Replacing an adapter

The following notes describe the types of adapters that the server supports and other information that you must consider when you install an adapter.

Note:
  • The instructions in this section apply to any PCI adapter (for example, video graphics adapters or network adapters).
  • Do not set the maximum digital video adapter resolution above 1600 x 1200 at 75 Hz for an LCD monitor. This is the highest resolution that is supported for any add-on video adapter that you install in the server.
  • Any high-definition video-out connector or stereo connector on any add-on video adapter is not supported.
  • If your adapter was previously configured, backup or record its configuration information, if possible, before replacing the adapter. See the documentation for your adapter for information and instructions.

  • If you are replacing a ServeRAID adapter, import your RAID configuration to the replacement adapter as a foreign configuration after you finish the replacement. See the ServeRAID-M Software User Guide for instructions.

To install an adapter, complete the following steps:

  1. Read the safety information that begins on Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and all external cables.
  3. Remove the server cover (see Removing the cover).
  4. Follow the cabling instructions, if any come with the adapter. Route the adapter cables before you install the adapter.
  5. Insert the adapter into the PCI riser-card assembly, aligning the edge connector on the adapter with the connector on the PCI riser-card assembly. Press the edge of the connector firmly into the PCI riser-card assembly. Make sure that the adapter snaps into the PCI riser-card assembly securely.
    Figure 1. Adapter installation
    Adapter installation
    Attention: When you install an adapter, make sure that the adapter is correctly seated in the riser-card assembly and that the riser-card assembly is securely seated in the riser-card connector on the system board before you turn on the server. An incorrectly seated adapter might cause damage to the system board, the riser-card assembly, or the adapter.
  6. Install the PCI riser-card assembly in the server (see Replacing a PCI riser-card assembly).
  7. Connect the cable to the newly-installed adapter.
    Note: You might need to remove the blue latch from PCI riser-card assembly 2 to easily connect the cables.
    Figure 2. Latch removal
    Latch removal
  8. Perform any configuration tasks that are required for the adapter.
  9. Reinstall the cover (see Replacing the cover).
  10. Slide the server into the rack.
  11. Reconnect the power cords and any cables that you removed.
  12. Turn on the peripheral devices and the server.