Hard Drives
You can install the following hard drive configurations in your system:
•
Up to two non–hot-plug SATA hard drives when the hard drives are connected to the system
board SATA controllers.
•
Up to six non–hot-plug SATA hard drives when the hard drives are connected to an optional
SATA controller card.
•
Up to six optional hot–plug-ready SCSI hard drives when the optional SCSI hard-drive cage is
installed.
NOTE:
controller's documentation to verify that its configuration supports hot-plug SCSI hard drives.
General Installation Guidelines
Use the following guidelines when installing hard drives:
•
You should only use drives tested and approved for use in your system.
•
You may need to use different programs than those provided with the operating system to
partition and format a hard drive. See the hard drive's documentation for information on
setting up the drive.
•
When you format a high-capacity hard drive, allow enough time for the formatting to be
completed. Long format times for these drives are normal. For example, a large drive can take
over an hour to format.
•
Do not turn off or reboot your system while the drive is being formatted. Doing so can cause a
drive failure.
Installing and Removing SATA Hard Drives
Removing a SATA Hard Drive
CAUTION:
troubleshooting and simple repairs as authorized in your product documentation, or as directed by the
online or telephone service and support team. Damage due to servicing that is not authorized by Dell is
not covered by your warranty. Read and follow the safety instructions that came with the product.
1
Turn off the system, including any attached peripherals, and disconnect the system from the
electrical outlet.
2
Open the system. See "Opening the System" in "Troubleshooting Your System."
3
If your system is configured as a tower, lay the system on its right side.
4
Disconnect all power cables and interface cables from the hard drives in the drive bays.
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Installing Drives
SCSI hot-plug functionality is available only when SCSI RAID is used. See the SCSI RAID
Many repairs may only be done by a certified service technician. You should only perform