Skip to main content

Install a PCIe riser assembly (ConnectX-6)

Use this information to install a PCIe riser assembly with ConnectX-6 adapter.

About this task

Required tools

Make sure you have the following kits at hand to properly replace the component:

  • Miscellaneous parts kit

  • Conduction plate parts (only damaged parts need to be replaced)

  • ConnectX-6 Putty pad kit

Important
Gap pad/putty pad replacement guidelines

  • To identify the gap pad/putty pad location and orientation, see Gap pad/Putty pad identification and location.

  • Before replacing the gap pad/putty pad, gently clean the interface plate or the hardware surface with an alcohol cleaning pad.

  • Hold the gap pad/putty pad carefully to avoid deformation. Make sure no screw hole or opening is blocked by the gap pad/putty pad material.

  • Do not use expired putty pad. Check the expiry date on putty pad package. If the putty pads are expired, acquire new ones to properly replace them.

Attention

  • Read Installation Guidelines and Safety inspection checklist to ensure that you work safely.

  • Turn off the corresponding DWC tray that you are going to perform the task on.

  • Disconnect all external cables from the enclosure.

  • Use extra force to disconnect QSFP cables if they are connected to the solution.

Note

For more information on selecting riser slot for PCIe riser installation, see PCIe adapter in compute node cable routing.

Procedure

  1. Remove the blank bezel fillers if they are installed.
    Figure 1. Blank bezel filler removal
    Blank bezel filler removal
  2. If the interface plate was removed, place the interface plate onto the node; then, secure the interface plate with two Torx T10 screws.
    Figure 2. Interface plate installation
    Interface plate installation
  3. Replace the interface plate putty pad with a new one. Make sure to follow Gap pad/putty pad replacement guidelines.
    Figure 3. Interface plate putty pad for CX-6 riser
    Interface plate putty pad for CX-6 riser
  4. Install the PCIe riser assembly.
    1. Install one hex standoff screw to the cold plate.
    2. Align the tab on the PCIe riser assembly with the slot on the front of the node; then, insert the PCIe riser assembly onto the system board.
    3. Secure the riser assembly with one screw.
    Figure 4. PCIe riser assembly installation
    PCIe riser assembly installation
  5. Secure the PCIe riser assembly.
    1. Install the clamp bracket and fasten the captive screw.
    2. Fasten the captive screw on the PCIe riser assembly.
    Figure 5. Clamp bracket captive screw installation
    Clamp bracket captive screw installation
  6. If necessary, install the heatpipe beam and secure it with one screw.
    Figure 6. Heatpipe beam installation
    Heatpipe beam installation
After you finish

  1. For shared I/O or socket direct configurations, route the cables. See Internal cable routing for cable routing details.

  2. Install the tray cover. See Install the tray cover.

  3. Install the tray into the enclosure. See Install a DWC tray in the enclosure.

    Attention

    Shared I/O configuration requires specific power on and power off sequence for the two nodes, see below:

    • Power on sequence: first, power on the node with main adapter (right node); then, power on the node with auxiliary adapter (left node).

    • Power off sequence: first, power off the node with auxiliary adapter (left node); then, power off the node with main adapter (right node).

  4. Connect all required external cables to the solution.
    Note
    Use extra force to connect QSFP cables to the solution.

  5. Check the power LED on each node to make sure it changes from fast blink to slow blink to indicate all nodes are ready to be powered on.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube