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Install an adapter

Adapters are in the I/O tray that is accessed from the rear of the server.

Install the LOM adapter (slot 9) and other adapters that are installed directly in the I/O tray (adapters 5 to 8) before installing adapters that are in the I/O tray risers.

Installation considerations for the Mellanox Innova™-2 Flex Open Programmable SmartNIC​

Review the following guidelines before installing the Mellanox Innova™-2 Flex Open Programmable SmartNIC:

  • If you install the Mellanox Innova™-2 Flex Open Programmable SmartNIC in the ThinkSystem SR950, the maximum supported ambient temperature for the system is 35°C.

  • The Mellanox Innova™-2 Flex Open Programmable SmartNIC is not supported in the following adapter slots: 1, 5, and 10.

  • When installing the Mellanox Innova™-2 Flex Open Programmable SmartNIC in a 4-socket configuration:

    • A maximum of two of these adapters can be installed in the system.

    • The Mellanox Innova™-2 Flex Open Programmable SmartNIC can be installed only in adapter slots 6, 7, or 17.

    • The installation of two of these adapters in contiguous, sequential slots is not supported. For example, you cannot install two adapters in slots 6 and 7.

  • When installing the Mellanox Innova™-2 Flex Open Programmable SmartNIC in an 8-socket configuration:

    • A maximum of four of these adapters can be installed in the system.

    • The Mellanox Innova™-2 Flex Open Programmable SmartNIC can be installed only in adapter slots 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17.

    • The installation of two of these adapters in contiguous, sequential slots is not supported. For example, you cannot install two adapters in slots 2 and 3.

  • Install a LOM adapter in slot 9
    The LOM adapter in slot 9 is in the I/O tray that is accessed from the rear of the server. With the I/O tray removed from the chassis, insert the adapter in the I/O tray.
  • Install a PCIe adapter in slot 5 to 8
    PCIe adapters in slot 5 to 8 are in the I/O tray that is accessed from the rear of the server. With the I/O tray removed from the chassis, insert the adapter in the I/O tray.
  • Install a PCIe adapter in slot 1 to 4
    PCIe adapters in slot 1 to 4 are in an I/O tray riser that is accessed from the rear of the server. With the riser removed from the I/O tray, open the retention latch and insert the adapter in the riser; then, close the retention latch.
  • Install a PCIe adapter in slot 10 to 15
    PCIe adapters in slot 10 to 15 are in an I/O tray riser that is accessed from the rear of the server. With the riser removed from the I/O tray, open the retention latch and insert the adapter in the riser; then, close the retention latch.
  • Install an I/O adapter in slot 16 to 17
    I/O adapters in slot 16 to 17 are in an I/O tray riser that is accessed from the rear of the server. With the riser removed from the I/O tray, open the retention latch and insert the adapter in the riser; then, close the retention latch.
  • Install an M.2 drive
    Use this information to install an M.2 drive option.