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.

Install PCIe cards according to the corresponding slot types and the following illustrated installation order:

Figure 1. PCIe card installation order

Note:

The instructions on how to remove or install a PCIe card also applies to the PCI card.
If your computer comes with a full-length PCIe card, refer to Full-length PCIe card for its replacement instructions.

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

Prepare your computer. See Preparing your computer and removing the computer cover.
Lay the computer on its side for easier access to the system board.
To remove a PCIe card retainer, 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

Gently pull the PCIe card retainer out of the slot in the front fan assembly and then remove the card retainer from the PCIe card latch.
Note: The PCIe card retainer is only available on some models.

Figure 3. Removing the PCIe card retainer
To remove the PCIe card, do the following:
1. 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 4. Opening the PCIe card latch
2. If the PCIe card is connected to another device, disconnect the cable from the card first.
3. If the old PCIe card is held in place by a retaining latch, press the card retaining latch 1 as shown to disengage the latch. Then grasp the card and gently pull it out of the slot.
  Note: 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 5. Removing a PCIe card
To install a new PCIe card, do the following:
1. Remove the new PCIe card from its static-protective package.
2. 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 6. Opening the PCIe card latch
3. Remove the appropriate metal slot cover. Install the new card into the appropriate slot on the system board. See Parts on the system board.
4. Pivot the PCIe card latch and push it back in until it snaps into position.
5. If the new PCIe card needs to be connected to another device, connect the cable of the device to the new PCIe card.
To install a PCIe card retainer, insert the corresponding end of the PCIe card retainer into the gaps in the PCIe card latch as shown. Pivot the retainer downward to insert the part a into the corresponding slot in the front fan assembly. Then, pivot the tab on the front fan assembly to close the latch inside.
Figure 7. Installing the PCIe card retainer

What to do next:

To work with another piece of hardware, go to the appropriate section.
To complete the installation or replacement, go to Completing the parts replacement.