Service and Maintain

Expansion cards
The computer has one PCI Express x1 expansion slot, one PCI Express x16 expansion slot, and two PCI
expansion slots.
NOTE: The PCI Express slots support only low profile cards.
You can install a PCI Express x1, x4, x8, or x16 expansion card in the PCI Express x16 slot.
For dual graphics card configurations, the first (primary) card must be installed in the PCI Express x16 slot.
To remove, replace, or add an expansion card:
1. Prepare the computer for disassembly (see
Preparing to disassemble the computer on page 14).
2. Remove the access panel (see
Access panel on page 15).
3. Locate the correct vacant expansion socket on the system board and the corresponding expansion slot
on the back of the computer chassis.
4. Rotate the slot cover retention latch on the rear of the chassis to the open position.
5. Before installing an expansion card, remove the expansion slot cover or the existing expansion card.
NOTE: Before removing an installed expansion card, disconnect any cables that may be attached to
the expansion card.
a. If you are installing an expansion card in a vacant PCI x1 socket or a PCI socket, push out the
appropriate expansion slot cover on the back of the chassis.
b. If you are installing an expansion card in a vacant PCI x16 socket, remove the appropriate
expansion slot cover on the back of the chassis. Pull the slot cover straight up then away from the
inside of the chassis.
c. If you are removing a PCI Express x1 card or a PCI card, hold the card at each end, and carefully
rock it back and forth until the connectors pull free from the socket. Pull the expansion card
straight up from the socket then away from the inside of the chassis to release it from the chassis
frame. Be sure not to scrape the card against the other components.
d. If you are removing a PCI Express x16 card, pull the retention arm on the back of the expansion
socket away from the card and carefully rock the card back and forth until the connectors pull free
from the socket. Pull the expansion card straight up from the socket then away from the inside of
the chassis to release it from the chassis frame. Be sure not to scrape the card against the other
components.
Expansion cards 29