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 has one PCIe x4 card slot, one PCIe x8 card slot, and two PCIe x16 card slots (graphics card available on some models).

Half-length PCIe card

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

Prepare your computer. See Preparing your computer and removing the computer cover.
At the rear of the computer, press the release button 1 to open the card latch 2.
Figure 1. Opening the PCIe card latch
Locate the PCIe card slot. See Parts on the system board.
If the PCIe card slot is a PCIe x16 card slot, press the retaining latch 1 as shown to disengage the latch.
Figure 2. Disengaging the retaining latch
To remove a half-length PCIe card, grasp the old card that is currently installed and gently pull it out of the slot.
Figure 3. Removing a PCIe card
Note:
- If the card is connected to other device, disconnect the cables from the card.
- 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.
To install a half-length PCIe card, do the following:
1. Remove the new PCIe card from its static-protective package.
2. If necessary, remove the appropriate metal slot cover.
3. Install the new card into the card slot on the system board until it is securely seated. See Parts on the system board.
  Note: If you are installing a PCIe x16 graphics card, ensure that the memory-slot retaining clips are closed before you install the card to avoid any interference during the installation.
  
  Figure 4. Installing a PCIe card
4. Pivot the card latch to the closed position to secure the PCIe card.
  Figure 5. Closing the PCIe card latch

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.

Full-length PCIe card

To remove or install a Type-1 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 PCIe card slots.
3. At the rear of the computer, press the release button 1 to open the card latch 2.
  Figure 6. Opening the PCIe card latch
4. Locate the PCIe card slot. See Parts on the system board.
5. If the PCIe card slot is a PCIe x16 card slot, press the retaining latch 1 as shown to disengage the latch.
  Figure 7. Disengaging the retaining latch
6. To remove a full-length PCIe card, do the following:
  1. Pivot the tab on the front fan assembly outward to open the latch inside.
    Figure 8. Opening the latch on the front fan assembly
  2. Grasp the old card that is currently installed and gently pull it out of the slot.
    Note:
    If the card is connected to other device, disconnect the cables from the card.
    
    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 9. Removing the full-length PCIe card
7. To install a full-length PCIe card, do the following:
  1. Remove the new full-length PCIe card from its static-protective package.
  2. Align the notch on the new full-length PCIe card with the slot key in a PCIe x16 card slot on the system board. Then, insert the new card downward into the card slot until it is secured tightly. See Parts on the system board.
    Note: Ensure that the memory-slot retaining clips are closed before you install the card to avoid any interference during the installation.
    
    Figure 10. Installing a full-length PCIe card
  3. Pivot the tab on the front fan assembly inward to close the latch inside.
    Figure 11. Closing the latch on the front fan assembly
8. Pivot the card latch to the closed position to secure the full-length PCIe card.
  Figure 12. Closing the PCIe card latch
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.
To remove or install a Type-2 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 PCIe card slots.
3. At the rear of the computer, press the release button 1 to open the card latch 2.
  Figure 13. Opening the PCIe card latch
4. Locate the PCIe card slot. See Parts on the system board.
5. To remove a full-length PCIe card, do the following:
  1. Remove the two screws on bracket 1 that secure the end of the PCIe card.
    Figure 14. Removing the two screws
  2. Grasp the failing card with bracket 1 and gently pull it out of the slot.
    Note:
    If the card is connected to other device, disconnect the cables from the card.
    
    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 15. Removing the full-length PCIe card with bracket 1
  3. Remove the three screws, and then remove bracket 2 from the system board.
    Figure 16. Removing the three screws
  4. Remove the two screws, and then remove bracket 1 from the PCIe card.
    Figure 17. Removing the two screws
6. To install a full-length PCIe card, do the following:
  1. Remove the new full-length PCIe card from its static-protective package.
  2. Install the two screws to secure bracket 1 to the PCI card.
    Figure 18. Installing the two screws
  3. Install the three screws to secure bracket 2 to the system board.
    Figure 19. Installing the three screws
  4. Align the notch on the new full-length PCIe card with the slot key in a PCIe card slot on the system board. Then, insert the new card downward into the card slot until it is secured tightly. See Parts on the system board.
    Note: Ensure that the memory-slot retaining clips are closed before you install the card to avoid any interference during the installation.
    
    Figure 20. Installing a full-length PCIe card
  5. Install the two screws on bracket 1 to secure the end of the PCIe card.
    Figure 21. Installing the two screws
7. Pivot the card latch to the closed position to secure the full-length PCIe card.
  Figure 22. Closing the PCIe card latch
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.