Xserve - Installing a PCI Express Card

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Installing a PCI Express Card

The Xserve has two PCI Express (PCI-E) slots:

Slot 1 accepts 6.6 inch PCI-E cards

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Slot 2 accepts 9 inch PCI-E cards

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To install a card, you first insert it into the included riser, and then insert the riser into
the slot. Both slots accept the PCI-E riser shown below.

Connectors on PCI Express x16 riser

About PCI Express Cards for the Xserve

The Xserve accepts cards that meet these specifications:

x16 PCI-E cards

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6.6 inch maximum length (slot 1), 9 inch (slot 2)

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25 W maximum power consumption per card

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To install a PCI-E card:

1

Shut down the Xserve and unplug all cables.

Important:

Be sure the Xserve is turned off and the power cords are unplugged before

you install or remove a PCI-E card or riser.

2

Remove the Xserve from the rack and open it. For instructions, see “Opening and

Closing the Xserve” on page 30.

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Chapter 2

Installing or Replacing Components

WARNING:

Always wait 5 to 10 minutes for the Xserve to cool down before you work

around the PCI-E slots. Components near the slots may be very hot.

Expansion slot 1

(PCI Express x16)

Expansion slot 2

(PCI Express x16)

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Chapter 2

Installing or Replacing Components

3

Loosen the two captive screws that secure the riser bracket to the back panel and

gently pull the bracket and riser straight up and out of the slot.

Captive screws

4

Remove the screw on the riser bracket, and then remove the port access cover.

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Chapter 2

Installing or Replacing Components

5

Seat the card in the riser slot and replace the screw to secure the card in the riser.

Screw

PCI card

PCI riser

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Chapter 2

Installing or Replacing Components

6

Align the riser with the slot on the main logic board and press to seat it.

7

Tighten the captive screws that secure the riser bracket to the back panel.

8

Return the Xserve to the rack and start it up.

9

Configure the card.

To configure an Ethernet card, open the Network pane of System Preferences.
To configure a Fibre Channel card, open Fibre Channel pane of System Preferences.

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Chapter 2

Installing or Replacing Components