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Installing an I/O expansion adapter

Use this information to install an I/O expansion adapter.

Before you install an I/O expansion adapter, complete the following steps:
  1. Read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. If the compute node is installed in an Flex System chassis, remove it (see Removing a compute node from a chassis for instructions).
  3. Carefully lay the compute node on a flat, static-protective surface, orienting the compute node with the bezel pointing toward you.

This component can be installed as an optional device or as a CRU. The installation procedure is the same for the optional device and the CRU.

Optional expansion nodes are available to provide a cost-effective way for you to increase and customize the capabilities of the compute node. Expansion nodes support a wide variety of industry-standard PCI Express, network, storage, and graphics adapters. For additional information, see "PCIe Expansion Node".

To install an I/O expansion adapter, complete the following steps.
Graphic illustrating installing a high-speed expansion adapter

  1. Remove the cover (see Removing the compute node cover).
  2. Locate the I/O expansion connectors (see System-board connectors).
  3. Remove the expansion cover from the connector, if one is present.
  4. Touch the static-protective package that contains the adapter to any unpainted metal surface on the Flex System chassis or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component; then, remove the expansion adapter from the package.
  5. Open the retention clips.
  6. Orient the connector on the adapter with the I/O expansion connector and alignment pins on the system board; then, press the adapter into the I/O expansion connector.
  7. Firmly press on the indicated locations to seat the adapter in the connector and over the alignment pins.
  8. Close the retention clips.
After you install the I/O expansion adapter, complete the following steps:
  1. Install the cover onto the compute node (see Installing the compute node cover for instructions).
  2. Install the compute node into the chassis (see Installing a compute node in a chassis for instructions).
  3. See the documentation that comes with the adapter for device-driver and configuration information to complete the installation.