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Install a PCIe adapter and riser assembly

Use this information to install a PCIe adapter and riser assembly. The PCIe adapter can be an Ethernet card, a host bus adapter, a RAID adapter, an add-in PCIe SSD adapter, or any other supported PCIe adapters.

About this task

Attention

  • Read Installation Guidelines to ensure that you work safely.

  • Power off the server and disconnect all power cords for this task.

  • Prevent exposure to static electricity, which might lead to system halt and loss of data, by keeping static-sensitive components in their static-protective packages until installation, and handling these devices with an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding system.

  • Read Technical rules for PCIe slots to select an appropriate PCIe slot for the PCIe adapter.

  • When there is only one processor installed, six system fans are needed if a middle drive cage, rear drive cage, or riser 3 is installed.

Procedure

Note
The illustration shows installing the riser 1 assembly. The procedure is the same for installing other riser assemblies.

  1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new component to any unpainted surface on the outside of the server. Then, take the new component out of the package and place it on a static-protective surface.
  2. (Optional) Install a riser card in the riser cage.
    Figure 1. Riser card installation
    Riser card installation (three-slot riser bracket)

    1. Align the holes in the riser card with the mounting studs on the bracket. Install the riser card to the bracket in the direction as shown.
    2. Install the two screws to secure the riser card to the bracket.
  3. Install a PCIe adapter.
    Note

    • Carefully handle the PCIe adapter by its edges.

    • For PCIe adapters in riser 1 and riser 2 and ThinkSystem AMD X3522 10/25GbE DSFP28 2-port PCIe Ethernet Adapter, install the screw to secure the adapter before closing the retention latch if the server needs to be shipped.

    Figure 2. PCIe adapter installation
    PCIe adapter installation

    1. Align the PCIe adapter with the PCIe slot on the riser card. Carefully press the PCIe adapter straight into the slot until it is securely seated and its bracket also is secured.
    2. Rotate the PCIe adapter retention latch to the closed position.
  4. Install the riser assembly into chassis.
    Figure 3. Riser assembly installation
    Riser assembly installation

    1. Align the riser card with the riser slot on the system board. Carefully press the riser card straight into the slot until it is securely seated.
    2. Tighten the screw to secure the riser cage.
  5. Connect cables to the riser card and PCIe adapter. See Internal cable routing.

After you finish

  1. If you have installed a RAID 930 or 940 adapter, install a RAID flash power module. See RAID flash power module replacement.

  2. You might need to update the firmware or driver after replacing the adapter.

  3. Complete the parts replacement. See Complete the parts replacement.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube