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Installing a system fan

Use this information to install a system fan into the server.

For proper cooling, the server requires that all fans in the system be operating at all times.

Attention
To ensure proper server operation, if a fan fails, replace the fan immediately.

See System-board internal connectors for the locations of the fan cable connectors.

To install a system fan, complete the following steps.

  1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new fan to any unpainted metal surface on the server. Then, remove the new fan from the package.
  2. Read the safety information that begins in Safety and Installation guidelines.
  3. Turn off the server (see Turning off the server) and all attached peripheral devices. Disconnect all power cords; then, disconnect all external cables from the server.
  4. Remove the server top cover (see Removing the server top cover).
  5. If you have the optional hot-swap rear hard disk drive cage installed, rotate it up (see Rotating the optional hot-swap rear hard disk drive cage up).
  6. Remove the PCI riser-card assembly (see Removing a PCI riser-card assembly).
  7. Remove the air baffle (see Removing the air baffle).
  8. Installing Fan 1A:. (For installation of Fan 2A or Fan 3A, please go to step 10)


    1. Pull up the blue handle on the system fan cage.
    2. Orient the fan so that the fan cable points to the system board.
    3. Lower the fan into the fan slot in the server and ensure that is it seated correctly.
    4. Connect the system fan cable to the connector on the system board.
    5. Insert the system fan cable into the cable retainer clip.
    6. Return the blue handle back to its horizontal position.
  9. If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to Completing the installation.
  10. Installing Fan 2A or 3A:
    1. Orient the fan so that the fan cable points to the system board.
    2. Lower the fan into the fan slot in the server and ensure that is it seated correctly.
    3. Connect the system fan cable to the connector on the system board.
    4. Insert the system fan cable into the cable retainer clip.
  11. If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now. Otherwise, go to Completing the installation.