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Dell EMC XC Core XC6520
Installation and Service Manual
December 2021
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Summary of Contents for Dell EMC XC Core XC6520

  • Page 1 Dell EMC XC Core XC6520 Installation and Service Manual December 2021...
  • Page 2 A WARNING indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death. © 2021 - 2021 Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved. Dell, EMC, and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Revision history..................................6 Chapter 1: About this document....................7 Chapter 2: Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview................8 Inside the sled ..................................8 Rear view of the sled................................9 Network port indicator codes............................10 Network ports indicator codes............................11 Sled to hard drive mapping..............................12 XC 6520 chassis options and drive enumerations.....................
  • Page 4 Removing an expansion card............................ 39 Installing an expansion card............................42 LOM riser card................................... 45 Removing the LOM..............................45 Installing the LOM............................... 46 M.2 SSD module................................47 Removing the M.2 riser..............................47 Installing the M.2 riser..............................48 Removing the M.2 SSD module..........................49 Installing the M.2 SSD module..........................
  • Page 5 Dell Embedded System Diagnostics.........................81 Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from the Dell Lifecycle Controller.......... 81 Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from Boot Manager..............81 System diagnostic controls............................82 Chapter 8: Getting help....................... 83 Recycling or End-of-Life service information......................83 Contacting Dell.................................. 83 Accessing system information by using QRL......................83...
  • Page 6: Revision History

    Revision history Date Document revision Description of changes December 2021 Initial release Revision history...
  • Page 7: Chapter 1: About This Document

    About this document This document provides an overview about the system, information about installing and replacing components, technical specifications, diagnostic tools, and guidelines to be followed while installing certain components. About this document...
  • Page 8: Chapter 2: Dell Emc Xc Core Xc6250 Overview

    Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview The Dell EMC XC Core XC6520 system is a half-width sled that supports: ● Two Intel Xeon Scalable processors ● 16 DIMM slots The sled also supports PCIe and Open Compute Project (OCP) risers for expansion and connectivity.
  • Page 9: Rear View Of The Sled

    The Information tag is a slide-out label panel that contains system information such as Service Tag, NIC, MAC address, and so on. If you have opted for the secure default access to iDRAC, then Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 10: Network Port Indicator Codes

    Description the Information tag will also contain the iDRAC secure default password. For more information about the ports, see the Dell EMC XC Core XC6520 Technical Specifications on the product documentation page. Network port indicator codes Figure 3. LAN indicators on the QSFP OCP card 1.
  • Page 11: Network Ports Indicator Codes

    QSFP Upper green LED QSFP Lower green LED No link/Not Connected Ethernet Link - No Traffic Green Green Ethernet - Traffic Green Blink NOTE: The LED blink speed varies according to the traffic bandwidth. Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 12: Sled To Hard Drive Mapping

    5. (Optional) NVMe hard drive location NOTE: The warranty of the drives are linked to the Service Tag of the corresponding sled. XC 6520 chassis options and drive enumerations XC6520 chassis - 24 x 2.5-inch NVMe drive configuration Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 13 Figure 9. XC6520 chassis - 24 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA backplane with four XC6520 sleds, each up to 6 SAS/SATA drives XC6520 chassis - 24 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA backplane - Drive enumeration Figure 10. 2.5-inch drives (24) with four XC6520 sleds Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 14 The following images show the C6520 sled with only first two drive slots can be populated with NVMe drives (or SAS/SATA drives). The rest of the slots for each sled only support SAS/SATA drives. Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 15 Figure 15. 2.5-inch NVMe backplane chassis with three XC6520 sleds, each up to 2 NVMe drives Figure 16. 2.5-inch NVMe backplane chassis with two XC6520 sleds, each up to 2 NVMe drives Figure 17. 2.5-inch NVMe backplane chassis with one XC6520 sled with up to 2 NVMe drives Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 16: Locating The Express Service Code And Service Tag

    The Mini Enterprise Service Tag (MEST) label is located on the rear of the system that includes Service Tag (ST), Express Service Code (Exp Svc Code), and Manufacture Date (Mfg. Date). The Exp Svc Code is used by Dell EMC to route support calls to the appropriate personnel.
  • Page 17: System Information Label

    System information label Figure 19. System board connections and Jumper settings Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 18 Figure 20. Mechanical Overview and Memory information Figure 21. System tasks: Riser cable, OCP and Air shroud Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 19 Figure 22. System tasks: Processor 1 heat sink and BOSS / SATA M.2 Dell EMC XC Core XC6250 Overview...
  • Page 20: Chapter 3: Initial System Setup And Configuration

    Initial system setup and configuration This section describes the tasks for initial setup and configuration of the Dell EMC system. The sections provide general steps to set up the system and the reference guides for detailed information. Topics: • Setting up the system •...
  • Page 21: Options To Log In To The Idrac

    Ensure that you change the default username and password after setting up the iDRAC IP address. For more information about logging in to the iDRAC and iDRAC licenses, see the latest Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals.
  • Page 22: Resources To Install The Operating System

    Lifecycle Controller User’s Guide, go to https://www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals > Product Support page of your system > Manuals & documents. Dell recommends installing Lifecycle Controller to install the OS, since all required drivers are installed to the system. NOTE: To determine the most recent iDRAC release for your platform and for latest documentation version, see KB article at https://www.dell.com/support/article/sln308699.
  • Page 23: Options To Download And Install Os Drivers

    Ensure that you clear the web browser cache before downloading the drivers and firmware. Steps 1. Go to https://www.dell.com/support/drivers. 2. Enter the Service Tag of the system in the Enter a Dell Service Tag, Dell EMC Product ID or Model field, and then press Enter. NOTE: If you do not have the Service Tag, select Detect PC to automatically detect the Service Tag, or click Browse all products, and navigate to your product.
  • Page 24: Chapter 4: Installing And Removing System Components

    Installing and removing system components The following sections contain the procedures for removing and replacing system components. Topics: • Before working inside your system • After working inside your system • Recommended tools • Sled • Air shroud • Support bracket •...
  • Page 25: After Working Inside Your System

    Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that are shipped with your product. NOTE: It is recommended that you always use an antistatic mat and antistatic strap while working on components inside the system.
  • Page 26: Removing A Sled

    Figure 23. Sled Installation Guidelines Removing a sled Prerequisites Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. NOTE: For optimized thermal performance, see Sled installation guidelines. NOTE: The procedure to remove a sled blank or a sled is similar. Steps Press the retention latch and holding the sled handle, pull the sled out of the enclosure.
  • Page 27: Installing A Sled

    Figure 24. Removing a sled Next steps Replace the sled. Installing a sled Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. NOTE: To avoid injury, ensure that the sled is supported from beneath. Steps 1. Align the sled to the enclosure horizontally to insert the sled into the enclosure. Installing and removing system components...
  • Page 28 Figure 25. Installing a sled 2. Push the blue retention latch to slide the sled into the enclosure, and stop the sled at a distance of 20-30 mm before complete insertion of the sled as shown in the image below. CAUTION: To avoid any damages to the pins on the sled, do not force the sled into the enclosure.
  • Page 29: Air Shroud

    Air shroud Removing the air shroud Prerequisites CAUTION: Never operate your system with the air shroud removed. The system may get overheated quickly, resulting in shutdown of the system and loss of data. 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
  • Page 30: Support Bracket

    Steps 1. Insert the hook on the air shroud into the slot on the chassis. NOTE: Route the cable properly to prevent the cable from being pinched or crimped. 2. Lower the air shroud until the blue clip locks in place. Figure 28.
  • Page 31: Installing The Support Bracket

    Figure 29. Removing the support bracket 2. Remove the support bracket from the chassis. Next steps Replace the support bracket. Installing the support bracket Prerequisites Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. Steps 1. Align the support bracket with the stand off on the chassis. 2.
  • Page 32: Expansion Cards And Expansion Card Risers

    A system event entry is logged in the iDRAC Lifecycle Controller if an expansion card riser is not supported or missing. It does not prevent your system from turning on. However, if a F1/F2 pause occurs with an error message, see Troubleshooting expansion cards section in the Dell EMC PowerEdge Servers Troubleshooting Guide at https:// www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.
  • Page 33: Expansion Card Installation Guidelines

    Expansion card installation guidelines Figure 31. Expansion card slot connectors 1. Riser 1A or Riser 1B with support for SNAP I/O modules (Slot 1) 2. Riser 2B (Slot 2) The following table describes the expansion card riser configurations: Table 11. Expansion card riser configurations Configurati Expansion PCIe...
  • Page 34 Figure 32. Riser 1a- Slot 1, x16, LP-HL Figure 33. Riser 2b- Slot 2, x16, LP-HL NOTE: The expansion-card slots are not hot-swappable. Installing and removing system components...
  • Page 35: Removing Expansion Card Riser 1

    Integrated slot Broadcom (OCP: 10Gb) Integrated slot Intel (OCP: 10Gb) Integrated slot Dell BOSS M.2 Module Integrated slot Removing expansion card riser 1 Prerequisites NOTE: Install an expansion card filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system.
  • Page 36: Installing Expansion Card Riser 1

    Figure 34. Removing the expansion card riser 1 NOTE: TESLA T4 is used for illustrative purposes only. Next steps Replace expansion card riser Installing expansion card riser 1 Prerequisites NOTE: You must install an expansion card filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system.
  • Page 37: Removing Expansion Card Riser 2

    Figure 35. Installing the expansion card riser 1 NOTE: TESLA T4 is used for illustrative purposes only. Next steps Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing expansion card riser 2 Prerequisites NOTE: Install an expansion card filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system.
  • Page 38: Installing Expansion Card Riser 2

    Figure 36. Removing the expansion card riser 2 NOTE: TESLA T4 is used for illustrative purposes only. Next steps Replace expansion card riser Installing expansion card riser 2 Prerequisites NOTE: You must install an expansion card filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system.
  • Page 39: Removing An Expansion Card

    Figure 37. Installing the expansion card riser 2 NOTE: TESLA T4 is used for illustrative purposes only. Next steps Install expansion card riser 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing an expansion card Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
  • Page 40 Figure 38. Removing an expansion card from riser 1 Figure 39. Installing the expansion card filler bracket in riser 1 Installing and removing system components...
  • Page 41 Figure 40. Removing an expansion card from riser 2 Installing and removing system components...
  • Page 42: Installing An Expansion Card

    Figure 41. Installing the expansion card filler bracket in riser 2 Next steps Replace the expansion card. Installing an expansion card Prerequisites CAUTION: Expansion cards can only be installed in the slots on the expansion card riser. Do not attempt to install expansion cards directly into the riser connector on the system board.
  • Page 43 Figure 42. Removing the expansion card filler bracket for riser 1 Figure 43. Installing an expansion card in riser 1 Installing and removing system components...
  • Page 44 Figure 44. Removing the expansion card filler bracket for riser 2 Installing and removing system components...
  • Page 45: Lom Riser Card

    Figure 45. Installing an expansion card in riser 2 Next steps Install the expansion card riser. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. LOM riser card Removing the LOM Prerequisites NOTE: Install an expansion card filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system.
  • Page 46: Installing The Lom

    Figure 46. Removing the LOM Next steps Install expansion card riser Installing the LOM Prerequisites NOTE: You must install an expansion card filler bracket over an empty expansion slot to maintain Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification of the system. The brackets also keep dust and dirt out of the system and aid in proper cooling and airflow inside the system.
  • Page 47: M.2 Ssd Module

    Figure 47. Installing the LOM Next steps Install the expansion card riser 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. M.2 SSD module Removing the M.2 riser Prerequisites ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. ●...
  • Page 48: Installing The M.2 Riser

    Figure 48. Removing the M.2 riser NOTE: XC Core does not use the SATA cable version. Next steps Replace the M.2 riser. Installing the M.2 riser Prerequisites ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. ● Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
  • Page 49: Removing The M.2 Ssd Module

    Figure 49. Installing the M.2 riser NOTE: XC Core does not use the SATA cable version. Next steps Replace the air shroud. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing the M.2 SSD module Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
  • Page 50: Installing The M.2 Ssd Module

    Figure 50. Removing the M.2 SSD module from the M.2 riser Next steps Replace the M.2 SSD module. Installing the M.2 SSD module Prerequisites ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. ● Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
  • Page 51: Linking Board And Pcie Cable

    Figure 51. Installing the M.2 SSD module on the M.2 riser 3. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, tighten the M.2 SSD module on the M.2 riser with the screw. Next steps Install the M.2 riser. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
  • Page 52: Installing The Linking Board And Pcie Cable

    Figure 52. Removing the linking board and PCIe cable 3. To disengage the linking board connector, lift and push the MB cable towards the front of the sled. 4. Remove the MB cable from the sled. Next steps Replace the linking board and PCIe cable.
  • Page 53: System Memory

    Figure 53. Installing the linking board and PCIe cable Next steps Install expansion card riser Install the support bracket. Install the air shroud. 4. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. System memory System memory guidelines The system supports DDR4 registered DIMMs (RDIMMs), load reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs). System memory holds the instructions that are executed by the processor.
  • Page 54: General Memory Module Installation Guidelines

    Figure 54. Memory socket location Table 14. Supported memory matrix DIMM type Rank Capacity DIMM rated voltage and speed DIMMs per Channel (DPC) RDIMM 16 GB / 32 GB / 64 GB DDR4 (1.2V), 3200 MT/s 3200 MT/s LRDIMM 128 GB DDR4 (1.2V), 2666 MT/s 2666 MT/s NOTE:...
  • Page 55: Removing A Memory Module

    Table 15. Memory population rules Processor Configuration Memory population Memory population information Dual processor (Start with Optimizer (Independent A{1}, B{1}, A{2}, B{2}, A{3}, B{3}, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 processor1. Processor 1 channel) population order A{4}, B{4}, A{5}, B{5}, A{6}, B{6}, DIMMs are supported per and processor 2 population A{7}, B{7} A{8}, B{8}...
  • Page 56: Installing A Memory Module

    Figure 55. Removing a memory module Next steps Replace the memory module. 2. If you are removing the memory module permanently, install a memory module blank. The procedure to install a memory module blank is similar to that of the memory module. NOTE: When operating your system with single processor, install memory module blanks in processor 2 memory sockets.
  • Page 57: Processor And Heat Sink Module

    CAUTION: Do not apply pressure at the center of the memory module; apply pressure at both ends of the memory module evenly. 4. Press the memory module with your thumbs until the ejectors firmly click into place. When the memory module is properly seated in the socket, the levers on the memory module socket align with the levers on the other sockets that have memory modules installed.
  • Page 58 a. Loosen the first screw three turns. b. Loosen the screw diagonally opposite to the screw you loosened first. c. Repeat the procedure for the remaining two screws. d. Return to the first screw to loosen it completely. 2. Set the Anti-Tilt wires to the unlocked position (inward position). Figure 57.
  • Page 59: Removing The Processor From The Processor And Heat Sink Module

    Figure 58. Removing a processor and heat sink module Next steps Remove the processor from the processor and heat sink module. Removing the processor from the processor and heat sink module Prerequisites WARNING: Remove the processor from the processor and heat sink module (PHM) only if you are replacing the processor or heat sink.
  • Page 60 Figure 59. Lift the TIM break lever Figure 60. Aligning pin 1 marks of processor with tray NOTE: Ensure that to return the TIM break lever back to its original position. 4. Using your thumb and index finger, first hold the carrier release tab at the pin 1 connector, pull out the tip of the carrier release tab, and then lift the carrier partially from the heat sink.
  • Page 61: Installing The Processor Into A Processor And Heat Sink Module

    Figure 61. Removing the processor carrier Next steps Replace the processor into the processor and heat sink module. Installing the processor into a processor and heat sink module Prerequisites ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in the Safety instructions. ● Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
  • Page 62 Figure 62. Installing the processor carrier 3. Align the processor with processor carrier by using your fingers to press the carrier on all the four sides until it clicks into place. NOTE: Ensure that the processor is securely latched to the processor carrier. Figure 63.
  • Page 63 Figure 64. Applying thermal grease CAUTION: Applying too much thermal grease can result in excess grease coming in contact with and contaminating the processor socket. NOTE: The thermal grease syringe is intended for single use only. Dispose of the syringe after you use it. Figure 65.
  • Page 64: Installing The Processor And Heat Sink Module

    NOTE: Ensure that the pin 1 indicator on the heat sink is aligned with the pin 1 indicator on the carrier before placing the heat sink onto the processor carrier. NOTE: Ensure latching features on processor carrier and heat sink are aligned during assembly. Figure 67.
  • Page 65 CAUTION: To avoid damaging the fins on the heat sink, do not press down on the heat sink fins. NOTE: Ensure that the processor and heat sink is held parallel to the system board to prevent damaging the components. Figure 68. Installing the processor and heat sink (PHM) 3.
  • Page 66: Optional Ocp Card

    Figure 69. Set the Anti-Tilt wires to the locked position and tightening the screws Next steps Install the air shroud. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Optional OCP card Removing the OCP filler Prerequisites ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
  • Page 67: Installing An Ocp Card

    Figure 70. Removing the OCP card filler Next steps Install the OCP card. Install expansion card riser Install expansion card riser Installing an OCP card Prerequisites ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. ● Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
  • Page 68: Removing An Ocp Card

    Figure 71. Installing an OCP card Next steps Install expansion card riser Install expansion card riser 3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing an OCP card Prerequisites ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
  • Page 69: Installing The Ocp Card Filler

    Figure 72. Removing an OCP card 3. Press the OCP card retention latch to lock it. Next steps Install the OCP filler. Install expansion card riser Install expansion card riser Installing the OCP card filler Prerequisites ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
  • Page 70: System Battery

    Figure 73. Installing the OCP card filler Next steps Install expansion card riser Install expansion card riser System battery Replacing the system battery Prerequisites WARNING: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Page 71 NOTE: Ensure that the + side of the battery is facing the battery holder clip. Figure 74. Removing the system battery CAUTION: To avoid damage to the battery connector, you must firmly support the connector while installing or removing a battery. 2.
  • Page 72: System Board

    Next steps 1. If applicable, Install expansion card riser 1 and connect the cables to the expansion card. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. 3. Confirm that the battery is operating properly, by performing the following steps: a.
  • Page 73: Installing The System Board

    Figure 76. System board screws 3. To disengage the ports from the slots on the chassis, slide the system board toward the front of the chassis. 4. Incline the system board at an angle and lift the system board out of the chassis. Figure 77.
  • Page 74 ● Follow the safety guidelines listed in the Safety instructions. ● Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system. ● If you are replacing the system board, remove all the components that are listed in Removing the system board.
  • Page 75: Restoring The System Using Easy Restore

    4. If you are not using Easy restore, import your new or existing iDRAC Enterprise license. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide available at https://www.dell.com/idracmanuals. 5. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system.
  • Page 76: Manually Update The Service Tag

    NOTE: When the restore process is complete, BIOS prompts to restore the system configuration data. ● To restore the system configuration data, press Y ● To use the default configuration settings, press N NOTE: After the restore process is complete, system reboots. Manually update the Service Tag After replacing a system board, if Easy Restore fails, follow this process to manually enter the Service Tag, using System Setup.
  • Page 77: Initializing The Tpm For Users

    Installing the TPM Steps 1. To install the TPM, align the edge connectors on the TPM with the slot on the TPM connector. 2. Insert the TPM into the TPM connector such that the plastic rivet aligns with the slot on the system board. 3.
  • Page 78: Chapter 5: Upgrade Kits

    Upgrade kits The table lists the available After Point Of Sale [APO$] kits. Kits Related links to service instructions Memory modules Installing a memory module Hard drives Hard drvies SAS/SATA SSD Hard drives NVMe SSD Network cards Installing an expansion card into the expansion card riser Upgrade kits...
  • Page 79: Chapter 6: Jumpers And Connectors

    Jumpers and connectors This section provides essential and specific information about jumpers and switches. It also describes the connectors on the various boards in the system. Jumpers on the system board help to disable the system and reset the passwords. To install components and cables correctly, you must be able to identify the connectors on the system board.
  • Page 80: System Board Jumper Settings

    Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that are shipped with your product.
  • Page 81: Chapter 7: System Diagnostics And Indicator Codes

    Using system diagnostics If you experience an issue with the system, run the system diagnostics before contacting Dell for technical assistance. The purpose of running system diagnostics is to test the system hardware without using additional equipment or risking data loss.
  • Page 82: System Diagnostic Controls

    System diagnostic controls Table 17. System diagnostic controls Menu Description Configuration Displays the configuration and status information of all detected devices. Results Displays the results of all tests that are run. System health Provides the current overview of the system performance. Event log Displays a time-stamped log of the results of all tests run on the system.
  • Page 83: Chapter 8: Getting Help

    Dell contact information on your purchase invoice, packing slip, bill or Dell product catalog. The availability of services varies depending on the country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell for sales, technical...
  • Page 84: Receiving Automated Support With Supportassist

    Dell EMC. This information is used by Dell EMC Technical Support to troubleshoot the issue. ● Proactive contact — A Dell EMC Technical Support agent contacts you about the support case and helps you resolve the issue.

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