Deploying the Dell PowerEdge Express Flash PCIe
SSD
CAUTION:
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 system.
NOTE:
specific Owner’s Manual at support.dell.com/manuals.
This document discusses a set of high level instructions on how to get started
and manage your Dell PowerEdge Express Flash Peripheral Component
Interconnect Express (PCIe) Solid State Device (SSD).
Setting Up Your PCIe SSD
All Dell PowerEdge Express Flash PCIe SSDs connect to the system board
through the PCIe SSD backplane. The backplane is mounted on the frontchassis assembly of the system. PCIe SSD devices are supplied in device carriers
that are compatible with the PCIe SSD device bays.
CAUTION:
platform-specific Owner’s Manual at support.dell.com/manuals.
When you ordered the PCIe SSD with your system, with an operating system
pre-installed, the PCIe SSD is already configured and ready for use. If you are
installing a new operating system, follow the steps below:
1
Install the operating system on a storage device other than the PCIe SSD.
2
Install the PCIe SSD driver for your operating system.
Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You
For information on removing and reinstalling system parts, see the system-
To ensure that you have the correct configuration for the PCIe SSD, see the
NOTE:
To ensure that you have the current version of the driver, download the latest
Windows driver from support.dell.com.
•In Windows, install the driver by using the Dell Update Package (DUP).
•In Linux, install the driver by using the command:
package name
2012–01
>.
rpm
.
rpm -ihv
<
driver rpm
3
Reboot the system for the driver update to take effect.
Your device is now ready for use.
NOTE:
Dell OpenManage Server Administrator is required for device status LED to
operate correctly.
Using PCIe SSDs in a Windows or Linux-Based System
In Microsoft Windows-based systems, you can configure the PCIe SSD for use
from the Disk Management tool under the Storage section in the Server Manager.
In Linux-based systems, you can configure the PCIe SSD from the partitioning
tool by specifying or selecting the device name. The device name for PCIe SSDs
is /dev/rssdx, where x is the letter corresponding to each PCIe SSD in the system
(for example: /dev/rssda).
Use OpenManage Server Adminstrator in Windows or Linux for managing and
performing PCIe SSD related tasks.
Servicing Your PCIe SSD
Dell PowerEdge Express Flash PCIe SSDs support orderly hot swap allowing you
to add or remove a device without halting or rebooting the system in which the
devices are installed.
Removing a PCIe SSD from the System
If you need to remove or replace your PCIe SSD, you may remove the PCIe SSD
from the running system, through an orderly removal operation. This operation is
supported in Windows and Linux.
If you are removing a PCIe SSD from a system which is running, proceed to
step 1. Otherwise, skip to step 2.
CAUTION:
removal before physically removing the device.
1
Use the
To prevent data loss, it is mandatory that you prepare the device for
Prepare to Remove
task in the OpenManage Server Administrator to
safely remove a PCIe SSD from the system. This task causes the status LEDs
on the device to blink.
WARNING:
for removal. When you initiate a prepare to remove operation, ensure that your PCIe SSD is
no longer accessible by the system before you physically remove the PCIe SSD.
The identify LED pattern (blink operation) is the same LED pattern as prepare
You can safely remove the device from the operating system under the following
4
3
1
2
conditions after you use the Prepare to Remove task:
•The PCIe SSD is blinking the prepare for removal LED pattern.
•The PCIe SSD is no longer accessible by the operating system.
2
Press the release button on the front of the device carrier and open the device
carrier release handle, to release the PCIe SSD. See Figure 1-1.
3
Slide out the PCIe SSD.
Figure 1-1. Removing and Installing a PCIe SSD in a Device From or Into the System
1release button2PCIe SSD slot
3top of the device4PCIe SSD carrier handle
Installing a PCIe SSD Device in the System
When installing a PCIe SSD device, ensure that the adjacent devices are fully
installed. Inserting a PCIe SSD device carrier and attempting to lock its lever
next to a partially installed carrier can damage the partially installed carrier's
shield spring, making it unusable.
1
Press the release button on the front of the PCIe SSD device carrier and open
the handle.
2
Slide the PCIe SSD device carrier into the PCIe SSD device bay until the
carrier contacts the backplane.
3
Close the PCIe SSD device carrier handle to lock the device in place. See
Figure 1-1.
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