Installing a Smart Array PCIe plug-in controller

The Smart Array PCIe plug-in controller is only supported in PCIe slot 2.

Prerequisites

Before you perform this procedure, make sure that you have the following items available:

  • Smart Array PCIe plug-in controller option kit

    This kit includes:

    • Smart Array PCIe plug-in controller

    • Controller backup power cable

  • Compatible controller cable option

  • T-15 Torx screwdriver

  • If you are installing a Smart Array P-class Gen10 controller, an energy pack option is required.

Before you perform this procedure, perform the following steps:

  1. Back up data on the system.

  2. Close all applications.

  3. Update the server firmware if it is not the latest revision.

  4. Do one of the following:

    • If the new Smart Array is the new boot device, install the device drivers.

    • If the new Smart Array is not the new boot device, go to the next step.

  5. Ensure that users are logged off and that all tasks are completed on the server.

Procedure
  1. Observe the following alerts:
    WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury from hot surfaces, allow the drives and the internal system components to cool before touching them.
    CAUTION: To prevent damage to electrical components, properly ground the server before beginning any installation procedure. Improper grounding can cause electrostatic discharge.
  2. Back up all server data.
  3. If installed, remove the front bezel.
  4. Power down the server.
  5. Remove all power:
    1. Disconnect each power cord from the power source.
    2. Disconnect each power cord from the server.
  6. Disconnect all peripheral cables from the server.
  7. Do one of the following:
  8. Remove the access panel.
  9. Remove the primary PCI riser cage.
  10. Remove the expansion slot blank.
  11. Do the following:
    1. Remove the full-height bracket from the M.2 SSD enablement board.

      Removing the full-height bracket from the M.2 SSD enablement board
    2. Install the half-height bracket onto the expansion board.

      Installing the low-profile bracket onto the expansion board
  12. Install the controller.

    Installing the controller
  13. Connect the cables to the controller.
  14. Install the primary PCI riser cage.
  15. Connect the cables to the backplane:
  16. To enable HPE Smart Array SR SmartCache in a Smart Array P-class Gen10 controller, install an energy pack.

    SmartCache and CacheCade enable solid-state drives to be used as caching devices for hard drive media. These features accelerate access to frequently used data by caching hot data from the hard drives onto the solid-state drives.

  17. Install the access panel.
  18. Install the server into the rack.
  19. Connect all peripheral cables to the server.
  20. Connect each power cord to the server.
  21. Connect each power cord to the power source.
  22. Power up the server.
  23. If removed, install the bezel.
  24. Configure the storage controller.

The installation is complete.