• 2.5 inch x32 SAS/SATA backplaneDepending on your configuration, your system supports one of the following backplane combinations:• 3.5 inch x8 SAS/SATA backplane and 2.5 inch x4 PCIe SSD backplane• 2.5 inch x16 SAS/SATA backplane and 2.5 inch x4 PCIe SSD backplane• 2.5 inch x16 SAS/SATA backplane for hard-drives in the hard-drive bay and 2.5 inch x16 SAS/SATAbackplane for hard-drives in a flex bay.Removing the hard-drive backplanePrerequisites1. Ensure that you read the Safety instructions.2. Follow the procedure listed in Before working inside your system.3. Remove all hard drives.4. Remove the cooling shroud.5. If applicable, remove the cooling-fan assembly.CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should onlyperform troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or asdirected by the online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that isnot authorized by Dell is not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructionsthat came with the product.CAUTION: To prevent damage to the drives and backplane, you must remove the hard drivesfrom the system before removing the backplane.CAUTION: You must note the number of each hard drive and temporarily label them beforeremoval so that you can replace them in the same locations.Steps1. Disconnect the SAS/SATA/SSD data, signal, and power cable(s) from the backplane.2. Pull the release pin or the release tab and pull the backplane up and out from the system.NOTE: For a Dell PowerEdge Express Flash (PCIe SSD) backplane, press the release tab tounlock the hard-drive backplane and release it from the hard-drive bay.111
