CAUTION: Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the system cover and access any of the components inside the system. Before performing any procedure, see your Product Information Guide for complete information about safety precautions, working inside the computer, and protecting against electrostatic discharge.

NOTE: Unless explicitly stated, reference to Microsoft® Windows Server® 2003 in this guide implies reference to Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Enterprise x64 Edition, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise Edition, and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 Enterprise x64 Edition.

This document provides information for installing and connecting peripheral hardware, storage, and storage area network (SAN) components for your Dell™ PowerEdge™ Cluster FE655W solution. The PowerEdge Cluster FE655W solution is based on the PowerEdge 1855/1955 server modules, the DellEMC storage systems, and the Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition operating systems.

This document covers the following topics:

PowerEdge Cluster FE655W solution overview.

Supported SAN configurations.

Configuration information for installing peripheral and embedded hardware components into PowerEdge Cluster FE655W solution configurations. These components include the Fibre Channel daughter cards, the internal Fibre Channel switches or pass-through modules, the internal Gigabit Ethernet switches or pass-through modules, and the embedded server module network interface cards (NICs).

Configuration rules and guidelines for SAN-attached configurations.

Cluster Configuration Support Matrix.

NOTE: Configurations not listed in this document may not be certified or supported by Dell or Microsoft.

Overview

The PowerEdge Cluster FE655W solution is attached to a self-contained SAN formed by server modules from one or two PowerEdge 1855/1955 server enclosure(s). The server modules are interconnected to one or more storage systems in a direct-attached configuration, or in a SAN-attached configuration using one of the following methods:

Self-contained internal fabrics with Fibre Channel switch modules

External SAN using Fibre Channel pass-through modules

External SAN using Fibre Channel switch modules

The PowerEdge 1855/1955 server enclosure provides up to ten server modules, two Fibre Channel switch modules or pass-through modules, and two Gigabit (Gb) Ethernet switch modules or pass-through modules. Each server module has two embedded NICs and one Fibre Channel daughter card with two Fibre Channel ports.

The PowerEdge Cluster FE655W solution supports two to eight server modules running the Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition or the Windows Server 2003, Enterprise x64 Edition operating system that are installed in one or two PowerEdge 1855/1955 server enclosure(s).

Platform Guide

5

Page 5
Image 5
Dell FE655W manual Overview, Platform Guide

FE655W specifications

The Dell FE655W is a powerful and versatile workstation designed to meet the demands of professionals in various fields, including engineering, architecture, design, and data analysis. This workstation is part of Dell's Precision series and is engineered to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and expandability.

At the heart of the FE655W is Intel's latest generation of processors, providing users with the speed necessary to handle intensive workloads. With options for high-performance CPUs, including multi-core configurations, users can seamlessly multitask and run complex applications without any lag. This workstation supports a substantial amount of RAM, enabling users to execute high-demand tasks efficiently. The system can be configured with up to 128GB of memory, making it ideal for tasks such as 3D rendering, simulations, and large data set analyses.

One of the standout features of the FE655W is its advanced graphics capabilities. The workstation can be equipped with NVIDIA's professional GPUs, such as the RTX series, which are optimized for CAD, graphic design, video editing, and AI applications. This makes it suitable for professionals who require high-end visual performance and need to leverage graphics processing for data-heavy applications.

In terms of storage, the FE655W offers multiple options for SSD and HDD configurations. Users can opt for rapid NVMe SSDs that significantly enhance read and write speeds, ensuring quick access to data and applications. The expandable storage capability allows users to scale their systems as needed, accommodating growing data requirements.

The Dell FE655W emphasizes connectivity and expandability. It features a variety of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and Ethernet, facilitating seamless integration into any workspace. Additionally, the internal expansion slots allow users to add additional graphics cards, networking cards, or other peripherals as their needs evolve.

Another critical aspect of the FE655W is its thermal management system. The workstation includes advanced cooling technologies that help maintain optimal performance even under heavy workloads, ensuring that the system operates quietly and efficiently.

Overall, the Dell FE655W is an ideal solution for professionals seeking a robust workstation that combines top-notch performance with flexibility and future-proofing capabilities. Its high-performance design, coupled with advanced graphics and connectivity options, makes it a standout choice for any demanding professional environment.