1 read the documentation that comes with your operating system.
2 locate the documentation that comes with the adapter and follow those instructions in addition to the instructions in this chapter. if you need to change the switch or jumper settings on your adapter, follow the instructions that come with the adapter.
3 your computer comes with adapter connectors or slots. the accelerated graphics port (agp) video adapter is installed in the agp slot. you can install up to five additional adapters in your computer in pci-x slots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
4 your computer supports pci-x adapters, 3.3 v pci adapters, and universal pci adapters.
5 none of the pci-x slots are hot-plug slots.
6 you can install 64-bit or 32-bit adapters in pci-x slots 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
7 you can install full-length adapters in pci-x slots 1, 3, 4, and 5; you can install a full-length adapter in pci-x slot 2 only if it does not have a full-length adapter attached to it.
exception: if your computer has an nvidia quadro fx 3000 adapter installed in the agp slot, some wide adapters might not fit in pci-x slot 3, and no adapter can be installed in pci-x slot 4.
8 if you install a serveraid 6i+ adapter, it must be installed in slot 3.
9 the computer scans the agp slot and pci-x expansion slots to assign system resources. then, it starts the pci devices in the following order, if you have not changed the default startup sequence: agp slot; pci-x expansion slot 1; system-board integrated drive electronics (ide), serial ata (sata), or small computer system interface (scsi) devices; and then pci-x slots 2 through 6.
10 for a list of supported options for your computer, go to http://www.ibm.com/pc/; then, select your country and navigate to the list of options for your computer.
complete the following steps to install an adapter in your computer:
1. read the safety information beginning on page vii and the guidelines in “handling static-sensitive devices” on page 33.
2. turn off the computer and all attached devices (see “turning off the computer” on page 19); then, disconnect all external cables and power cords.
3. remove the side cover (see “removing the side cover” on page 37).
4. determine which pci-x slot you will use for the adapter. review the instructions that come with the adapter for any requirements, restrictions, or cabling instructions. it might be easier to route cables before you install the adapter.
5. for full-length adapters, rotate the rear adapter-retention bracket to the open (unlocked) position and remove it from the computer. rotate the front adapter-retention bracket to the open position. if you are installing a smaller adapter, remove only the rear adapter-retention bracket.
6. if there is an adapter already installed in the slot, remove it and place it on a static-protective surface.
if the slot is empty, remove the expansion-slot cover. from the rear of the computer, press on the slot cover. grasp it and pull it out of the expansion slot. store it in a safe place for future use.
expansion-slot covers must be installed on all vacant slots. this maintains the electronic emissions standards of the computer and ensures proper ventilation of computer components.
7. follow the instructions that come with the adapter to set jumpers or switches, if any.
8. remove the adapter from the static-protective package, carefully grasp the adapter by the top edge or upper corners, and align it with the expansion slot guides; then, press the adapter firmly into the expansion slot. move the adapter directly from the static-protective package to the adapter slot. avoid touching the components and gold-edge connectors on the adapter.
make sure that the adapter is correctly seated in the expansion slot before you turn on the computer. incomplete installation of an adapter might damage the system board or the adapter.
9. connect required cables to the adapter. route cables so that they do not block the flow of air from the fans. if you are installing an optional scsi adapter, see “cabling an optional scsi adapter” on page 43 for additional information.
10. if you have another adapter to install, repeat steps 4 through 9..
11. if you have installed a full-length adapter, rotate the front adapter-support bracket to the closed (locked) position.
if any adapter in your computer is large or has heavy cables attached to it, you can secure the adapter with a screw: insert one backup expansion-slot screw (stored on the frame-support bracket) through the top of each adapter bracket into the screw hole and secure the adapter before proceeding to the next step. if you use a screw to secure an adapter, you will have to secure all adapters with screws. you cannot use both the screws and the retention brackets to secure adapters. you must use one method or the other.
12. reinstall the rear adapter-retention bracket; then, rotate the bracket to the closed (locked) position.
the rear retention bracket rests against the computer side cover. you might find it easier to lay the computer on its side to replace the side cover.
13. if you have other options to install, do so now; otherwise, continue with step 14.
14. replace the support bracket (see “removing and installing the support bracket” on page 38).
15. replace the side cover (see “replacing the side cover” on page 63).
16. reconnect the external cables and power cords; then, turn on the attached devices and the computer.