1 shut down the server.
be sure to alert users of the server that it will be unavailable for a period of time.
2 unplug the power cord from the back panel of the server. (if the cable-management arm is not attached, you will also have to disconnect cables from the back panel.)
3 loosen the thumbscrew on the back panel for the pci slot that you want to use and swivel open the small metal piece that holds the thumbscrew.
also grasp the slot cover and remove it through the slot opening, if possible.
you can skip this step if there is already a card in the slot you want to use.
warning the only way to disconnect power completely is to unplug the power cord.
make sure that the cord is disconnected before removing or installing any components inside the server.
4 move to the front of the server and open it to its full length.
see “opening and closing the server” on page 52 for details.
you can also remove the server from the rack (leaving the cover in place) and do the installation with the server on a sturdy flat surface.
5 locate the long pci slots at the back left side of the server.
you can install a card in one or both slots. cards are oriented horizontally in the server. the long pci cards fit into an assembly unit that contains the sockets for both cards.
6 grasp the pci card assembly, which may contain one or two cards, gently pull it toward the left side of the server’s enclosure, and then lift it out of the server.
set the card assembly on a cushioned surface.
7 prepare the card slot by doing one of the following:
1 if a card is already in the slot you want to use, hold the assembly and remove the card, taking care not to touch its surface.
store the card in static-proof packaging made to protect it.
2 if no card is in the slot, be sure to remove the slot cover (which came loose when you loosened the cover’s thumbscrew on the back panel).
8 remove the card you’re installing from its packaging and hold it by its corners, taking care not to touch the gold connector or any of the components on the card.
9 align the card’s connector with the expansion slot in the assembly and carefully press it into the slot until the connector is inserted all the way into the slot.
if you are installing a 12-inch card, align it with the card guide.
press the card gently but firmly until the connector is fully inserted.
1 don’t rock the card from side to side; instead, press the card straight into the slot.
2 don’t force the card. if you meet a lot of resistance, pull the card out. check the connector and the slot for damage or obstruction, then try inserting the card again.
3 pull the card gently to see if it is properly connected. if it resists and stays in place, and if its gold connectors are barely visible, the card is connected.
10 replace the card assembly by aligning it with the connector and pressing it into place.
11 close the card retainer on the back panel and tighten its thumbscrew.
warning if you removed a card from the server and did not install a replacement, be sure to place a port access cover over the empty slot in the back panel. do not leave an empty slot without a cover. an uncovered slot can affect the air flow that cools the server’s internal components and cause damage.
12 close the server and reconnect any cords or cables that you detached.