Installing a CIOv-form-factor expansion card

Use these instructions to install a CIOv-form-factor expansion card in the blade server.

The blade server supports a vertical-combination-I/O (CIOv) expansion card and a horizontal-combination-form-factor (CFFh) expansion card. The following illustration shows the location and installation of a CIOv expansion card.

Attention: If the expansion card is not running at the speed supported by the card, you can change the maximum speed of the PCIe bus in the Setup Utility by selecting System Settings and Devices and I/O Ports.

Graphic illustrating installing a high-speed expansion card

To install a CIOv expansion card, complete the following steps:

  1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the expansion card to any unpainted metal surface on the BladeCenter unit or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component; then, remove the expansion card from the package.
  2. Locate the CIOv expansion connector (see Blade server connectors).
  3. Orient the connector on the expansion card with the CIOv expansion connector on the system board; then, press the card into the CIOv expansion connector.
  4. Firmly press on the indicated locations to seat the expansion card.
    Note: For device-driver and configuration information to complete the installation of the expansion card, see the documentation that comes with the expansion card.
  5. Install the cover onto the blade server (see Installing the blade server cover).
  6. Install the blade server into the BladeCenter unit (see Installing the blade server in a BladeCenter unit).