active Ethernet port fails, traffic fails over to a standby port. Shared LOM and Cisco Card
modes can each use either Active-standby or Active-active settings.
• Active-active (default)—All Ethernet ports are utilized simultaneously. The Shared LOM EXT mode must use
only this NIC redundancy setting. Shared LOM and Cisco Card modes can each use either Active-standby or
Active-active settings.

Step 3 Choose whether to enable DHCP for dynamic network settings, or to enter static network settings.
Note Before you enable DHCP, you must preconfigure your DHCP server with the range of MAC addresses for
this server. The MAC address is printed on a label on the rear of the server. This server has a range of six
MAC addresses assigned to Cisco IMC. The MAC address printed on the label is the beginning of the range
of six contiguous MAC addresses.

The static IPv4 and IPv6 settings include the following:

• The Cisco IMC IP address.
For IPv6, valid values are 1 - 127.
• The gateway.
For IPv6, if you do not know the gateway, you can set it as none by entering :: (two colons).
• The preferred DNS server address.
For IPv6, you can set this as none by entering :: (two colons).

Step 4 (Optional) Make VLAN settings.

Step 5 Press F1 to go to the second settings window, then continue with the next step.
From the second window, you can press F2 to switch back to the first window.

Step 6 (Optional) Set a hostname for the server.

Step 7 (Optional) Enable dynamic DNS and set a dynamic DNS (DDNS) domain.
Step 8 (Optional) If you check the Factory Default check box, the server reverts to the factory defaults.
You can use this option to reset user credentials in future. For detailed steps, refer Cisco UCS C-Series Integrated
Management Controller GUI Configuration Guide for your Cisco IMC release at Configuration Guides.

Step 9 (Optional) Set a default user password.

Note The factory default username for the server is admin. The default password is password.

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NIC Mode and NIC Redundancy Settings

Step 10 (Optional) Enable auto-negotiation of port settings or set the port speed and duplex mode manually.
Note Auto-negotiation is applicable only when you use the Dedicated NIC mode. Auto-negotiation sets the port
speed and duplex mode automatically based on the switch port to which the server is connected. If you disable
auto-negotiation, you must set the port speed and duplex mode manually.

Step 11 (Optional) Reset port profiles and the port name.

Step 12 Press F5 to refresh the settings that you made. You might have to wait about 45 seconds until the new settings appear
and the message, “Network settings configured” is displayed before you reboot the server in the next step.
Step 13 Press F10 to save your settings and reboot the server.
Note If you chose to enable DHCP, the dynamically assigned IP and MAC addresses are displayed on the console
screen during bootup.

What to do next
Use a browser and the IP address of the Cisco IMC to connect to the Cisco IMC management interface. The
IP address is based upon the settings that you made (either a static address or the address assigned by your
DHCP server).

Note The factory default username for the server is admin. The default password is password.

To manage the server, see the Cisco UCS C-Series Integrated Management Controller GUI Configuration
Guide or the Cisco UCS C-Series Servers Integrated Management Controller CLI Configuration Guide for
instructions on using those interfaces for your Cisco IMC release. The links to the configuration guides are
in the Cisco Integrated Management Controller.

NIC Mode and NIC Redundancy Settings

Table 12: Valid NIC Redundancy Settings For Each NIC Mode

NIC Mode Valid NIC Redundancy Settings

Shared LOM Active-active

EXT

Dedicated None

Shared LOM Active-active

Active-standby

Cisco Card Active-active

Active-standby

This server has the following NIC mode settings that you can choose from:

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Updating the BIOS and Cisco IMC Firmware

• Shared LOM EXT (default)—This is the shared LOM extended mode, the factory-default setting. With
this mode, the Shared LOM and Cisco Card interfaces are both enabled. You must select the default
Active-Active NIC redundancy setting in the following step.
In this NIC mode, DHCP replies are returned to both the shared LOM ports and the Cisco card ports. If
the system determines that the Cisco card connection is not getting its IP address from a Cisco UCS
Manager system because the server is in standalone mode, further DHCP requests from the Cisco card
are disabled. Use the Cisco Card NIC mode if you want to connect to Cisco IMC through a Cisco card
in standalone mode.
• Shared LOM—The 1-Gb/10-Gb Ethernet ports are used to access Cisco IMC. You must select either the
Active-Active or Active-standby NIC redundancy setting in the following step.
• Dedicated—The dedicated management port is used to access Cisco IMC. You must select the None
NIC redundancy setting in the following step.
• Cisco Card—The ports on an installed Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card (VIC) are used to access the
Cisco IMC. You must select either the Active-Active or Active-standby NIC redundancy setting in the
following step.
See also the required VIC Slot setting below.
• VIC Slot—Only if you use the Cisco Card NIC mode, you must select this setting to match where your
VIC is installed. The choices are Riser1, Riser2, or Flex-LOM (the mLOM slot).
• If you select Riser1, you must install the VIC in slot 2.
• If you select Riser2, you must install the VIC in slot 5.
• If you select Flex-LOM, you must install an mLOM-style VIC in the mLOM slot.

This server has the following NIC redundancy settings that you can choose from:
• None—The Ethernet ports operate independently and do not fail over if there is a problem. This setting
can be used only with the Dedicated NIC mode.
• Active-standby—If an active Ethernet port fails, traffic fails over to a standby port. Shared LOM and
Cisco Card modes can each use either Active-standby or Active-active settings.
• Active-active (default)—All Ethernet ports are utilized simultaneously. The Shared LOM EXT mode
must use only this NIC redundancy setting. Shared LOM and Cisco Card modes can each use either
Active-standby or Active-active settings.

Updating the BIOS and Cisco IMC Firmware

Caution When you upgrade the BIOS firmware, you must also upgrade the Cisco IMC firmware to the same
version or the server does not boot. Do not power off the server until the BIOS and Cisco IMC firmware
are matching or the server does not boot.
Cisco provides the Cisco Host Upgrade Utility to assist with simultaneously upgrading the BIOS, Cisco
IMC, and other firmware to compatible levels.

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Accessing the System BIOS

The server uses firmware obtained from and certified by Cisco. Cisco provides release notes with each firmware
image. There are several possible methods for updating the firmware:
• Recommended method for firmware update: Use the Cisco Host Upgrade Utility to simultaneously
upgrade the Cisco IMC, BIOS, and component firmware to compatible levels.
See the Cisco Host Upgrade Utility Quick Reference Guide for your firmware release at the documentation
roadmap link below.
• You can upgrade the Cisco IMC and BIOS firmware by using the Cisco IMC GUI interface.
See the Cisco UCS C-Series Rack-Mount Server Configuration Guide.
• You can upgrade the Cisco IMC and BIOS firmware by using the Cisco IMC CLI interface.
See the Cisco UCS C-Series Rack-Mount Server CLI Configuration Guide.

For links to the documents listed above, see the Cisco UCS C-Series Documentation Roadmap.

Accessing the System BIOS

Step 1 Enter the BIOS Setup Utility by pressing the F2 key when prompted during bootup.
Note The version and build of the current BIOS are displayed on the Main page of the utility.

Step 2 Use the arrow keys to select the BIOS menu page.
Step 3 Highlight the field to be modified by using the arrow keys.
Step 4 Press Enter to select the field that you want to change, and then modify the value in the field.
Step 5 Press the right arrow key until the Exit menu screen is displayed.
Step 6 Follow the instructions on the Exit menu screen to save your changes and exit the setup utility (or press F10). You can
exit without saving changes by pressing Esc.

Smart Access Serial

This server supports the Smart Access Serial feature. This feature allows you to switch between host serial
and Cisco IMC CLI.
• This feature has the following requirements:
• A serial cable connection, which can use either the RJ-45 serial connector on the server rear panel,
or a DB-9 connection when using the KVM cable (Cisco PID N20-BKVM) on the front-panel KVM
console connector.
• Console redirection must be enabled in the server BIOS.
• Terminal type must be set to VT100+ or VTUFT8.
• Serial-over-LAN (SOL) must be disabled (SOL is disabled by default).

• To switch from host serial to Cisco IMC CLI, press Esc+9.

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Smart Access USB

You must enter your Cisco IMC credentials to authenticate the connection.
• To switch from Cisco IMC CLI to host serial, press Esc+8.

Note You cannot switch to Cisco IMC CLI if the serial-over-LAN (SOL) feature
is enabled.

• After a session is created, it is shown in the CLI or web GUI by the name serial.

Smart Access USB

This server supports the Smart Access USB feature. The board management controller (BMC) in this server
can accept a USB mass storage device and access the data on it. This feature allows you to use the front-panel
USB device as a medium to transfer data between the BMC and the user without need for network connectivity.
This can be useful, for example, when remote BMC interfaces are not yet available, or are not accessible due
to network misconfiguration.
• This feature has the following requirements:
• The KVM cable (Cisco PID N20-BKVM) connected to the front panel KVM console connector.
• A USB storage device connected to one of the USB 2.0 connectors on the KVM cable. The USB
device must draw less than 500 mA to avoid disconnect by the current-protection circuit.

Note Any mouse or keyboard that is connected to the KVM cable is disconnected
when you enable Smart Access USB.

• You can use USB 3.0-based devices, but they will operate at USB 2.0 speed.
• We recommend that the USB device have only one partition.
• The file system formats supported are: FAT16, FAT32, MSDOS, EXT2, EXT3, and EXT4. NTFS
is not supported.

• The front-panel KVM connector has been designed to switch the USB port between Host OS and BMC.
• Smart Access USB can be enabled or disabled using any of the BMC user interfaces. For example, you
can use the Cisco IMC Configuration Utility that is accessed by pressing F8 when prompted during
bootup.
• Enabled: the front-panel USB device is connected to the BMC.
• Disabled: the front-panel USB device is connected to the host.

• In a case where no management network is available to connect remotely to Cisco IMC, a Device Firmware
Update (DFU) shell over serial cable can be used to generate and download technical support files to the
USB device that is attached to front panel USB port.

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Smart Access USB

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 CHAPTER 3
Maintaining the Server
This chapter contains the following topics:
• Status LEDs and Buttons, on page 61
• Preparing For Component Installation, on page 68
• Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69
• Serial Number Location, on page 71
• Hot Swap vs Hot Plug, on page 72
• Replacing the Air Duct, on page 72
• Removing and Replacing Components, on page 75
• Replacing the RTC Battery, on page 121
• Replacing Power Supplies, on page 122
• Replacing a PCIe Riser, on page 127
• Replacing a PCIe Card, on page 128
• Replacing an mLOM Card, on page 132
• Replacing a SAS Storage Controller Card (RAID or HBA), on page 133
• Replacing a SATA Interposer Card (12-Drive SFF Server Only), on page 149
• Replacing the Supercap (RAID Backup), on page 153
• Replacing a Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller Module, on page 156
• Replacing a Chassis Intrusion Switch, on page 160
• Installing a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), on page 161
• Removing the PCB Assembly (PCBA), on page 164
• Service Headers and Jumpers, on page 165

Status LEDs and Buttons

This section contains information for interpreting LED states.

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Front-Panel LEDs

Front-Panel LEDs
Figure 12: Front Panel LEDs

Table 13: Front Panel LEDs, Definition of States

LED Name States

1 SAS/SATA drive fault • Off—The hard drive is operating properly.

SAS Note NVMe solid state drive (SSD) drive tray • Amber—Drive fault detected.
LEDs have different behavior than
SAS/SATA drive trays. • Amber, blinking—The device is rebuilding.
• Amber, blinking with one-second interval—Drive
locate function activated in the software.

2 SAS/SATA drive activity LED • Off—There is no hard drive in the hard drive tray (no
access, no fault).
SAS
• Green—The hard drive is ready.
• Green, blinking—The hard drive is reading or writing
data.

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Front-Panel LEDs

1 NVMe SSD drive fault • Off—The drive is not in use and can be safely
removed.
NVMe Note NVMe solid state drive (SSD) drive tray
LEDs have different behavior than • Green—The drive is in use and functioning properly.
SAS/SATA drive trays.
• Green, blinking—the driver is initializing following
insertion, or the driver is unloading following an eject
command.
• Amber—The drive has failed.
• Amber, blinking—A drive Locate command has been
issued in the software.

2 NVMe SSD activity • Off—No drive activity.

NVMe • Green, blinking—There is drive activity.

3 Power button/LED • Off—There is no AC power to the server.

• Amber—The server is in standby power mode. Power
is supplied only to the Cisco IMC and some
motherboard functions.
• Green—The server is in main power mode. Power is
supplied to all server components.

4 Unit identification • Off—The unit identification function is not in use.

• Blue, blinking—The unit identification function is
activated.

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Front-Panel LEDs

5 System health • Green—The server is running in normal operating

condition.
• Green, blinking—The server is performing system
initialization and memory check.
• Amber, steady—The server is in a degraded
operational state (minor fault). For example:
• Power supply redundancy is lost.
• CPUs are mismatched.
• At least one CPU is faulty.
• At least one DIMM is faulty.
• At least one drive in a RAID configuration failed.

• Amber, 2 blinks—There is a major fault with the

system board.
• Amber, 3 blinks—There is a major fault with the
memory DIMMs.
• Amber, 4 blinks—There is a major fault with the
CPUs.

6 Fan status • Green—All fan modules are operating properly.

• Amber, blinking—One or more fan modules breached
the non-recoverable threshold.

7 Temperature status • Green—The server is operating at normal temperature.

• Amber, steady—One or more temperature sensors
breached the critical threshold.
• Amber, blinking—One or more temperature sensors
breached the non-recoverable threshold.

8 Power supply status • Green—All power supplies are operating normally.

• Amber, steady—One or more power supplies are in
a degraded operational state.
• Amber, blinking—One or more power supplies are
in a critical fault state.

9 Network link activity • Off—The Ethernet LOM port link is idle.

• Green—One or more Ethernet LOM ports are
link-active, but there is no activity.
• Green, blinking—One or more Ethernet LOM ports
are link-active, with activity.

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Rear-Panel LEDs

10 DVD drive activity • Off—The drive is idle.

• Green, steady—The drive is spinning up a disk.
• Green, blinking—The drive is accessing data.

Rear-Panel LEDs
Figure 13: Rear Panel LEDs

Table 14: Rear Panel LEDs, Definition of States

LED Name States

1 Rear unit identification • Off—The unit identification function is not in use.

• Blue, blinking—The unit identification function is
activated.

2 1-Gb/10-Gb Ethernet link speed (on both LAN1 and • Amber—Link speed is 100 Mbps.
LAN2)
• Amber—Link speed is 1 Gbps.
• Green—Link speed is 10 Gbps.

3 1-Gb/10-Gb Ethernet link status (on both LAN1 and • Off—No link is present.
LAN2)
• Green—Link is active.
• Green, blinking—Traffic is present on the active link.

4 1-Gb Ethernet dedicated management link speed • Off—Link speed is 10 Mbps.

• Amber—Link speed is 100 Mbps.
• Green—Link speed is 1 Gbps.

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Rear-Panel LEDs

5 1-Gb Ethernet dedicated management link status • Off—No link is present.

• Green—Link is active.
• Green, blinking—Traffic is present on the active link.

6 Power supply status (one LED each power supply unit) AC power supplies:
• Off—No AC input (12 V main power off, 12 V
standby power off).
• Green, blinking—12 V main power off; 12 V standby
power on.
• Green, solid—12 V main power on; 12 V standby
power on.
• Amber, blinking—Warning threshold detected but 12
V main power on.
• Amber, solid—Critical error detected; 12 V main
power off (for example, over-current, over-voltage,
or over-temperature failure).

DC power supply (UCSC-PSUV2-1050DC):

• Off—No DC input (12 V main power off, 12 V
standby power off).
• Green, blinking—12 V main power off; 12 V standby
power on.
• Green, solid—12 V main power on; 12 V standby
power on.
• Amber, blinking—Warning threshold detected but 12
V main power on.
• Amber, solid—Critical error detected; 12 V main
power off (for example, over-current, over-voltage,
or over-temperature failure).

7 SAS/SATA drive fault • Off—The hard drive is operating properly.

SAS Note NVMe solid state drive (SSD) drive tray • Amber—Drive fault detected.
LEDs have different behavior than
SAS/SATA drive trays. • Amber, blinking—The device is rebuilding.
• Amber, blinking with one-second interval—Drive
locate function activated in the software.

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Internal Diagnostic LEDs

8 SAS/SATA drive activity LED • Off—There is no hard drive in the hard drive tray (no
access, no fault).
SAS
• Green—The hard drive is ready.
• Green, blinking—The hard drive is reading or writing
data.

7 NVMe SSD drive fault • Off—The drive is not in use and can be safely
removed.
NVMe Note NVMe solid state drive (SSD) drive tray
LEDs have different behavior than • Green—The drive is in use and functioning properly.
SAS/SATA drive trays.
• Green, blinking—the driver is initializing following
insertion, or the driver is unloading following an eject
command.
• Amber—The drive has failed.
• Amber, blinking—A drive Locate command has been
issued in the software.

8 NVMe SSD activity • Off—No drive activity.

NVMe • Green, blinking—There is drive activity.

Internal Diagnostic LEDs

The server has internal fault LEDs for CPUs, DIMMs, and fan modules.

1 Fan module fault LEDs (one on the top of each fan 3 DIMM fault LEDs (one behind each DIMM socket
module) on the motherboard)
• Amber—Fan has a fault or is not fully seated. These LEDs operate only when the server is in
standby power mode.
• Green—Fan is OK.
• Amber—DIMM has a fault.
• Off—DIMM is OK.

2 CPU fault LEDs (one behind each CPU socket on -

the motherboard).
These LEDs operate only when the server is in
standby power mode.
• Amber—CPU has a fault.
• Off—CPU is OK.

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Preparing For Component Installation

Preparing For Component Installation

This section includes information and tasks that help prepare the server for component installation.

Required Equipment For Service Procedures

The following tools and equipment are used to perform the procedures in this chapter:
• T-30 Torx driver (supplied with replacement CPUs for heatsink removal)
• #1 flat-head screwdriver (used during CPU or heatsink replacement)
• #1 Phillips-head screwdriver (for M.2 SSD and intrusion switch replacement)
• Electrostatic discharge (ESD) strap or other grounding equipment such as a grounded mat

Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server

The server can run in either of two power modes:
• Main power mode—Power is supplied to all server components and any operating system on your drives
can run.
• Standby power mode—Power is supplied only to the service processor and certain components. It is safe
for the operating system and data to remove power cords from the server in this mode.

Caution After a server is shut down to standby power, electric current is still present in the server. To completely
remove power, you must disconnect all power cords from the power supplies in the server, as directed
in the service procedures.
You can shut down the server by using the front-panel power button or the software management
interfaces.

Shutting Down Using the Power Button

Step 1 Check the color of the Power button/LED:

• Amber—The server is already in standby mode, and you can safely remove power.
• Green—The server is in main power mode and must be shut down before you can safely remove power.

Step 2 Invoke either a graceful shutdown or a hard shutdown:

Caution To avoid data loss or damage to your operating system, you should always invoke a graceful shutdown of the
operating system.
• Graceful shutdown—Press and release the Power button. The operating system performs a graceful shutdown, and
the server goes to standby mode, which is indicated by an amber Power button/LED.

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Shutting Down Using The Cisco IMC GUI

• Emergency shutdown—Press and hold the Power button for 4 seconds to force the main power off and immediately
enter standby mode.

Step 3 If a service procedure instructs you to completely remove power from the server, disconnect all power cords from the
power supplies in the server.

Shutting Down Using The Cisco IMC GUI

You must log in with user or admin privileges to perform this task.

Step 1 In the Navigation pane, click the Server tab.

Step 2 On the Server tab, click Summary.
Step 3 In the Actions area, click Power Off Server.
Step 4 Click OK.
The operating system performs a graceful shutdown, and the server goes to standby mode, which is indicated by an amber
Power button/LED.

Step 5 If a service procedure instructs you to completely remove power from the server, disconnect all power cords from the
power supplies in the server.

Shutting Down Using The Cisco IMC CLI

You must log in with user or admin privileges to perform this task.

Step 1 At the server prompt, enter:

Example:
server# scope chassis
Step 2 At the chassis prompt, enter:
Example:
server/chassis# power shutdown
The operating system performs a graceful shutdown, and the server goes to standby mode, which is indicated by an amber
Power button/LED.

Step 3 If a service procedure instructs you to completely remove power from the server, disconnect all power cords from the
power supplies in the server.

Removing the Server Top Cover

Step 1 Remove the top cover:

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Removing the Server Top Cover

a) If the cover latch is locked, slide the lock sideways to unlock it.
When the latch is unlocked, the handle pops up so that you can grasp it.
b) Lift on the end of the latch so that it pivots vertically to 90 degrees.
c) Simultaneously, slide the cover back and lift the top cover straight up from the server and set it aside.
Step 2 Replace the top cover:
a) With the latch in the fully open position, place the cover on top of the server about one-half inch (1.27 cm) behind
the lip of the front cover panel.
b) Slide the cover forward until the latch makes contact.
c) Press the latch down to the closed position. The cover is pushed forward to the closed position as you push down the
latch.
d) Lock the latch by sliding the lock button to sideways to the left.
Locking the latch ensures that the server latch handle does not protrude when you install the blade.

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Serial Number Location

Figure 14: Removing the Top Cover

1 Cover lock 2 Cover latch handle

Serial Number Location

The serial number for the server is printed on a label on the top of the server, near the front. See Removing
the Server Top Cover, on page 69.

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Hot Swap vs Hot Plug

Hot Swap vs Hot Plug

Some components can be removed and replaced without shutting down and removing power from the server.
This type of replacement has two varieties: hot-swap and hot-plug.
• Hot-swap replacement—You do not have to shut down the component in the software or operating
system. This applies to the following components:
• SAS/SATA hard drives
• SAS/SATA solid state drives
• Cooling fan modules
• Power supplies (when redundant as 1+1)
• Hot swap (OS surprise) is supported for NVMe solid state drives when the VMD token is enabled
in server BIOS.
• Hot swap (OS informed) is also supported when VMD is not enabled. In this scenario, you must
take the drive offline.

• Hot-plug replacement—For OS informed replacment (VMD is disabled), you must take the component
offline before removing it for the following component:
• NVMe PCIe solid state drives

Replacing the Air Duct

The server has an air duct under the top sheet metal cover. The air duct ensures proper cooling and air flow
across the server from intake (the cool aisle of the data center) to exhaust (the hot aisle in the data center).
The air duct is in the middle of the server and covers the CPU and DIMMs.
To replace the server's air duct, use the following procedures:
• Removing the Air Duct, on page 72
• Installing the Air Duct, on page 74

Removing the Air Duct

Use this procedure to remove the air duct when needed.

Step 1 Remove the server top cover.

Step 2 Locate the detents for the air duct.
The following illustration highlights the middle detent for illustrative purposes only. When removing the air duct, always
grasp the detents closest to the chassis sidewalls (left and right).

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Removing the Air Duct

Step 3 Grasp the left and right detent and lift it out of the chassis.
Note You might need to slide the air duct towards the back of the server while lifting the air duct up.

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Installing the Air Duct

What to do next
When you are done servicing the server, install the air duct. See Installing the Air Duct, on page 74.

Installing the Air Duct

The air duct sits behind the front-loading drive cage and covers the CPU and DIMMs in the middle of the
server.

Step 1 Orient the air duct as shown.

Step 2 Lower the air duct into place and gently press down to ensure that all of its edges sit flush.
If the air duct is not seated correctly, it can obstruct installing the server's top cover.

Step 3 When the air duct is correctly seated, attach the server's top cover.
The server top cover should sit flush so that the metal tabs on the top cover match the indents in the top edges of the air
duct.

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Removing and Replacing Components

Removing and Replacing Components

Warning Blank faceplates and cover panels serve three important functions: they prevent exposure to
hazardous voltages and currents inside the chassis; they contain electromagnetic interference
(EMI) that might disrupt other equipment; and they direct the flow of cooling air through the
chassis. Do not operate the system unless all cards, faceplates, front covers, and rear covers are
in place.
Statement 1029

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Serviceable Component Locations

Caution When handling server components, handle them only by carrier edges and use an electrostatic discharge
(ESD) wrist-strap or other grounding device to avoid damage.

Tip You can press the unit identification button on the front panel or rear panel to turn on a flashing, blue
unit identification LED on both the front and rear panels of the server. This button allows you to locate
the specific server that you are servicing when you go to the opposite side of the rack. You can also
activate these LEDs remotely by using the Cisco IMC interface.

This section describes how to install and replace server components.

Serviceable Component Locations

This topic shows the locations of the field-replaceable components and service-related items. The view in the
following figure shows the server with the top cover removed.
Figure 15: Cisco UCS C240 M6 Server, Serviceable Component Locations

1 Front-loading drive bays. 2 Cooling fan modules (six, hot-swappable)

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Serviceable Component Locations

3 DIMM sockets on motherboard (16 per CPU) 4 CPU socket 1

See DIMM Population Rules and Memory
Performance Guidelines , on page 113 for DIMM
slot numbering.
Note An air baffle rests on top of the DIMM
and CPUs when the server is operating.
The air baffle is not displayed in this
illustration.

5 CPU socket 2 6 M.2 RAID Controller

7 PCIe riser 3 (PCIe slots 7 and 8 numbered from 8 PCIe riser 2 (PCIe slots 4, 5, 6 numbered from
bottom to top), with the following options: bottom to top), with the following options:
• 3A (Default Option)—Slots 7 (x16 • 2A (Default Option)—Slot 4 (x24 mechanical,
mechanical, x8 electrical), and 8 (x16 x8 electrical) supports full height, ¾ length
mechanical, x8 electrical). Both slots can card; Slot 5 (x24 mechanical, x16 electrical)
accept a full height, full length GPU card. supports full height, full length GPU card; Slot
6 (x16 mechanical, x8 electrical) supports full
• 3B (Storage Option)—Slots 7 (x24 height, full length card.
mechanical, x4 electrical) and 8 (x24
mechanical, x4 electrical). Both slots can
accept 2.5-ich SFF universal HDDs.
• 3C (GPU Option)—Slots 7 (x16 mechanical,
x16 electrical) and 8 empty (NCSI support
limited to one slot at a time). Slot 7 can
support a full height, full length GPU card.

9 PCIe riser 1 (PCIe slot 1, 2, 3 numbered bottom to -

top), with the following options:
• 1A (Default Option)—Slot 1 (x24 mechanical,
x8 electrical) supports full height, ¾ length
card; Slot 2 (x24 mechanical, x16 electrical)
supports full height, full length GPU card;
Slot 3 (x16 mechanical, x8 electrical) supports
full height, full length card.
• 1B (Storage Option)—Slot 1 (x24 mechanical,
x8 electrical) supports full height, ¾ length
card; Slot 2 (x4 electrical), supports 2.5-inch
SFF universal HDD; Slot 3 (x4 electrical),
supports 2.5-inch SFF universal HDD

The Technical Specifications Sheets for all versions of this server, which include supported component part
numbers, are at Cisco UCS Servers Technical Specifications Sheets (scroll down to Technical Specifications).

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Replacing Front-Loading SAS/SATA Drives

Replacing Front-Loading SAS/SATA Drives

Note You do not have to shut down the server or drive to replace SAS/SATA hard drives or SSDs because
they are hot-swappable.

To replace rear-loading SAS/SATA drives, see Replacing Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drives, on page 81.

Front-Loading SAS/SATA Drive Population Guidelines

The server is orderable in four different versions, each with a different front panel/drive-backplane configuration.
• Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 SAS/SATA—Small form-factor (SFF) drives, with 24-drive backplane.
• Front-loading drive bays 1—24 support 2.5-inch SAS/SATA drives.
• Optionally, front-loading drive bays 1 through 4 can support 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs.

• Cisco UCS C240 M6 24 NVMe—SFF drives, with 24-drive backplane.

• Front-loading drive bays 1—24 support 2.5-inch NVMe PCIe SSDs only.

• Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 SAS/SATA plus optical drive—SFF drives, with 12-drive backplane and DVD
drive option.
• Front-loading drive bays 1—12 support 2.5-inch SAS/SATA drives.
• Optionally, front-loading drive bays 1 through 4 can support 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs.

• Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 NVMe—SFF drives, with 24-drive backplane.

• Front-loading drive bays 1—12 support 2.5-inch NVMe PCIe SSDs only.

• Cisco UCS C240 M6 12 LFF SAS/SATA—Large form-factor (LFF) drives, with 12-drive backplane.
• Front-loading drive bays 1—12 support 3.5-inch SAS-only drives.
• Optionally, up to 4 mid-plane mounted SAS-only HDDs can be supported.
• Optionally, rear drive bays can support up to 4 SFF SAS/SATA or NVMe HDDs.

Drive bay numbering is shown in the following figures.

Figure 16: Small Form-Factor Drive (24-Drive) Versions, Drive Bay Numbering

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4K Sector Format SAS/SATA Drives Considerations

Figure 17: Large Form-Factor Drive (12-Drive) Version, Drive Bay Numbering

Observe these drive population guidelines for optimum performance:

• When populating drives, add drives to the lowest-numbered bays first.

Note For diagrams of which drive bays are controlled by particular controller
cables on the backplane, see Storage Controller Cable Connectors and
Backplanes, on page 186.

• Front-loading drives are hot pluggable, but each drive requires a 10 second delay between hot removal
and hot insertion.
• Keep an empty drive blanking tray in any unused bays to ensure proper airflow.
• You can mix SAS/SATA hard drives and SAS/SATA SSDs in the same server. However, you cannot
configure a logical volume (virtual drive) that contains a mix of hard drives and SSDs. That is, when
you create a logical volume, it must contain all SAS/SATA hard drives or all SAS/SATA SSDs.

4K Sector Format SAS/SATA Drives Considerations

• You must boot 4K sector format drives in UEFI mode, not legacy mode. See the procedures in this
section.
• Do not configure 4K sector format and 512-byte sector format drives as part of the same RAID volume.
• For operating system support on 4K sector drives, see the interoperability matrix tool for your server:
Hardware and Software Interoperability Matrix Tools

Setting Up UEFI Mode Booting in the BIOS Setup Utility

Step 1 Enter the BIOS setup utility by pressing the F2 key when prompted during bootup.
Step 2 Go to the Boot Options tab.
Step 3 Set UEFI Boot Options to Enabled.
Step 4 Under Boot Option Priorities, set your OS installation media (such as a virtual DVD) as your Boot Option #1.
Step 5 Go to the Advanced tab.
Step 6 Select LOM and PCIe Slot Configuration.
Step 7 Set the PCIe Slot ID: HBA Option ROM to UEFI Only.

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Step 8 Press F10 to save changes and exit the BIOS setup utility. Allow the server to reboot.
Step 9 After the OS installs, verify the installation:
a) Enter the BIOS setup utility by pressing the F2 key when prompted during bootup.
b) Go to the Boot Options tab.
c) Under Boot Option Priorities, verify that the OS you installed is listed as your Boot Option #1.

Setting Up UEFI Mode Booting in the Cisco IMC GUI

Step 1 Use a web browser and the IP address of the server to log into the Cisco IMC GUI management interface.
Step 2 Navigate to Server > BIOS.
Step 3 Under Actions, click Configure BIOS.
Step 4 In the Configure BIOS Parameters dialog, select the Advanced tab.
Step 5 Go to the LOM and PCIe Slot Configuration section.
Step 6 Set the PCIe Slot: HBA Option ROM to UEFI Only.
Step 7 Click Save Changes. The dialog closes.
Step 8 Under BIOS Properties, set Configured Boot Order to UEFI.
Step 9 Under Actions, click Configure Boot Order.
Step 10 In the Configure Boot Order dialog, click Add Local HDD.
Step 11 In the Add Local HDD dialog, enter the information for the 4K sector format drive and make it first in the boot order.
Step 12 Save changes and reboot the server. The changes you made will be visible after the system reboots.

Replacing a Front-Loading SAS/SATA Drive

Note You do not have to shut down the server or drive to replace SAS/SATA hard drives or SSDs because
they are hot-swappable.

Step 1 Remove the drive that you are replacing or remove a blank drive tray from the bay:
a) Press the release button on the face of the drive tray.
b) Grasp and open the ejector lever and then pull the drive tray out of the slot.
c) If you are replacing an existing drive, remove the four drive-tray screws that secure the drive to the tray and then lift
the drive out of the tray.
Step 2 Install a new drive:
a) Place a new drive in the empty drive tray and install the four drive-tray screws.
b) With the ejector lever on the drive tray open, insert the drive tray into the empty drive bay.
c) Push the tray into the slot until it touches the backplane, and then close the ejector lever to lock the drive in place.

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Replacing Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drives

Figure 18: Replacing a Drive in a Drive Tray

1 Ejector lever 3 Drive tray screws (two on each side)

2 Release button 4 Drive removed from drive tray

Replacing Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drives

Note You do not have to shut down the server or drive to replace SAS/SATA hard drives or SSDs because
they are hot-swappable.

Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drive Population Guidelines

The rear drive bay support differs by server PID and which type of RAID controller is used in the server:

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• UCS C240 M6 24 SAS/SATA—Small form-factor (SFF) drives, with 24-drive backplane.

• Hardware RAID—Rear drive bays support SAS or NVMe drives
• Intel® Virtual RAID on CPU—Rear drive bays support NVMe drives only.

• UCSC240 M6 24 SAS/SATA—SFF drives, with 24-drive backplane.

• Rear drive bays support only NVMe SSDs.

• UCS C240 M6 8 SAS/SATA plus optical—SFF drives, with 8-drive backplane and DVD drive option.
• Hardware RAID—Rear drive bays support SAS or NVMe drives
• Intel® Virtual RAID on CPU—Rear drive bays support NVMe drives only.

• UCS C240 M6 12 LFF—Large form-factor (LFF) drives, with 12-drive backplane.

• Hardware RAID—Rear drive bays support SAS or NVMe drives
• Intel® Virtual RAID on CPU—Rear drive bays support NVMe drives only.

• The rear drive bay numbering follows the front-drive bay numbering in each server version:
• 8-drive server—rear bays are numbered bays 9 and 10.
• 12-drive server—rear bays are numbered bays 13 and 14.
• 24-drive server—rear bays are numbered bays 25 and 26.

• When populating drives, add drives to the lowest-numbered bays first.

• Keep an empty drive blanking tray in any unused bays to ensure proper airflow.
• You can mix SAS/SATA hard drives and SAS/SATA SSDs in the same server. However, you cannot
configure a logical volume (virtual drive) that contains a mix of hard drives and SSDs. That is, when
you create a logical volume, it must contain all SAS/SATA hard drives or all SAS/SATA SSDs.

Replacing a Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drive

Note You do not have to shut down the server or drive to replace SAS/SATA hard drives or SSDs because
they are hot-swappable.

Step 1 Remove the drive that you are replacing or remove a blank drive tray from the bay:
a) Press the release button on the face of the drive tray.
b) Grasp and open the ejector lever and then pull the drive tray out of the slot.
c) If you are replacing an existing drive, remove the four drive-tray screws that secure the drive to the tray and then lift
the drive out of the tray.
Step 2 Install a new drive:
a) Place a new drive in the empty drive tray and install the four drive-tray screws.

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Replacing Mid-Mounted SAS/SATA Drives (LFF Server)

b) With the ejector lever on the drive tray open, insert the drive tray into the empty drive bay.
c) Push the tray into the slot until it touches the backplane, and then close the ejector lever to lock the drive in place.
Figure 19: Replacing a Drive in a Drive Tray

1 Ejector lever 3 Drive tray screws (two on each side)

2 Release button 4 Drive removed from drive tray

Replacing Mid-Mounted SAS/SATA Drives (LFF Server)

Mid-mounted drives are supported on the LFF server only. These drives connect directly to the midplane, so
there are no cables to disconnect as part of the replacement procedure.
Mid-mounted drives can be hot swapped and hot inserted, so you do not need to disconnect facility power.

Step 1 Open the server top cover.

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Step 2 Grasp the handle for the mid-mount drive cage, and swing the cage cover open.
When the cage cover is open, it will be pointing up at a 90-degree angle.

Step 3 Grasping the cage cover handle, pull up on the drive cage until the bottom row of drives clears the top of the server.
When pulling on the mid-mount drive cage, it will arc upward.

Step 4 Grasp the drive handle and pull the drive out of the mid-mount drive cage.

Step 5 Orient the drive so that the handle is at the bottom and align it with its drive bay.
Step 6 Holding the drive level, slide it into the drive bay until it connects with the midplane.
Step 7 Push down on the drive cage so that it seats into the server.
Step 8 Grasp the handle and close the server cage cover.
Note Make sure that the server cage cover is completely closed, and the server cage is completely seated in the server.
When the server cage is completely seated, its top is flush with the fans and rear PCI riser cages.

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Basic Troubleshooting: Reseating a SAS/SATA Drive

Step 9 Install the server's top cover.

If the server's top cover does not close easily, check that the mid-mount drive cage is completely seated into the server.

Basic Troubleshooting: Reseating a SAS/SATA Drive

Sometimes it is possible for a false positive UBAD error to occur on SAS/SATA HDDs installed in the server.
• Only drives that are managed by the UCS MegaRAID controller are affected.
• Drives can be affected regardless where they are installed in the server (front-loaded, rear-loaded, and
so on).
• Both SFF and LFF form factor drives can be affected.
• Drives installed in all Cisco UCS C-Series servers with M3 processors and later can be affected.
• Drives can be affected regardless of whether they are configured for hotplug or not.
• The UBAD error is not always terminal, so the drive is not always defective or in need of repair or
replacement. However, it is also possible that the error is terminal, and the drive will need replacement.

Before submitting the drive to the RMA process, it is a best practice to reseat the drive. If the false UBAD
error exists, reseating the drive can clear it. If successful, reseating the drive reduces inconvenience, cost, and
service interruption, and optimizes your server uptime.

Note Reseat the drive only if a UBAD error occurs. Other errors are transient, and you should not attempt
diagnostics and troubleshooting without the assistance of Cisco personnel. Contact Cisco TAC for
assistance with other drive errors.

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Reseating a SAS/SATA Drive

To reseat the drive, see Reseating a SAS/SATA Drive, on page 86.

Reseating a SAS/SATA Drive

Sometimes, SAS/SATA drives can throw a false UBAD error, and reseating the drive can clear the error.
Use the following procedure to reseat the drive.

Caution This procedure might require powering down the server. Powering down the server will cause a service
interruption.

Before you begin

Before attempting this procedure, be aware of the following:
• Before reseating the drive, it is a best practice to back up any data on it.
• When reseating the drive, make sure to reuse the same drive bay.
• Do not move the drive to a different slot.
• Do not move the drive to a different server.
• If you do not reuse the same slot, the Cisco management software (for example, Cisco IMM) might
require a rescan/rediscovery of the server.

• When reseating the drive, allow 20 seconds between removal and reinsertion.

Step 1 Attempt a hot reseat of the affected drive(s). Choose the appropriate option:
a) For a front-loading drive, see Replacing a Front-Loading SAS/SATA Drive, on page 80
b) For a rear-loading drive, see Replacing a Rear-Loading SAS/SATA Drive, on page 82
c) For a mid-mount drive, see Replacing Mid-Mounted SAS/SATA Drives (LFF Server), on page 83
Note While the drive is removed, it is a best practice to perform a visual inspection. Check the drive bay to ensure
that no dust or debris is present. Also, check the connector on the back of the drive and the connector on
the inside of the server for any obstructions or damage.
Also, when reseating the drive, allow 20 seconds between removal and reinsertion.

Step 2 During boot up, watch the drive's LEDs to verify correct operation.
See Status LEDs and Buttons, on page 61.

Step 3 If the error persists, cold reseat the drive, which requires a server power down. Choose the appropriate option:
a) Use your server management software to gracefully power down the server.
See the appropriate Cisco management software documentation.
b) If server power down through software is not available, you can power down the server by pressing the power button.
See Status LEDs and Buttons, on page 61.
c) Reseat the drive as documented in Step 1.

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d) When the drive is correctly reseated, restart the server, and check the drive LEDs for correct operation as documented
in Step 2.
Step 4 If hot and cold reseating the drive (if necessary) does not clear the UBAD error, choose the appropriate option:
a) Contact Cisco Systems for assistance with troubleshooting.
b) Begin an RMA of the errored drive.

Replacing Front-Loading NVMe SSDs

This section is for replacing 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch form-factor NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs) in front-panel
drive bays.

Front-Loading NVMe SSD Population Guidelines

The front drive bay support for 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs differs by server PID:
• UCS C240 M6 SFF 24 SAS/SATA—Small form-factor (SFF) drives, with 24-drive backplane. Drive
bays 1 and 4 support 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs.
• UCS C240 M6 24 NVMe—SFF drives, with 24-drive backplane. Drive bay 1 - 24 support only 2.5-inch
NVMe SSDs.
• UCS C240 M6 12 SAS/SATA plus optical—SFF drives, with 8-drive backplane and DVD drive option.
Drive bays 1 and 4 support 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs.
• UCS C240 M6 12 NVMe—SFF drives, with 12-drive backplane. Drive bay 1 - 12 support only 2.5-inch
NVMe SSDs.
• UCS C240 M6 LFF—Large form-factor (LFF) drives, with 12-drive backplane. Drive bays 1 - 4 support
2.5-inch NVMe SSDs. If you use 2.5-inch NVMe SSDs, a size-converter drive tray
(UCS-LFF-SFF-SLED2) is required for this version of the server.

Front-Loading NVME SSD Requirements and Restrictions

Observe these requirements:
• The server must have two CPUs. PCIe riser 2 is not available in a single-CPU system.
• PCIe cable. This is the cable that carries the PCIe signal from the front-panel drive backplane to PCIe
riser 1B or 3B. The cable differs by server version:
• For small form factor (SFF) drive versions of the server: CBL-NVME-C240SFF
• For the large form factor (LFF) drive version of the server: CBL-NVME-C240LFF

• Hot-plug support must be enabled in the system BIOS. If you ordered the system with NVMe drives,
hot-plug support is enabled at the factory.

Observe these restrictions:

• NVMe 2.5 SSDs support booting only in UEFI mode. Legacy boot is not supported. For instructions on
setting up UEFI boot, see Setting Up UEFI Mode Booting in the BIOS Setup Utility, on page 79 or
Setting Up UEFI Mode Booting in the Cisco IMC GUI, on page 80.

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Enabling Hot-Plug Support in the System BIOS

• You cannot control NVMe PCIe SSDs with a SAS RAID controller because NVMe SSDs interface with
the server via the PCIe bus.
• You can combine NVMe SSDs in the same system, but the same partner brand must be used. For example,
two Intel NVMe SFF 2.5-inch SSDs and two HGST SSDs is an invalid configuration.
• UEFI boot is supported in all supported operating systems. Hot-insertion and hot-removal are supported
in all supported operating systems except VMWare ESXi.

Enabling Hot-Plug Support in the System BIOS

Hot-plug (OS-informed hot-insertion and hot-removal) is disabled in the system BIOS by default.
• If the system was ordered with NVMe PCIe SSDs, the setting was enabled at the factory. No action is
required.
• If you are adding NVMe PCIe SSDs after-factory, you must enable hot-plug support in the BIOS. See
the following procedures.

Enabling Hot-Plug Support Using the BIOS Setup Utility

Step 1 Enter the BIOS setup utility by pressing the F2 key when prompted during bootup.
Step 2 Navigate to Advanced > PCI Subsystem Settings > NVMe SSD Hot-Plug Support.
Step 3 Set the value to Enabled.
Step 4 Save your changes and exit the utility.

Enabling Hot-Plug Support Using the Cisco IMC GUI

Step 1 Use a browser to log in to the Cisco IMC GUI for the server.
Step 2 Navigate to Compute > BIOS > Advanced > PCI Configuration.
Step 3 Set NVME SSD Hot-Plug Support to Enabled.
Step 4 Save your changes.

Replacing a Front-Loading NVMe SSD

This topic describes how to replace 2.5- or form-factor NVMe SSDs in the front-panel drive bays.

Note OS-surprise removal is not supported. OS-informed hot-insertion and hot-removal are supported on all
supported operating systems except VMware ESXi.

Note OS-informed hot-insertion and hot-removal must be enabled in the system BIOS. See Enabling Hot-Plug
Support in the System BIOS, on page 88.

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Replacing a Front-Loading NVMe SSD

Step 1 Remove an existing front-loading NVMe SSD:

a) Shut down the NVMe SSD to initiate an OS-informed removal. Use your operating system interface to shut down
the drive, and then observe the drive-tray LED:
• Green—The drive is in use and functioning properly. Do not remove.
• Green, blinking—the driver is unloading following a shutdown command. Do not remove.
• Off—The drive is not in use and can be safely removed.

b) Press the release button on the face of the drive tray.

c) Grasp and open the ejector lever and then pull the drive tray out of the slot.
d) Remove the four drive tray screws that secure the SSD to the tray and then lift the SSD out of the tray.
Note If this is the first time that front-loading NVMe SSDs are being installed in the server, you must install a PCIe
cable with PCIe riser 2C. See Serviceable Component Locations, on page 40.

Step 2 Install a new front-loading NVMe SSD:

a) Place a new SSD in the empty drive tray and install the four drive-tray screws.
b) With the ejector lever on the drive tray open, insert the drive tray into the empty drive bay.
c) Push the tray into the slot until it touches the backplane, and then close the ejector lever to lock the drive in place.
Step 3 Observe the drive-tray LED and wait until it returns to solid green before accessing the drive:
• Off—The drive is not in use.
• Green, blinking—the driver is initializing following hot-plug insertion.
• Green—The drive is in use and functioning properly.

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Cabling NVMe Drives 1 Through 4 (UCS C240 M6 24 SFF Drives Only)

Figure 20: Replacing a Drive in a Drive Tray

1 Ejector lever 3 Drive tray screws (two on each side)

2 Release button 4 Drive removed from drive tray

Cabling NVMe Drives 1 Through 4 (UCS C240 M6 24 SFF Drives Only)

When adding or replacing front-loading NVMe drives, two specific cables are required and are available
through CBL-FNVME-240M6=.
• One NVMe C cable (74-126742-01), which connects front-loading drives 1 and 2 to the motherboard.
• One NVMe D cable (74-124687-01), which connects front-loading drives 3 and 4 to the motherboard.

Connectors are keyed, and they are different at each end of the cable to prevent improper installation. The
backplane connector IDs are silk screened onto the interior of the server.
For this task, you need the appropriate cables.

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Cabling NVMe Drives 1 Through 4 (UCS C240 M6 24 SFF Drives Only)

Before you begin

Specific cables are required to add or replace front-loading NVMe drives 1 through 4 in Cisco UCS C240
M6 24-SFF drive servers. This procedure is for Cisco UCS C240 M6 24-drive servers only.

Step 1 Remove the server top cover.

See Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.

Step 2 Remove the fan tray.

See Removing the Fan Tray, on page 99

Step 3 Locate the NVMe backplane connectors.

1 Backplane Connector, 2 Backplane Connector, NVMe

NVMe D C

3 Motherboard connector, - Motherboard connector,

NVMe D NVMe C

Step 4 Orient the NVMe D cable correctly, lower it into place, and attach both ends.

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Step 5 Attach both ends of the NVMe D cable.

Note This cable must be installed first to allow the NVMe C cable to lie on top of it.

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Step 6 Orient the NVMe D cable correctly, lower it into place, and attach both ends.
Note The NVMe D cable lies on top of the NVMe C cable.

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Step 7 If drives are installed in any of slots 1 through 4, look at the drive LEDs to verify correct operation.
See Front-Panel LEDs, on page 62.
Step 8 When drives are successfully booted up to runtime, reinstall the fan tray.
See Installing the Fan Tray, on page 100.

Step 9 Replace the top cover.

Replacing Rear-Loading NVMe SSDs

This section is for replacing 2.5-inch form-factor NVMe solid-state drives (SSDs) in rear-panel drive bays.

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Rear-Loading NVMe SSD Population Guidelines

Rear-Loading NVMe SSD Population Guidelines

The rear drive bay support differs by server PID and which type of RAID controller is used in the server for
non-NVMe drives:
• UCS C240 M6 24 SAS/SATA—Small form-factor (SFF) drives, with 24-drive backplane.
• Hardware RAID—Rear drive bays support SAS or NVMe drives

• UCS C240 M6 12 SAS/SATA—SFF drives, with 12-drive backplane.

• Rear drive bays support only NVMe SSDs.

• UCS C240 M6 24 NVMe—SFF drives, with 24-drive backplane.

• Hardware RAID—Rear drive bays support \NVMe drives only

• UCS C240 M6 12 NVMe—SFF drives, with 12-drive backplane.

• Hardware RAID—Rear drive bays support NVMe drives only.

• UCS C240 M6 12 LFF—Large form-factor (LFF) drives, with 12-drive backplane.

• Hardware RAID—Rear drive bays support SAS or NVMe drives

• The rear drive bay numbering follows the front-drive bay numbering in each server version:
• 12-drive server—rear bays are numbered bays 103 and 104.
• 24-drive server—rear bays are numbered bays 101 through 104.

• When populating drives, add drives to the lowest-numbered bays first.

• Drives are hot pluggable, but each drive requires a 10-second delay between hot removal and hot insertion.
• Keep an empty drive blanking tray in any unused bays to ensure proper airflow.

Rear-Loading NVME SSD Requirements and Restrictions

Observe these requirements:
• The server must have two CPUs. PCIe riser 2 is not available in a single-CPU system.
• PCIe riser 1A and 3A support NVMe rear drives.
• Rear PCIe cable and rear drive backplane.
• Hot-plug support must be enabled in the system BIOS. If you ordered the system with NVMe drives,
hot-plug support is enabled at the factory.

Observe these restrictions:

• NVMe SSDs support booting only in UEFI mode. Legacy boot is not supported. For instructions on
setting up UEFI boot, see Setting Up UEFI Mode Booting in the BIOS Setup Utility, on page 79 or
Setting Up UEFI Mode Booting in the Cisco IMC GUI, on page 80.
• You cannot control NVMe PCIe SSDs with a SAS RAID controller because NVMe SSDs interface with
the server via the PCIe bus.

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• You can combine NVMe 2.5-inch SSDs in the same system, but the same partner brand must be used.
For example, two Intel NVMe SFF 2.5-inch SSDs and two HGST SSDs is an invalid configuration.
• UEFI boot is supported in all supported operating systems. Hot-insertion and hot-removal are supported
in all supported operating systems except VMWare ESXi.

Replacing a Rear-Loading NVMe SSD

This topic describes how to replace 2.5-inch form-factor NVMe SSDs in the rear-panel drive bays.

Note OS-surprise removal is not supported. OS-informed hot-insertion and hot-removal are supported on all
supported operating systems except VMware ESXi.

Note OS-informed hot-insertion and hot-removal must be enabled in the system BIOS. See Enabling Hot-Plug
Support in the System BIOS, on page 88.

Step 1 Remove an existing rear-loading NVMe SSD:

a) Shut down the NVMe SSD to initiate an OS-informed removal. Use your operating system interface to shut down
the drive, and then observe the drive-tray LED:
• Green—The drive is in use and functioning properly. Do not remove.
• Green, blinking—the driver is unloading following a shutdown command. Do not remove.
• Off—The drive is not in use and can be safely removed.

b) Press the release button on the face of the drive tray.

c) Grasp and open the ejector lever and then pull the drive tray out of the slot.
d) Remove the four drive tray screws that secure the SSD to the tray and then lift the SSD out of the tray.
Note If this is the first time that rear-loading NVMe SSDs are being installed in the server, you must install PCIe
riser 2B or 2C and a rear NVMe cable kit.

Step 2 Install a new front-loading NVMe SSD:

a) Place a new SSD in the empty drive tray and install the four drive-tray screws.
b) With the ejector lever on the drive tray open, insert the drive tray into the empty drive bay.
c) Push the tray into the slot until it touches the backplane, and then close the ejector lever to lock the drive in place.
Step 3 Observe the drive-tray LED and wait until it returns to solid green before accessing the drive:
• Off—The drive is not in use.
• Green, blinking—the driver is initializing following hot-plug insertion.
• Green—The drive is in use and functioning properly.

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Replacing Fan Modules

Figure 21: Replacing a Drive in a Drive Tray

1 Ejector lever 3 Drive tray screws (two on each side)

2 Release button 4 Drive removed from drive tray

Replacing Fan Modules

The six fan modules in the server are numbered as shown in Serviceable Component Locations, on page 40.

Tip There is a fault LED on the top of each fan module. This LED lights green when the fan is correctly
seated and is operating OK. The LED lights amber when the fan has a fault or is not correctly seated.

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Replacing Fan Modules

Caution You do not have to shut down or remove power from the server to replace fan modules because they
are hot- swappable. However, to maintain proper cooling, do not operate the server for more than one
minute with any fan module removed.

Step 1 Remove an existing fan module:

a) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
b) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
c) Grasp and squeeze the fan module release latches on its top. Lift straight up to disengage its connector from the
motherboard.
Step 2 Install a new fan module:
a) Set the new fan module in place. The arrow printed on the top of the fan module should point toward the rear of the
server.
b) Press down gently on the fan module to fully engage it with the connector on the motherboard.
c) Replace the top cover to the server.
d) Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.
Figure 22: Top View of Fan Module

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Removing the Fan Tray

1 Fan module release latches 2 Fan module fault LED

Removing the Fan Tray

The fan tray can be removed either with all fan modules in place, or when some, or all, of the fan modules
have been removed.

Step 1 Remove the screws that secure the fan tray to the chassis.
a) Locate the screws that secure the fan tray to the server.
b) Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the screws.
Step 2 Disconnect the fan tray cable from the fan tray, leaving the motherboard connection in place.
Step 3 Remove the fan tray from the server.
a) Grasp the handles at the top of the fan tray.
b) Holding the fan tray level and making sure that the fan tray cable does not obstruct removal, lift the fan tray up until
it is removed from the chassis.

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Installing the Fan Tray

What to do next
Reinsert the fan tray into the chassis. See Installing the Fan Tray, on page 100.

Installing the Fan Tray

You can install the fan tray with or without fans installed. Use the following procedure to install the fan tray.

Step 1 Install the fan tray.

a) Align the fan tray with the guides on the inside of the chassis.
b) Make sure that the fan tray cable is out of the way and will not obstruct installation.
c) Holding the fan tray by the handles, slide it into place in the chassis.

Step 2 Reconnect the fan tray cable.

Step 3 Close the top cover, or perform additional procedures, if needed.

Replacing CPUs and Heatsinks

This section contains the following topics:
• CPU Configuration Rules, on page 101
• Tools Required For CPU Replacement, on page 102

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CPU Configuration Rules

• Removing CPUs and Heat Sinks, on page 102

• Installing the CPUs and Heatsinks, on page 107
• Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement CPUs, on page 111

CPU Configuration Rules

This server has two CPU sockets on the motherboard. Each CPU supports 8 DIMM channels (16 DIMM
slots). See DIMM Population Rules and Memory Performance Guidelines , on page 113.
• The server can operate with one CPU, or two identical CPUs installed.
• The minimum configuration is that the server must have at least CPU 1 installed. Install CPU 1 first, and
then CPU 2.
• The following restrictions apply when using a single-CPU configuration:
• Any unused CPU socket must have the socket dust cover from the factory in place.
• The maximum number of DIMMs is 16 (only CPU 1 channels A through H).

• Two different form factors exist for heatsinks, a low profile and a high profile. The server can be ordered
with either, but you cannot mix high- and low-profile CPUs and heatsinks in the same server. A single
server must have all of one type.
The CPU and heatsink installation procedure is different depending on the type of heatsink used in your
server.
• Low profile (UCSC-HSLP-M6), which has 4 T30 Torx screws on the main heatsink, and 2
Phillips-head screws on the extended heatsink.
This heat sink is required for servers that contain one or more GPUs.
This heat sink is not supported on C240 M6 LFF servers.

• High profile (UCSC-HSHP-240M6), which has 4 T30 Torx screws.

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Tools Required For CPU Replacement

Tools Required For CPU Replacement

You need the following tools and equipment for this procedure:
• T-30 Torx driver—Supplied with replacement CPU.
• #1 flat-head screwdriver—Supplied with replacement CPU.
• CPU assembly tool—Supplied with replacement CPU. Orderable separately as Cisco PID UCS-CPUAT=.
• Heatsink cleaning kit—Supplied with replacement CPU. Orderable separately as Cisco PID
UCSX-HSCK=.
One cleaning kit can clean up to four CPUs.
• Thermal interface material (TIM)—Syringe supplied with replacement CPU. Use only if you are reusing
your existing heatsink (new heatsinks have a pre-applied pad of TIM). Orderable separately as Cisco
PID UCS-CPU-TIM=.
One TIM kit covers one CPU.

See also Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement CPUs, on page 111.

Removing CPUs and Heat Sinks

Use the following procedure to remove an installed CPU and heatsink from the blade server. With this
procedure, you will remove the CPU from the motherboard, disassemble individual components, then place
the CPU and heatsink into the fixture that came with the CPU.

Step 1 Choose the appropriate method to loosen the securing screws, based on the whether the CPU has a high-profile or
low-profile heatsink.

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• For a CPU with a high-profile heatsink, proceed to step a.

• For a CPU with a low-profile heatsink, skip to step 2.

a) Using a T30 Torx driver, loosen all the securing nuts.

b) Push the rotating wires towards each other to move them to the unlocked position.
Caution Make sure that the rotating wires are as far inward as possible. When fully unlocked, the bottom of the
rotating wire disengages and allows the removal of the CPU assembly. If the rotating wires are not fully
in the unlocked position, you can feel resistance when attempting to remove the CPU assembly.

c) Grasp the CPU and heatsink along the edge of the carrier and lift the CPU and heatsink off of the motherboard.
Caution While lifting the CPU assembly, make sure not to bend the heatsink fins. Also, if you feel any resistance
when lifting the CPU assembly, verify that the rotating wires are completely in the unlocked position.

d) Go to step 3.
Step 2 Remove the CPU.
a) Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the two Phillips head screws for the extended heatsink.
b) Using a T30 Torx driver, loosen the four Torx securing nuts.
c) Push the rotating wires towards each other to move them to the unlocked position.

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Caution Make sure that the rotating wires are as far inward as possible. When fully unlocked, the bottom of the
rotating wire disengages and allows the removal of the CPU assembly. If the rotating wires are not fully
in the unlocked position, you can feel resistance when attempting to remove the CPU assembly.

d) Grasp the CPU and heatsink along the edge of the carrier and lift the CPU and heatsink off of the motherboard.
Caution While lifting the CPU assembly, make sure not to bend the heatsink fins. Also, if you feel any resistance
when lifting the CPU assembly, verify that the rotating wires are completely in the unlocked position.
e) Go to step 3.
Step 3 Put the CPU assembly on a rubberized mat or other ESD-safe work surface.
When placing the CPU on the work surface, the heatsink label should be facing up. Do not rotate the CPU assembly
upside down.

Step 4 Attach a CPU dust cover (UCS-CPU-M6-CVR=) to the CPU socket.

a) Align the posts on the CPU bolstering plate with the cutouts at the corners of the dust cover.
b) Lower the dust cover and simultaneously press down on the edges until it snaps into place over the CPU socket.
Caution Do not press down in the center of the dust cover!

Step 5 Detach the CPU from the CPU carrier by disengaging CPU clips and using the TIM breaker.
a) Turn the CPU assembly upside down, so that the heatsink is pointing down.

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This step enables access to the CPU securing clips.

b) Gently lift the TIM breaker in a 90-degree upward arc to partially disengage the CPU clips on this end of the CPU
carrier.

c) Lower the TIM breaker into the u-shaped securing clip to allow easier access to the CPU carrier.
Note Make sure that the TIM breaker is completely seated in the securing clip.

d) Gently pull up on the outer edge of the CPU carrier (2) so that you can disengage the second pair of CPU clips near
both ends of the TIM breaker.
Caution Be careful when flexing the CPU carrier! If you apply too much force you can damage the CPU carrier.
Flex the carrier only enough to release the CPU clips. Make sure to watch the clips while performing this
step so that you can see when they disengage from the CPU carrier.

e) Gently pull up on the outer edge of the CPU carrier so that you can disengage the pair of CPU clips (3 in the following
illustration) which are opposite the TIM breaker.
f) Grasp the CPU carrier along the short edges and lift it straight up to remove it from the heatsink.

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Removing CPUs and Heat Sinks

Step 6 Transfer the CPU and carrier to the fixture.

a) When all the CPU clips are disengaged, grasp the carrier, and lift it and the CPU to detach them from the heatsink.
Note If the carrier and CPU do not lift off of the heatsink, attempt to disengage the CPU clips again.

b) Flip the CPU and carrier right-side up so that the words PRESS HERE are visible.
c) Align the posts on the fixture and the pin 1 locations on the CPU carrier and the fixture (1 in the following illustration).
d) Lower the CPU and CPU carrier onto the fixture.

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Installing the CPUs and Heatsinks

Step 7 Use the provided cleaning kit (UCSX-HSCK) to remove all of the thermal interface barrier (thermal grease) from the
CPU, CPU carrier, and heatsink.
Important Make sure to use only the Cisco-provided cleaning kit, and make sure that no thermal grease is left on any
surfaces, corners, or crevices. The CPU, CPU carrier, and heatsink must be completely clean.

What to do next
Choose the appropriate option:
• If you will be installing a CPU, go to Installing the CPUs and Heatsinks, on page 107.
• If you will not be installing a CPU, verify that a CPU socket cover is installed. This option is valid only
for CPU socket 2 because CPU socket 1 must always be populated in a runtime deployment.

Installing the CPUs and Heatsinks

Use this procedure to install a CPU if you have removed one, or if you are installing a CPU in an empty CPU
socket. To install the CPU, you will move the CPU to the fixture, then attach the CPU assembly to the CPU
socket on the server mother board.

Step 1 Remove the CPU socket dust cover (UCS-CPU-M6-CVR=) on the server motherboard.

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a) Push the two vertical tabs inward to disengage the dust cover.
b) While holding the tabs in, lift the dust cover up to remove it.

c) Store the dust cover for future use.

Caution Do not leave an empty CPU socket uncovered. If a CPU socket does not contain a CPU, you must install
a CPU dust cover.

Step 2 Grasp the CPU fixture on the edges labeled PRESS, lift it out of the tray, and place the CPU assembly on an ESD-safe
work surface.
Step 3 Apply new TIM.
Note The heatsink must have new TIM on the heatsink-to-CPU surface to ensure proper cooling and performance.
• If you are installing a new heatsink, it is shipped with a pre-applied pad of TIM. Go to step 4.
• If you are reusing a heatsink, you must remove the old TIM from the heatsink and then apply new TIM to the CPU
surface from the supplied syringe. Continue with step a below.

a) Apply the Bottle #1 cleaning solution that is included with the heatsink cleaning kit (UCSX-HSCK=), as well as the
spare CPU package, to the old TIM on the heatsink and let it soak for a least 15 seconds.
b) Wipe all of the TIM off the heatsink using the soft cloth that is included with the heatsink cleaning kit. Be careful to
avoid scratching the heatsink surface.
c) Completely clean the bottom surface of the heatsink using Bottle #2 to prepare the heatsink for installation.
d) Using the syringe of TIM provided with the new CPU (UCS-CPU-TIM=), apply 1.5 cubic centimeters (1.5 ml) of
thermal interface material to the top of the CPU. Use the pattern shown in the following figure to ensure even coverage.

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Figure 23: Thermal Interface Material Application Pattern

Caution Use only the correct heatsink for your CPU. Heatsink UCSC-HSHP-240M6= is for servers with no GPU.
Heatsink UCSC-HSLP-M6= is for servers with GPUs installed.

Step 4 Attach the heatsink to the CPU fixture.

a) Make sure the rotating wires are in the unlocked position so that the feet of the wires do not impede installing the
heatsink.
b) Grasp the heatsink by the fins and align the pin 1 location of the heatsink with the pin 1 location on the CPU fixture,
then lower the heatsink onto the CPU fixture.
Step 5 Install the CPU assembly onto the CPU motherboard socket.
a) Push the rotating wires (1 in the following image) to the unlocked position so that they do not obstruct installation.
b) Grasp the heatsink by the fins, align the pin 1 location on the heatsink with the pin 1 location on the CPU socket (2
in the following image), then seat the heatsink onto the CPU socket.
c) Holding the CPU assembly level, lower it onto the CPU socket.
d) Push the rotating wires away from each other to lock the CPU assembly into the CPU socket.
Caution Make sure that you close the rotating wires completely before using the Torx driver to tighten the securing
nuts.

e) Choose the appropriate option to secure the CPU to the socket.

• For a CPU with a high-profile heatsink, set the T30 Torx driver to 12 in-lb of torque and tighten the 4 securing
nuts to secure the CPU to the motherboard (4).

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• For a CPU with a low-profile heatsink, set the T30 Torx driver to 12 in-lb of torque and tighten the 4 securing
nuts to secure the CPU to the motherboard (3) first. Then, set the torque driver to 6 in-lb of torque and tighten
the two Phillips head screws for the extended heatsink (4).

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Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement CPUs

Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement CPUs

When a return material authorization (RMA) of the CPU is done on a Cisco UCS C-Series server, additional
parts might not be included with the CPU spare. The TAC engineer might need to add the additional parts to
the RMA to help ensure a successful replacement.

Note The following items apply to CPU replacement scenarios. If you are replacing a system chassis and
moving existing CPUs to the new chassis, you do not have to separate the heatsink from the CPU. See
Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement System Chassis, on page 112.

• Scenario 1—You are reusing the existing heatsinks:

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Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement System Chassis

• Heat sink cleaning kit (UCSX-HSCK=)

One cleaning kit can clean up to four CPUs.
• Thermal interface material (TIM) kit for M6 servers (UCS-CPU-TIM=)
One TIM kit covers one CPU.

• Scenario 2—You are replacing the existing heatsinks:

Caution Use only the correct heatsink for your CPUs to ensure proper cooling. There
are two different heatsinks, a low profile (UCSC-HSLP-M6) which is used
with GPUs, and a high-profile (UCSC-HSHP-240M6) for servers without
GPUs.

• New heatsinks have a pre-applied pad of TIM.

• Heat sink cleaning kit (UCSX-HSCK=)
One cleaning kit can clean up to four CPUs.

• Scenario 3—You have a damaged CPU carrier (the plastic frame around the CPU):
• CPU Carrier: UCS-M6-CPU-CAR=
• #1 flat-head screwdriver (for separating the CPU from the heatsink)
• Heatsink cleaning kit (UCSX-HSCK=)
One cleaning kit can clean up to four CPUs.
• Thermal interface material (TIM) kit for M6 servers (UCS-CPU-TIM=)
One TIM kit covers one CPU.

A CPU heat sink cleaning kit is good for up to four CPU and heat sink cleanings. The cleaning kit contains
two bottles of solution, one to clean the CPU and heat sink of old TIM and the other to prepare the surface of
the heat sink.
New heat sink spares come with a pre-applied pad of TIM. It is important to clean any old TIM off of the
CPU surface prior to installing the heat sinks. Therefore, even when you are ordering new heat sinks, you
must order the heat sink cleaning kit.

Additional CPU-Related Parts to Order with RMA Replacement System Chassis

When a return material authorization (RMA) of the system chassis is done on a Cisco UCS C-Series server,
you move existing CPUs to the new chassis.

Note Unlike previous generation CPUs, the M6 server CPUs do not require you to separate the heatsink from
the CPU when you move the CPU-heatsink assembly. Therefore, no additional heatsink cleaning kit or
thermal-interface material items are required.

• The only tool required for moving a CPU/heatsink assembly is a T-30 Torx driver.

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Replacing Memory DIMMs

Replacing Memory DIMMs

Caution DIMMs and their sockets are fragile and must be handled with care to avoid damage during installation.

Caution Cisco does not support third-party DIMMs. Using non-Cisco DIMMs in the server might result in system
problems or damage to the motherboard.

Note To ensure the best server performance, it is important that you are familiar with memory performance
guidelines and population rules before you install or replace DIMMs.

DIMM Population Rules and Memory Performance Guidelines

The following sections provide partial information for memory usage. mixing, and population guidelines. For
detailed information about memory usage and population, download the Cisco UCS C220/C240/B200 M6
Memory Guide.

DIMM Slot Numbering

The following figure shows the numbering of the DIMM slots on the motherboard.
Figure 24: DIMM Slot Numbering

DIMM Population Rules

Observe the following guidelines when installing or replacing DIMMs for maximum performance:
• Each CPU supports eight memory channels, A through H.

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DIMM Population Rules and Memory Performance Guidelines

• CPU 1 supports channels P1 A1, P1 A2, P1 B1, P1 B2, P1 C1, P1 C2, P1 D1, P1 D2, P1 E1, P1 E2,
P1 F1, P1 F2, P1 G1, P1 G2, P1 H1, and P1 H2.
• CPU 2 supports channels P2 A1, P2 A2, P2 B1, P2 B2, P2 C1, P2 C2, P2 D1, P2 D2, P2 E1, P2 E2,
P2 F1, P2 F2, P2 G1, P2 G2, P2 H1, and P2 H2.

• Each channel has two DIMM sockets (for example, channel A = slots A1, A2).
• In a single-CPU configuration, populate the channels for CPU1 only (P1 A1 through P1 H2).
• For optimal performance, populate DIMMs in the order shown in the following table, depending on the
number of CPUs and the number of DIMMs per CPU. If your server has two CPUs, balance DIMMs
evenly across the two CPUs as shown in the table.

Note The sections below list recommended configurations. Using 5, 7, 9, 10, or

11 DIMMs per CPU is not recommended.

Memory Population Order

The Cisco UCS C240 M6 server has two memory options, DIMMs only or DIMMs plus Intel Optane Persistent
Memory 200 series memory.
Memory slots are color coded, blue and black. The color-coded channel population order is blue slots first,
then black.
The following tables show the memory population order for each memory option.

Table 15: DIMMs Population Order

Number of DDR4 Populate CPU 1 Slot Populate CPU2 Slots

DIMMs per CPU
(Recommended P1 Blue #1 Slots P1 Black #2 Slots P2 Blue #1 Slots P2 Black #2 Slots
Configurations)

1 A1 - A1

2 (A1, E1) - (A1, E1)

4 (A1, C1); (E1, G1) - (A1, C1); (E1, G1)

6 (A1, C1,D1); (E1, - (A1, C1,D1); (E1,

G1, H1) G1, H1)

8 (A1, B1,C1, D1, E1, - (A1, B1,C1, D1, E1,

F1, G1, H1) F1, G1, H1)

12 A1, C1, D1, E1, G1, A2, C2, D2, E2, G2, A1, C1, D1, E1, G1, A2, C2, D2, E2, G2,
H1 H2 H1 H2

16 All populated (A1 All populated (A2 All populated (A1 All populated (A2
through H1) through H2) through H1) through H2)

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Table 16: DIMM Plus Intel Optane Persistent Memory 200 Series Memory Population Order

Total Number of DIMMs per DDR4 DIMM Slot Intel Optane Persistent Memory
CPU 200 Series DIMM Slot

4+4 DIMM A1, C1, E1, G1, B1, D1, F1, H1

8+1 DIMMs A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, H1 A1

8+4 DIMMs A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, H1 A1, C1, E1, G1

8+8 DIMMs A0, B0, C0, D0, E0, F0, G0, H0 A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, H1

Memory Mirroring
The CPUs in the server support memory mirroring only when an even number of channels are populated with
DIMMs. If one or three channels are populated with DIMMs, memory mirroring is automatically disabled.
Memory mirroring reduces the amount of memory available by 50 percent because only one of the two
populated channels provides data. The second, duplicate channel provides redundancy.

Replacing DIMMs
Identifying a Faulty DIMM
Each DIMM socket has a corresponding DIMM fault LED, directly in front of the DIMM socket. See Internal
Diagnostic LEDs, on page 67 for the locations of these LEDs. When the server is in standby power mode,
these LEDs light amber to indicate a faulty DIMM.

Step 1 Remove an existing DIMM:

a) Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
b) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
c) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
d) Remove the air baffle that covers the front ends of the DIMM slots to provide clearance.
e) Locate the DIMM that you are removing, and then open the ejector levers at each end of its DIMM slot.
Step 2 Install a new DIMM:
Note Before installing DIMMs, see the memory population rules for this server: DIMM Population Rules and Memory
Performance Guidelines , on page 113.

a) Align the new DIMM with the empty slot on the motherboard. Use the alignment feature in the DIMM slot to correctly
orient the DIMM.
b) Push down evenly on the top corners of the DIMM until it is fully seated and the ejector levers on both ends lock
into place.
c) Replace the top cover to the server.

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Replacing Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Modules

d) Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

Replacing Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Modules

This topic contains information for replacing Intel Optane Data Center Persistent memory modules (DCPMMs),
including population rules and methods for verifying functionality. DCPMMs have the same form-factor as
DDR4 DIMMs and they install to DIMM slots.

Caution DCPMMs and their sockets are fragile and must be handled with care to avoid damage during installation.

Note To ensure the best server performance, it is important that you are familiar with memory performance
guidelines and population rules before you install or replace DCPMMs.

DCPMMs can be configured to operate in one of the following modes:

• Memory Mode: The module operates as 100% memory module. Data is volatile and DRAM acts as a
cache for DCPMMs.
• App Direct Mode: The module operates as a solid-state disk storage device. Data is saved and is
non-volatile.

Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Module Population Rules and Performance Guidelines
This topic describes the rules and guidelines for maximum memory performance when using Intel Optane
DC persistent memory modules (DCPMMs) with DDR4 DRAM DIMMs.

DIMM Slot Numbering

The following figure shows the numbering of the DIMM slots on the server motherboard.

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Figure 25: DIMM Slot Numbering

Configuration Rules
Observe the following rules and guidelines:
• To use DCPMMs in this server, two CPUs must be installed.
• The DCPMMs run at 2666 MHz. If you have 2933 MHz RDIMMs or LRDIMMs in the server and you
add DCPMMs, the main memory speed clocks down to 2666 MHz to match the speed of the DCPMMs.
• Each DCPMM draws 18 W sustained, with a 20 W peak.
• When using DCPMMs in a server:
• The DDR4 DIMMs installed in the server must all be the same size.
• The DCPMMs installed in the server must all be the same size and must have the same SKU.

Installing Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Modules

Note DCPMM configuration is always applied to all DCPMMs in a region, including a replacement DCPMM.
You cannot provision a specific replacement DCPMM on a preconfigured server.

Step 1 Remove an existing DCPMM:

a) Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
b) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.

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Server BIOS Setup Utility Menu for DCPMM

Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
c) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
d) Remove the air baffle that covers the front ends of the DIMM slots to provide clearance.
Caution If you are moving DCPMMs with active data (persistent memory) from one server to another as in an RMA
situation, each DCPMM must be installed to the identical position in the new server. Note the positions of
each DCPMM or temporarily label them when removing them from the old server.

e) Locate the DCPMM that you are removing, and then open the ejector levers at each end of its DIMM slot.
Step 2 Install a new DCPMM:
Note Before installing DCPMMs, see the population rules for this server: Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Module
Population Rules and Performance Guidelines, on page 116.

a) Align the new DCPMM with the empty slot on the motherboard. Use the alignment feature in the DIMM slot to
correctly orient the DCPMM.
b) Push down evenly on the top corners of the DCPMM until it is fully seated and the ejector levers on both ends lock
into place.
c) Reinstall the air baffle.
d) Replace the top cover to the server.
e) Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.
Step 3 Perform post-installation actions:
• If the existing configuration is in 100% Memory mode, and the new DCPMM is also in 100% Memory mode (the
factory default), the only action is to ensure that all DCPMMs are at the latest, matching firmware level.
• If the existing configuration is fully or partly in App-Direct mode and new DCPMM is also in App-Direct mode,
then ensure that all DCPMMs are at the latest matching firmware level and also re-provision the DCPMMs by
creating a new goal.
• If the existing configuration and the new DCPMM are in different modes, then ensure that all DCPMMs are at the
latest matching firmware level and also re-provision the DCPMMs by creating a new goal.

There are a number of tools for configuring goals, regions, and namespaces.
• To use the server's BIOS Setup Utility, see Server BIOS Setup Utility Menu for DCPMM, on page 118.
• To use Cisco IMC or Cisco UCS Manager, see the Cisco UCS: Configuring and Managing Intel Optane DC Persistent
Memory Modules guide.

Server BIOS Setup Utility Menu for DCPMM

Caution Potential data loss: If you change the mode of a currently installed DCPMM from App Direct to Memory
Mode, any data in persistent memory is deleted.

DCPMMs can be configured by using the server's BIOS Setup Utility, Cisco IMC, Cisco UCS Manager, or
OS-related utilities.

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Server BIOS Setup Utility Menu for DCPMM

• To use the BIOS Setup Utility, see the section below.

• To use Cisco IMC, see the configuration guides for Cisco IMC 4.0(4) or later: Cisco IMC CLI and GUI
Configuration Guides
• To use Cisco UCS Manager, see the configuration guides for Cisco UCS Manager 4.0(4) or later: Cisco
UCS Manager CLI and GUI Configuration Guides

The server BIOS Setup Utility includes menus for DCPMMs. They can be used to view or configure DCPMM
regions, goals, and namespaces, and to update DCPMM firmware.
To open the BIOS Setup Utility, press F2 when prompted onscreen during a system boot.
The DCPMM menu is on the Advanced tab of the utility:
Advanced > Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Configuration

From this tab, you can access other menus:

• DIMMs: Displays the installed DCPMMs. From this page, you can update DCPMM firmware and configure
other DCPMM parameters.
• Monitor health

• Update firmware

• Configure security

You can enable security mode and set a password so that the DCPMM configuration is locked.
When you set a password, it applies to all installed DCPMMs. Security mode is disabled by default.
• Configure data policy

• Regions: Displays regions and their persistent memory types. When using App Direct mode with
interleaving, the number of regions is equal to the number of CPU sockets in the server. When using
App Direct mode without interleaving, the number of regions is equal to the number of DCPMMs in the
server.
From the Regions page, you can configure memory goals that tell the DCPMM how to allocate resources.
• Create goal config

• Namespaces: Displays namespaces and allows you to create or delete them when persistent memory is
used. Namespaces can also be created when creating goals. A namespace provisioning of persistent
memory applies only to the selected region.
Existing namespace attributes such as the size cannot be modified. You can only add or delete namespaces.
• Total capacity: Displays the total DCPMM resource allocation across the server.

Updating the DCPMM Firmware Using the BIOS Setup Utility

You can update the DCPMM firmware from the BIOS Setup Utility if you know the path to the .bin files.
The firmware update is applied to all installed DCPMMs.
1. Navigate to Advanced > Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory Configuration > DIMMs > Update
firmware

2. Under File:, provide the file path to the .bin file.

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Replacing a Mini-Storage Module

3. Select Update.

Replacing a Mini-Storage Module

The mini-storage module plugs into a vertical riser card that attaches to motherboard by two captive screws
to provide additional internal storage. The module is an M.2 SSD Carrier which provides two M.2 form-factor
SSD sockets. See also Replacing a Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller Module, on page 156.

Note The Cisco IMC firmware does not include an out-of-band management interface for the M.2 drives
installed in the M.2 version of this mini-storage module (UCS-MSTOR-M2). The M.2 drives are not
listed in Cisco IMC inventory, nor can they be managed by Cisco IMC. This is expected behavior.

Replacing a Mini-Storage Module Carrier

This topic describes how to remove and replace a mini-storage module carrier. The carrier sits in an M.2
vertical riser card that is attached to the motherboard by two captive screws.
The carrier has one media socket on its top and one socket on its underside. Use the following procedure for
an M.2 SSD mini-storage module carrier.

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server, on
page 68.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Locate the mini-storage module carrier in its socket between PCIe riser 2 and 3.
Step 5 Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen each of the captive screws and lift the M.2 riser out of the server.
Step 6 Remove a carrier from its socket:
a) Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen the screw that holds the module to the carrier.
b) Push outward on the securing clips that holds each end of the carrier.
c) Lift both ends of the carrier to disengage it from the socket on the motherboard.
d) Set the carrier on an anti-static surface.
Step 7 Install a carrier to its socket:
a) Position carrier over socket, with the carrier's connector facing down. Two alignment pegs must match with two holes
on the carrier.
b) Gently push down the socket end of the carrier so that the two pegs go through the two holes on the carrier.
c) Push down on the carrier so that the securing clips click over it at both ends.
Step 8 Replace the top cover to the server.
Step 9 Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

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Replacing an M.2 SSD in a Mini-Storage Carrier For M.2

This topic describes how to remove and replace an M.2 SATA or NVMe SSD in a mini-storage carrier for
M.2 (PID UCS-MSTOR-M2). The carrier has one M.2 SSD socket on its top and one socket on its underside.
Population Rules For Mini-Storage M.2 SSDs
• Both M.2 SSDs must be either SATA or NVMe; do not mix types in the carrier.
• You can use one or two M.2 SSDs in the carrier.
• M.2 socket 1 is on the top side of the carrier; M.2 socket 2 is on the underside of the carrier (the same
side as the carrier's motherboard connector).

Step 1 Power off the server and then remove the mini-storage module carrier from the server as described in Replacing a
Mini-Storage Module Carrier, on page 120.
Step 2 Remove an M.2 SSD:
a) Use a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the single screw that secures the M.2 SSD to the carrier.
b) Remove the M.2 SSD from its socket on the carrier.
Step 3 Install a new M.2 SSD:
a) Insert the new M.2 SSD connector-end into the socket on the carrier with its label side facing up.
b) Press the M.2 SSD flat against the carrier.
c) Install the single screw that secures the end of the M.2 SSD to the carrier.
Step 4 Install the mini-storage module carrier back into the server and then power it on as described in Replacing a Mini-Storage
Module Carrier, on page 120.

Replacing the RTC Battery

Warning There is 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.
[Statement 1015]

Warning Recyclers: Do not shred the battery! Make sure you dispose of the battery according to appropriate
regulations for your country or locale.

The real-time clock (RTC) battery retains system settings when the server is disconnected from power. The
battery type is CR2032. Cisco supports the industry-standard CR2032 battery, which can be purchased from
most electronic stores.

Step 1 Remove the RTC battery:

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Replacing Power Supplies

a) Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
b) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
c) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
d) Remove PCIe riser 1 from the server to provide clearance to the RTC battery socket that is on the motherboard. See
Replacing a PCIe Riser, on page 127.
e) Locate the horizontal RTC battery socket.
f) Remove the battery from the socket on the motherboard. Gently pry the securing clip to the side to provide clearance,
then lift up on the battery.
Step 2 Install a new RTC battery:
a) Insert the battery into its socket and press down until it clicks in place under the clip.
Note The positive side of the battery marked “3V+” should face up.

b) Replace PCIe riser 1 to the server. See Replacing a PCIe Riser, on page 127.
c) Replace the top cover to the server.
d) Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

Replacing Power Supplies

When two power supplies are installed they are redundant as 1+1 by default, but they also support cold
redundancy mode. Cold redundancy (CR) suspends power delivery on one or more power supplies and forces
the remainder of the load to be supplied by the active PSU(s). As a result, total power efficiency is improved
by best utilizing the PSU efficiency when compared to load characteristics.
• See also Power Specifications, on page 176
• See also Rear-Panel LEDs, on page 65 for information about the power supply LEDs.

This section includes procedures for replacing AC and DC power supply units.

Supported Power Supplies

The UCS C240 M6 supports the following power supplies.

Caution Do not mix PSU types in the same server. PSU must be the same type and wattage.

For detailed information, see Power Specifications, on page 176.

PSU Type Supported In Notes

1050 W All UCS C240 M6 One power supply is mandatory; one more can be added for 1 + 1
AC models redundancy as long power supplies are the same.

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Replacing AC Power Supplies

PSU Type Supported In Notes

1050 W All UCS C240 M6 One power supply is mandatory; one more can be added for 1 + 1
DC models redundancy as long power supplies are the same.

1600 W All UCS C240 M6 One power supply is mandatory; one more can be added for 1 + 1
AC models redundancy as long power supplies are the same.

2300 W All UCS C240 M6 One power supply is mandatory; one more can be added for 1 + 1
AC models redundancy as long power supplies are the same.

Replacing AC Power Supplies

Note If you have ordered a server with power supply redundancy (two power supplies), you do not have to
power off the server to replace a power supply because they are redundant as 1+1.

Note Do not mix power supply types or wattages in the server. Both power supplies must be identical.

Caution DO NOT interchange power supplies of Cisco UCS C240 M5 servers and Cisco UCS C240 SD M5
servers with the power supplies of the Cisco UCS C240 M6 server.

Step 1 Remove the power supply that you are replacing or a blank panel from an empty bay:
a) Perform one of the following actions:
• If your server has only one power supply, shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting
Down and Removing Power From the Server, on page 68.
• If your server has two power supplies, you do not have to shut down the server.

b) Remove the power cord from the power supply that you are replacing.
c) Grasp the power supply handle while pinching the release lever toward the handle.
d) Pull the power supply out of the bay.
Step 2 Install a new power supply:
a) Grasp the power supply handle and insert the new power supply into the empty bay.
b) Push the power supply into the bay until the release lever locks.
c) Connect the power cord to the new power supply.
d) Only if you shut down the server, press the Power button to boot the server to main power mode.

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Replacing DC Power Supplies

Replacing DC Power Supplies

Note This procedure is for replacing DC power supplies in a server that already has DC power supplies
installed. If you are installing DC power supplies to the server for the first time, see Installing DC Power
Supplies (First Time Installation), on page 125.

Warning A readily accessible two-poled disconnect device must be incorporated in the fixed wiring.
Statement 1022

Warning This product requires short-circuit (overcurrent) protection, to be provided as part of the building
installation. Install only in accordance with national and local wiring regulations.
Statement 1045

Warning Installation of the equipment must comply with local and national electrical codes.
Statement 1074

Note If you are replacing DC power supplies in a server with power supply redundancy (two power supplies),
you do not have to power off the server to replace a power supply because they are redundant as 1+1.

Note Do not mix power supply types or wattages in the server. Both power supplies must be identical.

Step 1 Remove the DC power supply that you are replacing or a blank panel from an empty bay:
a) Perform one of the following actions:
• If you are replacing a power supply in a server that has only one DC power supply, shut down and remove power
from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server, on page 68.
• If you are replacing a power supply in a server that has two DC power supplies, you do not have to shut down
the server.

b) Remove the power cord from the power supply that you are replacing. Lift the connector securing clip slightly and
then pull the connector from the socket on the power supply.
c) Grasp the power supply handle while pinching the release lever toward the handle.
d) Pull the power supply out of the bay.
Step 2 Install a new DC power supply:

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a) Grasp the power supply handle and insert the new power supply into the empty bay.
b) Push the power supply into the bay until the release lever locks.
c) Connect the power cord to the new power supply. Press the connector into the socket until the securing clip clicks
into place.
d) Only if you shut down the server, press the Power button to boot the server to main power mode.
Figure 26: Replacing DC Power Supplies

1 Keyed cable connector 3 PSU status LED

(CAB-48DC-40A-8AWG)

2 Keyed DC input socket -

Installing DC Power Supplies (First Time Installation)

Note This procedure is for installing DC power supplies to the server for the first time. If you are replacing
DC power supplies in a server that already has DC power supplies installed, see Replacing DC Power
Supplies, on page 124.

Warning A readily accessible two-poled disconnect device must be incorporated in the fixed wiring.
Statement 1022

Warning This product requires short-circuit (overcurrent) protection, to be provided as part of the building
installation. Install only in accordance with national and local wiring regulations.
Statement 1045

Warning Installation of the equipment must comply with local and national electrical codes.
Statement 1074

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Grounding for DC Power Supplies

Note Do not mix power supply types or wattages in the server. Both power supplies must be identical.

Caution As instructed in the first step of this wiring procedure, turn off the DC power source from your facility’s
circuit breaker to avoid electric shock hazard.

Step 1 Turn off the DC power source from your facility’s circuit breaker to avoid electric shock hazard.
Note The required DC input cable is Cisco part CAB-48DC-40A-8AWG. This 3-meter cable has a 3-pin connector
on one end that is keyed to the DC input socket on the power supply. The other end of the cable has no connector
so that you can wire it to your facility’s DC power.

Step 2 Wire the non-terminated end of the cable to your facility’s DC power input source.
Step 3 Connect the terminated end of the cable to the socket on the power supply. The connector is keyed so that the wires align
for correct polarity and ground.
Step 4 Return DC power from your facility’s circuit breaker.
Step 5 Press the Power button to boot the server to main power mode.
Figure 27: Replacing DC Power Supplies

1 Keyed cable connector 3 PSU status LED

(CAB-48DC-40A-8AWG)

2 Keyed DC input socket -

Step 6 See Grounding for DC Power Supplies, on page 126 for information about additional chassis grounding.

Grounding for DC Power Supplies

AC power supplies have internal grounding and so no additional grounding is required when the supported
AC power cords are used.

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Replacing a PCIe Riser

When using a DC power supply, additional grounding of the server chassis to the earth ground of the rack is
available. Two screw holes for use with your dual-hole grounding lug and grounding wire are supplied on the
chassis rear panel.

Note The grounding points on the chassis are sized for 10-32 screws. You must provide your own screws,
grounding lug, and grounding wire. The grounding lug must be dual-hole lug that fits 10-32 screws.
The grounding cable that you provide must be 14 AWG (2 mm), minimum 60° C wire, or as permitted
by the local code.

Replacing a PCIe Riser

This server has two toolless PCIe risers for horizontal installation of PCIe cards. Each riser is available in
multiple versions. See PCIe Slot Specifications, on page 128 for detailed descriptions of the slots and features
in each riser version.

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server, on
page 68.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Remove the PCIe riser that you are replacing:
a) Grasp the flip-up handle on the riser and the blue forward edge, and then lift up evenly to disengage its circuit board
from the socket on the motherboard. Set the riser on an antistatic surface.
b) If the riser has a card installed, remove the card from the riser. See Replacing a PCIe Card, on page 129.
Step 5 Install a new PCIe riser:
Note The PCIe risers are not interchangeable. If you plug a PCIe riser into the wrong socket, the server will not boot.
Riser 1 must plug into the motherboard socket labeled “RISER1.” Riser 2 must plug into the motherboard
socket labeled “RISER2.”

a) If you removed a card from the old PCIe riser, install the card to the new riser. See Replacing a PCIe Card, on page
129.
b) Position the PCIe riser over its socket on the motherboard and over its alignment slots in the chassis.
c) Carefully push down on both ends of the PCIe riser to fully engage its circuit board connector with the socket on the
motherboard.
Step 6 Replace the top cover to the server.
Step 7 Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

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Replacing a PCIe Card

Replacing a PCIe Card

Note Cisco supports all PCIe cards qualified and sold by Cisco. PCIe cards not qualified or sold by Cisco are
the responsibility of the customer. Although Cisco will always stand behind and support the C-Series
rack-mount servers, customers using standard, off-the-shelf, third-party cards must go to the third-party
card vendor for support if any issue with that particular card occurs.

PCIe Slot Specifications

The server contains three toolless PCIe risers for horizontal installation of PCIe cards. Each riser is orderable
in multiple versions.
• Riser 1 contains PCIe slots 1, 2, and 3 and is available in the following different options:
• SFF server, I/O-Centric—Slots 1 (x8), 2 (x16), and 3 (x8). All slots are controlled by CPU 1 or
CPU 2 depending on the server model.
• SFF server, Storage Centric—
• Slots 1 (Reserved), 2 (x4), and 3 (x4) for drive bays in 24-drive SAS/SATA model, 24-drive
NVMe model, and 12 drive NVMe model. All slots are controlled by CPU 2.
• Slots 1, 2, and 3 are not supported in 12 SAS/SATA model.

• LFF server—Slots 1 (Reserved), 2 (x4), and 3 (x4). All slots are controlled by CPU 1.

• Riser 2 contains PCIe slots 4, 5 and 6 and is available in the following different options:
• SFF server, I/O-Centric—Slots 4 (x8), 5 (x16), and 6 (x8). All slots are controlled by CPU 2.
• SFF server, Storage Centric—Slots 4, 5, and 6 do not support storage devices in the SFF model of
the server.
• LFF server—Slots 4 (x8), 5 (x16), and 6 (x8). All slots are controlled by CPU 2.

• Riser 3 contains PCIe slots 7 and 8 and is available in the following different options:
• SFF server, I/O-Centric—Slots 7 (x8) and 8 (x8) for SATA/SAS models. Slots 7 and 8 are controlled
by CPU 2 for SATA/SAS servers.
Slots 7 and 8 are not supported for NVMe-only models.
• SFF server, Storage Centric—Slots 7 (x4) and 8 (x4) for drive bays in 24-drive and 12-drive
SAS/SATA versions of the server. All slots are controlled by CPU 2 .
Slots 7 and 8 are not supported for NVMe-only models.
• LFF server—Slots 7 (x4) and 8 (x4) for drive bays. All slots are controlled by CPU 2.

The following illustration shows the PCIe slot numbering.

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Replacing a PCIe Card

Figure 28: Rear Panel, Showing PCIe Slot Numbering

Replacing a PCIe Card

Note If you are installing a Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card, there are prerequisite considerations. See Cisco
Virtual Interface Card (VIC) Considerations, on page 130.

Note RAID controller cards install into a dedicated motherboard socket. See Replacing a SAS Storage
Controller Card (RAID or HBA), on page 133.

Note For instructions on installing or replacing double-wide GPU cards, see GPU Installation, on page 191.

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server, on
page 68.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Remove the PCIe card that you are replacing:
a) Remove any cables from the ports of the PCIe card that you are replacing.
b) Use two hands to flip up and grasp the blue riser handle and the blue finger grip area on the front edge of the riser,
and then lift straight up.
c) On the bottom of the riser, push the release latch that holds the securing plate, and then swing the hinged securing
plate open.
d) Open the hinged card-tab retainer that secures the rear-panel tab of the card.
e) Pull evenly on both ends of the PCIe card to remove it from the socket on the PCIe riser.
If the riser has no card, remove the blanking panel from the rear opening of the riser.

Step 5 Install a new PCIe card:

a) With the hinged card-tab retainer open, align the new PCIe card with the empty socket on the PCIe riser.
b) Push down evenly on both ends of the card until it is fully seated in the socket.

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Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC) Considerations

c) Ensure that the card’s rear panel tab sits flat against the riser rear-panel opening and then close the hinged card-tab
retainer over the card’s rear-panel tab.
d) Swing the hinged securing plate closed on the bottom of the riser. Ensure that the clip on the plate clicks into the
locked position.
e) Position the PCIe riser over its socket on the motherboard and over the chassis alignment channels.
f) Carefully push down on both ends of the PCIe riser to fully engage its connector with the sockets on the motherboard.
Step 6 Replace the top cover to the server.
Step 7 Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.
Figure 29: PCIe Riser Card Securing Mechanisms

1 Release latch on hinged securing plate 3 Hinged card-tab retainer

2 Hinged securing plate -

Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC) Considerations

This section describes VIC card support and special considerations for this server.

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Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC) Considerations

Note If you use the Cisco Card NIC mode, you must also make a VIC Slot setting that matches where your
VIC is installed. The options are Riser1, Riser2, and Flex-LOM. See NIC Mode and NIC Redundancy
Settings, on page 56 for more information about NIC modes.

If you want to use the Cisco UCS VIC card for Cisco UCS Manager integration, see also the Cisco UCS
C-Series Server Integration with Cisco UCS Manager Guides for details about supported configurations,
cabling, and other requirements.

Table 17: VIC Support and Considerations in This Server

VIC How Many Slots That Primary Slot For Primary Slot For Minimum Cisco
Supported in Support VICs Cisco UCS Manager Cisco Card NIC IMC Firmware
Server Integration Mode

Cisco UCS VIC 1455 2 PCIe PCIe 2 PCIe 2 PCIe 2 4.0(1)

UCSC-PCIE-C25Q-04 PCIe 5

Cisco UCS VIC 1495 2 PCIe PCIe 2 PCIe 2 PCIe 2 4.0(2)

UCSC-PCIE-C100-04 PCIe 5

Cisco UCS VIC 1457 1 mLOM mLOM mLOM mLOM 4.0(1)

UCSC-MLOM-C25Q-04

Cisco UCS VIC 1497 1 mLOM mLOM mLOM mLOM 4.0(2)

UCSC-MLOM-C100-04

• A total of 3 VICs are supported in the server: 2 PCIe style, and 1 mLOM style.

Note Single wire management is supported on only one VIC at a time. If multiple
VICs are installed on a server, only one slot has NCSI enabled at a time.
For single wire management, priority goes to the MLOM slot, then slot 2,
then slot 5 for NCSI management traffic. When multiple cards are installed,
connect the single-wire management cables in the priority order mentioned
above.

• The primary slot for a VIC card in PCIe riser 1 is slot 2. The secondary slot for a VIC card in PCIe riser
1 is slot 1.

Note The NCSI protocol is supported in only one slot at a time in each riser. If
a GPU card is present in slot 2, NCSI automatically shifts from slot 2 to
slot 1.

• The primary slot for a VIC card in PCIe riser 2 is slot 5. The secondary slot for a VIC card in PCIe riser
2 is slot 4.

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Replacing an mLOM Card

Note The NCSI protocol is supported in only one slot at a time in each riser. If
a GPU card is present in slot 5, NCSI automatically shifts from slot 5 to
slot 4.

Note PCIe riser 2 is not available in a single-CPU system.

Replacing an mLOM Card

The server supports a modular LOM (mLOM) card to provide additional rear-panel connectivity. The mLOM
socket is on the motherboard, under the storage controller card.
The mLOM socket provides a Gen-3 x16 PCIe lane. The socket remains powered when the server is in 12 V
standby power mode, and it supports the network communications services interface (NCSI) protocol.

Note If your mLOM card is a Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card (VIC), see Cisco Virtual Interface Card (VIC)
Considerations, on page 130 for more information and support details.

Step 1 Remove any existing mLOM card (or a blanking panel):

a) Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
b) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
c) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
d) Remove any storage controller (RAID or HBA card) to provide clearance to the mLOM socket on the motherboard.
See Replacing a SAS Storage Controller Card (RAID or HBA), on page 133.
e) Loosen the single captive thumbscrew that secures the mLOM card to the threaded standoff on the chassis floor.
f) Slide the mLOM card horizontally to free it from the socket, then lift it out of the server.
Step 2 Install a new mLOM card:
a) Set the mLOM card on the chassis floor so that its connector is aligned with the motherboard socket.
b) Push the card horizontally to fully engage the card's edge connector with the socket.
c) Tighten the captive thumbscrew to secure the card to the chassis floor.
d) Return the storage controller card to the server. See Replacing a SAS Storage Controller Card (RAID or HBA), on
page 133.
e) Replace the top cover to the server.
f) Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

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Replacing a SAS Storage Controller Card (RAID or HBA)

Replacing a SAS Storage Controller Card (RAID or HBA)

For hardware-based storage control, the server can use a Cisco modular SAS RAID controller or SAS HBA
that plugs into a dedicated, vertical socket on the motherboard.

Storage Controller Card Firmware Compatibility

Firmware on the storage controller (RAID or HBA) must be verified for compatibility with the current Cisco
IMC and BIOS versions that are installed on the server. If not compatible, upgrade or downgrade the storage
controller firmware using the Host Upgrade Utility (HUU) for your firmware release to bring it to a compatible
level.

Note For servers running in standalone mode only: After you replace controller hardware
(UCSC-RAID-M6T, UCSC-RAID-M6HD, UCSC-RAID-M6SD, UCSC-SAS-M6T, or
UCSC-SAS-M6HD), you must run the Cisco UCS Host Upgrade Utility (HUU) to update the controller
firmware, even if the firmware Current Version is the same as the Update Version. Running HUU is
necessary to program any controller specific values to the storage controller for the specific server. If
you do not run HUU, the storage controller may not be discovered..

See the HUU guide for your Cisco IMC release for instructions on downloading and using the utility to bring
server components to compatible levels: HUU Guides.

Removing the Dual Storage Controller Cards

The front RAID assembly can contain either a single Storage controller card in a single tray, or two Storage
controller cards each in its own tray. Use this procedure to remove each of the Storage controller cards. This
procedure assumes that you have removed power from the server and removed the top cover.

Step 1 Locate the dual Storage controller cards.

Each Storage controller card has its own tray, as shown.

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Step 2 Remove the fan tray.

For more information, see Removing the Fan Tray, on page 99.

Step 3 Disconnect the cables.

a) For each Storage controller card, grasp the ribbon cable connector and disconnect it from the RAID card.
You can leave the other end of the ribbon cable attached to the motherboard.

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b) For each Storage controller card, grasp the connector for the rear-drive cable, and disconnect it from the card.
You can leave the other end of the rear-drive cable attached.

1 SAS cable connection on Storage 2 SAS cable that connects to rear drives
controller card. in Riser 3B

3 SAS cable connection on rear Riser 4 SAS cable connection on Storage

3B. controller card.

5 Ribbon cables connecting Storage 6 SAS cable that connects to rear drives
controller cards to motherboard. in Riser 1B

7 SAS cable connection on rear Riser

1B.

Step 4 Remove the Storage controller cards.

a) Grasp the cable that leads to the rear drives and disconnect it from each card.
b) Grasp the handle at the top of each card tray, and gently push it towards the rear of the server.
The handle should slide to the open position. This step disconnects the Storage controller card from a socket on an
interior wall.
c) Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the captive screws at the edges of the trays.

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d) Grasp each card tray by the handle and lift the Storage controller cards out of the chassis.

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Installing the Dual Storage Controller Cards

What to do next
Reinsert the dual Storage controller cards. Go to Installing the Dual Storage Controller Cards, on page 137.

Installing the Dual Storage Controller Cards

Use this procedure to install the dual Storage controller cards into the server. The Storage controller cards are
contained in tray, which is replaceable.

Step 1 Grasp each card tray by the handle.

Step 2 Install the Storage controller cards.
a) Make sure that the handle of the tray is in the open position.
b) Make sure that the cables do not obstruct installing the Storage controller cards.
c) Orient the Storage controller card so that the thumbscrews align with their threaded standoffs on the motherboard.

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d) Holding the card tray by the handle, keep the tray level and lower it into the

server.
e) Using a #2 Phillips head screwdriver, tighten the screws at the edges of each tray.

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f) Gently push the handle of the tray towards the front of the server.
This step seats each Storage controller card into its socket on the interior wall. You might feel some resistance as the
card meets the socket. This resistance is normal.

Step 3 Reconnect the cables.

Step 4 Reinsert the fan tray.
For more information, see Installing the Fan Tray, on page 100.

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Removing the Storage Controller Card

What to do next
Perform other maintenance tasks, if needed, or replace the top cover and restore facility power.

Removing the Storage Controller Card

The Storage controller can contain either a single controller card in a single tray, or two controller cards each
in its own tray. Use this procedure to remove the single Storage controller card. This procedure assumes that
you have removed power from the server and removed the top cover.

Step 1 Locate the Storage controller card.

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Step 2 Remove the fan tray.

For more information, see Removing the Fan Tray, on page 99.

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Step 3 Disconnect the cables.

a) Grasp the ribbon cable connectors and disconnect them from the Storage controller card.
You can leave the other end of the ribbon cable attached to the motherboard.
b) Grasp the connector for the rear-drive cables (1 and 4) and disconnect them from the Storage controller card.
You can leave the other end of the rear-drive cable attached.

1 Storage controller card connector for rear 2 SAS/SATA cable for rear
drives (Riser 3B) drives

3 Connector for PCI Riser 3 4 Storage controller card

connector for rear drives
(Riser 1B)

5 SAS/SATA cable for rear drives 6 Connector for PCI Riser 1

Step 4 Remove the Storage controller card.

a) Using both hands, grasp the handle at the top of the card tray, and gently push it towards the rear of the server.
The handle should slide to the open position. This step disconnects the Storage controller card from a socket on an
interior wall.
b) Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the captive screws at the edges of the tray.

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c) Using both hands, grasp the tray's handle, and keeping the Storage controller card tray level, lift it out of the chassis.

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What to do next
Reinsert the Storage controller card. Go to Installing the Storage Controller Card, on page 144.

Installing the Storage Controller Card

Use this procedure to install the single Storage controller card into the server. The Storage controller card is
contained in tray, which is replaceable.

Step 1 Grasp the card tray by the handle.

Step 2 Install the Storage controller card.
a) Make sure that the handle of the tray is in the open position.
b) Make sure that the cables do not obstruct installing the Storage controller card.
c) Orient the Storage controller card so that the thumbscrews align with their threaded standoffs on the motherboard.
d) Using both hands, hold the card tray by the handle, keep the tray level, and lower it into the server.

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e) Using a #2 Phillips head screwdriver, tighten the screws at the edges of the tray.

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f) Using both hands, make sure to apply equal pressure to both sides of the handle, and gently push the handle of the
tray towards the front of the server.
This step seats the Storage controller card into its sockets on the interior wall. You might feel some resistance as the
card meets the socket. This resistance is normal.

Step 3 Reconnect the cables.

Step 4 Reinsert the fan tray.
For more information, see Installing the Fan Tray, on page 100.

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Verify Cabling

What to do next
Perform other maintenance tasks, if needed, or replace the top cover and restore facility power.

Verify Cabling
After installing a Storage controller card, the cabling between the card(s) and rear drives should be as follows.
• For a 24-drive server, verify the following:
• the SAS/SATA cable is connected to the controller card and Riser 3B
• the SAS/SATA cable is connected to the controller card and the Riser 1B
• both ribbon cables are connected to the controller card and the motherboard

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Verify Cabling

1 SAS cable connection on Storage 2 SAS cable that connects to rear

controller card. drives in Riser 3B

3 SAS cable connection on rear 4 SAS cable connection on Storage

Riser 3B. controller card.

5 Ribbon cables connecting Storage 6 SAS cable that connects to rear

controller cards to motherboard. drives in Riser 1B

7 SAS cable connection on rear

Riser 1B.

• For 12 drive server, verify the following:

• the SAS/SATA cable is connected to the Storage controller card and the Riser 3B
• the ribbon cable is connected to the Storage controller card and the motherboard.

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Replacing a SATA Interposer Card (12-Drive SFF Server Only)

1SAS cable connects from rear drive to SAS card

2Ribbon cable connects from motherboard to SAS card.

Replacing a SATA Interposer Card (12-Drive SFF Server Only)

Note The only version of this server that supports the SATA Interposer card is the SFF, 12-drive version
(UCSC-C240-M6S)

For software-based storage control for the front-loading drives, the server requires a SATA interposer card
that plugs into a dedicated socket on the motherboard (the same socket used for SAS storage controllers). The
interposer card sits between the front-loading drive bays and the fan tray and supports up to eight SATA drives
in bays 1 through 8).

Note You cannot use a hardware RAID controller card and the embedded software RAID controller to control
front drives at the same time. See Storage Controller Considerations, on page 183 for details about RAID
support.

Step 1 Prepare the server for component installation:

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a) Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
b) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
c) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 2 Remove any existing SATA interposer card from the server:
Note A SATA interposer card for this server is preinstalled inside a carrier-frame that helps to secure the card to the
inner chassis wall. You do not have to remove this carrier frame from the existing card.

a) Disconnect the PCIe SAS cable from the existing card.

This is the only cable on the card, and it connects the card to the motherboard by a x8 slimSAS connector.
b) Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, completely loosen the captive screws.
c) Gently push the handle toward the middle of the server.
This step moves the handle to the open position and unseats the interposer card from its socket on the interior wall.

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d) Making sure that the card is disconnected from its socket, grasp the handle and lift straight up to remove the interposer
from the server.

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Step 3 Install a new SATA interposer card:

a) Orient the interposer card so that the front edge connector is facing its socket on the interior wall.
b) Align the captive screws on the card with their threaded standoffs.
c) Making sure that the handle is completely in the open position and the PCIe SAS cable will not obstruct installation,
lower the interposer card into the server.

d) Keeping the card level, push the handle forward to seat the interposer card into its socket on the interior wall.
e) Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, tighten the captive screws.

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Replacing the Supercap (RAID Backup)

f) Connect PCIe cables to the new card.

If this is a first-time installation, see Storage Controller Cable Connectors and Backplanes, on page 186 for cabling
instructions.

Step 4 Replace the top cover to the server.

Step 5 Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

Replacing the Supercap (RAID Backup)

This server supports installation of one Supercap unit for 12 drive servers, and two Supercap units for 24 drive
servers. The unit mounts to a bracket on the removable air baffle.

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Replacing the Supercap (RAID Backup)

The Supercap provides approximately three years of backup for the disk write-back cache DRAM in the case
of a sudden power loss by offloading the cache to the NAND flash.

Step 1 Prepare the server for component installation:

a) Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
b) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
c) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
d) Locate the SuperCap unit(s) as shown below.

Step 2 Remove an existing Supercap:

a) Disconnect the Supercap cable from the RAID cable.
b) Push aside the securing tab that holds the Supercap to its bracket.
c) Lift the Supercap free of the bracket and set it aside.

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Step 3 Install a new Supercap:

a) Orient the SuperCap unit so that the SuperCap cable and the RAID cable connectors meet.
b) Make sure that the RAID cable does not obstruct the SuperCap when you install it, then insert the new Supercap into
the mounting bracket.
Make that the SuperCap unit is securely inserted into it bracket.
c) Connect the Supercap cable from the RAID controller card to the connector on the Supercap cable.

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Replacing a Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller Module

Step 4 Replace the top cover to the server.

Step 5 Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

Replacing a Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller Module

The Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller module connects to the mini-storage module socket on the
motherboard. It includes slots for two SATA M.2 drives, plus an integrated 6-Gbps SATA RAID controller
that can control the SATA M.2 drives in a RAID 1 array.

Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller Considerations

Review the following considerations:

Note The Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller is not supported when the server is used as a
compute-only node in Cisco HyperFlex configurations.

• The minimum version of Cisco IMC and Cisco UCS Manager that support this controller is 4.0(4) and
later.
• This controller supports RAID 1 (single volume) and JBOD mode.

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Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller Considerations

Note Do not use the server's embedded SW MegaRAID controller to configure

RAID settings when using this controller module. Instead, you can use the
following interfaces:
• Cisco IMC 4.2(1) and later
• BIOS HII utility, BIOS 4.2(1) and later
• Cisco UCS Manager 4.2(1) and later (UCS Manager-integrated servers)

• A SATA M.2 drive in slot 1 (the top) is the first SATA device; a SATA M.2 drive in slot 2 (the underside)
is the second SATA device.
• The name of the controller in the software is MSTOR-RAID.
• A drive in Slot 1 is mapped as drive 253; a drive in slot 2 is mapped as drive 254.

• When using RAID, we recommend that both SATA M.2 drives are the same capacity. If different
capacities are used, the smaller capacity of the two drives is used to create a volume and the rest of the
drive space is unusable.
JBOD mode supports mixed capacity SATA M.2 drives.
• Hot-plug replacement is not supported. The server must be powered off.
• Monitoring of the controller and installed SATA M.2 drives can be done using Cisco IMC and Cisco
UCS Manager. They can also be monitored using other utilities such as UEFI HII, PMCLI, XMLAPI,
and Redfish.
• Updating firmware of the controller and the individual drives:
• For standalone servers, use the Cisco Host Upgrade Utility (HUU). Refer to the HUU Documentation.
• For servers integrated with Cisco UCS Manager, refer to the Cisco UCS Manager Firmware
Management Guide.

• The SATA M.2 drives can boot in UEFI mode only. Legacy boot mode is not supported.
• If you replace a single SATA M.2 drive that was part of a RAID volume, rebuild of the volume is
auto-initiated after the user accepts the prompt to import the configuration. If you replace both drives of
a volume, you must create a RAID volume and manually reinstall any OS.
• We recommend that you erase drive contents before creating volumes on used drives from another server.
The configuration utility in the server BIOS includes a SATA secure-erase function.
• The server BIOS includes a configuration utility specific to this controller that you can use to create and
delete RAID volumes, view controller properties, and erase the physical drive contents. Access the utility
by pressing F2 when prompted during server boot. Then navigate to Advanced > Cisco Boot Optimized
M.2 RAID Controller.

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Replacing a Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller

Replacing a Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller

This topic describes how to remove and replace a Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller. The controller
board has one M.2 socket on its top (Slot 1) and one M.2 socket on its underside (Slot 2).

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server, on
page 68.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Remove a controller from its motherboard socket:
a) Locate the controller in its socket between PCIe Riser 2 and 3.
Figure 30: Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller on Motherboard

b) Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the captive screws and remove the M.2 module.
c) At each end of the controller board, push outward on the clip that secures the carrier.
d) Lift both ends of the controller to disengage it from the carrier.

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e) Set the carrier on an anti-static surface.

Step 5 If you are transferring SATA M.2 drives from the old controller to the replacement controller, do that before installing
the replacement controller:
Note Any previously configured volume and data on the drives are preserved when the M.2 drives are transferred
to the new controller. The system will boot the existing OS that is installed on the drives.

a) Use a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the single screw that secures the M.2 drive to the carrier.
b) Lift the M.2 drive from its socket on the carrier.
c) Position the replacement M.2 drive over the socket on the controller board.
d) Angle the M.2 drive downward and insert the connector-end into the socket on the carrier. The M.2 drive's label must
face up.
e) Press the M.2 drive flat against the carrier.
f) Install the single screw that secures the end of the M.2 SSD to the carrier.
g) Turn the controller over and install the second M.2 drive.

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Figure 31: Cisco Boot-Optimized M.2 RAID Controller, Showing M.2 Drive Installation

Step 6 Install the controller to its socket on the motherboard:

a) Position the controller over the socket, with the controller's connector facing down and at the same end as the
motherboard socket. Two alignment pegs must match with two holes on the controller.
b) Gently push down the socket end of the controller so that the two pegs go through the two holes on the controller.
c) Push down on the controller so that the securing clips click over it at both ends.
Step 7 Replace the top cover to the server.
Step 8 Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

Replacing a Chassis Intrusion Switch

The chassis intrusion switch in an optional security feature that logs an event in the system event log (SEL)
whenever the cover is removed from the chassis.

Step 1 Prepare the server for component installation:

a) Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
b) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

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c) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 2 Remove an existing intrusion switch:
a) Disconnect the intrusion switch cable from the socket on the motherboard.
b) Use a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen and remove the single screw that holds the switch mechanism to the
chassis wall.
c) Slide the switch mechanism straight up to disengage it from the clips on the chassis.
Step 3 Install a new intrusion switch:
a) Slide the switch mechanism down into the clips on the chassis wall so that the screwholes line up.
b) Use a #1 Phillips-head screwdriver to install the single screw that secures the switch mechanism to the chassis wall.
c) Connect the switch cable to the socket on the motherboard.
Step 4 Replace the cover to the server.
Step 5 Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.

Installing a Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

The trusted platform module (TPM) is a small circuit board that plugs into a motherboard socket and is then
permanently secured with a one-way screw. The socket location is on the motherboard below PCIe riser 2.

TPM Considerations
• This server supports either TPM version 1.2 or TPM version 2.0.
• Field replacement of a TPM is not supported; you can install a TPM after-factory only if the server does
not already have a TPM installed.
• If there is an existing TPM 1.2 installed in the server, you cannot upgrade to TPM 2.0. If there is no
existing TPM in the server, you can install TPM 2.0.
• If the TPM 2.0 becomes unresponsive, reboot the server.

Installing and Enabling a TPM

Note Field replacement of a TPM is not supported; you can install a TPM after-factory only if the server does
not already have a TPM installed.

This topic contains the following procedures, which must be followed in this order when installing and enabling
a TPM:
1. Installing the TPM Hardware
2. Enabling the TPM in the BIOS
3. Enabling the Intel TXT Feature in the BIOS

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Installing TPM Hardware

Note For security purposes, the TPM is installed with a one-way screw. It cannot be removed with a standard
screwdriver.

Step 1 Prepare the server for component installation:

a) Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
b) Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
c) Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 2 Remove PCIe riser 2 from the server to provide clearance to the TPM socket on the motherboard.
Step 3 Install a TPM:
a) Locate the TPM socket on the motherboard.
b) Align the connector that is on the bottom of the TPM circuit board with the motherboard TPM socket. Align the
screw hole on the TPM board with the screw hole that is adjacent to the TPM socket.
c) Push down evenly on the TPM to seat it in the motherboard socket.
d) Install the single one-way screw that secures the TPM to the motherboard.
Step 4 Replace PCIe riser 2 to the server. See Replacing a PCIe Riser, on page 127.
Step 5 Replace the cover to the server.
Step 6 Replace the server in the rack, replace cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the Power button.
Step 7 Continue with Enabling the TPM in the BIOS, on page 162.

Enabling the TPM in the BIOS

After hardware installation, you must enable TPM support in the BIOS.

Note You must set a BIOS Administrator password before performing this procedure. To set this password,
press the F2 key when prompted during system boot to enter the BIOS Setup utility. Then navigate to
Security > Set Administrator Password and enter the new password twice as prompted.

Step 1 Enable TPM Support:

a) Watch during bootup for the F2 prompt, and then press F2 to enter BIOS setup.
b) Log in to the BIOS Setup Utility with your BIOS Administrator password.
c) On the BIOS Setup Utility window, choose the Advanced tab.
d) Choose Trusted Computing to open the TPM Security Device Configuration window.
e) Change TPM SUPPORT to Enabled.

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Enabling the Intel TXT Feature in the BIOS

f) Press F10 to save your settings and reboot the server.

Step 2 Verify that TPM support is now enabled:
a) Watch during bootup for the F2 prompt, and then press F2 to enter BIOS setup.
b) Log into the BIOS Setup utility with your BIOS Administrator password.
c) Choose the Advanced tab.
d) Choose Trusted Computing to open the TPM Security Device Configuration window.
e) Verify that TPM SUPPORT and TPM State are Enabled.
Step 3 Continue with Enabling the Intel TXT Feature in the BIOS, on page 163.

Enabling the Intel TXT Feature in the BIOS

Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) provides greater protection for information that is used and stored
on the business server. A key aspect of that protection is the provision of an isolated execution environment
and associated sections of memory where operations can be conducted on sensitive data, invisibly to the rest
of the system. Intel TXT provides for a sealed portion of storage where sensitive data such as encryption keys
can be kept, helping to shield them from being compromised during an attack by malicious code.

Step 1 Reboot the server and watch for the prompt to press F2.
Step 2 When prompted, press F2 to enter the BIOS Setup utility.
Step 3 Verify that the prerequisite BIOS values are enabled:
a) Choose the Advanced tab.
b) Choose Intel TXT(LT-SX) Configuration to open the Intel TXT(LT-SX) Hardware Support window.
c) Verify that the following items are listed as Enabled:
• VT-d Support (default is Enabled)
• VT Support (default is Enabled)
• TPM Support
• TPM State

d) Do one of the following:

• If VT-d Support and VT Support are already enabled, skip to step 4.
• If VT-d Support and VT Support are not enabled, continue with the next steps to enable them.

e) Press Escape to return to the BIOS Setup utility Advanced tab.

f) On the Advanced tab, choose Processor Configuration to open the Processor Configuration window.
g) Set Intel (R) VT and Intel (R) VT-d to Enabled.
Step 4 Enable the Intel Trusted Execution Technology (TXT) feature:
a) Return to the Intel TXT(LT-SX) Hardware Support window if you are not already there.
b) Set TXT Support to Enabled.
Step 5 Press F10 to save your changes and exit the BIOS Setup utility.

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Removing the PCB Assembly (PCBA)

Removing the PCB Assembly (PCBA)

The PCBA is secured to the server's sheet metal. You must disconnect the PCBA from the tray before recycling
the PCBA. The PCBA is secured by different types of fasteners.

Before you begin

Note For Recyclers Only! This procedure is not a standard field-service option. This procedure is for recyclers
who will be reclaiming the electronics for proper disposal to comply with local eco design and e-waste
regulations.

To remove the printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), the following requirements must be met:
• The server must be disconnected from facility power.
• The server must be removed from the equipment rack.
• The server's top cover must be removed. See Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.

Gather the following tools before beginning this procedure:

• Pliers
• T10 Torx screwdriver
• #2 Phillips screwdriver

Step 1 Locate the PCBA's mounting screws.

The following figure shows the location of the mounting screws.

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Service Headers and Jumpers

Figure 32: Screw Locations for Removing the UCS C240 M6 PCBA

Indicator Fastener Required Tool

M3.5x0.6 mm screws (18) Torx T10 screwdriver

Red circles (

H15 M4x0.7 mm lock screws (2) Pliers

Green circles ( )

M3.5x0.6 mm Thumb screws (2) Torx T10 screwdriver

Blue circles ( )

H12 M4x0.7 mm locking screws (2) Pliers

Yellow circles ( )

M3.5 Thumb screw (1), on the M.2 #2 Phillips screwdriver

Purple circle ( )
riser cage

M3.5 Thumb screw (1), on the air duct #2 Phillips screwdriver

Lavender circle ( )

Step 2 Using the appropriate tools, remove the screws.

Step 3 Remove the PCBA from the sheet metal and dispose of each in compliance with your local e-waste and recycling
regulations.

Service Headers and Jumpers

This server includes blocks of headers and switches (SW12, CN3) that you can use for certain service and
debug functions.

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Service Headers and Jumpers

This section contains the following topics:

• Using the Clear CMOS Switch (SW12, Switch 9) , on page 167
• Using the BIOS Recovery Switch (SW12, Switch 5), on page 168
• Using the Clear BIOS Password Switch (SW12, Switch 6), on page 170
• Using the Boot Alternate Cisco IMC Image Header (CN3, Pins 1-2), on page 170
• Using the System Firmware Secure Erase Header (CN3, Pins 3-4), on page 171

1 Location of header block CN3 5 Clear BIOS Password: SW12 switch 6

Default setting: Off
Clear password: On.

2 Boot Cisco IMC from alternate image: CN pins 6 Recover BIOS: SW12 switch 5
1-2
Default setting: Off
Default: Open. Place the jumper shunt over the
Recovery mode: On.
pins to close the circuit.

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Using the Clear CMOS Switch (SW12, Switch 9)

3 System Firmware Secure Erase: CN3 pins 3-4 7 Clear CMOS: SW12 switch 9
Default: Open. Place the jumper shunt over the Default setting: Off
pins to close the circuit.
Recovery mode: On. Gently push the switch to the
right, which is the On position.

4 Location of switch block SW12 -

Using the Clear CMOS Switch (SW12, Switch 9)

You can use this switch to clear the server’s CMOS settings in the case of a system hang. For example, if the
server hangs because of incorrect settings and does not boot, use this switch to invalidate the settings and
reboot with defaults.
You will find it helpful to refer to the location of the CN3 header. See Service Headers and Jumpers, on page
165.

Caution Clearing the CMOS removes any customized settings and might result in data loss. Make a note of any
necessary customized settings in the BIOS before you use this clear CMOS procedure.

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Using your finger, gently push the SW12 switch 9 to the side marked ON.
Step 5 Reinstall the top cover and reconnect AC power cords to the server. The server powers up to standby power mode,
indicated when the Power LED on the front panel is amber.
Step 6 Return the server to main power mode by pressing the Power button on the front panel. The server is in main power
mode when the Power LED is green.
Note You must allow the entire server to reboot to main power mode to complete the reset. The state of the switch
cannot be determined without the host CPU running.

Step 7 Press the Power button to shut down the server to standby power mode, and then remove AC power cords from the
server to remove all power.
Step 8 Remove the top cover from the server.
Step 9 Using your finger, gently push switch 9 to its original position (OFF).
Note If you do not reset the switch to its original position (OFF), the CMOS settings are reset to the defaults every
time you power-cycle the server.

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Using the BIOS Recovery Switch (SW12, Switch 5)

Step 10 Replace the top cover, replace the server in the rack, replace power cords and any other cables, and then power on the
server by pressing the Power button.

Using the BIOS Recovery Switch (SW12, Switch 5)

Depending on which stage the BIOS becomes corrupted, you might see different behavior.
• If the BIOS BootBlock is corrupted, you might see the system get stuck on the following message:
Initializing and configuring memory/hardware

• If it is a non-BootBlock corruption, a message similar to the following is displayed:

****BIOS FLASH IMAGE CORRUPTED****
Flash a valid BIOS capsule file using Cisco IMC WebGUI or CLI interface.
IF Cisco IMC INTERFACE IS NOT AVAILABLE, FOLLOW THE STEPS MENTIONED BELOW.
1. Connect the USB stick with bios.cap file in root folder.
2. Reset the host.
IF THESE STEPS DO NOT RECOVER THE BIOS
1. Power off the system.
2. Mount recovery jumper.
3. Connect the USB stick with bios.cap file in root folder.
4. Power on the system.
Wait for a few seconds if already plugged in the USB stick.
REFER TO SYSTEM MANUAL FOR ANY ISSUES.

Note As indicated by the message shown above, there are two procedures for recovering the BIOS. Try
procedure 1 first. If that procedure does not recover the BIOS, use procedure 2.

Procedure 1: Reboot With bios.cap Recovery File

Step 1 Download the BIOS update package and extract it to a temporary location.
Step 2 Copy the contents of the extracted recovery folder to the root directory of a USB drive. The recovery folder contains the
bios.cap file that is required in this procedure.
Note The bios.cap file must be in the root directory of the USB drive. Do not rename this file. The USB drive must
be formatted with either the FAT16 or FAT32 file system.

Step 3 Insert the USB drive into a USB port on the server.
Step 4 Reboot the server.
Step 5 Return the server to main power mode by pressing the Power button on the front panel.
The server boots with the updated BIOS boot block. When the BIOS detects a valid bios.cap file on the USB drive, it
displays this message:
Found a valid recovery file...Transferring to Cisco IMC
System would flash the BIOS image now...
System would restart with recovered image after a few seconds...

Step 6 Wait for server to complete the BIOS update, and then remove the USB drive from the server.

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Using the BIOS Recovery Switch (SW12, Switch 5) and bios.cap File

Note During the BIOS update, Cisco IMC shuts down the server and the screen goes blank for about 10 minutes.
Do not unplug the power cords during this update. Cisco IMC powers on the server after the update is complete.

Using the BIOS Recovery Switch (SW12, Switch 5) and bios.cap File
You can use this switch to switch the server to use a recovery BIOS.
You will find it helpful to refer to the location of the CN3 header. See Service Headers and Jumpers, on page
165.

Step 1 Download the BIOS update package and extract it to a temporary location.
Step 2 Copy the contents of the extracted recovery folder to the root directory of a USB drive. The recovery folder contains
the bios.cap file that is required in this procedure.
Note The bios.cap file must be in the root directory of the USB drive. Do not rename this file. The USB drive must
be formatted with either the FAT16 or FAT32 file system.

Step 3 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68. Disconnect power cords from all power supplies.
Step 4 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 5 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 6 Using your finger, gently slide the SW12 switch 5 to the ON position.
Step 7 Reconnect AC power cords to the server. The server powers up to standby power mode.
Step 8 Insert the USB thumb drive that you prepared in Step 2 into a USB port on the server.
Step 9 Return the server to main power mode by pressing the Power button on the front panel.
The server boots with the updated BIOS boot block. When the BIOS detects a valid bios.cap file on the USB drive, it
displays this message:
Found a valid recovery file...Transferring to Cisco IMC
System would flash the BIOS image now...
System would restart with recovered image after a few seconds...

Step 10 Wait for server to complete the BIOS update, and then remove the USB drive from the server.
Note During the BIOS update, Cisco IMC shuts down the server and the screen goes blank for about 10 minutes.
Do not unplug the power cords during this update. Cisco IMC powers on the server after the update is complete.

Step 11 After the server has fully booted, power off the server again and disconnect all power cords.
Step 12 Using your finger, gently slide the switch back to its original position (OFF).
Note If you do not reset the switch to is original position (OFF), after recovery completion you see the prompt,
“Please remove the recovery jumper.”

Step 13 Replace the top cover, replace the server in the rack, replace power cords and any other cables, and then power on the
server by pressing the Power button.

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Using the Clear BIOS Password Switch (SW12, Switch 6)

Using the Clear BIOS Password Switch (SW12, Switch 6)

You can use this switch to clear the BIOS password.
You will find it helpful to refer to the location of the CN3 header. See Service Headers and Jumpers, on page
165.

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68. Disconnect power cords from all power supplies.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Using your finger, gently slide the SW12 switch 6 to the ON position.
Step 5 Reinstall the top cover and reconnect AC power cords to the server. The server powers up to standby power mode,
indicated when the Power LED on the front panel is amber.
Step 6 Return the server to main power mode by pressing the Power button on the front panel. The server is in main power
mode when the Power LED is green.
Note You must allow the entire server to reboot to main power mode to complete the reset. The state of the switch
cannot be determined without the host CPU running.

Step 7 Press the Power button to shut down the server to standby power mode, and then remove AC power cords from the
server to remove all power.
Step 8 Remove the top cover from the server.
Step 9 Reset the switch to its original position (OFF).
Note If you do not remove the switch to its original position (OFF), the BIOS password is cleared every time you
power-cycle the server.

Step 10 Replace the top cover, replace the server in the rack, replace power cords and any other cables, and then power on the
server by pressing the Power button.

Using the Boot Alternate Cisco IMC Image Header (CN3, Pins 1-2)
You can use this Cisco IMC debug header to force the system to boot from an alternate Cisco IMC image.
You will find it helpful to refer to the location of the CN3 header. See Service Headers and Jumpers, on page
165.

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68. Disconnect power cords from all power supplies.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

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 Maintaining the Server
Using the System Firmware Secure Erase Header (CN3, Pins 3-4)

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Install a two-pin jumper across CN3 pins 1 and 2.
Step 5 Reinstall the top cover and reconnect AC power cords to the server. The server powers up to standby power mode,
indicated when the Power LED on the front panel is amber.
Step 6 Return the server to main power mode by pressing the Power button on the front panel. The server is in main power
mode when the Power LED is green.
Note When you next log in to Cisco IMC, you see a message similar to the following:
'Boot from alternate image' debug functionality is enabled.
CIMC will boot from alternate image on next reboot or input power cycle.

Note If you do not remove the jumper, the server will boot from an alternate Cisco IMC image every time that you
power cycle the server or reboot Cisco IMC.

Step 7 To remove the jumper, press the Power button to shut down the server to standby power mode, and then remove AC
power cords from the server to remove all power.
Step 8 Remove the top cover from the server.
Step 9 Remove the jumper that you installed.
Step 10 Replace the top cover, replace the server in the rack, replace power cords and any other cables, and then power on the
server by pressing the Power button.

Using the System Firmware Secure Erase Header (CN3, Pins 3-4)
You can use this header to securely erase system firmware from the server.
You will find it helpful to refer to the location of the CN3 header. See Service Headers and Jumpers, on page
165.

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server,
on page 68. Disconnect power cords from all power supplies.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Install a two-pin jumper across CN3 pins 3 and 4.
Step 5 Reinstall the top cover and reconnect AC power cords to the server. The server powers up to standby power mode,
indicated when the Power LED on the front panel is amber.
Step 6 Return the server to main power mode by pressing the Power button on the front panel. The server is in main power
mode when the Power LED is green.
Note You must allow the entire server to reboot to main power mode to complete the reset. The state of the jumper
cannot be determined without the host CPU running.

Step 7 Press the Power button to shut down the server to standby power mode, and then remove AC power cords from the
server to remove all power.
Step 8 Remove the top cover from the server.

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 Maintaining the Server
Using the System Firmware Secure Erase Header (CN3, Pins 3-4)

Step 9 Remove the jumper that you installed.

Note If you do not remove the jumper, the password is cleared every time you power-cycle the server.

Step 10 Replace the top cover, replace the server in the rack, replace power cords and any other cables, and then power on the
server by pressing the Power button.

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 APPENDIX A
Server Specifications
This appendix contains information about the server specifications:
• Server Specifications, on page 173

Server Specifications
This appendix lists the physical, environmental, and power specifications for the server.
• Physical Specifications, on page 173
• Environmental Specifications, on page 175
• Power Specifications, on page 176

Physical Specifications
The following figure shows the height, width, and depth of the chassis as measured to different locations.

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Server Specifications

The following table lists additional physical specifications for the server versions.

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 Server Specifications
Environmental Specifications

Table 18: Physical Specifications

Description Specification

Server weight • SFF 12-drive server:

• Maximum, fully configured with rail kit:
49.2 lb (20.28 kg)
• Minimum, empty chassis, no rail kit: 35.7
lb (16.2 kg)

• SFF 24-drive server:

• Maximum, fully configured with rail kit:
61.7 lb (26.67 kg)
• Minimum, empty chassis, no rail kit: 33.14
lb (15.03 kg)

• LFF 12-drive server:

• Maximum, fully configured with rail kit:
66.75 lb (28.0 kg)
• Minimum, empty chassis, no rail kit: 39.13
lb (17.75 kg)

Front Clearance 3 in. (76 mm)

Side Clearance 1 in. (25 mm)

Rear Clearance 6 in. (152 mm)

Environmental Specifications
As a Class A2 product, the server has the following environmental specifications.

Table 19: Environmental Specifications

Description Specification

Temperature, Operating Dry bulb temperature of 10°C to 35°C (50°F to 95°F)

Maximum temperature change of 20°C (36°F) per hour
(a temperature change within a specified period of time and not a rate of change)
Humidity condition: Uncontrolled, not to exceed 50% RH starting condition
Derate the maximum temperature by 1°C (33.8°F) per every 305 meters of altitude
above 900m

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Power Specifications

Temperature, Extended Operating 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F) with no direct sunlight
Humidity condition: Uncontrolled, not to exceed 50% RH starting condition
Derate the maximum temperature by 1°C (33.8°F) per every 305 meters of altitude
above 900m

Temperature, non-operating Dry bulb temperature of 40 °C to 65 °C (-40°F to 149 °F)

(when the server is stored or transported)

Humidity (RH), operating 10% to 90% and 28°C (82.4°F) maximum dew-point temperature, non-condensing
environment
Minimum to be higher (more moisture) of -12 ˚C (10.4 ˚F) dew point or 8% relative
humidity
Maximum to be 24 ˚C (75.2 ˚F) dew point or 90% relative humidity

Humidity (RH), non-operating 5% to 93% relative humidity, non-condensing, with a maximum wet bulb
temperature of 28 °C across the 20 °C to 40 °C dry bulb range.
(when the server is stored or transported)

Altitude, operating A maximum elevation of 3050 meters (10,006 feet)

Altitude, non-operating An elevation of 0 to 12,000 meters (39,370 feet)

(when the server is stored or transported)

Maximum Operating Duration Unlimited

Sound power level 5.5

Measure A-weighted per ISO7779 LwAd (Bels)
Operation at 73°F (23°C)

Sound pressure level 40

Measure A-weighted per ISO7779 LpAm (dBA)
Operation at 73°F (23°C)

Power Specifications

Note Do not mix power supply types or wattages in the server. Both power supplies must be identical.

You can get more specific power information for your exact server configuration by using the Cisco UCS
Power Calculator:
http://ucspowercalc.cisco.com
The power specifications for the supported power supply options are listed in the following sections.

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 Server Specifications
1050 W AC Power Supply

1050 W AC Power Supply

This section lists the specifications for each 1050 W AC power supply (Cisco part number
UCSC-PSU1-1050W).

Table 20: 1050 W AC Specifications

Description Specification

AC Input Voltage Nominal range: 100–120 VAC, 200–240 VAC

(Range: 90–132 VAC, 180–264 VAC)

AC Input Frequency Nominal range: 50 to 60Hz

(Range: 47–63 Hz)

Maximum AC Input current 12.5 A at 100 VAC

6.0 A at 208 VAC

Maximum input volt-amperes 1250 VA at 100 VAC

Maximum inrush current 15 A (sub-cycle duration)

Maximum hold-up time 12 ms at 1050 W

Maximum output power per PSU 800 W at 100–120 VAC

1050 W at 200–240 VAC

Power supply output voltage 12 VDC

Power supply standby voltage 12 VDC

Efficiency rating Climate Savers Platinum Efficiency (80Plus Platinum certified)

Form factor RSP2

Input connector IEC320 C14

1050 W DC Power Supply

This section lists the specifications for each 1050 W DC power supply (Cisco part number
UCSC-PSUV2-1050DC).

Table 21: 1050 W DC Specifications

Description Specification

DC Input Voltage Nominal range: -48 to -60 VDC

(Range: -40 to -72 VDC)

Maximum DC input current N32 A at -40 VDC

Maximum input wattage 1234 W

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 Server Specifications
1600 W AC Power Supply

Maximum inrush current 35 A (sub-cycle duration)

Maximum hold-up time 5 ms at 100% load (1050 W main and 36 W standby)

Maximum output power per PSU 1050 W on 12 VDC main power

36 W on 12 VDC standby power

Power supply output voltage 12 VDC

Power supply standby voltage 12 VDC

Efficiency rating ≥ 92% at 50% load

Form factor RSP2

Input connector Fixed 3-wire block

1600 W AC Power Supply

This section lists the specifications for each 1600 W AC power supply (Cisco part number
UCSC-PSU1-1600W).

Table 22: 1600 W AC Specifications

Description Specification

AC Input Voltage Nominal range: 200–240 VAC

(Range: 180–264 VAC)

AC Input Frequency Nominal range: 50 to 60Hz

(Range: 47–63 Hz)

Maximum AC Input current 9.5 A at 200 VAC

Maximum input volt-amperes 1250 VA at 200 VAC

Maximum inrush current 30 A at 35° C

Maximum hold-up time 80 ms at 1600 W

Maximum output power per PSU 1600 W at 200–240 VAC

Power supply output voltage 12 VDC

Power supply standby voltage 12 VDC

Efficiency rating Climate Savers Platinum Efficiency (80Plus Platinum certified)

Form factor RSP2

Input connector IEC320 C14

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 Server Specifications
2300 W AC Power Supply

2300 W AC Power Supply

Note For the 80PLUS platinum certification documented in the following table, you can find test results at
https://www.clearesult.com/80plus/.

This section lists the specifications for each 2300 W AC power supply (Cisco part number UCSC-PSU1-2300).

Parameter Specification

Input Connector IEC320 C20

Input Voltage Range (V rms) 100 to 240

Maximum Allowable Input Voltage Range (V rms) 90 to 264

Frequency Range (Hz) 50 to 60

Maximum Allowable Frequency Range (Hz) 47 to 63

Maximum Rated Output (W) 2300

Limited to 800W when operating at low-line input
voltage, 100-127 V

Maximum Rated Standby Output (W) 36

Nominal Input Voltage (V rms) 100 120 208 230

Nominal Input Current (A rms) 13 11 12 10.8

Maximum Input at Nominal Input Voltage (W) 1338 1330 2490 2480

Maximum Input at Nominal Input Voltage (VA) 1351 1343 2515 2505

Maximum Rated Efficiency (%) 92 92 93 93

Minimum rating required to achieve 80PLUS platinum
certification.

Maximum Rated Power Factor 0.99 0.99 0.97 0.97

Minimum rating required to achieve 80PLUS platinum
certification.

Maximum Inrush Current (peak A) 30

Maximum Inrush Current (ms) 0.2

Maximum Ride-Through Time 12

Time output voltage remains within regulation limits
at 100% load, during input voltage dropout

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 Server Specifications
Power Cord Specifications

Power Cord Specifications

Each power supply in the server has a power cord. Standard power cords or jumper power cords are available
for connection to the server. The shorter jumper power cords, for use in racks, are available as an optional
alternative to the standard power cords.

Note Only the approved power cords or jumper power cords listed below are supported.

Table 23: Supported Power Cords

Description Length (Feet) Length (Meters)

CAB-48DC-40A-8AWG 11.7 3.5

DC power cord, -48 VDC, 40 A, 8 AWG
Three-socket Mini-Fit connector to three-wire

CAB-C13-C14-AC 9.8 3.0

AC power cord, 10 A; C13 to C14, recessed receptacle

CAB-250V-10A-AR 8.2 2.5

AC power cord, 250 V, 10 A
Argentina

CAB-C13-C14-2M-JP 6.6 2.0

AC Power Cord, C13 to C14
Japan PSE Mark

CAB-9K10A-EU 8.2 2.5

AC Power Cord, 250 V, 10 A; CEE 7/7 Plug
Europe

CAB-250V-10A-IS 8.2 2.5

AC Power Cord, 250 V, 10 A
Israel

CAB-250V-10A-CN 8.2 2.5

AC power cord, 250 V, 10 A
PR China

CAB-ACTW 7.5 2.3

AC power cord, 250 V, 10 A
Taiwan

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 Server Specifications
Server Specifications

CAB-C13-CBN 2.2 0.68

AC cabinet jumper power cord, 250, 10 A,
C13 to C14

CAB-C13-C14-2M 6.6 2.0

AC cabinet jumper power cord, 250 V, 10 A,
C13 to C14

CAB-9K10A-AU 8.2 2.5

AC power cord, 250 V, 10 A, 3112 plug,
Australia

CAB-N5K6A-NA 8.2 2.5

AC power cord, 200/240 V, 6 A,
North America

CAB-250V-10A-ID 8.2 2.5

AC power Cord, 250 V, 10 A,
India

CAB-9K10A-SW 8.2 2.5

AC power cord, 250 V, 10 A, MP232 plug
Switzerland

CAB-250V-10A-BR 8.2 2.5

AC power Cord, 250 V, 10 A
Brazil

CAB-9K10A-UK 8.2 2.5

AC power cord, 250 V, 10 A (13 A fuse), BS1363 plug
United Kingdom

CAB-9K12A-NA 8.2 2.5

AC power cord, 125 V, 13 A, NEMA 5-15 plug
North America

CAB-AC-L620-C13 6.6 2.0

AC power cord, NEMA L6-20 to C13 connectors

CAB-9K10A-IT 8.2 2.5

AC power cord, 250 V, 10 A, CEI 23-16/VII plug
Italy

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 Server Specifications
Server Specifications

R2XX-DMYMPWRCORD NA NA
No power cord; PID option for ordering server with no power cord

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 APPENDIX B
Storage Controller Considerations
This appendix provides storage controller (RAID and HBA) information.
• Supported Storage Controllers and Cables, on page 183
• Storage Controller Card Firmware Compatibility, on page 186
• RAID Backup (Supercap), on page 186
• Mixing Drive Types in RAID Groups, on page 186
• Storage Controller Cable Connectors and Backplanes, on page 186
• For More RAID Utility Information, on page 190

Supported Storage Controllers and Cables

This server supports a single, PCIe-style, SAS RAID or HBA controller that plugs into a dedicated internal
socket.

Note For SFF, 12-drives version only: Do not mix controller types in the server. Do not use the embedded
SATA controller and a hardware-based RAID controller card to control front-loading drives at the same
time. This combination is not supported and could result in data loss.

Note NVMe PCIe SSDs cannot be controlled by a SAS/SATA RAID controller.

This server supports the RAID and HBA controller options and cable requirements shown in the following
table.

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 Storage Controller Considerations
Storage Controller Considerations

Storage Adapter Product Name Supported Maximum Supported RAID Cache Size (GB)
(PID) Server Number of Type
Drives
Supported

UCSC-RAID-M6T Cisco 12G SAS UCSC-C220-M6S 10 RAID 4

RAID Controller
10 2.5-inch SFF
with 4GB
front-loading
FBWC (16
drives
Drives)
Slots 1-10

UCSC-RAID-M6T Cisco 12G SAS UCSC-C240-M6S 14 RAID 4

RAID Controller
12 2.5-inch SFF
with 4GB
front loading
FBWC (16
plus two
Drives)
2.5-inch
rear-loading
drives.
Slot numbers 1 -
12 plus 103 and
104

UCSC-RAID-M6HD Cisco 12G SAS UCSC-C240-M6L 20 RAID 4

RAID Controller
12 3.5-inch LFF
with 4GB
front-loading +
FBWC
four 3.5-inch
LFF mid-plane
mounted + 4
2.5-inch SFF
rear-loading
drives
Slots 1 - 16 and
101 - 104

UCSC-RAID-M6SD Cisco 12G SAS UCSC-C240-M6SX 28 RAID 4

RAID Controller
24 2.5-inch SFF
with 4GB
front-loading +
FBWC (28
4 2.5-inch
Drives)
rear-loading
drives
Slots 1-24 plus
101 - 104

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Storage Controller Considerations

Storage Adapter Product Name Supported Maximum Supported RAID Cache Size (GB)
(PID) Server Number of Type
Drives
Supported

UCSC-SAS-M6T Cisco 12G SAS UCSC-C220-M6S 10 SAS HBA NA

HBA (16
10 2.5-inch SFF
Drives)
front-loading
drives
Slots 1-10

UCSC-SAS-M6T Cisco 12G SAS UCSC-C240-M6S 14 SAS HBA NA

HBA (16
12 2.5-inch SFF
Drives)
front-loading
and 2 2.5-inch
SFF rear-loading
drives
Slots 1-12 plus
103 and 104.

UCSC-SAS-M6T Cisco 12G SAS UCSC-C240-M6SX 28 SAS HBA NA

HBA (16
2 controllers,
Drives)
each manages 14
drives.
Controller 1:
Slots 1-12 plus
103 and 104
Controller 2:
Slots 13-24 plus
101 and 102

UCSC-SAS-M6HD Cisco 12G SAS UCSC-C240-M6L 20 SAS HBA NA

HBA
12 3.5-inch LFF
front-loading,
four 3.5-inch
LFF mid-plane
mounted, and 4
2.5-inch SFF
rear-loading
drives

UCSC-9500-8E Cisco 9500-8e All models of NA SAS HBA NA

12G SAS HBA UCS C220 M6
for external and UCS Cs240
JBOD attach M6 server

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Storage Controller Card Firmware Compatibility

Storage Controller Card Firmware Compatibility

Firmware on the storage controller (RAID or HBA) must be verified for compatibility with the current Cisco
IMC and BIOS versions that are installed on the server. If not compatible, upgrade or downgrade the storage
controller firmware using the Host Upgrade Utility (HUU) for your firmware release to bring it to a compatible
level.

Note For servers running in standalone mode only: After you replace controller hardware
(UCSC-RAID-M6T, UCSC-RAID-M6HD, UCSC-RAID-M6SD, UCSC-SAS-M6T, or
UCSC-SAS-M6HD), you must run the Cisco UCS Host Upgrade Utility (HUU) to update the controller
firmware, even if the firmware Current Version is the same as the Update Version. Running HUU is
necessary to program any controller specific values to the storage controller for the specific server. If
you do not run HUU, the storage controller may not be discovered..

See the HUU guide for your Cisco IMC release for instructions on downloading and using the utility to bring
server components to compatible levels: HUU Guides.

RAID Backup (Supercap)

This server supports installation of one Supercap unit. The unit mounts to a bracket in-line with the fan
modules.
The optional SCPM provides approximately three years of backup for the disk write-back cache DRAM in
the case of a sudden power loss by offloading the cache to the NAND flash.
For Supercap unit replacement instructions, see Replacing the Supercap (RAID Backup), on page 153.

Mixing Drive Types in RAID Groups

For the best performance follow these guidelines:
• Use either all SAS or all SATA drives in a RAID group.
• Use the same capacity for each drive in the RAID group.
• Never mix HDDs and SSDs in the same RAID group.

Storage Controller Cable Connectors and Backplanes

This section describes cabling for the storage controllers and backplanes. The SAS/SATA cables are
factory-installed and are used for all supported internal controllers.
This section also contains diagrams that show the cable-to-drive mapping.

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Storage Controller Considerations

Cisco M6 12G Modular SAS RAID Controller or HBA For Up To 16 Drives (UCSC-RAID-M6T)
The drive support differs by server version, as described in the following sections. These controllers are
supported only in these server versions:
• SFF 12-Drives, SAS/SATA
• SFF 12-Drives NVMe

SFF 12-Drives SAS/SATA

This HW RAID or HBA option can control up to 12 front-loading SAS/SATA drives in this server version,
plus two rear-loading SAS/SATA drives.
1. Connect a SAS/SATA cable from the small Slimline connector on the RAID card.
2. Connect a SAS/SATA cable to the Riser 3B connector on the PCE Riser 3 cage.

Figure 33: SFF, 12-Drive UCSC-C240-M6S Cabling With UCSC-RAID-M6T

Cisco 12G Modular SAS RAID Controller or HBA For Up To 28 Drives (UCSC-RAID-M6SD)
This controller is supported only in this server version:
• SFF 24-Drives SAS/SATA
• SFF 24 Drives NVMe

This HW RAID or HBA option can control up to 24 front-loading SAS/SATA drives in this server version,
plus 2 rear-loading SAS/SATA drives.
1. Connect a SAS/SATA cable from the small Slimline connector on the RAID card.
2. Connect a SAS/SATA cable to the Riser 3B connector on the PCE Riser 3 cage.

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Storage Controller Considerations

3. Connect a SAS/SATA cable from the second small Slimline connector on the RAID card.
4. Connect a SAS/SATA cable to the Riser 1B connector on the PCE Riser 1 cage.

Figure 34: SFF, 24-Drive UCSC-C240-M6SX Cabling With UCSC-RAID-M6SD

Cisco 12G Modular SAS RAID Controller or HBA For Up To 32 Drives (UCSC-RAID-M6HD)
LFF 12-Drives
This HW RAID or HBA option can control up to 12 front-loading SAS/SATA drives in this server version,
plus 2 rear-loading SAS/SATA drives, and up to 4 optional mid mount drives. This option is only supported
for the LFF drive version of the server.
To connect the RAID card to the front-loading drives, connect the split cable (Y cable) as follows:
1. Connect the single end (1) of the SAS/SATA cable to the RAID card.
2. Connect each of the dual-end connectors (2 and 3) to the two front backplane connectors.

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Storage Controller Considerations

To connect the RAID card to the front drives and the mid-mount drives:
1. Connect one end of the SAS/SATA cable from the RAID card to the midplane connector.

To connect the rear drives:

1. Connect the SAS/SATA cable from the RAID card (6) to the Riser 1 connector (5).
2. Connect the SAS/SATA cable from the RAID card (7) to the Riser 3 connector (8) and the midplane
connector (10).

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For More RAID Utility Information

For More RAID Utility Information

Cisco RAID Information
• For embedded SATA support of drives connected to pSATA through the SATA Interposer card, the
drives are managed directly as AHCI drives.
• The Cisco UCS C Series M6 storage adapter supports only SAS/SATA drives. Tri-mode support is not
supported.
• For basic information about RAID and for using the utilities for the RAID controller cards that are
supported in Cisco servers, see the Cisco UCS Servers RAID Guide.

Broadcom RAID Information

• For hardware SAS MegaRAID configuration—Broadcom 12Gb/s MegaRAID® Tri-Mode Software User
Guide.
• The Broadcom utilities have help documentation for more information about using the utilities. Go to
Broadcom StorCLI 12Gb/s MegaRAID® Tri-Mode User Guide.

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GPU Installation
This appendix contains configuration rules for the supported GPU cards.
• Supported GPUs and Server Firmware Requirements, on page 191
• GPU Card Configuration Rules, on page 192
• Requirement For All GPUs: Memory-Mapped I/O Greater Than 4 GB, on page 193
• Installing a Single-Wide GPU Card, on page 193
• Installing a Double-Wide GPU Card, on page 196
• Replacing a Heatsink, on page 198
• Installing GRID Licenses From the NVIDIA Licensing Portal to the License Server, on page 204

Supported GPUs and Server Firmware Requirements

The following table lists the minimum server firmware versions for the supported GPU cards.

GPU Card PID Type Number of Cisco IMC/BIOS Minimum

Supported GPUs* Version Required

NVIDIA Tesla UCSC-GPU-A10 Single-wide 5 4.2(2f)

A10 or HX-GPU-A10=

NVIDIA Tesla UCSC-GPU-A16=or Double-wide 3 4.2(2f)

A16 HX-GPU-A16=

NVIDIA Tesla UCSC-GPU-A30=or Double-wide 3 4.2(2f)

A30 HX-GPU-A30=

NVIDIA Tesla UCSC-GPU-A40 Double-wide 3 4.2(2f)

A40 or HX-GPU-A40=

NVIDIA Tesla UCSC-GPU-A100= Double-wide 3 4.2(2f)

A100

NVIDIA Tesla UCSC-GPU-A100-80= Double-wide 3 4.2(2f)

A100-80

*The NVME server supports only 2 double-wide GPUs or 4 single-wide GPUs since it supports only two
risers.

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GPU Card Configuration Rules

GPU Card Configuration Rules

Note the following rules when populating a server with GPU cards.
• The UCSC-C240-M6SX and UCSC-C240-M6N servers support a "GPU Ready" config which presets
the server to accept a GPU at a later date.
This configuration sets the server with a with low-profile heatsink (UCSC-HSLP-M6) and GPU air duct
(UCSC-ADGPU-240M6) so that only the GPU is required when you choose to expand the server's
compute power. The GPU Ready config has the following considerations:
• The server must follow the same temperature limits as a server with a GPU installed, even if the
server does not currently have a GPU installed. By following the temperature limits even when the
GPU is not present, you ensure correct operation when the GPU is installed later.
• This configuration requires a low-profile heatsink and a GPU air duct. If you are ordering the GPU
Ready configuration, you must select the GPU air duct PID to enable GPU ready configuration
when ordering the server through the Cisco online ordering and configuration tool. Follow the
additional rules displayed in the tool.

• All GPU cards must be procured from Cisco because of a unique SBIOS ID that is required by CIMC
and UCSM.
• Do not mix different brands or models of GPU cards in the server.
• NVIDIA Single Wide GPUs are supported:
• The GPUs can be populated in Riser 1A slots 2 (x16) and 3 (x8), Riser 2 slots 5 (x16) and 6 (x8),
and Riser 3C slot 7 (x16).
• Each server can support a maximum of five of these GPUs.

• NVIDIA Double Wide GPUs are supported:

• This GPU requires x16 support.
• This GPU can be populated in Riser 1A slot 2 (x16), Riser 2A slot 5 (x16), and Riser 3C slot 7
(x16).
• Each server can support three of these GPUs.

• GPUs are not supported in Riser 1B or Riser 3B. Riser 3B cannot mechanically accept a GPU.
• The UCSC-C240M6-S and UCSC-C240M6-S servers support one full-height, full-length, double-wide
GPU (PCIe slot 7 only) in Riser 3C.
• The UCSC-C240-M6N and UCSC-C240-M6N servers do not support any GPU in slot 7 of Riser 3C.
• UCSM managed servers are discoverable only if a PCIe VIC card is installed in slot 1 or slot 4 or an
mLOM VIC card is installed in the mLOM slot. If you install double-width GPUs, they must be located
in slots 2, 5, or 7. Therefore, if two GPUs are installed, UCSM managed servers are discoverable only
if you install a VIC in slot 1, slot 4, or the mLOM slot. The server can support 2 PCIe VICs and 1 mLOM
VIC along with 2 or 3 GPUs.
• Use the UCS power calculator at the following link to determine the power needed based on your server
configuration: http://ucspowercalc.cisco.com

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Requirement For All GPUs: Memory-Mapped I/O Greater Than 4 GB

Requirement For All GPUs: Memory-Mapped I/O Greater Than

4 GB
All supported GPU cards require enablement of the BIOS setting that allows greater than 4 GB of
memory-mapped I/O (MMIO).
• Standalone Server: If the server is used in standalone mode, this BIOS setting is enabled by default:
Advanced > PCI Configuration > Memory Mapped I/O Above 4 GB [Enabled]

If you need to change this setting, enter the BIOS Setup Utility by pressing F2 when prompted during
bootup.
• If the server is integrated with Cisco UCS Manager and is controlled by a service profile, this setting is
enabled by default in the service profile when a GPU is present.
To change this setting manually, use the following procedure.

Step 1 Refer to the Cisco UCS Manager configuration guide (GUI or CLI) for your release for instructions on configuring service
profiles:
Cisco UCS Manager Configuration Guides

Step 2 Refer to the chapter on Configuring Server-Related Policies > Configuring BIOS Settings.
Step 3 In the section of your profile for PCI Configuration BIOS Settings, set Memory Mapped IO Above 4GB Config to one of
the following:
• Disabled—Does not map 64-bit PCI devices to 64 GB or greater address space.
• Enabled—Maps I/O of 64-bit PCI devices to 64 GB or greater address space.
• Platform Default—The policy uses the value for this attribute contained in the BIOS defaults for the server. Use
this only if you know that the server BIOS is set to use the default enabled setting for this item.

Step 4 Reboot the server.

Note Cisco UCS Manager pushes BIOS configuration changes through a BIOS policy or default BIOS settings to
the Cisco Integrated Management Controller (CIMC) buffer. These changes remain in the buffer and do not
take effect until the server is rebooted.

Installing a Single-Wide GPU Card

Use the following procedure to install or replace an NVIDIA Tesla single-wide or dual GPUs.
With Cisco IMC version 4.2(1) and later, the server can support up to five single-wide GPUs.

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GPU Installation

Ordering PID Description

UCSC-RIS1A-240M6 Riser 1A

UCSC-RIS2A-240M6 Riser 2A

UCSC-RIS3C-240M6 Riser 3C

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server, on
page 68.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Remove the single-wide GPU card that you are replacing:
a) Use two hands to flip up and grasp the blue riser handle and the blue finger grip area on the front edge of the riser,
and then lift straight up.

b) On the bottom of the riser, push the release latch that holds the securing plate, and then swing the hinged securing
plate open.
c) Open the hinged card-tab retainer that secures the rear-panel tab of the card.

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Figure 35: PCIe Riser Card Securing Mechanisms

1 Release latch on hinged securing plate 3 Hinged card-tab retainer

2 Hinged securing plate -

d) Disconnect the Y cable (UCSC-CBL-240M6) from the GPU ends (the black 8-pin connectors).
If you are inserting another GPU, you can leave the opposite end of the cable (the white connector) attached. If you
are not inserting another GPU, you can leave the cable in place or completely remove it.
e) Pull evenly on both ends of the single-wide GPU card to remove it from the socket on the PCIe riser.
If the riser has no card, remove the blanking panel from the rear opening of the riser.

Step 5 Install a new single-wide GPU card:

a) With the hinged card-tab retainer open, align the new single-wide GPU card with the empty socket on the PCIe riser.
b) Push down evenly on both ends of the card until it is fully seated in the socket.
c) Ensure that the card’s rear panel tab sits flat against the riser rear-panel opening and then close the hinged card-tab
retainer over the card’s rear-panel tab.
d) Swing the hinged securing plate closed on the bottom of the riser. Ensure that the clip on the plate clicks into the
locked position.
e) Position the PCIe riser over its socket on the motherboard and over the chassis alignment channels.
f) Carefully push down on both ends of the PCIe riser to fully engage its connector with the sockets on the motherboard.
g) Attach the Y cable to the new GPU by connecting the white end to the motherboard and one of the black ends to each
GPU.
Note If the server has only one GPU in the riser, one of the black GPU cables will be unused. You can let it
dangle in place.

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Installing a Double-Wide GPU Card

Step 6 Replace the top cover to the server.

Step 7 Replace the server in the rack, replace power and network cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the
Power button.
Step 8 Optional: Continue with Installing Drivers to Support the GPU Cards, on page 208.

Installing a Double-Wide GPU Card

Use the following procedure to install or replace a NVIDIA Tesla Double-Wide GPU.
With Cisco IMC version 4.2(1) and later, the server can support up to three Double-Wide GPUs.

Server Component Recommended T Ambient Spec, Normal

All C240 24 SFF PCIe 35 C

Rear HDD 30 C

GPU A100

GPU A10

C240 12 LFF Rear HDD 30 C

GPU A100

GPU A10 28 C

The NVIDIA GPU card might be shipped with two power cables: a straight cable and a Y-cable. The straight
cable is used for connecting power to the GPU card in this server; do not use the Y-cable, which is used for
connecting the GPU card in external devices only.
The supported NVIDIA GPU requires a C240 M5 NVIDIA Cable (UCS-P100CBL-240M5).

Step 1 Shut down and remove power from the server as described in Shutting Down and Removing Power From the Server, on
page 68.
Step 2 Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might have to detach
cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.

Step 3 Remove the top cover from the server as described in Removing the Server Top Cover, on page 69.
Step 4 Remove an existing GPU card:
a) Disconnect any existing cable from the GPU card.
b) Use two hands to grasp the metal bracket of the PCIe riser and lift straight up to disengage its connector from the
socket on the motherboard. Set the riser on an antistatic surface.
c) On the bottom of the riser, press down on the clip that holds the securing plate.
d) Swing open the hinged securing plate to provide access.
e) Open the hinged plastic retainer that secures the rear-panel tab of the card.
f) Disconnect the GPU card's power cable from the power connector on the PCIe riser.

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GPU Installation

g) Pull evenly on both ends of the GPU card to remove it from the socket on the PCIe riser.
Figure 36: PCIe Riser Card Securing Mechanisms

1 Release latch on hinged securing plate 3 Hinged card-tab retainer

2 Hinged securing plate -

Step 5 Install a new GPU card:

Note Observe the configuration rules for this server, as described in GPU Card Configuration Rules, on page 192.

a) Align the GPU card with the socket on the riser, and then gently push the card’s edge connector into the socket. Press
evenly on both corners of the card to avoid damaging the connector.
b) Connect the GPU power cable. The straight power cable connectors are color-coded. Connect the cable's black
connector into the black connector on the GPU card and the cable's white connector into the white GPU POWER
connector on the PCIe riser.
Caution Do not reverse the straight power cable. Connect the black connector on the cable to the black connector
on the GPU card. Connect the white connector on the cable to the white connector on the PCIe riser.

c) Close the card-tab retainer over the end of the card.

d) Swing the hinged securing plate closed on the bottom of the riser. Ensure that the clip on the plate clicks into the
locked position.

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Replacing a Heatsink

e) Position the PCIe riser over its socket on the motherboard and over the chassis alignment channels.
f) Carefully push down on both ends of the PCIe riser to fully engage its connector with the sockets on the motherboard.
At the same time, align the GPU front support bracket (on the front end of the GPU card) with the securing latch that
is on the server's air baffle.

Step 6 Insert the GPU front support bracket into the latch that is on the air baffle:
a) Pinch the latch release tab and hinge the latch toward the front of the server.
b) Hinge the latch back down so that its lip closes over the edge of the GPU front support bracket.
c) Ensure that the latch release tab clicks and locks the latch in place.

Step 7 Replace the top cover to the server.

Step 8 Replace the server in the rack, replace power and network cables, and then fully power on the server by pressing the
Power button.
Step 9 Optional: Continue with Installing Drivers to Support the GPU Cards, on page 208.

Replacing a Heatsink
For GPUs, the correct heatsink is the low-profile heatsink (UCSC-HSLP-M6), which has 4 T30 Torx screws
on the main heatsink, and 2 Phillips-head screws on the extended heatsink. High profile heatsinks
(UCSC-HSHP-240M6) cannot be used on a GPU.
Use the following procedures to replace the heatsink on a GPU.
• Removing a Heat Sink, on page 199
• Installing a Heatsink, on page 202

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Removing a Heat Sink

Removing a Heat Sink

Use this procedure to remove a low-profile heatsink (UCSC-HSLP-M6) from a GPU.

Step 1 Removing the Server Top Cover.

Step 2 Removing the Air Duct.
Step 3 Choose the appropriate GPU to remove.
• For a single-wide GPU

a) Use two hands to flip up and grasp the blue riser handle and the blue finger grip area on the front edge of the riser,
and then lift straight up.

b) On the bottom of the riser, push the release latch that holds the securing plate, and then swing the hinged securing
plate open.
c) Open the hinged card-tab retainer that secures the rear-panel tab of the card.

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GPU Installation

Figure 37: PCIe Riser Card Securing Mechanisms

1 Release latch on hinged securing plate 3 Hinged card-tab retainer

2 Hinged securing plate -

• For a double-wide GPU:

a) Use two hands to grasp the metal bracket of the PCIe riser and lift straight up to disengage its connector from the
socket on the motherboard. Set the riser on an antistatic surface.
b) On the bottom of the riser, press down on the clip that holds the securing plate.
c) Swing open the hinged securing plate to provide access.
d) Open the hinged plastic retainer that secures the rear-panel tab of the card.
e) Disconnect the GPU card's power cable from the power connector on the PCIe riser.
f) Pull evenly on both ends of the GPU card to remove it from the socket on the PCIe riser.

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Figure 38: PCIe Riser Card Securing Mechanisms

1 Release latch on hinged securing plate 3 Hinged card-tab retainer

2 Hinged securing plate -

Step 4 Remove the CPU.

a) Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, loosen the two Phillips head screws for the extended heatsink.
b) Using a T30 Torx driver, loosen the four Torx securing nuts.

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Installing a Heatsink

c) Push the rotating wires towards each other to move them to the unlocked position.
Caution Make sure that the rotating wires are as far inward as possible. When fully unlocked, the bottom of the
rotating wire disengages and allows the removal of the CPU assembly. If the rotating wires are not fully
in the unlocked position, you can feel resistance when attempting to remove the CPU assembly.

d) Grasp the CPU and heatsink along the edge of the carrier and lift the CPU and heatsink off of the motherboard.
Caution While lifting the CPU assembly, make sure not to bend the heatsink fins. Also, if you feel any resistance
when lifting the CPU assembly, verify that the rotating wires are completely in the unlocked position.

Step 5 Remove the heatsink from the GPU.

What to do next
Install a low profile heatsink (UCSC-HSLP-M6) onto the GPU. See Installing a Heatsink, on page 202.

Installing a Heatsink
Use this procedure to install a low-profile heatsink (UCSC-HSLP-M6) on a GPU.

Step 1 Apply new TIM, if needed.

Note The heatsink must have new TIM on the heatsink-to-CPU surface to ensure proper cooling and performance.
• If you are installing a new heatsink, it is shipped with a pre-applied pad of TIM. Go to step 2 below.
• If you are reusing a heatsink, you must remove the old TIM from the heatsink and then apply new TIM to the CPU
surface from the supplied syringe. Continue with step a below.

a) Apply the Bottle #1 cleaning solution that is included with the heatsink cleaning kit (UCSX-HSCK=), as well as the
spare CPU package, to the old TIM on the heatsink and let it soak for a least 15 seconds.

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b) Wipe all of the TIM off the heatsink using the soft cloth that is included with the heatsink cleaning kit. Be careful to
avoid scratching the heatsink surface.
c) Completely clean the bottom surface of the heatsink using Bottle #2 to prepare the heatsink for installation.
d) Using the syringe of TIM provided with the new CPU (UCS-CPU-TIM=), apply 1.5 cubic centimeters (1.5 ml) of
thermal interface material to the top of the CPU. Use the pattern shown in the following figure to ensure even coverage.
Figure 39: Thermal Interface Material Application Pattern

Caution Use only the correct heatsink for your CPU. CPU 1 uses heatsink UCSB-HS-M6-R and CPU 2 uses heatsink
UCSB-HS-M6-F.

Step 2 Install the heatsink.

a) Push the rotating wires to the unlocked position so that they do not obstruct installation.
b) Grasp the heatsink by the fins, align the pin 1 location on the heatsink with the pin 1 location on the GPU (2 in the
following image), then seat the heatsink onto the CPU socket.
c) Holding the CPU assembly level, orient it as shown and lower it onto the CPU socket.
d) Push the rotating wires away from each other to lock the CPU assembly into the CPU socket.
Caution Make sure that you close the rotating wires completely before using the Torx driver to tighten the securing
nuts.

e) Set the T30 Torx driver to 12 in-lb of torque and tighten the 4 securing nuts to secure the CPU to the motherboard
(3) first.
f) Set the torque driver to 6 in-lb of torque and tighten the two Phillips head screws for the extended heatsink (4).

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Installing GRID Licenses From the NVIDIA Licensing Portal to the License Server

Installing GRID Licenses From the NVIDIA Licensing Portal to

the License Server
Accessing the GRID License Server Management Interface
Open a web browser on the License Server host and access the URL http://localhost:8080/licserver.
If you configured the License Server host’s firewall to permit remote access to the License Server, the
management interface is accessible from remote machines at the URL http://hostname:8080/licserver

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Reading Your License Server’s MAC Address

Reading Your License Server’s MAC Address

Your License Server’s Ethernet MAC address is used as an identifier when registering the License Server
with NVIDIA’s Licensing Portal.

Step 1 Access the GRID License Server Management Interface in a browser.

Step 2 In the left-side License Server panel, select Configuration.
The License Server Configuration panel opens. Next to Server host ID, a pull-down menu lists the possible Ethernet
MAC addresses.

Step 3 Select your License Server’s MAC address from the Server host ID pull-down.
Note It is important to use the same Ethernet ID consistently to identify the server when generating licenses on
NVIDIA’s Licensing Portal. NVIDIA recommends that you select one entry for a primary, non-removable
Ethernet interface on the platform.

Installing Licenses From the Licensing Portal

Step 1 Access the GRID License Server Management Interface in a browser.

Step 2 In the left-side License Server panel, select Configuration.
The License Server Configuration panel opens.

Step 3 Use the License Server Configuration menu to install the .bin file that you generated earlier.
a) Click Choose File.
b) Browse to the license .bin file that you want to install and click Open.
c) Click Upload.
The license file is installed on your License Server. When installation is complete, you see the confirmation message,
“Successfully applied license file to license server.”

Viewing Available GRID Licenses

Use the following procedure to view which licenses are installed and available, along with their properties.

Step 1 Access the GRID License Server Management Interface in a browser.

Step 2 In the left-side License Server panel, select Licensed Feature Usage.
Step 3 Click on a feature in the Feature column to see detailed information about the current usage of that feature.

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Viewing Current License Usage

Viewing Current License Usage

Use the following procedure to view information about which licenses are currently in-use and borrowed from
the server.

Step 1 Access the GRID License Server Management Interface in a browser.

Step 2 In the left-side License Server panel, select Licensed Clients.
Step 3 To view detailed information about a single licensed client, click on its Client ID in the list.

Managing GRID Licenses

Features that require GRID licensing run at reduced capability until a GRID license is acquired.

Acquiring a GRID License on Windows

Step 1 Open the NVIDIA Control Panel using one of the following methods:
• Right-click on the Windows desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel from the menu.
• Open Windows Control Panel and double-click the NVIDIA Control Panel icon.

Step 2 In the NVIDIA Control Panel left-pane under Licensing, select Manage License.
The Manage License task pane opens and shows the current license edition being used. The GRID software automatically
selects the license edition based on the features that you are using. The default is Tesla (unlicensed).

Step 3 If you want to acquire a license for GRID Virtual Workstation, under License Edition, select GRID Virtual Workstation.
Step 4 In the License Server field, enter the address of your local GRID License Server. The address can be a domain name or
an IP address.
Step 5 In the Port Number field, enter your port number of leave it set to the default used by the server, which is 7070.
Step 6 Select Apply.
The system requests the appropriate license edition from your configured License Server. After a license is successfully
acquired, the features of that license edition are enabled.
Note After you configure licensing settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel, the settings persist across reboots.

Acquiring a GRID License on Linux

Step 1 Edit the configuration file /etc/nvidia/gridd.conf:

sudo vi /etc/nvidia/gridd.conf

Step 2 Edit the ServerUrl line with the address of your local GRID License Server.

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Using gpumodeswitch

The address can be a domain name or an IP address. See the example file below.

Step 3 Append the port number (default 7070) to the end of the address with a colon. See the example file below.
Step 4 Edit the FeatureType line with the integer for the license type. See the example file below.
• GRID vGPU = 1
• GRID Virtual Workstation = 2

Step 5 Restart the nvidia-gridd service.

sudo service nvidia-gridd restart

The service automatically acquires the license edition that you specified in the FeatureType line. You can confirm this
in /var/log/messages.
Note After you configure licensing settings in the NVIDIA Control Panel, the settings persist across reboots.

Sample configuration file:

# /etc/nvidia/gridd.conf - Configuration file for NVIDIA Grid Daemon
# Description: Set License Server URL
# Data type: string
# Format: "<address>:<port>"
ServerUrl=10.31.20.45:7070
# Description: Set Feature to be enabled
# Data type: integer
# Possible values:
# 1 => for GRID vGPU
# 2 => for GRID Virtual Workstation
FeatureType=2

Using gpumodeswitch
The command line utility gpumodeswitch can be run in the following environments:
• Windows 64-bit command prompt (requires administrator permissions)
• Linux 32/64-bit shell (including Citrix XenServer dom0) (requires root permissions)

Note Consult NVIDIA product release notes for the latest information on compatibility with compute and
graphic modes.

The gpumodeswitch utility supports the following commands:

• --listgpumodes
Writes information to a log file named listgpumodes.txt in the current working directory.
• --gpumode graphics

Switches to graphics mode. Switches mode of all supported GPUs in the server unless you specify
otherwise when prompted.

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Installing Drivers to Support the GPU Cards

• --gpumode compute

Switches to compute mode. Switches mode of all supported GPUs in the server unless you specify
otherwise when prompted.

Note After you switch GPU mode, reboot the server to ensure that the modified resources of the GPU are
correctly accounted for by any OS or hypervisor running on the server.

Installing Drivers to Support the GPU Cards

After you install the hardware, you must update to the correct level of server BIOS and then install GPU
drivers and other software in this order:
1. Update the server BIOS.
2. Update the GPU drivers.

1. Updating the Server BIOS

Install the latest Cisco UCS C240 M4 server BIOS by using the Host Upgrade Utility for the Cisco UCS C240
M4 server.

Note You must do this procedure before you update the NVIDIA drivers.

Step 1 Navigate to the following URL: http://www.cisco.com/cisco/software/navigator.html.

Step 2 Click Servers–Unified Computing in the middle column.
Step 3 Click Cisco UCS C-Series Rack-Mount Standalone Server Software in the right-hand column.
Step 4 Click the name of your model of server in the right-hand column.
Step 5 Click Unified Computing System (UCS) Server Firmware.
Step 6 Click the release number.
Step 7 Click Download Now to download the ucs-server platform-huu-version_number.iso file.
Step 8 Verify the information on the next page, and then click Proceed With Download.
Step 9 Continue through the subsequent screens to accept the license agreement and browse to a location where you want to
save the file.
Step 10 Use the Host Upgrade Utility to update the server BIOS.
The user guides for the Host Upgrade Utility are at Utility User Guides.

2. Updating the GPU Card Drivers

After you update the server BIOS, you can install GPU drivers to your hypervisor virtual machine.

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GPU Installation

Step 1 Install your hypervisor software on a computer. Refer to your hypervisor documentation for the installation instructions.
Step 2 Create a virtual machine in your hypervisor. Refer to your hypervisor documentation for instructions.
Step 3 Install the GPU drivers to the virtual machine. Download the drivers from either:
• NVIDIA Enterprise Portal for GRID hypervisor downloads (requires NVIDIA login):
https://nvidia.flexnetoperations.com/
• NVIDIA public driver area: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx
• AMD: http://support.amd.com/en-us/download

Step 4 Restart the server.

Step 5 Check that the virtual machine is able to recognize the GPU card. In Windows, use the Device Manager and look under
Display Adapters.

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GPU Installation

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 APPENDIX D
UCSM Integration
This appendix contains information about integrating the server into Cisco UCS Manager.
• Installation For Cisco UCS Manager Integration, on page 211

Installation For Cisco UCS Manager Integration

The Cisco UCS Manager integration instructions are in the integration guides found here:
Cisco UCS C-Series Server Integration with UCS Manager Configuration Guides
Refer to the guide that is for the version of Cisco UCS Manager that you are using.
Also refer to the release notes for Cisco UCS Manager software and C-Series Cisco IMC software for any
special considerations regarding integration in your release.
• Cisco UCS Manager Release Notes
• Cisco C-Series Software Release Notes

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UCSM Integration

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 INDEX

A heatsinks, removing 102

air duct, installing 74

air duct, removing 72
I
alternate boot image, CIMC 170 installing CPUs 107
installing heatsinks 107
B installing, air duct 74
installing, fan tray 100
BIOS password, clearing 170 installing, storage controller 144
BIOS recovery switch 169 installing, storage controllers 137
boot image, alternate 170
M
C
mid-mount drives, replacing 83
cabling, NVMe C connector 90
cabling, NVMe D connector 90
CIMC, alternate boot image 170
N
clear BIOS password 170 NVMe connectors, C and D 90
clearing CMOS 167
CMOS clearing 167
CPUs, installing 107 P
CPUs, removing 102
password (BIOS), clearing 170
PCB assembly (PCBA), recycling 164
D
drive (SAS/SATA), reseating 86 R
drive cabling, NVMe drives (24 SFF model 90
recycling, PCBA 164
dual storage controllers, installing 137
removing CPUs 102
dual storage controllers, removing 133
removing heatsinks 102
removing, air duct 72
E removing, dual storage controllers 133
removing, fan tray 99
erase firmware 171 removing, heatsink (gpu) 199, 202
removing, storage controller 140
F replacing mid-mount drives 83
reseating drives, SAS/SATA 86
fan tray, installing 100
fan tray, removing 99
firmware, secure erase 171
S
SAS/SATA drive, reseating 86
H storage controller, installing 144
storage controller, removing 140
heatsink (gpu), removing 199, 202 switch, BIOS recovery 169
heatsinks, installing 107

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