Supermicro SuperBlade Series, User Manual, Page: 13 / 66

1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
1-1 Overview
The SuperBlade is a compact self-contained server that connects to a pre-cabled
enclosure that provides power, cooling, management and networking functions. One
enclosure can hold up to either ten or fourteen blade units, depending upon the blade
enclosure used.
In this manual, “blade system” refers to the entire system (including the enclosure and
blades units), “blade” or “blade unit” refers to a single blade module and “blade
enclosure” is the unit that the blades, power supplies and modules are housed in.
Each Blade unit is optimized to fit into either a specific ten-blade or fourteen-blade
enclosure.
Please refer to our web site for information on operating systems that have been
certified for use with the SuperBlade (
www.supermicro.com/products/superblade/ ).
1-2 Quickstart Setup
This section covers how to quickly get your new SuperBlade system up and running.
Follow the procedure below to quickly setup your SuperBlade system.
1. Unpack the components of your SuperBlade system and check the packing list for
damaged or missing components.
2. Select a setup location for your system. See "Choosing a Setup Location" on
page 3-1 for details.
3. Setup any double-wide bays if you require any for double-wide modules in your
system. See
Section 4-2: Double-Wide Modules on page 4-13 for details.
4. Mount the SuperBlade chassis in your server rack. See "Installing the System Into a
Rack" on page 3-3 for details.
5. Install the power supply modules into the rear of the SuperBlade chasssis. See
"Installing a Power Supply" on page 5-3 for details.