Chapter 3. Removing a Standalone XIO Board

Before removing a standalone XIO board, you must power off the OCTANE workstation, wait 5 minutes after powering off the workstation to allow the heat sinks to cool, attach the wriststrap and remove the XIO module.

Go to Chapter 2, “Preparing the Workstation to Install or Remove XIO Boards” and follow the instructions through removing the XIO module. Then return here and follow these directions.

Figure 3-1. Identifying the Compression Connector


When you remove the XIO module, the compression connectors on the back of the XIO module (XIO boards) are accessible and easily damaged. All XIO graphics boards have compression connectors, and most XIO option boards do.


Caution: The compression connectors on each XIO board are very delicate and easily damaged. Do not touch or bump the gold, bristled pad. Before you remove the XIO module, read Appendix B, “Care and Cleaning of the Compression Connector.”


About the XIO Module and XIO Boards

The four quadrants of the XIO module are Slots A, B, C, and D. Slots D and A are on one side, Slots B and C on the other.

  • The graphics board must be in slot A or slots A and D. (See the OCTANE Dual Head Installation Guide for specific locations of dual graphics boards.)

  • The XIO graphics boards must be placed toward the interior of the workstation or they may overheat and be damaged.

  • Option boards occupy slots B and C and possibly D.

  • Graphics and option boards may be linked by flex cables.

  • Protective blank panels must be placed in unused slots.

  • Caps for the compression connectors ship with the workstation.

  • A metal baffle must be in place on two blank panels that are side-by-side on the XIO module to ensure proper air flow.

Removing an XIO Option Board From the XIO Module

Before removing a graphics board, option board, or blank panel, you must power off the OCTANE workstation, wait 5 minutes for the heat sinks to cool, attach a wriststrap, and remove the XIO module. If you have not already done so, see Chapter 2, “Preparing the Workstation to Install or Remove XIO Boards” and follow the instructions through removing the XIO module. Be sure to also read “About the XIO Module and XIO Boards” before beginning your task.


Caution: Do not touch the gold (front) surface of the compression connector. Touching it could damage the connector. Place a protective cap on the compression connector, to prevent damage when the XIO boards are removed from the OCTANE workstation. See Appendix B, “Care and Cleaning of the Compression Connector.”

Figure 3-2. Identifying the Slots Used by an XIO Board



Warning: The heat sinks on the XIO boards become very hot. Wait 5 minutes after powering off the OCTANE workstation before you remove the XIO module. Test before touching any of the XIO boards.

Graphics boards may be in one slot (A) or two (D and A). Figure 3-2 shows the OCTANE/SI graphics board in Slot A.

Figure 3-3. Placing the Cap on the XIO Compression Connector



Caution: Do not touch the gold surface of the XIO compression connector. Oil or dust damage this connector. Caps are shipped with the workstation, and are for use on any compression connector. They are not needed on blank panels.


  1. Place a plastic cap on the XIO compression connector of the board you are removing to prevent accidental damage when removing the board.

    Figure 3-4. Removing the Screws From the XIO Board


  2. Using the supplied Phillips screwdriver, remove the screws from the XIO option board.

  3. Grasp the XIO option board by the I/O panel and on the side of the board with no connectors and lift.

  4. With the same side facing up, place the XIO option board on a clean, antistatic surface.

    Figure 3-5. Installing a Blank Panel


  5. Place a blank panel on the standoffs on the XIO module.

  6. Using the same screws, tighten the blank panel to the standoffs. If you are installing a blank panel next to a blank panel, go to step 8. Otherwise, go to step 7.

  7. Be sure all the slots are filled, with a graphics board, option boards, or blank panels. The system will not cool properly if any of the slots are empty.

    You are finished removing the XIO standalone option board.

Go to Chapter 2, “Replacing the XIO Module” and follow the instructions through powering on the OCTANE workstation.

Figure 3-6. Installing the Baffle


  1. Install the baffle only across two side-by-side blank panels.

    • Place the blank panel you are installing on the standoffs and replace the two screws near the edge of the XIO module.

    • Remove the two inner screws from the blank panel already in place.

    • Place the baffle over the inner edges of the two blank panels.

    • Insert four screws through the baffle and blank panels into the standoffs beneath.

You are finished removing an XIO standalone option board.

Go to Chapter 2, “Replacing the XIO Module” and follow the instructions through powering on the OCTANE workstation.