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Remove the 3.5-inch-drive backplane

Use this information to remove the 3.5-inch-drive backplane.

Note
The procedure is based on the scenario that you want to remove the backplane for up to twelve 3.5-inch drives. The procedure is similar for the backplane for up to eight 3.5-inch drives.
Before removing the 3.5-inch-drive backplane:
  1. Remove the top cover. See Remove the top cover.

  2. Remove the system fan cage for easier operation. See Remove the system fan cage.

  3. Remove all the installed drives and fillers (if any) from the drive bays. See Remove a hot-swap drive.

To remove the 3.5-inch-drive backplane, complete the following steps:

Watch the procedure

A video of this procedure is available at YouTube.

Figure 1. 3.5-inch-drive backplane removal
3.5-inch-drive backplane removal

  1. Pull the release pins and slightly slide the backplane in the direction as shown.
  2. Pivot the backplane backward slightly to release it from the four hooks on the chassis. Then, carefully lift the backplane out of the chassis.
  3. Record the cable connections on the backplane and then disconnect all cables from the backplane. For information about the backplane cable routing, see Backplane.
If you are instructed to return the old backplane, follow all packaging instructions and use any packaging materials that are provided.