Intel® Ethernet Adapters and Devices User Guide
Install the Adapter
Select the Correct Slot
One open PCI Express* slot, x4, x8, or x16, depending on your adapter.
Some systems have physical x8 PCI Express slots that actually only support lower speeds. Please check your system manual to identify the slot.
Insert the Adapter into the Computer
If your computer supports PCI Hot Plug, see your computer documentation for special installation instructions.
Turn off and unplug your computer. Then remove the cover.
Note: 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.
Remove the cover bracket from an available slot.
Insert the adapter, pushing it into the slot until the adapter is firmly seated. You can install a smaller PCI Express adapter in a larger PCI Express slot.
Note: 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.
Secure the adapter bracket with a screw, if required.
Replace the computer cover and plug in the power cord.
Power on the computer.
PCI Hot Plug Support
Most Intel® Ethernet Server Adapters are enabled for use in selected servers equipped with Hot Plug support. Exceptions: Intel Gigabit Quad Port Server adapters do not support Hot Plug operations.
If you replace an adapter in a Hot Plug slot, do not place the removed adapter back into the same network until the server has rebooted (unless you return it to the same slot and same team as before). This prevents a conflict in having two of the same Ethernet addresses on the same network.
The system will require a reboot if you:
Change the primary adapter designator.
Add a new adapter to an existing team and make the new adapter the primary adapter.
Remove the primary adapter from the system and replace it with a different type of adapter.
To replace an existing Static Link Aggregation (SLA)-teamed adapter in a Hot Plug slot, first unplug the adapter cable. When the adapter is replaced, reconnect the cable.
PCI Hot Plug Support for Microsoft Windows* Operating Systems
Intel® Ethernet adapters are enabled for use in selected servers equipped with PCI Hot Plug support and running Microsoft Windows* operating systems. For more information on setting up and using PCI Hot Plug support in your server, see your hardware and/or Hot Plug support documentation for details. PCI Hot Plug only works when you hot plug an identical Intel network adapter.
The MAC address and driver from the removed adapter will be used by the replacement adapter unless you remove the adapter from the team and add it back in. If you do not remove and restore the replacement adapter from the team, and the original adapter is used elsewhere on your network, a MAC address conflict will occur.
For SLA teams, ensure that the replacement adapter is a member of the team before connecting it to the switch.