# Installing Storage Drives

This chapter guides you through installing or replacing hot-swappable 2.5-inch storage drives. This server supports U.2 NVMe drives, which are installed using drive carriers.

<div align="center"><figure><img src="https://3669901683-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdIIwjfEmgdgoBYBfOBWz%2Fuploads%2FzXJRcjKwKt2IHeBTSNDd%2F1.6%20Motherboard%20%E6%A8%99%E7%A4%BA.png?alt=media&#x26;token=667fee85-479c-4152-9e14-f1b910880b42" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

## Drive bay overview

The chassis includes multiple front-accessible drive bays connected to the backplane.

<figure><img src="https://3669901683-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FdIIwjfEmgdgoBYBfOBWz%2Fuploads%2FpjFhcCU9zcsZqGRc2uf9%2FIO%20Port%20Layout_EAS2210_F.png?alt=media&#x26;token=780fe689-2e81-465e-9ba3-2a9cc7993bb9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="140.23828125"></th><th width="197.07421875"></th><th width="161.24609375"></th><th width="237.91796875"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Bay Number(s)</strong></td><td><strong>Interface Type</strong></td><td><strong>Controller</strong></td><td><strong>Notes</strong></td></tr><tr><td>1-24</td><td>NVMe (PCIe Gen5 x4)</td><td>Direct CPU lanes (MCIO)</td><td>High-speed, ideal for OS or cache drives.</td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** If only CPU0 is installed, only Bay 1 to Bay 8 will function. Rear PCIe Slot 5 will not work if Bay 9 to Bay 16 are enabled
{% endhint %}

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="115.44921875"></th><th width="115.0234375"></th><th width="152.80859375"></th><th></th><th width="106.87890625"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Drive Type</strong></td><td><strong>Connector Type</strong></td><td><strong>Supported Backplane Type</strong></td><td><strong>Interface Lane Type</strong></td><td><strong>Hot-Swap Support</strong></td><td><strong>Notes</strong></td></tr><tr><td>U.2 NVMe SSD</td><td>SFF-8639</td><td>Standard U.2 backplane</td><td>PCIe Gen5 x4</td><td>Yes</td><td>Compatible with 2.5" NVMe slots.</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Preparing a drive carrier

Before you can install a drive into the server, you must first mount it into a drive carrier.

### **To prepare a drive carrier:**

1. **Open the carrier's release latch.** Press the button on the front of the empty drive carrier and swing the latch open.

   \\

   <figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/dIIwjfEmgdgoBYBfOBWz/blobs/HEdbVE9NF7vyjtQx8Psm/3.7-B-Tray%20V02.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
2. **Insert the drive.** Place the 2.5-inch drive into the carrier, ensuring it sits flat and the screw holes on the drive align with the holes in the carrier.
3. **Secure the drive.** Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, fasten the drive to the carrier with the four screws provided.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/dIIwjfEmgdgoBYBfOBWz/blobs/lrQcneTbORhsePJysuJA/3.7-B-Drive%20Carrier-%E7%B7%9A%E7%A8%BF.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Common Mistake:  Using the Wrong Screws**&#x20;

Only use the screws that came with the server for mounting drives. Using screws that are too long can damage the drive's internal circuitry.
{% endhint %}

## Installing a drive into a bay

With the drive secured in its carrier, you're ready to install it into the server's front drive bay.

### **To install the drive:**

1. **Identify an empty drive bay.** Find an available bay at the front of the server.
2. **Insert the drive carrier.** With the carrier latch open, align the carrier with the guide rails in the empty bay and slide it in gently until the carrier makes contact with the backplane.
3. **Lock the drive in place.** Close the carrier latch until it clicks shut. This secures the drive and ensures a solid connection to the backplane.

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/dIIwjfEmgdgoBYBfOBWz/blobs/r9bA6704RSAqbsnPwpa1/3.7-C.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://content.gitbook.com/content/dIIwjfEmgdgoBYBfOBWz/blobs/FNEpRjwwPz2KUjcHL8fQ/3.7-D.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Hot-swap and NVMe considerations

One of the key features of this server is its support for hot-swapping.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Best Practice: Follow safe Removal Procedures**&#x20;

Before you physically pull a drive from a running server, you must first "prepare" it for removal using your operating system or RAID management software. This prevents data corruption.
{% endhint %}

Always consult your OS documentation for the proper NVMe hot-swap procedure.
