Owners Manual

Hard drive or SSD backplane
Systems use a backplane to attach hot-swappable hard drives. A backplane has pins that pass directly into hard drive sockets
without cables. They may have single connector to connect one disk array controller or multiple connectors that can be
connected to one or more controllers.
Removing the hard drive or SSD backplane
Prerequisites
CAUTION: Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the online or
telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is not covered by
your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
CAUTION: To prevent damage to the hard drives or SSDs and the hard drive or SSD backplane, you must remove
the hard drives or SSDs from the blade before removing the hard drive or SSD backplane.
CAUTION: Note the number of each hard drive or SSD and temporarily label them before removal so that you can
replace them in the same locations.
1. Follow the safety guidelines listed in safety instructions section.
2. Keep the Phillips #2 screwdriver ready.
3. Follow the procedure listed in the Before working inside your system section.
4. Remove the hard drive(s) or SSD(s).
Steps
1. Pressing the release latches, hold both the edges of the backplane near the blade chassis and lift it up and away from the
system.
2. Remove the hard drive or SSD cage.
3. Loosen the two retention screws securing the hard drive or SSD backplane cable connector to the system board connector.
4. Lift the hard drive or SSD backplane up and away from the system.
Figure 54. Removing the 2.5-inch (x2) hard drive or SSD backplane
106
Installing and removing blade components