Chapter 10. Removing and Replacing Internal Components

This chapter describes how to remove and replace internal components of an Origin200 system:

Tools Required to Remove and Replace Components

These tools are required to service parts inside the Origin200 server:

  • #2 Phillips screwdriver

  • grounding (wrist) strap

  • needlenose pliers or large tweezers (when servicing the fans)

Miscellaneous Fasteners

The following miscellaneous fasteners are used in the Origin200 server:

  • plastic rivets to attach the fans to the fan bulkhead; spare rivets are included with replacement fans from Silicon Graphics

  • screws, Phillips, 6-32 x 1/4-inch, for internal components and attaching rack ears to a rackmount system

  • screws, Phillips, 10-32 x 1/2-inch, for attaching a rackmount system to an equipment rack

  • washers, #10 (.203 ID x .562 OD x .040 inch thick), for use with 10-32 x 1/2-inch screws in rackmounting

Removing and Replacing Internal Parts

This section describes how to remove and install the following internal parts of the Origin200 server:

  • SCSI backplane

  • fans

  • logic carrier

  • power supply

  • system controller

Procedures to remove and replace the following components are described in other chapters in this guide:

Preparing the Origin200 for Servicing

This procedure applies to all subsequent service instructions in this chapter, except for replacing the module system controller.

Follow these steps to prepare the Origin200 for servicing:

  1. Shut down the system.

  2. Turn off the main power switch.

  3. Disconnect all of the cables that are attached to the rear of the system (power, CrayLink Interconnect, Ethernet, and so on).

  4. Place the system on its side on a flat work surface.


    Caution: Two people are required to lift and move the Origin200 server.


  5. Remove the chassis access cover, as shown in Figure 10-1.

    Figure 10-1. Removing the Chassis Access Cover

    Figure 10-1 Removing the Chassis Access Cover

  6. Attach one end of a grounding strap to your wrist and the other to a metal portion of the Origin200 chassis.


    Warning: Whenever you work on internal components, always use a grounding (wrist) strap to prevent the flow of potentially damaging static electricity.


You are now finished preparing the system for servicing. Proceed with the next appropriate section, depending upon which component you are replacing.

Replacing the SCSI Backplane

If you have not done so already, follow the procedures in “Preparing the Origin200 for Servicing” to make sure the system is opened up and ready to work on.

  1. Remove any 3.5-inch drives from the drive bays.

  2. Detach the power cables from the SCSI backplane.

    • Note that the power cable plugs differ from each other. Figure 10-2 shows their locations.

    • If you are able, detach the SCSI cable from its connector; otherwise, wait until the backplane is partway out of the chassis.

      Figure 10-2. Cable Connections and Spring Clips on the SCSI Backplane

      Figure 10-2 Cable Connections and Spring Clips on the SCSI Backplane

  3. Snap down the six spring clips on the SCSI backplane. The spring clips are shown in Figure 10-2.

  4. Grasping the SCSI backplane by the edges, tilt it out. The backplane hangs on two pins; pull the backplane up off the pins.

  5. With the board partway out of the chassis, unhook the SCSI cable at the left side of
    the SCSI backplane, if you have not already done so. Remove the backplane from the chassis and set it aside.

Installing a New SCSI Backplane

Follow these steps to install a new SCSI backplane:

  1. Hang the new SCSI backplane over the guide pins on the sheet metal wall (the one towards the front of the chassis).

  2. As you lower the board in place, gently press in at the bottom of the board.

  3. Push the top of the SCSI backplane towards the sheet metal wall, being careful not to damage the LEDs as you guide them through their respective holes.

  4. Reattach the cables.

  5. Snap the six spring clips back up into place.

Replacing Fans

If you have not done so already, follow the procedures in “Preparing the Origin200 for Servicing” to make sure the system is opened up and ready to work on. Once you have opened the Origin200 chassis, follow these steps to remove a fan:

  1. Unplug the power connector from the fan to the power supply, as shown in Figure 10-3.

  2. Remove the two plastic rivets that hold the fan to the sheet metal, as shown in Figure 10-3. Push them out from behind the sheet metal with your fingertip.

    • Fan 1 is directly behind the 5.25-inch drive bay.

    • Fan 2 is in the middle, between fans 1 and 3.

    • Fan 3 is closest to the PCI backplane.

      Figure 10-3. Disconnecting the Fan and Fan Power Cable (Other Components Removed for Clarity)

      Figure 10-3 Disconnecting the Fan and Fan Power Cable (Other Components Removed for Clarity)

  3. Lift the fan out of the system, as shown in Figure 10-4.

    Figure 10-4. Removing the Fan From the System

    Figure 10-4 Removing the Fan From the System

Installing a New Fan

Follow these steps to install a fan:

  1. Lower the new fan into the system.

  2. Snap a plastic rivet in the top corners of the fan to secure it to the sheet metal.

    • The rivet has two parts: a sleeve and a pin.

    • Place the pin partway inside the sleeve, then slide both through the hole in the fan.

    • Press the pin and sleeve together towards the sheet metal. The pin and sleeve will slide into place with the ends of both protruding through the sheet metal.

    • If you have large hands or fingers, you may find it easier to handle the rivets with needlenose pliers or large tweezers.

Replacing the Logic Carrier

If you have not done so already, follow the procedures in “Preparing the Origin200 for Servicing” to make sure the system is opened up and ready to work on. Once you have opened the Origin200 chassis, follow these steps to remove the logic carrier:

  1. If there are any PCI boards in the system, remove them.

  2. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the sheet metal screw and captive fastener that secure the PCI plenum divider and lift the divider out of the system. See Figure 10-5.

    Figure 10-5. Unfastening the PCI Plenum Divider Sheetmetal

    Figure 10-5 Unfastening the PCI Plenum Divider Sheetmetal

  3. Lift the PCI plenum divider sheetmetal out of the system, as shown in Figure 10-6.

    Figure 10-6. Removing the PCI Plenum Divider

    Figure 10-6 Removing the PCI Plenum Divider

  4. Disconnect the cables that are attached to the logic carrier, as shown in Figure 10-7.

    • Detach the two SCSI cables.

    • Disconnect the power connector.

    • Remove the system controller cable.

    • Disconnect the PCI power cable.

      Figure 10-7. Disconnecting Cables from the Logic Carrier

      Figure 10-7 Disconnecting Cables from the Logic Carrier

  5. Unfasten the captive screws and sheet metal screws that secure the logic carrier. See Figure 10-7.

    Figure 10-8. Unfastening the Logic Carrier

    Figure 10-8 Unfastening the Logic Carrier

  6. Lift the logic carrier out of the system, as shown in Figure 10-9.

    • Grasp the logic carrier handle with one hand and the connector panel with the other.

    • As you lift the logic carrier, tilt the side with the CPU daughter card up slightly higher than the side with the PCI backplane. Angling the logic carrier in this way makes it easier remove.

      Figure 10-9. Removing the Logic Carrier

      Figure 10-9 Removing the Logic Carrier

Installing a New Logic Carrier

Follow these steps to replace the logic carrier.

  1. Lower the new logic carrier into the system, as shown in Figure 10-10.

    Figure 10-10. Lowering A Logic Carrier Into the System

    Figure 10-10 Lowering A Logic Carrier Into the System

  2. Secure the logic carrier by tightening the captive fasteners and installing the sheet metal screws, as shown in Figure 10-11.

    Figure 10-11. Fastening the Logic Carrier

    Figure 10-11 Fastening the Logic Carrier

  3. Attach the power, SCSI, and system controller cables to the logic carrier, as shown in Figure 10-12.

    Figure 10-12. Attaching the Logic Carrier Cables

    Figure 10-12 Attaching the Logic Carrier Cables

  4. Install the PCI plenum divider sheet metal as shown in Figure 10-13.

    • Be extremely careful not to pinch the SCSI cables when installing the PCI plenum divider.

    • Make sure that the SCSI cables are not underneath the plenum divider captive screw.

      Figure 10-13. Installing the PCI Plenum Divider

      Figure 10-13 Installing the PCI Plenum Divider

  5. Fasten the PCI plenum divider by tightening the captive screw and installing the sheet metal screw, as shown in Figure 10-14.

    Figure 10-14. Fastening the PCI Plenum Divider

    Figure 10-14 Fastening the PCI Plenum Divider

You are finished replacing the logic carrier. You can now reinstall any PCI option boards that were present in the system, and return the system to working order.

Replacing the Power Supply

If you have not done so already, follow the procedures in “Preparing the Origin200 for Servicing” to make sure the system is opened up and ready to work on.

Once you have opened the Origin200 chassis, follow these steps to remove the power supply:

Follow these steps to replace the power supply.

  1. Remove any PCI boards that are in the system.

  2. Remove the logic carrier as described in “Replacing the Logic Carrier”.

  3. Disconnect all cables from the power supply: fan power, the combined SCSI backplane and 5.25-inch drive power connector, and module system controller cable.

  4. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws that secure the power supply to the chassis, as shown in Figure 10-15.

    • There are six screws at the rear of the power supply.

      Figure 10-15. Removing the Power Supply Screws

      Figure 10-15 Removing the Power Supply Screws

  5. Remove the power supply, as shown in Figure 10-16.

    • Slide the power supply forward (towards the fans) until it unlatches from the chassis.

    • Lift the power supply out of the system.

      Figure 10-16. Removing the Origin200 Server Power Supply

      Figure 10-16 Removing the Origin200 Server Power Supply

Installing a New Power Supply In the Origin200 Server

Follow these steps to install a new power supply in an Origin200 server:

  1. Lower the power supply into the chassis with the power switch and receptacle towards the rear of the system.

  2. Slide the power supply back until it latches on the underside and the power switch and receptacle are flush with the back of the chassis.

  3. Install the screws at the rear of the system, as shown in Figure 10-17.

    • Six screws secure the power supply to the chassis.

      Figure 10-17. Location of Origin200 Server Power Supply Screws

      Figure  Location of Origin200 Server Power Supply Screws

  4. Reconnect some of the cables: fan power cables, SCSI drive power cable, module system controller cable.

  5. Install the logic carrier and any PCI boards.

  6. Replace the chassis access cover.

  7. If the system is in a tower configuration, replace both side panels.

Replacing the Module System Controller


Note: For this procedure, you do not have to follow the instructions in “Preparing the Origin200 for Servicing.” The module system controller can be removed with the system in place and fully assembled.

The module system controller (MSC) is mounted on a sheet-metal carrier to form a single, assembly. This assembly is housed behind the plastic bezel crossbar that forms the system front panel (where the status LED is located).

Follow these steps to remove the MSC:

  1. Power the system off and turn off the master power switch.

  2. Open the front door.

  3. Remove the front panel.

    • With your index finger, press against the catch on the inside of the recess in the crossbar, on the outside (right or top) of the recess. This recess is where the door lock fits. See Figure 10-18.

    • The crossbar swings out, hinging on the far side from the catch. Pull the crossbar out and set it aside.

      Figure 10-18. Removing the Front Bezel Crossbar

      Figure 10-18 Removing the Front Bezel Crossbar

  4. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the two screws that fasten the system controller assembly to the chassis, as shown in Figure 10-19.

    Figure 10-19. Removing the System Controller Assembly From the Chassis

    Figure 10-19 Removing the System Controller Assembly From the Chassis

  5. Pull out the system controller assembly and lay it on a flat worksurface.


    Caution: To prevent ESD damage to the module system controller, be careful not to touch the board's edge connectors (gold fingers).


  6. Remove the system controller board from its carrier; it is secured by a screw and two pins, as shown in Figure 10-20.

    • Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the screw.

    • Slide the board on the carrier until you can lift the board off the pins.

      Figure 10-20. Removing the Module System Controller Board From Its Carrier

      Figure 10-20 Removing the Module System Controller Board From Its Carrier

  7. Remove the NIC (number in a can) package from the controller board. The NIC is a silver-colored device located at the rear of the controller board. It looks like a very large watch battery. See Figure 10-21.

    • The NIC stores the system serial number and should stay with your original Origin200 server.

    • Slide the NIC out of its socket and put it aside. You will install the NIC in the replacement module system controller.

      Figure 10-21. Removing the NIC From the Module System Controller

      Figure 10-21 Removing the NIC From the Module System Controller

Installing a New Module System Controller

Follow these steps to attach a new module system controller board to the sheet metal carrier and install it in the system:

  1. Install the NIC from the original module system controller on the replacement controller board.

  2. Position the replacement controller board over the pins in the carrier; grasping the board by its sides, slide it so that the pins lock, making sure that the LED and button go through
    the proper holes. Screw in the reserved screw (shown in Figure 10-20).

  3. Remove the disks (or blanking plates if no disks are installed) from slots 5 and 6 of the Origin200 server. Removing the disks (or blanking plates) allows you to see how the edge connector on the module system controller board aligns with its socket inside the chassis.

  4. Slide the system controller assembly into the chassis.

    • The assembly only installs in one direction.

    • If necessary, guide the edge connector into its socket.

    • When the edge connector is fully seated, the front of the carrier assembly should be flush with the chassis.


Caution: To prevent ESD damage to the module system controller, be careful not to touch the board's edge connectors (gold fingers).


  1. Replace the two Phillips screws that hold the carrier in place.

  2. Replace the crossbar bezel.