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Cisco UCS C420 Server Installation and Service Guide
OL-27640-01
Chapter 3 Maintaining the Server
Installing or Replacing Server Components
PCIe Configuration Guide
For the best performance, we recommend that you populate the PCIe slots in the order shown in
Table 3-7 for each type of add-on card. For each card type, populate the primary slot first, followed by
the secondary slot, and then any alternate slots. See Figure 3-23 for the slot locations.
Replacing a PCIe Card in a Riser Slot
Note If you are installing a Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card (VIC), see Special Considerations for Cisco
UCS Virtual Interface Cards, page 3-45.
To install or replace a PCIe card in full-height slots 1 or 7 on the PCIe risers, follow these steps:
Step 1 Remove a PCIe card (or a blank filler panel) from the PCIe riser assembly:
a. Shut down and power off the server as described in Shutting Down and Powering Off the Server,
page 3-8.
b. Slide the server out the front of the rack far enough so that you can remove the top cover. You might
have to detach cables from the rear panel to provide clearance.
Caution If you cannot safely view and access the component, remove the server from the rack.
Table 3-6 PCIe Expansion Slots
Slot Number
Electrical
Lane Width Connector Length Card Length
1
1. This is the supported length because of internal clearance.
Card Height
2
2. This is the size of the rear panel opening.
NCSI
3
Support
3. NCSI = Network Communications Services Interface protocol. An NCSI slot is powered even when the server is in standby power mode.
1 (on riser)
Gen-3 x16 x16 connector ½ length Full height Yes
2 Gen-3 x8 x8 connector ½ length ½ height No
3 Gen-3 x8 x8 connector ½ length ½ height No
4 Gen-3 x8 x16 connector ½ length ½ height Yes
5
Gen-3 x8 x8 connector ½ length ½ height No
6
Gen-3 x8 x8 connector ½ length ½ height No
7 (on riser)
Gen-3 x16 x16 connector ½ length Full height Yes
Table 3-7 PCIe Slot Population
PCIe Card Type Primary Slot Secondary Slot Alternate Slots
RAID controller Slot 3 Slot 5 —
Low-profile (half-height) network
adapter
Slot 2 Slot 6 Slots 1, 4, 5, or 7
1
1. To use a half-height card in slots 1 or 7, you must have a full-height rear panel attached to the card.
Cisco UCS Virtual Interface Card Slot 4 Slot 1 or 7 —
