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PCIe storage enclosure configuration rules

Learn about important configuration rules that must be followed when connecting PCIe storage enclosures to system units.

When connecting a PCIe storage enclosure, observe the configuration rules in the following list:
  • PCIe storage enclosures are connected to system units in a point-to-point topology.
  • Only one PCIe storage enclosure can be connected to a system-side PCIe connector. Daisy-chain cabling of PCIe storage enclosures is not supported.
  • PCIe storage enclosures can be connected to two PCIe connectors on the same PCIe GX++ adapter, or split across two different PCIe GX++ adapters. Connecting the two PCIe cables to different PCIe GX++ adapters can improve system serviceability and availability.

The following table specifies PCIe storage enclosure limits.

Table 1. PCIe storage enclosures limits
Machine type and model Supported PCIe storage enclosures Maximum number of PCIe GX++ adapters Maximum number of PCIe storage enclosures

8202-E4C

5888

1

1

8231-E1C

5888

1
1
Note: The 8231-E1C must be one of two systems in a high-availability configuration in order to support a PCIe storage enclosure.

8231-E2C

5888

2

1

8205-E6C

5888

2

2

8202-E4D

8246-L2T

EDR1

1

1

8231-E1D

EDR1

1
1
Note: The 8231-E1D must be one of two systems in a high-availability configuration in order to support a PCIe storage enclosure.

8268-E1D

EDR1

1
1
Note: The 8268-E1D must be one of two systems in a high-availability configuration in order to support a PCIe storage enclosure.

8231-E2D

EDR1

2

1

8205-E6D

8248-L4T
Note: The 16-way, 24-way, and 32-way configurations support PCIe storage enclosures. The 8-way configuration does not support PCIe storage enclosures.
8408-E8D
Note: The 16-way, 24-way, and 32-way configurations support PCIe storage enclosures. The 8-way configuration does not support PCIe storage enclosures.
9109-RMD
Note: The 24-way, 36-way, and 48-way configurations support PCIe storage enclosures. The 12-way configuration does not support PCIe storage enclosures.

EDR1

2

2

8412-EAD

9117-MMD

9179-MHD

EDR1

 The maximum number of PCIe GX++ adapters is equal to two PCIe GX++ adapters per processor drawer in the system configuration:
  • 1 processor drawer = 2 PCIe GX++ adapters
  • 2 processor drawers = 4 PCIe GX++ adapters
  • 3 processor drawers = 6 PCIe GX++ adapters
  • 4 processor drawers = 8 PCIe GX++ adapters
 The maximum number of PCIe storage enclosures is equal to two PCIe storage enclosures per processor drawer in the system configuration:
  • 1 processor drawer = 2 PCIe storage enclosures
  • 2 processor drawers = 4 PCIe storage enclosures
  • 3 processor drawers = 6 PCIe storage enclosures
  • 4 processor drawers = 8 PCIe storage enclosures
Parent topic: Preparing to add a PCIe storage enclosure
Parent topic: Preparing to add a PCIe storage enclosure

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Last updated: Tue, September 30, 2014