How to Install a PCI Card

Before You Begin

Complete these tasks:

• "How to Power Off the System"

• "How to Remove the Side Access Panel"

• "How to Avoid Electrostatic Discharge"

Read the documentation supplied with the PCI card for information about jumper settings, PCI slot requirements, and cable connections.

Know what type of PCI card you are installing or replacing and in which slot the card belongs on the main logic board; see:

• "About Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) Buses"

Video Demonstration

Figure 6-11  

Click on the icon above for a video demonstration.

Click here for Appendix E, Video Player Help.

What to Do

1. If you are installing a new PCI card, remove the filler panel from the appropriate slot. Otherwise go to step 2.

   1. Remove the Phillips screw that secures the PCI filler panel to the system rear panel.

      Use a magnetized screwdriver, if possible, to prevent the screw from falling into the system chassis.

   2. Lift out the filler panel.

2. Insert the PCI card into the appropriate slot on the main logic board.

   To install a PCI short card:

   1. Insert the faceplate end of the card into the appropriate slot opening in the rear panel.

   2. Push the card into the corresponding connector on the main logic board.

      Figure 6-12  

      
      

      To install a PCI long card:

      1. Insert the faceplate end of the card into the appropriate slot opening in the rear panel, while at the same time aligning the opposite end of the card with the long card slot guide.

      2. Push the card into the corresponding connector on the main logic board.

         Figure 6-13  

         
         

3. Secure the PCI card faceplate to the rear panel with the Phillips screw.

4. If necessary, connect any internal cables to the PCI card's internal connectors.

   Read the documentation supplied with the PCI card for information about jumper settings, PCI slot requirements, and cable connections.

5. If necessary, connect any external cables to the PCI card.

   Read the documentation supplied with the PCI card for information about external cable connections.

What Next

Complete the following tasks to reassemble the system:

• "How to Install the Side Access Panel"

When you are ready to restart the system, be sure to run POST and OpenBoot Diagnostic tests to verify that the system functions correctly with the new parts you have just installed. You must also perform a reconfiguration boot so that your system is able to recognize the new device(s). For additional information, see:

• "How to Initiate a Reconfiguration Boot"