Installing an I/O expansion adapter

Use this information to install an I/O expansion adapter.

Before you install an I/O expansion adapter, complete the following steps:
  1. Read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. If the compute node is installed in a chassis, remove it (see Removing a compute node from a chassis for instructions).
  3. Carefully lay the compute node on a flat, static-protective surface, orienting the compute node with the bezel pointing toward you.

This component can be installed as an optional device or as a CRU. The installation procedure is the same for the optional device and the CRU.

The optional Flex System PCIe Expansion Node supports additional PCIe adapters and I/O expansion adapters to provide a cost-effective way for you to increase and customize the capabilities of the compute node. For additional information, see "PCIe Expansion Node".

To install an I/O expansion adapter, complete the following steps:
Graphic illustrating installing a high-speed expansion adapter

  1. Remove the cover (see Removing the compute node cover).
  2. Locate the I/O expansion connectors (see System-board connectors).
  3. Remove the expansion cover from the connector, if one is present.
  4. Touch the static-protective package that contains the expansion adapter to any unpainted metal surface on the Flex System chassis or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component; then, remove the expansion adapter from the package.
  5. Open the retention clips.
  6. Orient the connector on the expansion adapter with the I/O expansion connector and alignment pins on the system board; then, press the adapter into the I/O expansion connector.
  7. Firmly press on the indicated locations to seat the expansion adapter in the connector and over the alignment pins.
  8. Close the retention clips.
After you install the I/O expansion adapter, complete the following steps:
  1. Install the cover onto the compute node (see Installing the compute node cover for instructions).
  2. Install the compute node into the chassis (see Installing a compute node in a chassis for instructions).
  3. See the documentation that comes with the expansion adapter for device-driver and configuration information to complete the installation.
Parent topic: Removing and replacing Tier 1 customer replaceable units (CRUs)