# Insert the Adapter in the Computer

| NOTE: If you are replacing an existing adapter with a new adapter, you must re-install the driver.

## Insert a PCI Express Adapter in the Server

1. Turn off the server and unplug the power cord, then remove the server's cover.

| CAUTION: Turn off and unplug the server before removing the server's cover. Failure to do so could endanger you and may damage the adapter or server.

2. Remove the cover bracket from a PCI Express slot (v1.0a or later).
   PCI-Express slots and adapters vary in the number of connectors present, depending on the data lanes being supported.

| NOTE: The Intel® 10 Gigabit AT Server Adapter will only fit into x8 or larger PCI Express slots. Some systems have physical x8 PCI Express slots that actually support lower speeds. Please check your system manual to identify the slot.

3. Insert the adapter in an available, compatible PCI Express slot. Push the adapter into the slot until the adapter is firmly seated. You can install a smaller PCI Express adapter in a larger PCI Express slot.

| CAUTION: Some PCI-Express adapters may have a short connector, making them more fragile than PCI adapters. Excessive force could break the connector. Use caution when pressing the board in the slot.

4. Repeat steps 2 through 3 for each adapter you want to install.
5. Replace the server cover and plug in the power cord.
6. Turn the power on.

## Insert a PCI-X Adapter in the Server

1. If your computer supports PCI Hot Plug, see your computer documentation for special installation instructions.

2. Shut down the operating system.

3. Turn off and unplug your computer. Then remove the cover.

| CAUTION: Turn off and unplug the power before removing the computer's cover. Failure to do so could endanger you and may damage the adapter or computer.

4. Remove the cover bracket from a PCI (v2.3 compliant) bus master slot, or a PCI-X (v1.0a compliant) slot. (This adapter uses 3.3v signaling.) If you have configuration problems, see your computer's documentation to determine if the PCI slots are bus master-enabled.

| PCI-X slots are backward-compatible with 64-bit PCI slots, and operate at 66, 100 or 133 MHz. PCI and PCI-X bus theoretical speed designations are shown below:

|  | 33 MHz | 66 MHz | 100 MHz | 133 MHz
| 64-bit | "2x" | "4x" | "6x" | "8x"

NOTE: Intel highly recommends installing a 10GbE adapter in a 133MHz PCI-X slot. Slower slots will significantly degrade adapter performance.

5. Insert the adapter in an available PCI or PCI-X slot. Push the adapter into the slot until the adapter is firmly seated.

6. Secure the adapter bracket with a screw, if required.

7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 for each additional adapter to be installed.

8. Replace the computer cover and plug in the power cord.

9. Turn the power on and start your operating system.
   If you get a PCI or PCI-X configuration error, see Testing and Troubleshooting.