DELL - PowerEdge R710 - Integrated Storage Controller Card - Installing and removing

Integrated Storage Controller Card Maintenance

The system features a dedicated expansion-card slot on riser 1, designed to accommodate an integrated storage controller card. This card is responsible for managing the storage subsystem, supporting both SAS and SATA hard drives, and enabling RAID configurations as supported by the storage controller version included with the system.

Removing the Integrated Storage Controller Card

To remove the integrated storage controller card, follow these steps:

1. Power Down the System: Ensure the system and all attached peripherals are turned off, and disconnect the system from the electrical outlet.
2. Access the System Interior: Open the system to access its internal components. Refer to the relevant section in the product documentation for detailed instructions.
3. Remove Expansion Cards: Remove all expansion cards from expansion-card riser 1. Consult the section on removing expansion cards for guidance.
4. Disconnect SAS Cables: Disconnect the SAS cable(s) from the storage controller card.
5. CAUTION: RAID Battery Cable Disconnection: Be aware that disconnecting the RAID battery cable from a PERC card can result in data loss if the "dirty cache" LED on the card is lit, indicating cached data in controller memory that was not cleared at system shutdown.
6. Disconnect RAID Battery Cable (if necessary): If required, disconnect the RAID battery cable from the controller.
7. Release and Remove the Card: Bend both card-edge guides outward and pull the storage controller card out of the connector. Then, bend outward on both card-edge guides to release the controller, lift the side adjacent to the blue guide, and remove the controller towards the rear of the chassis.

Installing the Integrated Storage Controller Card

To install the integrated storage controller card, follow these steps:

1. Align the Card: With the storage controller card-edge facing the riser, insert one side of the card into the black card-edge guide.
2. Secure the Card: Bend outward on the blue card-edge guide, lower the card onto the guide, and release it. Then, slide the storage controller's card edge connector into the card slot on the riser until the card is fully seated.
3. Connect SAS Cables: Connect the SAS_0 cable to the storage controller's SAS_0 connector and the SAS_1 cable to the controller's SAS_1 connector. Ensure the cables are connected according to the connector labels to avoid operational issues.
4. Install RAID Battery (if applicable): For a battery-cached PERC controller, install the RAID battery. Refer to the relevant section for instructions.
5. Route Cables: If not already done, route the interface and RAID battery cables in the designated cable path inside the right interior wall of the chassis beneath the cable retention bracket. Consult the cable routing section and relevant figures for guidance.
6. Connect SAS Cables to Backplane: Connect the SAS A cable to the SAS A connector on the backplane and, if applicable, connect the SAS B cable to the SAS B connector on the backplane.
7. Close the System: Once the storage controller card is installed, close the system to secure all internal components. Follow the instructions for closing the system as outlined in the product documentation.
8. Power On the System: Reconnect the system and peripherals to their electrical outlets and turn on the system.