1–Hardware Installation
Pre-Installation Checklist
2
BK3254601-00 C
Pre-Installation Checklist
1.
Verify that your system meets the hardware and software requirements
listed in
“Hardware and Software Requirements” on page 1
.
2.
Verify that your system is using the latest BIOS.
3.
Check the adapter for visible signs of damage. Never attempt to install a
damaged adapter.
PCIe Bus Slot Considerations
The size of the PCIe bus slot in which you install the adapter will affect the speed
throughput.
lists the approximate speed throughput for each bus slot
size.
lists the throughput needed to achieve line rates.
NOTE
If you acquired the adapter software on a disk or from the Dell support
Web site (
), verify the path to the adapter driver
files.
Table 1-1. Approximate Speed Throughput per Bus Slot Size
Slot Size
PCIe Generation (Speed) Throughput
PCIe Gen1 (2.5 GT/s)
PCIe 2.0 (5 GT/s)
PCIe 3.0 (8 GT/s)
x8 slot
~20Gbps (2.5
8)
~40Gbps (5
8)
~64Gbps (8
8)
x16 slot
~40Gbps (2.5
16)
~80Gbps (5
16)
~128Gbps (8
16)
x32 slot
~80Gbps (2.5
32)
~160Gbps (5
32)
~256Gbps (8
32)
Table 1-2. Throughput Requirements to Achieve Line Rate
Number of 32G
FC Ports
Model Number
PCIe Throughput
Required to Achieve
Line Rate
Minimum PCIe Gen and
Slot Configurations
1
QLE2740-DEL,
QLE2740L-DEL
32Gbps (1
32Gbps)
PCIe 2.0 x8 and higher
PCIe 3.0 x8 and higher
2
QLE2742-DEL,
QLE2742L-DEL
64Gbps (2
32Gbps)
PCIe 3.0 x8 and higher
