Apple xserve early 2009 User Manual

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Video 71 2010-06-28
No Video
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
External display has no video, 
but activity lights flash at 
startup, drive operates, fan array 
is spinning, and power LED is 
illuminated.
• Device has power and boots, 
but no video output
1. Confirm the system configuration supports 
an external display.  Not all configurations do, 
although the Mini DisplayPort connector on 
the rear of the unit is present regardless. Using 
System Profiler you can...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical Issues: Thermal and Enclosure 72 2010-06-28
Mechanical Issues: Thermal and Enclosure
Failed or Fast Fans
Quick Check
SymptomQuick Check
System Fast/Failed Fans
• System feels very warm
• Computer is sluggish
• Fan(s) running fast
• Fan(s) not running at all
1. Verify the System has adequate airflow around 
the enclosure, front and rear vents not blocked.
2.  Verify the issue is not user perception - System 
functions correctly, and not running any warmer...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical Issues: Thermal and Enclosure 73 2010-06-28
2. Determine if there are runaway 
applications or processes 
consuming the CPU’s - Verify 
using ‘Activity Monitor’. Are 
any runaway applications or 
processes present?
YesThe application or process 
may have crashed. 
Alternatively check with 
the software vendor for 
compatibility and software 
update.
NoThere are no runaway 
applications or processes. Go 
to step 3.
3. Press the SMC Reset button 
on the logic...

Xserve (Early 2009) Symptom Charts — Mechanical Issues: Thermal and Enclosure 74 2010-06-28
6. Clear out any obstructions 
such as dust or internal 
cables from the fan array 
and heatsinks. Reseat fan 
array connections to drive 
interconnect backplane. Ensure 
no damage to heatsinks ie 
bent or crushed fins. Reseat 
CPU(s) and heatsink(s). Run 
Server Monitor  and AXD to 
verify the thermal sensor and 
fan circuity is functioning 
correctly. Verify all fans are 
rotating at close to minimum 
speed...

© 2008 Apple Inc. All rights reserved.
 Apple Technician Guide 
Take Apart
Xserve (Early 2009)   

Xserve (Early 2009) Take Apart — General Information 76 2010-06-28
General Information
Orientation
For most take-apart procedures, Apple recommends removing the computer from the rack 
before removing or installing the part. 
Tools
The following tools are required to service all configurations of the computer:
• Magnetized Phillips #1 screwdriver
• Magnetized Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Magnetized 3 mm Hex screwdriver
• Xserve Allen wrench key
• Thermal grease kit (Apple part number 076-1225)
• Nylon probe...

Xserve (Early 2009) Take Apart — General Information 77 2010-06-28
Icon Legend
The following icons are used in this chapter:
IconMeaning
Warning or caution
Check; make sure you do this
Challenging procedure; requires more 
thought and/or time until you are 
familiar with it
Note on Illustrations
Because a pre-production model was used for the illustrations in this manual, you may notice 
small differences between the image pictured and the computer you are servicing.  

Xserve (Early 2009) Take Apart — Apple Drive Module 78 2010-06-28
First Steps
Caution: Make sure data 
is backed up before 
removing or replacing the 
drive.
.
Tools
• Xserve Allen wrench 
key
Apple Drive Module  

Xserve (Early 2009) Take Apart — Apple Drive Module 79 2010-06-28
Removal
1 Make sure the locking 
mechanism is in the 
unlocked position.
4 Press the handle on 
the drive. Wait for the 
upper LED to turn off
2  

Xserve (Early 2009) Take Apart — Apple Drive Module 80 2010-06-28
5 Grasp handle on the 
replacement drive. 
Pull module out of 
the Xserve.
Replacement
1 Slide module into the 
bay until it is firmly 
seated.
2 Press the handle flush 
with the front panel.
Replacement Note: If you 
replace the hard drive 
with a new one, format 
the new drive.