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Install the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive

Use this information to install the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive.

Before installing the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive:

  1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new M.2 backplane and M.2 drive to any unpainted surface on the outside of the server. Then, take the new M.2 backplane and M.2 drive out of the package and place them on a static-protective surface.

  2. Adjust the retainer on the M.2 backplane to accommodate the particular size of the M.2 drive you wish to install. See Adjust the retainer on the M.2 backplane.

To install the M.2 backplane and M.2 drive, complete the following steps:

Figure 1. Installing the M.2 drive
M.2 drive installation

  1. Insert the M.2 drive at an angle of approximately 30 degrees into the connector.
    Note
    When only one drive is installed, it must be installed in slot 0.
    Figure 2. M.2 drive slots

    Table 1. M.2 drive slots
    1 Slot 02 Slot 1
  2. Rotate the M.2 drive down until the notch catches on the lip of the retainer .
  3. Slide the retainer forward (toward the connector) to secure the M.2 drive or drives into place.
    Attention
    When sliding the retainer forward, ensure that the two nubs on the retainer enter the small holes on the M.2 backplane. Once they enter the holes, you will hear a soft “click” sound.
    Figure 3. Sliding the retainer
    Slide the retainer forward to secure the M.2 drive.
  4. Align the blue plastic supports at each end of the M.2 backplane with the guide pins on the system board. Then, insert the M.2 backplane into the M.2 slot on the system board and press it down to fully seat it.
    Figure 4. Installing the M.2 backplane
    Install the M.2 backplane into the backplane slot.
After installing the M.2 drive and M.2 backplane:

  1. Install the drive cage. See Install the drive cage.

  2. Install the top cover. See Install the top cover.

  3. Push up on the latches on the slide rails and push the server back into the rack.

  4. Tighten the two captive screws located on the front of the server to secure the server in the rack.

    Note
    Always secure the system in the rack if your are moving the rack.

  5. Connect all cables to the ports on the front of the server, including the management port, if necessary, and all PCIe adapter ports. The management port and PCIe adapter ports are located in the I/O expansion cage.

  6. Connect power cords to both power supplies, which are located at the rear of the server.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube