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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:

  • 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
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
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.

Procedure

  1. Remove the blank bezel fillers if they are installed.
    Figure 2. 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 3. 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.
    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
    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
    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
    Clamp bracket captive screw installation
  6. Install the heatpipe beam and secure it with one screw.
    Figure 7. 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 cross braces. See Install the cross braces.

  3. Install the tray cover. See Install the tray cover.

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

  5. Connect all required external cables to the solution.
    Note
    Use extra force to connect QSFP cables to the solution.
  6. 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