Replacing a fiber channel RAID (HBA) controller card for a Dell R630 server

Products

• Security Analytics

Issue/Introduction

If the HBA controller needs to be replaced, the following steps will need to happen in order to successfully replace the card.

Environment

Dell R630
Security Analytics

Resolution

There are two Fiber Channel RAID Controllers (or HBA controllers) in the Security Analytics Dell R630 sensor appliance.  They are located in the upper left corner as shown below.

 

Before removing and replacing the HBA controller, make sure that the server is completely powered down and that all cables have been labeled and removed (including both power cables).  If installed, remove the optional front bezel.  

Removing the system cover

1. Rotate the latch release lock counter clockwise to the unlocked position.
2. Lift the latch toward the back of the system.
3. The system cover slides back and the tabs on the system cover disengage from the slots on the chassis.
4. Hold the cover on both sides, and lift the cover away from the system.

 

 

Removing expansion card risers

1. Holding the touch points (four slots in the top of the riser card), lift the expansion card riser (1) from the riser connector (2) on the system board.  You may have to wiggle it in order to remove the assembly.  Be aware that there are riser guider pins (3).
   
   

The expansion card riser with both HBAs installed looks as follows:

Removing the HBA controller card from the expansion card riser

1. Remove the SFP fiber optic modules from the two HBA ports.
2. There are retainer clips locking each HBA in place (see red arrow below).  Controller 1 has an extra retention slider clip that will need to be pulled away as seen below in the red circle:
   
   
   
   
3. Carefully wiggle the HBA controller card back and forth to remove it from the vertical slot on the riser expansion card.
   
   

Reverse the steps above to install the replacement HBA controller making sure to secure the locking clip and locking slide (if necessary).  When sliding the expansion card riser back into its slot on the main system board, use the guider pins and make sure the expansion card is firmly seated in its slot. Replace the SFP modules, the cables and the system cover.