Tower workstation installation sequence recommendations
Load
order
Card description
Slot 1
(x1)
Slot 2 (x16) Slot 3 (x4)
Slot 4
(x16[x4])
Slot 5
(PCI)
Native M.
2 (x4)
1 PCIe graphic card Only
2 Second PCIe graphic card Only
3 Internal PCIe storage Only
4 Second internal PCIe storage Only
5 Thunderbolt card 2nd 1st
6 PCIe NIC card 1st 3rd 2nd
7 PCIe NIC card – 10G Only
8 Serial port (cable) 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
9 eSATA kit (cable) 4th 3rd 2nd 1st
10 PCIe parallel port card 1st 3rd 2nd
11 1394b FireWire PCIe card 1st 3rd 2nd
NOTE: Slot sequenced from the rear I/O aperture to the board edge.
Hard drives and optical disc drives
Handling hard drives
CAUTION: Take proper precautions when handling hard drives to prevent loss of work and damage to the
computer or drive.
●
Do not remove hard drives from the shipping package for storage. Keep hard drives in their protective
packaging until they are mounted in the computer.
●
Always shut down the operating system, turn o the power, and unplug the power cord. Never remove a
drive while the computer is on or in standby mode.
●
Before handling a drive, make sure you discharge static electricity. While handling a drive, avoid touching
the connector.
●
Handle a drive carefully. Do not drop it from any height.
●
To prevent possible ESD damage when the drive is installed, connect the drive power cable before
connecting the data cable. This discharges accumulated static electricity through the drive power cable
to the computer chassis.
●
Do not use excessive force when inserting a drive.
●
Avoid exposing a hard drive to liquids, temperature extremes, or products that have magnetic elds
such as monitors or speakers.
●
If you must mail a drive, use a bubble-pack mailer or other protective packaging and label the package
“Fragile: Handle With Care.”
Component replacement guidelines 51