Installing the compute node

The storage expansion node comes attached to the expansion shelf. You must attach a compute node to the expansion shelf and connect the interposer cable to the compute node.

Attention: Before you connect a compute node to the storage expansion node, you must make sure that the integrated management module II (IMM2) primary and backup firmware in the compute node is at level ibm_fw_imm2_1aoo34x-1.xx_anyos_noarch or later. If the IMM2 firmware in the compute node is at an earlier level when you connect the compute node to the storage expansion node, the firmware in the storage expansion node will become corrupted and unrecoverable, and you will have to replace the storage expansion node. For information about updating the firmware in the compute node, see the compute node Installation and Service Guide.

Before you attach a compute node to the expansion shelf, complete the following steps:

  1. Read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. If the compute node is installed and operating, complete the following steps:
    1. Shut down the operating system, and press the power button to turn off the compute node (see the compute node Installation and Service Guide for instructions).
    2. Remove the compute node from the Flex System Enterprise Chassis (see the compute node Installation and Service Guide for instructions).
  3. Make sure that the compute node has two microprocessors, if that configuration is required for the compute node to work with the storage expansion node. To determine whether a supported compute node requires two microprocessors, see Supported compute nodes.
  4. Make sure that the integrated management module II (IMM2) primary and backup firmware is at level ibm_fw_imm2_1aoo34x-1.xx_anyos_noarch or later.
    Attention: If the IMM2 firmware in the compute node is at an earlier level when you connect the compute node to the storage expansion node, the firmware in the storage expansion node will become corrupted and unrecoverable, and you will have to replace the storage expansion node.

To attach a compute node to the expansion shelf, complete the following steps.


Graphic illustrating how to attach the compute node to the expansion shelf

  1. Place the storage expansion node assembly on a flat, static-protective surface with the storage expansion node bezel facing you.
  2. Remove the compute node cover (see the compute node Installation and Service Guide for instructions).
    Attention: Bend the interposer cable up and over the storage expansion node to ensure that the cable and connector are clear of the area where the compute node will be attached.
  3. With the right edge of the compute node aligned with the compute node alignment mark on the expansion shelf, orient the slots on the bottom of the compute node with the posts on the left side of the expansion shelf. Then, slide the compute node toward the center of the shelf until the retention latch clicks into place.
  4. If any I/O expansion adapters in the compute node are blocking access to the interposer connector, remove them (see the compute node Installation and Service Guide for instructions).
  5. Connect the interposer cable to the interposer connector on the compute node system board, as shown in the following illustration.

    Graphic illustrating how to connect the interposer cable to the compute node
  6. If you removed any I/O expansion adapters from the compute node, install them (see the compute node Installation and Service Guide for instructions).
  7. Install the compute node cover (see the compute node Installation and Service Guide for instructions).
Parent topic: Installing the storage expansion node