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Install the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive

Use this information to install the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive.

Read the installation GuidelinesPower off the server for this taskATTENTION: Static Sensitive Device Ground package before opening
Before installing the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive:

  1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new M.2 backplane and M.2 drive to any unpainted surface on the outside of the server. Then, take the new M.2 backplane and M.2 drive out of the package and place them on a static-protective surface.

  2. Adjust the retainer on the M.2 backplane to accommodate the particular size of the M.2 drive you wish to install. See Adjust the retainer on the M.2 backplane.

  3. Locate the connector on each side of the M.2 backplane.
    Note

    • Some M.2 backplanes support two identical M.2 drives. When two M.2 drives are installed, align and support both M.2 drives when sliding the retainer forward to secure the M.2 drives.

    • Install the M.2 drive in slot 0 first.

    Figure 1. M.2 drive slot
    M.2 drive slot
    • 1 Slot 0
    • 2 Slot 1

To install the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive, complete the following steps:

Watch the procedure

A video of this procedure is available at YouTube.

Figure 2. M.2 drive installation
M.2 drive installation

  1. Insert the M.2 drive at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the connector.
    Note
    If your M.2 backplane supports two M.2 drives, insert the M.2 drives into the connectors at both sides.
  2. Rotate the M.2 drive down until the notch 1 catches on the lip of the retainer 2.
  3. Slide the retainer forward (toward the connector) to secure the M.2 drive into place.
    Attention
    When sliding the retainer forward, ensure that the two nubs 3 on the retainer enter the small holes 4 on the M.2 backplane. Once they enter the holes, you will hear a soft “click” sound.
    Figure 3. Instruction for sliding the retainer
    Slide the retainer forward to secure the M.2 drive.
  4. Align the blue plastic supports at each end of the M.2 backplane with the guide pins on the system board. Then, insert the M.2 backplane into the M.2 slot on the system board and press it down to fully seat it.
    Figure 4. M.2 backplane installation
    Install the M.2 backplane into the backplane slot.
For server models with twelve 3.5-inch hot-swap drives, if you are installing the 480 GB M.2 drive, install the M.2 drive air baffle for proper airflow.
Figure 5. M.2 drive air baffle installation Install the M.2 drive air baffle.