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. PCIe adapters vary by type, but the installation procedure is the same.

About this task

Riser cages vary by server rear configurations. This topic uses the riser 1 cage with three full-height (FH) slots as an example for installation illustration. The installation procedure is the same for other riser cages.

Note

A 7mm drive cage can be installed in PCIe slot 3 or slot 6, but not both at the same time. To install a 7mm drive cage, see Install the 7mm drive cage.

Server rear configuration	Riser 1 cage	Riser 2 cage	Riser 3 cage
Configuration with 8 PCIe slots	Type 1: 3FH riser cage Type 2: 2FH + 7mm riser cage	Type 1: 3FH riser cage Type 2: 2FH + 7mm riser cage	Type 3: 2FH riser cage
Configuration with a 4 x 2.5-inch rear drive cage	Type 1: 3FH riser cage Type 2: 2FH + 7mm riser cage	Type 1: 3FH riser cage Type 2: 2FH + 7mm riser cage
Configuration with an 8 x 2.5-inch rear drive cage	Type 1: 3FH riser cage Type 2: 2FH + 7mm riser cage	Type 3: 1FH riser cage Type 4: 7mm riser cage
Configuration with a 2 x 3.5-inch rear drive cage	Type 1: 3FH riser cage Type 2: 2FH + 7mm riser cage	Type 3: 1FH riser cage Type 4: 7mm riser cage
Configuration with a 4 x 3.5-inch rear drive cage	Type 3: 1FH riser cage	Type 3: 1FH riser cage Type 4: 7mm riser cage

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.

Procedure

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. Remove the riser assembly.
   Figure 1. Riser assembly removal
   1. Loosen the screw that secures the riser assembly.
   2. Grasp the riser assembly by its edges and carefully lift it straight up and off the chassis.
3. Install a PCIe adapter.
   Note

   Carefully handle the PCIe adapter by its edges.

   Figure 2. 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
   

   

   
   
   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.