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Backplanes: server models with 2.5-inch front drive bays

This section provides backplane cable connection information for server models with 2.5-inch front drive bays.

Ensure below parts are removed before starting cable routing for front backplanes.
Note

For the server with a performance heat sink (T-shape), remove the heat sink first before disconnecting or connecting the cables which connect to PCIe 1, PCIe 2, PCIe 3, PCIe 4, PCIe 7, or PCIe 8 connectors (see the table below). After disconnecting or connecting the cables, install the heat sink back to the server. See Remove a heat sink and Install a heat sink



  • 1 PCIe 1 Connector

  • 2 PCIe 2 Connector

  • 3 PCIe 4 Connector

  • 4 PCIe 3 Connector

  • 5 PCIe 7 Connector

  • 6 PCIe 8 Connector

Power cable connections​

For the 2.5-inch drive bay chassis, the following backplanes are supported and connect the power cables for the supported drive backplanes as illustrated.
Table 1. Supported backplanes
Front drive backplaneMiddle drive backplaneRear drive backplane

  • 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA backplane

  • 8 x 2.5-inch AnyBay backplane

  • 24 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA expander backplane

  • 4 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA backplane

  • 4 x 2.5-inch NVMe backplane

  • 4 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA backplane

  • 4 x 2.5-inch AnyBay backplane

  • 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA backplane

Figure 1. Power cable connections for 8 x 2.5-inch front drive backplanes
Power cable connections for 8 x 2.5-inch drive backplanes

FromTo
1 Backplane 1: PWR1 Backplane 1 power connector on the system board assembly
2 Backplane 2: PWR2 Backplane 2 power connector on the system board assembly
3 Backplane 3: PWR3 Backplane 3 power connector on the system board assembly
Figure 2. Power cable connections for 24 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA expander drive backplane

FromTo
1 Backplane: PWR 11 Backplane 1 power connector on the system board assembly
2 Backplane: PWR 22 Backplane 3 power connector on the system board assembly
Figure 3. Power cable connection for middle drive backplane

FromTo
1 Power connector on the backplane1 Middle backplane power connector on the system board assembly
Note
The illustration above shows the power cable connection for using two middle drive backplanes. Power cable connection for using one middle drive backplane is similar.
Figure 4. Power cable connection for rear drive backplane

FromTo
1 Power connector on the backplane1 Rear backplane power connector and sideband connector on the system board assembly
Note
The illustration above shows the power cable connection for one 4 x 2.5-inch rear drive backplanes. Power cable connection for using one 8 x 2.5-inch rear drive backplane is similar.

Signal cable connections​

Refer to the specific topic for signal cable connections depending on the backplanes installed.