Installing a hot-swap hard disk drive
The following notes describe the types of hard disk drives that the server supports
and other information that you must consider when installing a hard disk drive:
v The server supports up to six 1-inch (26 mm) slim-high, 2.5-inch, hot-swap hard
disk drives in the standard hot-swap bays.
v For a list of supported options for the server, see http://www.ibm.com/servers/
eserver/serverproven/compat/us/.
v Inspect the drive tray for signs of damage.
v Make sure that the drive is correctly installed in the tray.
v If a RAID controller is installed in the server, see the documentation that comes
with the controller for instructions for installing a hard disk drive.
v All hot-swap drives in the server should have the same throughput speed rating;
mixing speed ratings might cause all drives to operate at the lower throughput
speed.

v To minimize the possibility of damage to the hard disk drives when you are

installing the server in a rack configuration, install the server in the rack before
installing the hard disk drives.

v You do not have to turn off the server to install hot-swap drives in the hot-swap

drive bays. However, you must turn off the server when performing any steps
that involve installing or removing cables.
v Some filler panels come with a slim filler.

The following illustration shows how to install a hot-swap hard disk drive.

Filler panel
Drive-tray assembly
Drive handle
(in open position)

To install a hot-swap hard disk drive, complete the following steps:

1. Read the safety information that begins on page v and “Installation guidelines”
on page 21.
2. Remove the filler panel from one of the empty hot-swap bays.
3. Touch the static-protective package that contains the hard disk drive to any
unpainted surface on the outside of the serve; then, remove the hard disk drive
from the package.
30 IBM System x3950 Type 8878 and System x3950 E Type 8879: User’s Guide