Setup  34 
Optimum environment 
When installing the server, select a location that meets the environmental standards described in this section. 
 
Space and airflow requirements 
Tower server 
In a tower configuration, leave at least a 7.6-cm (3-in) clearance space at the front and back of the server for 
proper ventilation. 
Rack server 
To allow for servicing and adequate airflow, observe the following space and airflow requirements when 
deciding where to install a rack: 
•  Leave a minimum clearance of 63.5 cm (25 in) in front of the rack. 
•  Leave a minimum clearance of 76.2 cm (30 in) behind the rack. 
•  Leave a minimum clearance of 121.9 cm (48 in) from the back of the rack to the back of another rack 
or row of racks. 
HP servers draw in cool air through the front door and expel warm air through the rear door. Therefore, the 
front and rear rack doors must be adequately ventilated to allow ambient room air to enter the cabinet, and 
the rear door must be adequately ventilated to allow the warm air to escape from the cabinet. 
 
 
CAUTION: To prevent improper cooling and damage to the equipment, do not block the 
ventilation openings. 
 
When vertical space in the rack is not filled by a server or rack component, the gaps between the 
components cause changes in airflow through the rack and across the servers. Cover all gaps with blanking 
panels to maintain proper airflow. 
 
 
CAUTION: Always use blanking panels to fill empty vertical spaces in the rack. This arrangement 
ensures proper airflow. Using a rack without blanking panels results in improper cooling that can 
lead to thermal damage. 
 
The 9000 and 10000 Series Racks provide proper server cooling from flow-through perforations in the front 
and rear doors that provide 64 percent open area for ventilation.  
 
 
CAUTION: When using a Compaq branded 7000 Series rack, you must install the high airflow 
rack door insert [P/N 327281-B21 (42U) or P/N 157847-B21 (22U)] to provide proper 
front-to-back airflow and cooling. 
 
 
 
CAUTION: If a third-party rack is used, observe the following additional requirements to ensure 
adequate airflow and to prevent damage to the equipment: 
•  Front and rear doors—If the 42U rack includes closing front and rear doors, you must allow 
5,350 sq cm (830 sq in) of holes evenly distributed from top to bottom to permit adequate 
airflow (equivalent to the required 64 percent open area for ventilation). 
•  Side—The clearance between the installed rack component and the side panels of the rack 
must be a minimum of 7 cm (2.75 in).