Full-length PCIe card

Attention:

Do not open your computer or attempt any repair before reading and understanding the Read this first: Important safety information.

Your computer comes with the following combinations: one standard PCI card slot, two PCIe 3.0 x4 card slots, one PCIe 3.0 x8 card slot, and two PCIe 3.0 x16 card slots.

To remove or install a full-length PCIe card, do the following:

  1. Prepare your computer. See Preparing your computer and removing the computer cover.

  2. Lay the computer on its side for easier access to the system board.

  3. Lift the plastic PCIe card latch at the rear of the computer. Then, pivot the latch outward to rest it on the edge of the rear panel.
    Figure 1. Opening the PCIe card latch
    Opening the PCIe card latch

  4. Pull and pivot the tab on the front fan assembly as shown to open the latch inside.
    Figure 2. Opening the latch in the front fan assembly
    Opening the latch in the front fan assembly

  5. To remove a full-length PCIe card, disconnect the power cable from the card first. Press the card retaining latch as shown to disengage the latch, and grasp the old card and gently pull it out of the slot.
    Note:

    • Remove any parts that might prevent your access to the latch.

    • The card might fit tightly into the slot. If necessary, alternately move each side of the card a small amount until the card is removed from the slot.

    Figure 3. Removing a full-length PCIe card
    Removing a full-length PCIe card

  6. To install a full-length PCIe card, do the following:

    1. If you are installing a new full-length PCIe card, remove the appropriate metal slot cover.

    2. Remove the new full-length PCIe card from its static-protective package.

    3. Align the extender on the new full-length PCIe card with the corresponding slot in the front fan assembly. Then, install the new card into the appropriate slot on the system board. See Parts on the system board.
      Note: It is recommended that you install the full-length PCIe card into a PCIe 3.0 x16 card slot for best performance.

  7. Pivot the PCIe card latch and push it back in until it snaps into position. Then, pivot the tab on the front fan assembly to close the latch inside.

  8. Connect one end of the power cable to the new full-length PCIe card and the other end to the appropriate power connector on the system board. See Parts on the system board.

What to do next:
Parent topic: Removing and installing hardware

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