Replace a PCIe Card

Time required:	15 minutes per controller
Parts required:	Replacement NIC or HBA ordered from HPE
Tools required:	ESD (electrostatic discharge) strap or appropriate grounding device Phillips screwdriver
Information required:	RMA (Return Materials Authorization) work order Case number Array name or serial number The array serial number can be found on the back of Controller A.
Support contact:	See Support.

HPE recommends using the Maintenance Window functionality within the HPE InfoSight portal to inform HPE Support of upcoming maintenance windows.

Refer to https://infosight.hpe.com/dashboards/nimble/wellness/maintenance-windows for more information.

IMPORTANT:

Controllers may only be serviced in Standby mode. Never remove a controller running in Active mode. You do not have to shut down the array or expansion shelf to replace or add a PCIe card. The storage array can function with one active controller while the PCIe card is added on the standby controller.

Use this procedure to replace existing network interface cards (NICs) or host bus adapters (HBAs) on your HPE Nimble Storage array.

Identify and halt the controller that is in Standby mode.
1. Log in to the array using the CLI.
2. Determine which controller is in Standby or Unknown mode.
  ctrlr --list --array array_name
3. halt --array array_name --controller {A | B}
Physically remove the standby controller.
1. Label all cables to ensure proper recabling later, then remove them from the controller.
2. Loosen the keeper screw to release the controller handle.
  Figure: Controller rear view
  1. Keeper screw
  2. Handle
  3. Thumbscrew
  4. PCIe card slot 1
  5. PCIe card slot 2
  6. PCIe card slot 3
  NOTE: Do not remove the power cord above the controller. If clips are installed, it is recommended to secure retention clips around the power cord to avoid accidental power cord removal or displacement.
3. Grasp the standby controller by the handle, pull down, and use firm, steady pressure to pull the controller out of the chassis bay. Use two hands to support the controller during removal.
  
  IMPORTANT:
  To avoid electrostatic damage, place array components on a grounded anti-static mat. Use an ESD wrist strap during removal and replacement.
Remove the PCIe cage from the controller.
1. Loosen the thumbscrew to release the PCIe cage from the controller.
2. Gently pull the PCIe cage up from the controller to unseat the PCIe cage riser card from the motherboard connector.
3. Remove the two screws to loosen the PCIe cage cover, then separate the cover from the cage.
  1. PCIe cage
  2. Controller panel
  3. Thumbscrew
  4. PCIe cage
4. NOTE: If the PCIe cage does not have a retention bracket, go to Step 4.
  Loosen the two thumbscrews on the PCIe cage, then slide the retention bracket out to loosen the PCIe cards.
  1. Thumbscrews
  2. Retention bracket
Replace the PCIe card.
1. Remove the existing NIC or HBA from the slot (see diagram in step 2). If you are installing a quad port 10Gbps SFP+ NIC card, you must remove the transceiver from port 1 before attempting to install the card.
2. Install the new NIC or HBA into the vacated slot. After the card is successfully installed, reinsert the transceiver into port 1 if you removed it.
3. To replace additional NICs or HBAs, repeat step 4.
Reassemble the PCIe cage, and reattach to the controller.
1. NOTE: If the PCIe cage does not have a retention bracket, go to Step 5b.
  Slide the retention bracket in to secure the PCIe cards, then fasten the two thumbscrews to lock the retention bracket in place.
2. Reinstall the PCIe cage cover, and secure with two screws.
3. Carefully align the PCIe cage riser card with the motherboard connector, then gently seat the PCIe cage into place.
4. Reinsert the controller into the chassis bay, then secure the keeper screw to the controller handle.
5. Reattach the cables (use the labeling from step 2a as a guide).
Verify configuration of new PCIe cards.
1. In the GUI, do one of the following:
  - For version 3.x or earlier, choose Manage → Arrays, then select the array that contains the new drives.
  - For version 4.x or later, click Hardware, then select the array that contains the new drives.
2. Verify that the controllers are in Active and Standby modes. Ensure that the ports are connected (green).
NOTE: Ports that are not configured for management traffic (NIC ports only) or data traffic (NIC or HBA ports) report an unconfigured (gray) status. HBA ports cannot be configured for management traffic.