Installing an IBM MAX5 expansion blade

Use these instructions to install an IBM MAX5 expansion blade.

Note: Before installing an IBM MAX5 expansion blade option, make sure that you have updated the firmware on the BladeCenter HX5 blade server to the latest level. If you attach and try to use the IBM MAX5 expansion blade without updating the server firmware, you might get unexpected system behavior or the server might not power on. For information about updating the firmware on the BladeCenter HX5 blade server, see Updating firmware and device drivers.

There are two versions of the IBM MAX5 expansion blade, referred to as the IBM MAX5 version 1 and IBM MAX5 version 2 in this document. IBM MAX5 version 2 has a "MAX5" identifying label on the bottom of the front bezel. The functionality of the two IBM MAX5 expansion blades are equivalent except for the type of DIMMs supported. The type of DIMMs supported will differ, depending on the version of IBM MAX5 expansion blade installed. For the list of DIMMs available for your IBM MAX5 expansion blade, see Parts listing - IBM MAX5 or go to http://www.ibm.com/supportportal/ for an updated parts listing.

To install an IBM MAX5, complete the following steps.


Graphic illustrating installing an optional expansion unit
  1. Before you begin, read Safety and Installation guidelines.
  2. If the blade server is installed in a BladeCenter chassis, remove it (see Removing the blade server from the BladeCenter chassis for instructions).
  3. Carefully lay the blade server on a flat, static-protective surface.
  4. Open the blade server cover (see Removing the blade server cover for instructions).
  5. If an optional expansion unit is installed, remove the expansion unit (see Removing an expansion unit for instructions).
    Note: Optional expansion units are not supported when a IBM MAX5 expansion blade is installed.
  6. If you are installing an IBM MAX5 for the first time, locate the power sharing connector on the BladeCenter HX5 blade server and remove the power jumper if one is installed (see Blade server connectors - BladeCenter HX5).
  7. If you are installing the IBM MAX5 expansion blade option for the first time on an BladeCenter HX5 with tall heat sinks, complete the following steps:
    1. Remove the operator control panel access panel:
      Graphic illustrating the removal of the operator control panel access panel
      1. Using a screwdriver, remove each of the screws on the right access panel.
      2. Lift the access panel away from the blade server.
    2. Remove the embedded hypervisor card access panel:
      Graphic illustrating the removal of the access panel
      1. Using a screwdriver, remove each of the screws on the right access panel.
      2. Lift the access panel away from the blade server.
    3. Install the EMC gasket on the upper ridge of the BladeCenter HX5 blade server bezel.
    4. Install the operator control panel access panel:
      Graphic illustrating the removal of the access panel
      1. Align the holes in the access panel with the holes in the blade server.
      2. Use a screwdriver to install the screws in the holes of the access panel.
    5. Install the embedded hypervisor key access panel:
      Graphic illustrating the removal of the access panel
      1. Align the holes in the access panel with the holes in the blade server.
      2. Use a screwdriver to install the screws in the holes of the access panel.
    6. Remove the heat sink access plates on the IBM MAX5 expansion blade.
      Graphic illustrating removal of heat sink access plates
      1. Lay the IBM MAX5 expansion blade on a flat, static-protective surface, cover side down.
      2. Use a screwdriver to remove both heat sink access plates.
  8. Touch the static-protective package that contains the IBM MAX5 to any unpainted metal surface on the BladeCenter chassis or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component; then, remove the optional expansion unit from the package.
  9. Orient the IBM MAX5 as shown in the illustration.
  10. Lower the IBM MAX5 so that the slots at the rear slide down onto the cover pins at the rear of the blade server; then, pivot the IBM MAX5 down onto the blade server.
  11. Press the IBM MAX5 firmly into the closed position until it clicks into place.
  12. Install the IBM MAX5 1-node scalability card (see Installing the IBM MAX5 1-node Scalability card for instructions).
  13. If you are replacing a defective IBM MAX5 expansion blade, transfer the memory DIMMs from the defective expansion blade to the new expansion blade (see Removing a DIMM - IBM MAX5 expansion blade and Installing a DIMM - IBM MAX5).
  14. Install the blade server or scalable blade complex into the BladeCenter chassis (see Installing a blade server in a BladeCenter chassis for instructions).