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Install the 3.5-inch front drive backplane

Use this information to install the 3.5-inch front drive backplane.

About this task

The server supports one of the following backplanes. The installation procedure for the backplanes is the same.

  • 3.5-inch 8-bay SAS/SATA backplane

  • 3.5-inch 12-bay SAS/SATA backplane

  • 3.5-inch 12-bay AnyBay backplane

  • 3.5-inch 12-bay SAS/SATA backplane with Expander

  • 3.5-inch 8-bay SAS/SATA + 4-bay AnyBay backplane with Expander

Note
The backplanes with Expander and the 4 x 3.5-inch middle drive cage are not supported at the same time.
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.

Procedure

  1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new backplane to any unpainted surface on the outside of the server. Then, take the new backplane out of the package and place it on a static-protective surface.
  2. Connect the cables to the backplane. See Internal cable routing.
    Note
    If you find it easier to reconnect cables to the backplane after the backplane is installed. You can install the backplane first, and then reconnect the cables.
  3. Install the 3.5-inch drive backplane.
    Figure 1. 3.5-inch drive backplane installation
    Note
    Depending on the specific type, your backplane might look different from the illustration.

    3.5-inch-drive backplane installation

    1. Align the backplane with the chassis and lower it into the chassis. Then, put the backplane into place with it leaning backward slightly.
    2. Rotate the backplane to vertical position to ensure that the four hooks on the chassis pass through the corresponding holes in the backplane. Then, slide the new backplane as shown until it is secured into place.

After you finish

  1. Reinstall all the drives and fillers (if any) into the drive bays. See Install a hot-swap drive.

  2. Reinstall the fan cage. See Install the system fan cage.

  3. Reinstall the air baffle if you have removed it. See Install the air baffle.

  4. Complete the parts replacement. See Complete the parts replacement.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube