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Installing an adapter

Use this information to install an adapter.

The following notes describe the types of adapters that the server supports and other information that you must consider when you install an adapter:
  • To confirm that the server supports the adapter that you are installing, see the Lenovo ServerProven website.
  • Locate the documentation that comes with the adapter and follow those instructions in addition to the instructions in this section.
  • Do not set the maximum digital video adapter resolution above 1600 x 1200 at 75 Hz for an LCD monitor. This is the highest resolution that is supported for any add-on video adapter that you install in the server.
  • Avoid touching the components and gold-edge connectors on the adapter.
  • The server uses a rotational interrupt technique to configure PCI adapters so that you can install PCI adapters that do not support sharing of PCI interrupts.
Attention
Static electricity that is released to internal server components when the server is powered-on might cause the server to stop, which might result in the loss of data. To avoid this potential problem, always use an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding system when working inside the server with the power on.

Read the safety information in Safety and Installation guidelines.

If you are replacing a server component in the server, you need to turn off the server and peripheral devices, and disconnect the power cords and all external cables.

To install an adapter, complete the following steps.

  1. Carefully turn the server on its side so that it is lying flat, with the cover facing up.
    Attention
    Do not allow the server to fall over.
  2. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  3. Unlock and remove the left-side cover (see Removing the left-side cover).
  4. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  5. See the documentation that comes with the adapter for any cabling instructions and information about jumper or switch settings. (It might be easier for you to route cables before you install the adapter.)
  6. Touch the static-protective package that contains the adapter to any unpainted metal surface on the server; then, remove the adapter from the package.
  7. Determine the PCIe slot into which you will install the adapter.
  8. Rotate the adapter-retention brackets to the open position.
    Figure 1. Rotate the adapter-retention brackets to the open position
    Rotate the adapter-retention brackets to the open position
  9. Remove the PCIe slot filler, if installed. Keep the filler in a safe place for potential future use.
  10. Press the adapter firmly into the expansion slot.
    Figure 2. Press adapter into expansion slot
    Press adapter into expansion slot
    Attention
    Incomplete insertion might cause damage to the system board or the adapter.
  11. Close the adapter-retention bracket.
  12. Perform any configuration tasks that are required for the adapter.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to Completing the installation.