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Removing an adapter in a riser-card assembly

Use this information to remove an adapter.

This topic describes removing an adapter from a expansion slot in a riser-card assembly. These instructions apply to PCI adapters such as video graphic adapters and network adapters.

The following illustration shows the locations of the adapter expansion slots from the rear of the server.
Figure 1. PCI riser-card adapter expansion slot locations
PCI riser-card adapter expansion slot locations
The following table describes the maximal card dimension supported in each slot.
Table 1. The maximal card dimension supported in each slot.

Riser-card assemblySlot numberThe maximal card dimension supported
Riser-card assembly 11Double height, up to full length
2Not available
3Full height, half length
 4Low-profile
5Low-profile
Riser-card assembly 26Double height, up to full length
7Not available
8Full height, half length
Note
If you are replacing a high power graphics adapter, you might need to disconnect the internal power cable from the system board before removing the adapter.

To remove an adapter, complete the following steps:

  1. Read the safety information that begins on Safety and Removing and replacing guidelines.
  2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect all power cords; then, remove the top cover (see Removing the top cover).
  3. Press down on the left and right side latches and slide the server out of the rack enclosure until both slide rails lock; then, remove the top cover (see Removing the top cover).
  4. Remove the riser-card assembly that contains the adapter (see Removing a riser-card assembly).
    • If you are removing an adapter from PCI expansion slot 1, 2, or 3, remove riser-card assembly 1.
    • If you are removing an adapter from PCI expansion slot 6, 7 or 8, remove riser-card assembly 2.
  5. Disconnect any cables from the adapter (make note of the cable routing, in case you reinstall the adapter later).
  6. If you are removing a full-height, full-length adapter, pull the shipping bracket out of the riser-card assembly.
    Figure 2. Full-height, full-length adapter
    Full-height, full-length adapter
  7. 1 Slide the retention bracket; then, 2 rotate it to the open position.
  8. Remove the screws if present. These screws can be fastened to the side of the riser-card assembly for storage if needed.
    Figure 3. Adapter removal
    Adapter removal
  9. Carefully grasp the adapter by its top edge or upper corners, and pull the adapter from the PCI expansion slot.
  10. If you are instructed to return the adapter, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.