Installing the adapter
29
Installation Steps
Servers have several different bus slot types for accepting adapters:
◆PCI
◆PCI-X
◆PCI-X 2.0
◆PCI-Express
PCI slots can be 32-bit and 64-bit (denoted by their 124-pin or 188-pin
connectors.) These slots have plastic "keys" that prevent certain
adapters from fitting into them. These keys work with the cutout
notches in the adapter edge connector so that only compatible
adapters will fit into them. This is done because of the voltage
characteristics of the adapter. Inserting a 3.3v adapter into a 5v slot
would cause severe damage to both the adapter and the server.
Therefore, the slot keys denote the type of voltage provided by the
slot and effectively prevent a voltage incompatible adapter from
being inserted.
Figure2 shows how PCI slots will appear with their keys and what
type of voltage is provided for each slot type.
Figure2 PCI slot types and voltage key locations