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Install a hard disk drive backplane (upper tray)

Hard disk drive backplanes in the upper compute tray or optional storage tray are accessed from the front of the server. There are several types of hard disk drive backplane. Steps that are backplane specific are noted in each procedure.

S002
disconnect all power
CAUTION
The power-control button on the device and the power switch on the power supply do not turn off the electrical current supplied to the device. The device also might have more than one power cord. To remove all electrical current from the device, ensure that all power cords are disconnected from the power source.
CAUTION
Make sure that all server power cords are disconnected from their power sources before performing this procedure.

Complete the following steps to install a hard disk drive backplane in the upper compute tray or optional storage tray.

  1. Connect the power cable to the backplane. If this cable is connected to the storage interposer, you might find it easier to disconnect it from the storage interposer and then reconnect it to the storage interposer after the backplane is installed. See Cable routing for drives.
  2. Install the hard disk drive backplane.
    Note
    Existing cables might need to be removed from their retaining clips or moved to the side to install the backplane.
    Figure 1. Hard disk drive backplane (upper) installation
    Upper hard disk drive backplane installation

    Align the backplane with its location in the tray; then, insert the backplane and push it down until it is fully seated.

  3. Connect the data cables to the backplane. (SAS backplanes have only one data cable. NVMe backplanes have two data cables.) See Cable routing for drives.
  4. Repeat 1, 2, and 3 for each hard disk drive backplane being installed in the upper tray.
  5. Turn the tray upside down.
  6. Route and connect the data cables. See Cable routing for drives.

    • Route each SAS data cable to its connector on the RAID adapter; then, connect the SAS cable.

    • Route each NVMe data cable to its connector on a system board or optional storage tray; then, connect the NVMe cable.

  7. Make sure that all power cables are connected to the storage interposer.
  8. Make sure that all of the cables are correctly routed after they have been connected.

After you install a hard disk drive backplane:

  1. Install the fan cage. See Install a fan cage (upper tray).

  2. Turn the tray right-side up.

  3. Install the upper compute tray or storage tray. See Install a compute tray or Install the storage tray (fully removed).

  4. Install any hard disk drives that you removed from the upper tray. Each drive should be installed in its original location. See Install a hard disk drive.

  5. Install the front cover. See Install the front cover.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube