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Remove the M.2 backplane

Use this information to remove the M.2 backplane.

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.

  • Before you remove or make changes to drives, drive controllers (including controllers that are integrated on the system board), drive backplanes or drive cables, back up all important data that is stored on drives.

  • Before you remove any component of a RAID array (drive, RAID card, etc.), back up all RAID configuration information.

  • If one or more NVMe solid-state drives are to be removed, it is recommended to disable them beforehand via the operating system.

Procedure

  1. Remove the top cover. See Remove the top cover.
  2. Disconnect the M.2 cables from the system board.
    Note

    • If you need to disconnect cables from the system board, disengage all latches or release tabs on cable connectors first. Failing to release the tab before removing the cables will damage the cable sockets on the system board. Any damage to the cable sockets might require replacing the system board.

    • The connectors on your system board might look different from those in the illustration, but the removal procedure is the same.

      1. Press the release tab to release the connector.

      2. Disengage the connector from the cable socket.

    Figure 1. Disconnecting cables from the system board
    Disconnecting the front panel cable


    Disconnecting cables from the system board

  3. Remove the M.2 backplane.
    Figure 2. M.2 backplane removal
    Remove the M.2 backplane from the tray.

    1. Unfasten the screw that secures the M.2 backplane to the air baffle.

    2. Slide and release the M.2 backplane retention clip on the air baffle.

    3. Remove the M.2 backplane from the air baffle.

After you finish

  1. Remove the M.2 drives from the M.2 backplane. See Remove an M.2 drive.

  2. If you are instructed to return the defective component, follow all packaging instructions and use any packaging materials that are provided.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube