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Install a PCIe adapter

Use this information to install a PCIe adapter.

Read the installation GuidelinesPower off the server for this taskATTENTION: Static Sensitive Device Ground package before opening
Observe the following guidelines when select a PCIe slot:

  • For server models that support NVMe drives, the NVMe adapter can be installed only in PCIe slot 2.

  • For RAID adapters or host bus adapters, you can install them in either PCIe slot 1 or PCIe slot 2.

  • For server models with one processor, you can install a double-width graphics adapter only in PCIe slot 3. For server models with two processors, you can install up to two double-width graphics adapters in PCIe slot 3 and PCIe slot 5. After any double-width graphics adapter is installed, PCIe slot 4 or PCIe slot 6 becomes unavailable because the space is occupied by the double-width adapter.

Note

  • Depending on the specific type, your PCIe adapter might look different from the illustration in this topic.

  • Use any documentation that comes with the PCIe adapter and follow those instructions in addition to the instructions in this topic.

Before installing a PCIe adapter:

  1. If a bracket is installed in the PCIe slot, remove it. Store the bracket for the PCIe slot in case that you later remove the PCIe adapter and need the bracket to cover the place.

  2. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new PCIe adapter to any unpainted surface on the outside of the server. Then, take the new PCIe adapter out of the package and place it on a static-protective surface.

To install a PCIe adapter, complete the following steps:

Watch the procedure
  • A video of this procedure is available at YouTube

  1. Locate the appropriate PCIe slot. For information about the PCIe slot, see Specifications.
  2. Position the new PCIe adapter over the PCIe slot. Then, carefully press the PCIe adapter straight down until it is securely seated in the slot.
    Figure 1. PCIe adapter installation
    PCIe adapter installation

  3. Depending on the type of the PCIe adapter, you might need to connect any required cables. Refer to Internal cable routing or the documentation that comes with the PCIe adapter for specific information.