Remove the M.2 backplane

Follow instructions in this section to remove the M.2 backplane.

Procedure

1. Make preparation for this task.
   1. Remove the front top cover. See Remove the front top cover.
   2. Remove the rear top cover. See Remove the rear top cover.
   3. Remove all of the M.2 drives. See Remove an M.2 drive.
   4. Depending on the server model, remove the following PCIe riser.
      • If the server is installed with three PCIe risers, remove the PCIe riser 1. See Remove a PCIe riser.
      • If the server is installed with four PCIe risers, remove the PCIe riser A. See Remove a PCIe riser.
2. Disconnect the M.2 backplane cables from the system board assembly.
3. Remove the M.2 backplane.
   1. Remove the screw that secures the middle of the M.2 backplane to the front air baffle.
   2. Remove the screw that secures the end of the M.2 backplane to the front air baffle
   3. Slide the M.2 backplane backward and lift it out of the front air baffle.
      Figure 1. M.2 backplane removal
      
      
4. If needed, disconnect the M.2 backplane cables from the M.2 backplane.

   • SATA/NVMe or NVMe M.2 backplane

     1. Loosen the screw on the signal cable.
     2. Tilt the connector and remove it.
     3. Remove the power cable.
        Figure 2. SATA/NVMe or NVMe M.2 backplane cable disconnection
        
        

   • SATA/x4 NVMe M.2 backplane

     Disconnect the M.2 backplane cables from the M.2 backplane.

     Figure 3. SATA/x4 NVMe M.2 backplane cable disconnection
     
     

   • RAID SATA/NVMe M.2 backplane

     1. Unhook the wire bail on the cable from the connector.
     2. Disconnect the cables from the M.2 backplane.
        Figure 4. RAID SATA/NVMe M.2 backplane cable disconnection