Exxact Server Quick-Start Guide

Thank you for choosing an Exxact Corporation HPC system. We have created this document to help you get started with your new Exxact system quickly and efficiently. Exxact Corporation specializes in developing and manufacturing high-performance computing platforms, including enterprise-grade servers designed for demanding workloads.

This quick start guide will walk you through the essential steps to set up, configure, and begin using your Exxact server. Whether you've purchased a server for AI and deep learning, high-performance computing (HPC), big data analytics, cloud applications, or visualization workloads, this guide provides the fundamental information you need to get your system operational.

Note

Before starting the setup process, make sure to check for any physical damage or loose screws inside the system. Make sure to save the system’s box and packaging materials for at least 30 days

Please be aware that the product images are intended as a guide. The actual item you receive may have slight differences in appearance or features from what is depicted.

Connecting Power to Your Server

Connect AC power cables to each power supply unit(PSU). The PSUs must be connected to a 240v outlet.

Your server's PSUs will have either a C13 or C19 power inlet. Use a power cable with a matching C14 or C20 plug, respectively. While both types of connectors are capable of providing 240v to the PSU, the C13/C14 connectors are rated for 10A while the C19/C20 cables are rated to 16A.

Add warning not to use an adapter due to amperage requirement

Using an incompatible connector may void your warranty and poses a fire hazard.

This is an example of a C13 inlet and a C14 plug. 

This is an example of a C19 inlet and a C20 plug. 

Each PSU will have an LED next to the power connector. Once the PSUs have bene connected to power, ensure that the PSU LEDs are lit before proceeding.

Example of server highlighting where the PSUs are located

Depending on the server, there may only be 2 PSUs. In the image above, there are 4 PSUs. Notice the lights above the power cables.

Connecting Peripherals

If you intend to use a monitor or crash cart with the system, connect the monitor to the server's VGA port. You can connect the mouse, keyboard, and any other peripheral to the available USB ports on the server. 

USB and VGA port locations on an example server

USB and VGA cable connected to the server from a crash cart

Server connected to crash cart

If you intend to connect the monitor to a KVM device, please connect the KVM to the server's VGA port. You can connect the KVM's USB cable to any available USB port on the server. 

Example of KVM device

Connecting Your Server to the Network

Connect Ethernet cables to production and management network adapter ports.

Observe the network adapter LED’s colors and blinks to ensure the network adapter is connecting to the network.

Example of KVM device

Example Management port

Power On Your Server

Turn on the server with the front panel power button. Make sure to monitor the system’s LEDs to ensure the system is powering on correctly. The fans will be loud during the initial power on process.

Power button is lit

Login

The system will automatically boot to the OS. After a few minutes, you will see a login prompt. Log in using the credentials found on the included system info flyer.

Your system info flyer contains credentials for your IPMI, OS, and any additional installed software.

Important documents included with your system will be found in a clear zip lock bag

IPMI/ System Info, OS Login, Software Credentials

Next Steps

Now that your Exxact server is up and running, consider these next steps to maximize your investment:

1. Explore Additional Documentation: Visit our online knowledge base for comprehensive guides on advanced configuration, optimization, and management of your server.
2. Confirm System Configuration: We recommend running our support tool to  ensure that the system’s configuration is correct. 
3. Software Updates: Update your OS, driver, and software updates to ensure optimal performance and security. Please note that Linux updates will break your Nvidia drivers. This article will walk you through updating the Nvidia drivers.

Getting Help

If you encounter any issues not covered in this guide or our documentation:

Contact Technical Support: Our expert support team is available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST.

Technical Documentation: Please visit our knowledge base for documentation pertaining to your system as well as guides to solve common issues. 

Thank you for choosing Exxact for your high-performance computing needs. We're committed to your success and helping you achieve breakthrough results with our technology.