Chapter 2. Installing optional devicesUse this information for instructions you need to follow before installing optionaldevices in the server.This information provides detailed instructions for installing optional hardwaredevices in the server.Attention: Installing the wrong firmware or device-driver update might cause theserver to malfunction. Before you install a firmware or device-driver update, readany readme and change history files that are provided with the downloadedupdate. These files contain important information about the update and theprocedure for installing the update, including any special procedure for updatingfrom an early firmware or device-driver version to the latest version.In addition to the instructions in this document for installing optional hardwaredevices, updating the firmware and device drivers, and completing the installation,IBM Business Partners must also complete the steps in “Instructions for IBMBusiness Partners” on page 26.Important: To help ensure that the devices that you install work correctly and donot introduce problems, observe the following precautions:1. Make sure that the server and the installed firmware levels support the devicesthat you are installing. If necessary, update the UEFI and IMM firmware andany other firmware that is stored on the system board. For information aboutwhere firmware is stored in the server, see “Updating the firmware” on page137. For a list of supported optional devices for the server, seehttp://www.ibm.com/systems/info/x86servers/serverproven/compat/us/.2. Use the best practices to apply current firmware and device-driver updates forthe server and optional devices. To download the IBM System x Firmware UpdateBest Practices document, go to http://www.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/docdisplay?brand=50000020&lndocid=MIGR-5082923. Additional hints and tipsare available from the following sites:v IBM support: http://www.ibm.com/supportportal/v System x configuration tools: http://www.ibm.com/systems/x/hardware/configtools.html3. Before you install optional hardware devices, make sure that the server isworking correctly. Start the server and make sure that the operating systemstarts, if an operating system is installed, or that a 19990305 error code isdisplayed, indicating that an operating system was not found but the server isotherwise working correctly. If the server is not working correctly, see“Running the DSA Preboot diagnostic programs” on page 187 for informationabout how to run diagnostics.4. Follow the installation procedures in this document and use the correct tools.Incorrectly installed devices can cause system failure because of damaged pinsin sockets or connectors, loose cabling, or loose components.© Copyright IBM Corp. 2013 25
