1–Hardware InstallationPre-Installation Checklist2 BK3254601-00 CPre-Installation Checklist1. Verify that your system meets the hardware and software requirementslisted in “Hardware and Software Requirements” on page 1.2. Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.3. Check the adapter for visible signs of damage. Never attempt to install adamaged adapter.PCIe Bus Slot ConsiderationsThe size of the PCIe bus slot in which you install the adapter will affect the speedthroughput. Table 1-1 lists the approximate speed throughput for each bus slotsize.Table 1-2 lists the throughput needed to achieve line rates.NOTEIf you acquired the adapter software on a disk or from the Dell supportWeb site (http://support.dell.com), verify the path to the adapter driverfiles.Table 1-1. Approximate Speed Throughput per Bus Slot SizeSlot SizePCIe Generation (Speed) ThroughputPCIe Gen1 (2.5 GT/s) PCIe 2.0 (5 GT/s) PCIe 3.0 (8 GT/s)x8 slot ~20Gbps (2.58) ~40Gbps (58) ~64Gbps (88)x16 slot ~40Gbps (2.516) ~80Gbps (516) ~128Gbps (816)x32 slot ~80Gbps (2.532) ~160Gbps (532) ~256Gbps (832)Table 1-2. Throughput Requirements to Achieve Line RateNumber of 32GFC Ports Model Number PCIe ThroughputRequired to AchieveLine RateMinimum PCIe Gen andSlot Configurations1 QLE2740-DEL,QLE2740L-DEL 32Gbps (132Gbps) PCIe 2.0 x8 and higherPCIe 3.0 x8 and higher2 QLE2742-DEL,QLE2742L-DEL 64Gbps (232Gbps) PCIe 3.0 x8 and higher
