Skip to main content

Install an M.2 drive

Follow instructions in this section to install an M.2 drive to the system board.

About this task

S002
disconnect all power
CAUTION
The power-control button on the device and the power switch on the power supply do not turn off the electrical current supplied to the device. The device also might have more than one power cord. To remove all electrical current from the device, ensure that all power cords are disconnected from the power source.
Attention

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

  • Touch the static-protective package that contains the component to any unpainted metal surface on the server; then, remove it from the package and place it on a static-protective surface.

Required tools

Make sure you have the required tools listed below in hand to properly replace the component.
  • Prepare corresponding thermal pad kits for replacing the M.2 drive installed in specific slot:
    • M.2 drive in slot 1:
      • System board thermal pad kit
      • Bottom cover thermal pad kit
    • M.2 drive in slot 2 or slot 3:
      • System board thermal pad kit
      • Top cover thermal pad kit
    See Thermal pad installation guidelines for details of thermal pad replacement.

Procedure

  1. Make preparation for this task.
    1. Locate the slot to install the M.2 drive.
      Attention
      If there is only one M.2 drive to be installed to the system board, the M.2 drive should be installed in slot 1.
      Figure 1. M.2 drive slot numbering

      1 Slot 1 / M.2 drive 02 Slot 2 / M.2 drive 1
      3 Slot 3 / M.2 drive 2 
  2. Proceed to the section corresponding to the M.2 drive to be installed:

Install the M.2 drive to slot 1​

Procedure

  1. Make preparation for this task.
    1. If a thermal pad is in any of the following conditions, replace the thermal pad with a new one. Make sure to follow Thermal pad installation guidelines.
      • The thermal pad is damaged or detached from the surface.
      • The new part to be installed is of different brand or form factor from the replaced one; the new part might cause thermal pads to be deformed or damaged.
      Figure 2. M.2 drive slot 1 thermal pads (Bottom cover & system board side)

  2. Install the M.2 drive.
    1. Hold the M.2 drive at an angle, and insert the drive into the M.2 slot.
    2. Lower the rear side of the M.2 drive down to the system board.
    3. Secure the M.2 drive with one screw.
      Figure 3. Installing the M.2 drive

After you finish

  1. Install the bottom cover. See Install the bottom cover.
  2. If applicable, install the expansion kit. See Install the expansion kit.
  3. If applicable, install the expansion filler. See Install the expansion filler.
  4. Install the fan shroud. See Install the fan shroud.
  5. Complete the parts replacement. See Complete the parts replacement.

Install the M.2 drive to slot 2 & slot 3​

Procedure

  1. Make preparation for this task.
    1. If a thermal pad is in any of the following conditions, replace the thermal pad with a new one. Make sure to follow Thermal pad installation guidelines.
      • The thermal pad is damaged or detached from the surface.
      • The new part to be installed is of different brand or form factor from the replaced one; the new part might cause thermal pads to be deformed or damaged.
      Figure 4. M.2 drive slot 2 & slot 3 thermal pads (Top cover & system board side)

  2. Slot 2 and slot 3 support M.2 22110 drives and M.2 2280 drives. Depending on the form factor, the installation procedure varies.
    1. Install an M.2 22110 drive
    2. Install an M.2 2280 drive
  3. Follow the procedure below to install an M.2 22110 drive.
    1. If applicable, remove the M.2 holder.
      1. Remove the two screws that secure the M.2 holder.
      2. Lift the M.2 holder from the system board.
      Figure 5. Removing the M.2 holder

    2. Install the M.2 drive.
      1. Hold the M.2 drive at an angle, and insert the drive into the M.2 slot.
      2. Lower the rear side of the M.2 drive down to the system board.
      3. Secure the M.2 drive with one screw.
      Figure 6. Installing an M.2 22110 drive

  4. Follow the procedure below to install an M.2 2280 drive.
    1. Make sure the M.2 holder is properly installed.
      1. Align the M.2 holder with the guide pins; then place the M.2 holder on the system board.
      2. Secure the M.2 holder with two screws.
      Figure 7. Installing the M.2 holder

    2. Install the M.2 drive.
      1. Hold the M.2 drive at an angle, and insert the drive into the M.2 slot.
      2. Lower the rear side of the M.2 drive down to the system board.
      3. Secure the M.2 drive with one screw.
      Figure 8. Installing an M.2 2280 drive

After you finish

  1. Install the top cover. See Install the top cover.
  2. Install the expansion kit or the expansion filler. See Install the expansion kit or Install the expansion filler.
  3. Install the fan shroud. See Install the fan shroud.
  4. Complete the parts replacement. See Complete the parts replacement.