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Install a middle drive cage

Use this information to install a middle drive cage.

About this task

Depending on the server configurations, some server models support one of the following middle drive cages.

Drive cage typeBackplane type
2.5-inch 8-bay middle drive cage

  • Two 2.5-inch SAS/SATA 4-bay backplanes

  • Two 2.5-inch NVMe 4-bay backplanes

3.5-inch 4-bay middle drive cage

One 3.5-inch SAS/SATA 4-bay backplane
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.

  • The middle drive cage is supported on some server models with thermal requirements. See Thermal rules to ensure that the server is under permitted ambient temperature and the correct heat sink and system fans are used. If needed, replace your heat sink or system fan first.

  • If you are upgrading the server to the 32 x 2.5-inch NVMe configuration, replace your cable wall bracket first. See (For 32 NVMe) Replace cable wall brackets.

Watch the procedure
  • A video of this procedure is available at YouTube.

Procedure

  1. Connect cables to the backplanes.
  2. Install the backplane onto the middle drive cage.
    Figure 1. Installing the 2.5-inch middle drive backplane
    Installing the 2.5-inch middle drive backplane

    1. Align the bottom of the backplane with the studs at the bottom of the drive cage, and lower the backplane into the drive cage.
    2. Push the top of the backplane forward until it clicks in place. Ensure that the holes in the backplane pass through the pins on the drive cage, and the release latches secure the backplane in position.
    Figure 2. Installing the 3.5-inch middle drive backplane
    Installing the 3.5-inch middle drive backplane

    1. Align the bottom of the backplane with the studs at the bottom of the drive cage, and lower the backplane into the drive cage.
    2. Push the top of the backplane forward so that the holes in the backplane pass through the pins on the drive cage, and close the release latches to secure the backplane in position.
  3. Install the middle drive cage and drives.
    Note

    • The illustration shows installing the 2.5-inch middle drive cage. The procedure is the same for installing the 3.5-inch middle drive cage.

    • If any cables need to go through beneath the middle cage, route the cables before installing the middle cage.

    Figure 3. Installing the middle drive cage and drives
    Installing the middle drive and drives

    1. Align the pins on the middle cage with the corresponding slots on the chassis.
    2. Lower the drive cage down into place.
    3. Install drives into the middle drive cage. See Install a hot-swap drive.
    4. Rotate the handle to close it.
  4. Connect cables from the backplanes to the system board or RAID/HBA adapters. See Internal cable routing.