Dell 6100 User Manual

Also see for 6100: Rack installation Supplemental guide Hardware guide Service manual Installation and troubleshooting guide

Contents

Dell 6100 User Manual Manual pdf 95 page image

Maintaining the System C-3TemperatureTemperature extremes can cause a variety of problems,including premature aging and failure of chips ormechanical failure of devices. Extreme temperature fluc-tuations can cause chips to become loose in their socketsand can cause expansion and contraction of disk driveplatters, resulting in read or write data errors. When youperform a low-level format operation on a hard-diskdrive, it is important to ensure that the drive’s surround-ing temperature is at or near the temperature at which thedrive will be operated. Failure to do so can result in relo-cation of the tracks on the disk platters.To minimize the negative effects of temperature on sys-tem performance, follow these guidelines:• Ensure that the system is operated in an environmentno colder than 10° Celsius (C) (50° Fahrenheit [F])or hotter than 35°C (95°F).• Ensure that the system has adequate ventilation. Donot place it within a closed-in wall unit or on top ofcloth material, which can act as insulation. Do notplace it where it will receive direct sunlight, particu-larly in the afternoon. Do not place it next to a heatsource of any kind, including heating vents duringwinterAdequate ventilation is particularly important at highaltitudes. System performance may not be optimumwhen the system is operating at high temperatures aswell as high altitudes.• Make sure that all slots and openings on the com-puter remain unobstructed, especially the fan guardon the back of the computer.• Clean the system at regular intervals to avoid anybuildup of dust and debris, which can cause a systemto overheat.• If the system has been exposed to abnormally coldtemperatures, allow at least a 15-minute warm-upperiod to bring it up to normal operating temperaturebefore turning it on. Failure to do so may causedamage to internal components, particularly thehard-disk drive.• If intermittent system failures are noticed, try reseat-ing any socketed chips, which might have becomeloose due to temperature fluctuations.HumidityHigh-humidity conditions can cause moisture migrationand penetration into the computer. This moisture cancause corrosion of internal components and degradationof properties such as electrical resistance, thermal con-ductivity, physical strength, and size. Extreme moisturebuildup inside the computer can result in electrical shorts,which can cause serious damage to the computer.Each Dell system is rated to operate at 8 to 80 percent rel-ative humidity, with a humidity gradation of 10 percentper hour. In storage, a Dell system can withstand from 8to 95 percent relative humidity.Buildings in which climate is controlled by air-conditioning in the warmer months and by heat duringthe colder months usually maintain an acceptable level ofhumidity for computer equipment. However, if a systemis located in an unusually humid location, a dehumidifiercan be used to maintain the humidity within an accept-able range.AltitudeOperating a system at high altitude (low pressure)reduces the efficiency of forced and convection coolingand can result in electrical problems related to arcing andcorona effects. This condition can also cause sealed com-ponents with internal pressure, such as electrolyticcapacitors, to fail or perform at reduced efficiency.Each Dell system is rated to operate at altitudes from –16to 3048 meters (m) (–50 to 10,000 feet [ft]) and can bestored at altitudes of –16 to 10,600 m (–50 to 35,000 ft).Dust and ParticlesA clean operating environment can greatly reduce thenegative effects of dust and other particles, which act asinsulators and interfere with the operation of a system’smechanical components. Also, in addition to regularcleaning, you should follow these guidelines to deter con-tamination of the computer equipment:• Do not permit smoking anywhere near the system.• Do not permit food or drink near the system.• Use dust covers when the system is not in use.