Installing Expansion Cards

This chapter shows you how to add functionality to your server by installing expansion cards. Your server supports standard PCIe cards and OCP NIC 3.0 modules.

Expansion Slot Overview

Slot Number	PCIe Slot on MB	PCIe Version	Lane Width	Form Factor Supported	Notes
PCIe Slot1	Slot1	PCIe Gen5	x16	Full Height, 3/4 Length (FH3/4L)	Via Cable​ Can split to 2 x PCIe Gen5 by 8 Lanes
PCIe Slot2	Slot2	PCIe Gen5	x16	Full Height, 3/4 Length (FH3/4L)	Via Cable​ Can split to 2 x PCIe Gen5 by 8 Lanes​
PCIe Slot4	Slot3	PCIe Gen5	x8	Half Height, Half Length (HHHL)	Via Riser Card
None	Slot4	PCIe Gen5	-	-	Occupied under 24 x U.2 NVMe use case. It can’t be used for installing other PCIe card.
PCIe Slot3	Slot5	PCIe Gen5	x16	Full Height, 3/4 Length (FH3/4L)	Via Cable​ Can split to 2 x PCIe Gen5 by 8 Lanes
PCIe Slot5	Slot6	PCIe Gen5	x16	Full Height, Half Length (FHHL)	Occupied under 24 x U.2 NVMe use case. It can’t be used for installing other PCIe card. ​ Via Riser Card
OCP 3.0	-	PCIe Gen5	x8	Small Form Factor	-

Installing a PCIe card

Use these steps to install a standard PCIe card into one of the available riser slots.

Warning: Power Off Completely

Before you install or remove any expansion card, you must shut down the server and disconnect it from all power sources.

To install a PCIe card:

1. Power off the server and open the chassis.

2. Locate an available PCIe slot.

3. Remove the slot cover.

4. Insert the card. Press down firmly and evenly until the card is fully seated.

5. Secure the card.

Pro Tip: Connect Auxiliary Power

High-performance cards, especially GPUs, often require more power. If your card has an auxiliary power connector, be sure to connect the required power cables.

Installing an OCP NIC 3.0 module

The Open Compute Project (OCP) NIC 3.0 slot provides a modular way to add networking capabilities.

To install an OCP NIC:

1. Locate the OCP NIC 3.0 slot.

2. Align and insert the module. Push the module horizontally until it is firmly seated.

3. Secure the module with the provided thumbscrew.

Removing an Expansion Card

1. Power off the system and disconnect all power sources.

2. Remove any auxiliary power cables attached to the card.

3. Unscrew or unlock the card’s retention mechanism.

4. Gently pull the card upward and out of the slot, avoiding contact with adjacent components.

Best Practice: Check BIOS Settings After Installation

After installing a new card, you may need to enter the BIOS setup to configure the card or adjust the system's boot order.