IB-HCA Card Installation

C H A P T E R 2

The IB-HCA card is a standard PCI Express (PCIe) x8 card with a standard x8 edge connector. Consult the server documentation for instructions on how to install a PCI Express card into that system.

This chapter includes:

Installing the IB-HCA Card

Install the Adapter

Installing the IB-HCA Card

Caution - Electronic components on printed circuit boards are extremely sensitive to static electricity. Ordinary amounts of static electricity generated by your clothing or work environment can damage the electronic equipment. When installing the IB-HCA card in a system, use antistatic grounding straps and antistatic mats to help prevent damage due to electrostatic discharge.

Install the Adapter

Refer to your system installation or service manual for detailed instructions for the following steps:

1. Check that the bracket on the IB-HCA card is the correct size for your system.

An alternative longer bracket is supplied with the card. If you need to use a different bracket, perform the instructions in Appendix B.

2. Power off your server, using the standard shutdown procedures described in your system service manual.

Product documentation for Sun servers is available at http://docs.sun.com.

3. Remove the cover from the system to access the card slots and connectors.

4. Select an available PCIe x8 slot and remove the blank front panel for that slot.

Or, if you are replacing an existing card in that slot, remove the card.

5. Install the IB-HCA card into the slot, pushing the card’s edge connector into the connector on the chassis.

Ensure that the front plate on the IB-HCA card mounts flush with the chassis panel opening.

6. If applicable, install the screw in the front plate to secure the IB-HCA card into the chassis.

7. Attach the 4x end of each InfiniBand I/O cable to an IB-HCA port connector.

Ensure that the connectors are properly engaged.

Caution - Avoid putting unnecessary stress on the connection. Do not bend or twist the cable near the connectors and avoid cable bends of more than 90 degrees.

8. Replace the cover on the unit.

9. If not already connected, connect the other end of the InfiniBand I/O cables to the appropriate ports on the switch or switches.

The IB-HCA ports can be connected to different ports on the same switch or to a port on different switches.

10. Turn on power to the system and allow the server to reboot.

This step completes the hardware installation. Proceed to the verification instructions in Verify the Installation With the Solaris 10 OS or Verifying the Installation With Linux.