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Replacing a ServeRAID SAS/SATA controller

Use this information to replace a ServeRAID SAS/SATA controller.

The ServeRAID SAS/SATA controller can be installed in the dedicated connector on the system board or PCI riser-card slots (see System-board internal connectors for the location of the connectors). To install a SAS/SATA adapter, complete the following steps:

Depending on the server model, the server comes with either a ServeRAID M5210, a ServeRAID M1215, a ServeRAID N2215, or a ServeRAID M5225 SAS/SATA adapter installed.
Note
Remove the PCI bracket that comes with either the ServeRAID M5210, ServeRAID M1215, or ServeRAID M5225 adapter before installing it in the dedicated connector on the system board.

You can replace the ServeRAID controller with another supported ServeRAID controller. For a list of supported ServeRAID controllers, see the Lenovo ServerProven website.

Note

  • For brevity, in this documentation the ServeRAID SAS/SATA controller is often referred to as the SAS/SATA adapter or the ServeRAID adapter.

  • If possible, back up or record your RAID configuration information before replacing the adapter. See the documentation for your RAID adapter for information and instructions. Documentation for ServeRAID adapters can be downloaded from the Lenovo Support Portal.

  1. Read the safety information that begins on Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect all power cords.
  3. Remove the cover (see Removing the cover).
  4. If you are installing a new or replacement SAS/SATA adapter, touch the static-protective package that contains the new SAS/SATA adapter to any unpainted metal surface on the server. Then, remove the new SAS/SATA adapter from the package.
  5. Align the SAS/SATA adapter so that the keys align correctly with the connector on the system board.
  6. Insert the SAS/SATA adapter in the dedicated connector on the system board or the PCI riser-card assembly slot.
    Attention
    1. Incomplete insertion might cause damage to the server or the adapter.
    2. Note the order and position of the cables to the RAID card prior to service. Misconnecting the hard disk drive cables may result in a lost RAID array.

    Steps for inserting a SAS/SATA adapter in the dedicated connector on the system board

    1. Insert the SAS/SATA adapter into the RAID connector on the system board until it is firmly seated. The retention brackets secure the SAS/SATA adapter in place when the adapter is firmly seated into the connector.
      Figure 1. ServeRAID adapter installation
      ServeRAID adapter installation

      Note
      Remove the PCI bracket that comes with either the ServeRAID M5210, ServeRAID M1215, or ServeRAID N2215 adapter before installing it in the dedicated connector on the system board.

    Steps for inserting a SAS/SATA adapter in the dedicated connector on the PCI riser-card assembly slot

    1. Remove the PCI riser-card assembly that you wish to install the SAS/SATA adapter into (see Removing a PCI riser-card assembly).
    2. Insert the SAS/SATA adapter into the PCI riser card assembly (see Replacing an adapter).
    3. Insert the PCI riser card assembly into the system board (see Replacing a PCI riser-card assembly).
  7. Route the backplane signal cables. The following illustrations apply to SAS/SATA adapters that are inserted into the dedicated connector on the system board.
    Figure 2. ServeRAID adapter cable routing for four 3.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive configuration
    ServeRAID adapter cable routing for four 3.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive configuration
    Figure 3. ServeRAID adapter cable routing for eight 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive configuration
    ServeRAID adapter cable routing for eight 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive configuration
    Figure 4. ServeRAID adapter cable routing for ten 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive configuration
    ServeRAID adapter cable routing for ten 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive configuration
    Figure 5. ServeRAID adapter cable routing for twelve 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive configuration
    ServeRAID adapter cable routing for twelve 2.5-inch hot-swap hard disk drive configuration
  8. Connect the signal cables to the SAS/SATA adapter.
  9. Reconnect any cables that you removed.
  10. Replace PCI riser-card assembly 1 if you have removed it earlier (see Replacing a PCI riser-card assembly).
  11. Reinstall the cover (see Replacing the cover).
  12. Turn on the peripheral devices and the server.
  13. Import your RAID configuration to the replacement ServeRAID adapter as a foreign configuration. See the ServeRAID-M Software User Guide for instructions.
Note
When you restart the server, you are prompted to import the existing RAID configuration to the new ServeRAID adapter.