Contents Chapter 1: Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 overview................6 Supported configurations..............................6 Back view of the PowerEdge C6420 sled........................8 Network ports indicator codes............................9 Sled to hard drive mapping...............................11 Expander zoning..................................11 Locating the Service Tag of your system........................13 System information label..............................14 Chapter 2: Initial system setup and configuration................
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Initializing the TPM 2.0 for TXT users........................83 Chapter 4: System diagnostics....................84 Dell Embedded System Diagnostics..........................84 Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from Boot Manager..............84 Running the Embedded System Diagnostics from the Dell Lifecycle Controller......... 84 System diagnostic controls............................84 Contents...
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System board jumper settings............................86 System board connectors............................... 86 Disabling forgotten password............................87 Chapter 6: Getting help.......................88 Contacting Dell EMC................................ 88 Documentation feedback..............................88 Accessing system information by using QRL......................88 Quick Resource Locator for C6400 and C6420 systems.................. 89 Receiving automated support with SupportAssist ....................89 Recycling or End-of-Life service information......................
Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 overview The PowerEdge C6420 sled supports up to two Intel Xeon Scalable processors with 28 cores per processor. The sled also supports dedicated mezzanine, PCIe and Open Compute Project (OCP) adapters for expansion and connectivity. NOTE: The Intel Xeon Scalable processor with fabric connector is also known as Native Omnipath.
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PEC6420 support PEC6525 support 24 x 2.5" SAS/SATA Backplane 8 x 2.5" NVME + 16 X 2.5" SAS/SATA backplane 12 x 3.5" SAS/SATA Backplane Diskless No backplane Expander Backplane 24 x 2.5" All/PURE NVME backplane Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 overview...
Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/ idracmanuals Mini display port Enables you to connect a display device to the system. For more information, see the Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 overview...
USB devices to the system. Network ports indicator codes Figure 3. LAN indicators on the QSFP OCP card 1. Link indicator 2. Activity indicator Table 3. QSFP port on OCP card indicator codes Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 overview...
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The NIC is connected to a valid network at its maximum port speed. Link indicator is amber The NIC is connected to a valid network at less than its maximum port speed. Activity indicator is flashing green Network data is being sent or received. Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 overview...
A SAS expander board allows higher, single-volume hard drive configurations. An integrated expander device expands each sleds hard drive footprint. The Dell EMC PowerEdge C6400 enclosure supports four sled access to a single expander controller at the same time. The enclosure provides two expander zoning options: ●...
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● Up to 12 SAS/SATA device of sled 1 and sled 3 in Zoning Mode (12+12) NOTE: ● Install expander firmware 2.07 or later to support these configurations ● The expander mode works only with a PERC card, and is not supported by the onboard SATA controller. Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 overview...
Your system is identified by a unique Express Service Code and Service Tag number. The Express Service Code and Service Tag are found on the back of the sled by pulling out the EST tag. This information is used by Dell to route support calls to the appropriate personnel.
The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC) is designed to make system administrators more productive and improve the overall availability of Dell systems. iDRAC alerts administrators about system issues and enables them to perform remote system management. This reduces the need for physical access to the system.
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 www.dell.com/poweredgemanuals.
Using iDRAC virtual media www.dell.com/idracmanuals Downloading drivers and firmware Dell EMC recommends that you download and install the latest BIOS, drivers, and systems management firmware on your system. Prerequisites Ensure that you clear the web browser cache before downloading the drivers and firmware.
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.
● 1/4 inch flat head screwdriver ● Wrist grounding strap ● ESD mat Dell EMC PowerEdge C6420 sled Sled Installation Guidelines NOTE: Ensure to install a sled blank in all the empty slots. Operating the enclosure without a blank results in overheating.
Figure 12. Sled Installation Guidelines Removing a sled Prerequisites 1. 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 are the same. Steps Press the retaining latch and using the sled pull handle, slide the sled out of the enclosure horizontally.
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Figure 13. Removing a sled CAUTION: If you are permanently removing the sled, install a sled blank promptly. Operating the enclosure without a blank, for an extended time can result in overheating. Figure 14. Removing a sled blank Installing and removing enclosure components...
Next steps Install the sled Install a sled blank. Installing a sled Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety Instructions. NOTE: For optimized thermal performance, see Sled installation guidelines. Steps 1. Align the sled to the enclosure horizontally to insert the sled into the enclosure. Figure 15.
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Figure 16. Installing a sled blank 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.
1. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your enclosure. NOTE: To add the Service Tag of the system board to match the Service Tag of the physical node, contact Dell Technical Support. PERC battery Removing the PERC battery Prerequisites 1.
Figure 18. Removing the PERC battery Next steps Install the PERC battery. Installing the PERC battery Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. 3. Install the sled from the enclosure. 4.
Figure 19. Installing the PERC battery Next steps 1. If disconnected, connect the battery cable to the PERC card. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Air shroud Removing the air shroud Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
Figure 20. Removing the air shroud Next steps Install the air shroud. Installing the air shroud Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. Steps 1. Insert the air shroud into the sled, aligning the shroud hinge with slot on the sled. NOTE: Ensure that both the SATA cables are routed through the air shroud cable guide slot behind the air shroud latches.
Figure 21. Installing the air shroud Next steps 1. If disconnected, connect the battery cable to the PERC card. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. System memory System memory guidelines The PowerEdge system supports DDR4 registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) and Load Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs). System memory holds the instructions that are executed by the processor.
Table 7. Memory channels Processor Channel 0 Channel 1 Channel 2 Channel 3 Channel 4 Channel 5 Processor 2 Slots B1 and B7 Slots B2 Slots B3 Slots B8 and B4 Slots B5 Slots B6 General memory module installation guidelines To ensure optimal performance of your system, observe the following general guidelines when configuring your system memory.
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Dell Fault Resilient Mode The Dell Fault Resilient Mode if enabled, the BIOS creates an area of memory that is fault resilient. This mode can be used by an OS that supports the feature to load critical applications or enables the OS kernel to maximize system availability.
Table 9. Memory population rules Processor Configuration Memory population Memory population information Single rank sparing population 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Populate in this order, odd amount order per processor allowed. Requires two ranks or more per channel. Multi rank sparing population 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Populate in this order, odd amount...
Figure 23. Removing a memory module Next steps Install the memory module. CAUTION: 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. Installing a memory module Prerequisites 1.
Figure 24. Installing a memory module Next steps Install the air shroud. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. 3. To verify if the memory module has been installed properly, press F2 and navigate to System Setup Main Menu > System BIOS >...
Figure 25. Removing the support bracket Next steps Install the support bracket. Installing the support bracket Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. Steps 1. Place the support bracket in the sled. 2. Using a Phillips #1 screwdriver, replace the screws to secure the bracket in place. Installing and removing enclosure components...
Figure 26. Installing the support bracket Next steps Install the sled into the enclosure. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Linking board and PCIe cable Removing the linking board and PCIe cables Prerequisites NOTE: Observe the routing of the cable as you remove it from the sled. Route the cable properly when you replace it to prevent the cable from being pinched or crimped.
Figure 27. Removing the linking board and SATA cable Next steps Install the linking board and PCIe cables. Installing the linking board and PCIe cables Prerequisites NOTE: Observe the routing of the cable as you remove it from the sled. Route the cable properly when you replace it to prevent the cable from being pinched or crimped.
CAUTION: This is a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU). Removal and installation procedures must be performed only by Dell certified service technicians. NOTE: In a sled which has been configured with mixed CPUs – a fabric processor installed in the CPU2 socket and a non-fabric processor installed in the CPU1 socket, you must connect the external Omnipath link cables to Port 2 on the OCP carrier card.
Removing a processor and heat sink module Prerequisites WARNING: The heat sink may be hot to touch for some time after the system is powered off. Allow the heat sink to cool before removing it. 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
Figure 29. Removing the processor and heat sink module Next steps Install the processor and heat sink module. Installing a processor and heat sink module Prerequisites CAUTION: Never remove the heat sink from a processor unless you intend to replace the processor. The heat sink is necessary to maintain proper thermal conditions.
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2. Push the blue retention clips inward to allow the heat sink to drop into place. 3. Using the Torx #T30 screwdriver, tighten the screws on the heat sink in the order below: a. Partially tighten the first screw (approximately 3 turns). b.
Removing the fabric processor from the processor heat sink module Prerequisites WARNING: The heat sink may be hot to touch for some time after the system has been powered off. Allow the heat sink to cool before removing it. NOTE: This procedure is only for replacing a heat sink or a processor.
Figure 32. Removing the processor bracket Next steps Install the fabric processor into the processor heat sink module. Installing the fabric processor into the processor heat sink module Prerequisites NOTE: In a sled which has been configured with mixed CPUs – a fabric processor installed in the CPU2 socket and a non-fabric processor installed in the CPU1 socket, you must connect the external Omnipath link cables to Port 2 on the OCP carrier card.
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Figure 33. Installing the processor bracket 4. If you are using an existing heat sink, remove the thermal grease from the heat sink by using a clean lint-free cloth. CAUTION: Applying too much thermal grease can result in excess grease coming in contact with and contaminating the processor socket.
6. Place the heat sink on the processor and push down until the bracket locks onto the heat sink. NOTE: ● Ensure that the two guide pin holes on the bracket match the guide holes on the heat sink. ● Ensure that the pin 1 indicator on the heat sink is aligned with the pin 1 indicator on the bracket before placing the heat sink on the processor and bracket.
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Figure 36. Loosening the processor bracket Figure 37. Loosening the processor bracket Installing and removing enclosure components...
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Figure 38. Loosening the processor bracket 4. Lift the bracket and the processor away from the heat sink, and place the processor connector side down on the processor tray. 5. Flex the outer edges of the bracket to release the bracket from the processor. NOTE: Ensure that the processor and the bracket are placed in the tray after you remove the heat sink.
Installing the non-fabric processor into a processor and heat sink module Prerequisites NOTE: In a sled which has been configured with mixed CPUs – a fabric processor installed in the CPU2 socket and a non-fabric processor installed in the CPU1 socket, you must connect the external Omnipath link cables to Port 2 on the OCP carrier card.
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Figure 41. Applying thermal grease on top of the processor 5. Place the heat sink on the processor and push down on the base of the heat sink until the bracket locks onto the heat sink. NOTE: ● Ensure that the two guide pin holes on the bracket match the guide holes on the heat sink. ●...
Figure 42. Installing the heat sink onto the processor Next steps Install the processor and heat sink module. Install the air shroud. 3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing the fabric and sideband cables Prerequisites NOTE: The procedure to remove the carrier card is similar to removing an OCP card.
2. To disengage and release the fabric connector, pull the connector away from the processor. 3. Pressing the connector clips, release the side band cable from the connector and lift the cable away. Figure 43. Removing the fabric and sideband cables Next steps Install the fabric and sideband cables.
Figure 44. Installing the fabric and sideband cables Next steps Install the air shroud. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Expansion cards NOTE: A missing or an unsupported expansion card riser logs an System Event Log (SEL) event. This does not prevent your system from powering on and no BIOS, POST messages or F1 or F2 pause is displayed.
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Table 12. Supported expansion cards Card type Form Link Slot Maximum number of cards factor width priority Intel-Kerby Flat mezzanine network Mezzanine card Broadcom 25G SFP network card Mezzanine H730P Mini controller card Mezzanine H330 SAS controller adapter Mezzanine...
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Table 12. Supported expansion cards Card type Form Link Slot Maximum number of cards factor width priority Mellanox 10G dual port SFP network card Mellanox 40G dual port QSF network card SF80X 10G dual port network card Intel 10G Base-T quad port network card Intel 1-GB dual port V3 network card Intel 10G dual port SFP+ V2 network...
Removing the expansion card riser assembly Prerequisites NOTE: 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.
Figure 46. Installing the expansion card riser assembly Next steps 1. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing an expansion card Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
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Figure 47. Removing an expansion card Figure 48. Installing the expansion card filler bracket Next steps Install the expansion card install the expansion card filler bracket. Installing and removing enclosure components...
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. 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
Figure 50. Installing an expansion card Next steps Install the expansion card riser assembly. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing the riser card Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
Figure 51. Removing the riser card Next steps Install the riser card. Installing the riser card Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. Steps 1. Place the riser card into the expansion card bracket. 2. Using the Phillips #2 screwdriver, tighten the screws that secure the riser card to the expansion card bracket. Installing and removing enclosure components...
Figure 52. Installing the riser card Next steps 1. If removed, install the expansion card. Install the expansion card riser assembly. 3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing the M.2 SATA x16 riser Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
Figure 53. Removing the M.2 SATA x16 riser Next steps Install the M.2 SATA x16 riser. Installing the M.2 SATA x16 riser Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. Steps 1. Connect the data cable to the riser. 2.
Figure 54. Installing the M.2 SATA x16 riser Next steps 1. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing the M.2 SATA card Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
Figure 55. Removing the M.2 SATA card from the M.2 SATA x16 riser Figure 56. Removing the M.2 SATA card from the x8 mezzanine card Next steps Install the M.2 SATA card Installing the M.2 SATA card Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
Figure 57. Installing the M.2 SATA card on the SATA x16 riser Figure 58. Installing the M.2 SATA card on the SATA x8 mezzanine card Next steps 1. If removed, install the expansion card riser assembly. Install the M.2 x16 riser install the M.2 SATA x8 mezzanine card.
Removing the M.2 SATA x16 riser Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system. Remove the sled from the enclosure. Steps 1. Using the Phillips #1 screwdriver, loosen the screw that secures the riser to the sled. 2.
Figure 60. Installing the M.2 SATA x16 riser Next steps Install the sled into the enclosure. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing the M.2 SATA card Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions..
Figure 61. Removing the M.2 SATA card from the M.2 SATA x16 riser Figure 62. Removing the M.2 SATA card from the x8 mezzanine card Next steps Install the M.2 SATA card. Installing the M.2 SATA card Prerequisites 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
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Figure 63. Installing the M.2 SATA card on the SATA x16 riser Figure 64. Installing the M.2 SATA card on the SATA x8 mezzanine card Next steps 1. If removed, install the expansion card riser assembly. Install the M.2 x16 riser or the M.2 SATA x8 mezzanine card.
Mezzanine and OCP cards Removing a mezzanine card Prerequisites NOTE: The procedure to remove the mezzanine blank is similar to the removal of a mezzanine card. 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions. 2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.
Figure 65. Removing a mezzanine card Next steps Install the mezzanine card install the mezzanine card filler bracket. Installing a mezzanine card Prerequisites NOTE: The procedure to install the mezzanine blank is similar to the removal of a mezzanine card. 1.
4. Using the Phillips #2 screwdriver, secure the mezzanine card and bracket assembly to the sled using screws. Figure 66. Installing a mezzanine card Next steps Install the mezzanine card install the mezzanine card filler bracket. Install the expansion card riser assembly 3.
Steps Pull the mezzanine card bridge board away from the mezzanine card slot on the system board. Figure 67. Removing the mezzanine card bridge board Next steps Install the mezzanine card board bridge. Installing the mezzanine card bridge board Prerequisites 1.
Next steps Install the mezzanine card. Install the expansion card riser assembly. 3. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. Removing the OCP card Prerequisites NOTE: The procedure to remove the mezzanine blank is similar to the removal of a mezzanine card. 1.
For more information, see the safety information that shipped with your system. NOTE: Battery is a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU). Only Dell certified service technicians must remove or install system battery. 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
For more information, see the safety information that shipped with your system. NOTE: Battery is a Field Replaceable Unit (FRU). Removal and installation procedures are to be performed only by Dell certified service technicians. 1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions.
Figure 72. Installing the system battery Next steps 1. If removed, install the expansion card riser. 2. Follow the procedure listed in After working inside your system. 3. While booting, press F2 to enter System Setup and ensure that the battery is operating properly. 4.
Figure 73. Removing the system board Next steps Install the system board. Installing system board Prerequisites Follow the safety guidelines listed in Safety instructions CAUTION: To avoid damage to the system board, ensure that the system board does not touch the side walls of the sled chassis, while sliding the system board into the sled.
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6. Import your new or existing iDRAC Enterprise license. For more information, see iDRAC User's Guide, at www.dell.com/idracmanuals. Restoring the Service Tag by using the Easy Restore feature By using the Easy Restore feature, you can restore your Service Tag, license, UEFI configuration, and the system configuration data after replacing the system board.
Service Tag. After the Service Tag is entered, it cannot be updated or changed. 5. Click OK. 6. Import your new or existing iDRAC Enterprise license. For more information, see the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller User's Guide at www.dell.com/idracmanuals. Trusted Platform Module Upgrading the Trusted Platform Module Prerequisites 1.
About this task CAUTION: If you are using the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) with an encryption key, you may be prompted to create a recovery key during program or System Setup. Work with the customer to create and safely store this recovery key.
The TPM Status changes to Enabled, Activated. Initializing the TPM 1.2 for TXT users Steps 1. While booting your system, press F2 to enter System Setup. 2. On the System Setup Main Menu screen, click System BIOS > System Security Settings. 3.
System diagnostics If you experience a problem with your system, run the system diagnostics before contacting Dell for technical assistance. The purpose of running system diagnostics is to test your system hardware without using additional equipment or risking data loss. If you are unable to fix the problem yourself, service and support personnel can use the diagnostics results to help you solve the problem.
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Menu Description 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. This is displayed if at least one event description is recorded.
Jumpers and connectors This topic provides specific information about the jumpers. It also provides some basic information about jumpers and switches and describes the connectors on the various boards in the system. Jumpers on the system board help to disable the system and setup passwords.
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.
Dell EMC product catalog. Availability varies by country and product, and some services may not be available in your area. To contact Dell EMC for sales,...
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.
This section provides information about the documentation resources for your PowerEdgeC6420system. To view the document that is listed in the documentation resources table: ● From the Dell EMC support site: 1. Click the documentation link that is provided in the Location column in the table.
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Enterprise Systems Management documents. Working with the For information about understanding www.dell.com/storagecontrollermanuals Dell PowerEdge the features of the Dell PowerEdge RAID controllers RAID controllers (PERC), Software RAID controllers, or BOSS card and deploying the cards, see the Storage controller documentation. Understanding For information about the event and www.dell.com/qrl...
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Table 14. Documentation resources Task Document Location Troubleshooting For information about identifying https://www.dell.com/ your system and troubleshooting the PowerEdge poweredgemanuals C6420system issues, see the Server Troubleshooting Guide. Documentation resources...