Replacing a ServeRAID SAS/SATA controller

Use this information to replace a ServeRAID SAS/SATA controller.

Before you install the SAS/SATA adapter from the system board, complete the following steps:

1. Read Safety and Installation guidelines.
2. If the compute node is installed in a NeXtScale n1200 Enclosure, remove it (see Removing a compute node from a chassis for instructions).
3. Carefully lay the compute node on a flat, static-protective surface, orienting the compute node with the bezel pointing toward you.

Depending on the server model, the server comes with either a ServeRAID N2215, or a ServeRAID M5225 SAS/SATA adapter installed.

Note

Remove the PCI bracket that comes with ServeRAID M5225 adapter before installing it in the dedicated connector on the system board.

You can replace the ServeRAID controller with another supported ServeRAID controller. For a list of supported ServeRAID controllers, see the Lenovo ServerProven website.

Note

For brevity, in this documentation the ServeRAID SAS/SATA controller is often referred to as the SAS/SATA adapter or the ServeRAID adapter.

To install the SAS/SATA adapter to the system board, complete the following steps:

Note

If possible, backup or record your RAID configuration information before replacing the adapter. See the documentation for your RAID adapter for information and instructions. Documentation for ServeRAID adapters can be downloaded from the Lenovo Support Portal.

1. Remove the cover (see Removing the compute node cover).
2. If you are installing a new or replacement SAS/SATA adapter, touch the static-protective package that contains the new SAS/SATA adapter to any unpainted metal surface on the server. Then, remove the new SAS/SATA adapter from the package.
3. Install the SAS/SATA adapter to the riser cage and close the retention bracket. It will secure the SAS/SATA adapter in place when the adapter is firmly seated into the connector.
   Figure 1. RAID adapter installation
   
   
4. Route the backplane signal cables (see Cabling hard disk drive with ServeRAID SAS/SATA controller).
5. Connect the signal cables to the SAS/SATA adapter:
6. Align the riser card golden finger with the planar RAID PCI slot.
7. Insert the adapter riser cage into the RAID connector until it is firmly seated.
   Attention

   Incomplete insertion might cause damage to the server or the adapter.

   Figure 2. ServeRAID adapter installation
   
   

   Note

   Remove the PCI bracket that comes with ServeRAID N2215 adapter before installing it in the dedicated connector on the system board.
8. Reconnect any cables that you removed.
9. Reinstall the cover (see Installing the compute node cover).
10. Turn on the peripheral devices and the server.
11. If you are replacing a ServeRAID adapter, import your RAID configuration to the replacement adapter as a foreign configuration. See the ServeRAID-M Software User Guide at the ServeRAID-M Software User's Guide for instructions.

Note

When you restart the server, you are prompted to import the existing RAID configuration to the new ServeRAID adapter.