Install a PCIe riser assembly (ConnectX-6)

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

About this task

Important

Gap pad/putty pad replacement guidelines

• To identify the gap pad/putty pad location and orientation, see:

  • Required Tools list in the following section.

  • 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.

Required tools

Make sure you have the ConnectX-6 Putty Pad Kit to properly replace the component. Putty pad cannot be reused. Whenever a component is removed, putty pads must be replaced with new ones before reinstalling the component.

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 Internal cable routing.

Attention

The type of PCIe riser installed in slot 1 and slot 2 are different. Cable-ended riser must be installed in Slot 1. See the illustration below for proper PCIe riser installation.

Figure 1. Types of PCIe riser installed in slot 1 and slot 2

Firmware and driver download: You might need to update the firmware or driver after replacing a component.

• Go to Drivers and Software download website for ThinkSystem SD665 V3 to see the latest firmware and driver updates for your server.

• Go to Update the firmware for more information on firmware updating tools.

Procedure

1. Remove the blank bezel fillers if they are installed.
   Figure 2. 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 3. Interface plate installation
   
   
3. Replace the interface plate putty pad with a new one. Make sure to follow Gap pad/putty pad replacement guidelines.
   Attention

   Putty pad cannot be reused. Whenever a component is removed, putty pads must be replaced with new ones before reinstalling the component.

   Figure 4. 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.
   Note

   The following illustration might differ slightly from your hardware, but the installation method is the same.

   Figure 5. 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 6. Clamp bracket captive screw installation
   
   
6. Install the heatpipe beam and secure it with one screw.
   Figure 7. Heatpipe beam installation