In this video, we'll cover the replacement steps for the VRTX Midplane. First, power off the VRTX enclosure. When the enclosure has entered standby, remove any data and power cables connected to the back. Next, remove the power supply units. Followed by the fans.
And finally remove the I/O module by first loosening the retention screw, and then sliding it out of the enclosure. Next, using a Phillips head screwdriver turn the lock on the enclosure cover to the unlocked position. Now press the latch and remove the cover. Don’t forget to remove any SLEDs from the front of the unit.
When removing SLEDs, it is important not to touch the connector pins on the back side, as this may cause permanent damage to both the enclosure and the SLEDs.
Going inside the system, remove the fan shroud. Now you'll have access to the fan bay release levers. Lift up both levers and pull straight up to remove the fan bay. Remove any low-profile PCIe cards and then, remove the full-height PCIe card cage. Please note that the PCIe cards in the cage do not need to be removed beforehand. The first step in this process is to remove the cage cover.
To do this, rotate the locking latch and then pull downward on the slide to release the cover from the system. If pulling down on the slider does not release the cover then use a flathead screwdriver to manually trigger the release, and then remove the cover. Using a Phillips head screwdriver, loosen the captive screws securing the cage to the enclosure. Now you can lift straight up on the enclosure to remove it.
For additional details, you can refer to the instructions on the label affixed to the cage. Next, remove the power distribution board assembly. Using a #2 Phillips head screwdriver loosen the captive screws securing the assembly to the enclosure. When loosened, firmly yet slowly, pull up to remove it. It is important not to yank it out. Once the assembly is removed, disconnect the internal cables from the planar board.
To remove the planar board, loosen the captive screw on the cam handle and then lift up on the cam handle. Using the blue T handle on the far side as well, lift the planar board out of the enclosure. When setting the planar board aside, make sure that the surface is a flat clean surface so as not to damage the pins on the bottom side of the board. With the planar board removed we now have access to the power pass-through board.
To remove this, lift up on the blue release pin then slide the assembly toward the front of the enclosure and then lift it out. Returning to the back of the enclosure, the next step is to remove the blower bay. Using a T15 torx driver loosen the captive screws behind the far flaps.
There will be two under each. Now with the captive screws loosened, slowly slide the bay out. You may need to jiggle the bay in order to do this. Finally, we can remove the midplane board. Slide the board straight back to clear the guide pins on the top right and bottom left of the board.
Rotate the board about 45 degrees and remove it from the enclosure. With the midplane board removed, we will now replace the board and reverse the steps in order to reassemble the system. First, slide the replacement midplane board, in at an angle and then engage the alignment pins.
Replace the blower bay, ensuring to tighten the four captive screws. Replace the power pass-through board by aligning the pins on the enclosure to the guide slots on the assembly. Next, reinstall the planar board ensuring to push the cam handle down and then tighten the captive screw.
Then, connect the internal cables to the planar board. Insert any half-height PCIe cards. And then install the power distribution board making sure to secure it using the captive screw. After this, reinstall the PCIe card cage making sure that you align the guide pins first.
Once seated, secure it in place using the captive screws on the cage. Align the fan bay to the guide pins and slide it into place, closing the release clips, and then replace the fan shroud.
Before we close the enclosure, replace the PCIe bay cover. Now, with the system closed again insert the previously removed SLEDs ensuring not to touch the pins. With the SLEDs in place we will return to the back of the enclosure to finish up. First, insert the blowers in the blower bay.
Then install the I/O card, securing it in place with the retention screw followed by the power supplies. Connect the data and power cables. And to wrap this up, return to the front of the enclosure and power it up.
