Reference Guide

Removing or Installing an Expansion Card
The computer has three PCI Express x1 expansion slots and one PCI Express x16 expansion slot. The
expansion slots accommodate full-height or half-height expansion cards.
NOTE: You can install a PCI Express x1, x4, x8, or x16 expansion card in the PCI Express x16
expansion slot.
To remove, replace, or add an expansion card:
1. Remove/disengage any security devices that prohibit opening the computer.
2. Remove all removable media, such as compact discs or USB flash drives, from the computer.
3. Turn off the computer properly through the operating system, then turn off any external devices.
4. Disconnect the power cord from the power outlet and disconnect any external devices.
CAUTION: Regardless of the power-on state, voltage is always present on the system board as
long as the system is plugged into an active AC outlet. You must disconnect the power cord to
avoid damage to the internal components of the computer.
5. Remove the computer access panel.
6. Locate the correct vacant expansion socket on the system board and the corresponding expansion
slot on the back of the computer chassis.
7. On the rear of the computer, a slot cover lock secures the expansion card brackets in place.
Remove the screw from the slot cover lock then slide the slot cover lock up to remove it from the
chassis.
Figure 7 Opening the Slot Cover Lock
8. Before installing an expansion card, remove the expansion slot cover or the existing expansion
card.
10 Hardware Upgrades ENWW