Installing the Cable Retention Bracket

1Insert the hooks and tabs of the cable retention bracket into the slots in the chassis wall and slide the bracket back until the latch engages.

2Install the cooling fan bracket. See "Replacing the Fan Bracket."

3Install the cooling shroud. See "Installing the Cooling Shroud."

Expansion Cards and Expansion-Card Risers

The system supports up to four PCI Express (PCIe) expansion cards on two expansion-card risers.

Expansion-card riser 1 provides two PCIe x4-link Gen 2 expansion slots.

Expansion-card riser 2 is offered in two versions:

The standard expansion-card riser 2 provides two PCIe x8-link Gen 2 expansion slots.

The optional expansion-card riser 2 provides one PCIe x16-link Gen 2 expansion slot.

CAUTION: Expansion cards can only be plugged into the slots on the expansion- card risers. Do not plug any expansion cards into the riser connectors on the system board.

To identify expansion slots, see "Expansion-Card Riser-Board Components and PCIe Buses."

Expansion Card Installation Guidelines

Observe the following notes and guidelines regarding the expansion-card slots:

PCI Express Generation 2 and Generation 1 expansion cards are supported in all slots.

In slots 2, 3, and 4, expansion cards can have a maximum length of 24.13 cm (9.5 in). Slot 1 supports a full-length (30.99-cm [12.2-in]) expansion card.

The system supports three full-height expansion cards and one low-profile expansion card (slot 2).

Although slots 1 and 2 are physically PCIe x8 connectors, they function only as PCIe x4-link slots.

Installing System Components

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Dell R710 owner manual Expansion Cards and Expansion-Card Risers, Installing the Cable Retention Bracket, 119

R710 specifications

The Dell PowerEdge R710 is a highly versatile and robust server that has been a popular choice for businesses seeking reliable performance and efficient management. Launched as part of Dell’s 11th generation PowerEdge line, the R710 is designed to handle various workloads, making it ideal for virtualization, data analysis, and enterprise applications.

One of the standout features of the R710 is its support for dual Intel Xeon 5500 or 5600 series processors. This capability allows for substantial processing power and improved energy efficiency through Intel’s Nehalem architecture. The server can accommodate up to 128GB of DDR3 RAM across its 16 DIMM slots, delivering the memory capacity needed for demanding applications while also providing the performance enhancements of higher memory speeds.

The R710 also boasts an impressive array of storage options. It supports up to eight 2.5-inch or six 3.5-inch hard drives, which can be configured in various RAID levels for enhanced data protection and performance. The server is compatible with both SAS and SATA drives, providing flexibility for different storage needs. Additionally, the optional PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller) allows for enhanced RAID configurations, ensuring data integrity and performance optimization.

In terms of connectivity, the Dell R710 comes equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed networking. This connectivity facilitates effective communication in virtualized and clustered environments. The server is also built with optional iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller) technology, which provides administrators with advanced management capabilities, remote control, and monitoring features that simplify server administration, minimize downtime, and enhance overall productivity.

Thermal efficiency is another key characteristic of the R710. Its innovative cooling design features intelligent fans that optimize airflow based on workload demands, ensuring that the system runs at optimal temperatures while minimizing energy consumption. This contributes to reduced operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

The modular design of the R710 allows for easy upgrades and maintenance, making it a practical option for IT departments. The server’s support for various operating systems, including Windows Server and various distributions of Linux, ensures compatibility with diverse environments.

In summary, the Dell PowerEdge R710 is an enterprise-class server that balances power, flexibility, and efficient management features. With its dual-processor capability, extensive memory options, robust storage configurations, and advanced management tools, it remains a solid choice for organizations looking to streamline their IT operations and enhance performance.