One Stop Systems ExpressBox 3200 User manual

ExpressBox 3200
PCIe to PCIe Expansion
User Manual
SKU: EB3200
www.onestopsystems.com

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Table of Contents
Preface.................................................................................................................................................... 5
What’s in this Guide............................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Advisories ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1 Introduction, ExpressBox 3200 ........................................................................................................ 8
1.1 General Specifications ............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
1.2 Features .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.3 Benefits ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
1.4 Specifications .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
1.5 Pre-Installation Information.................................................................................................................................................................... 11
1.6 Part List ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11
1.7 Components............................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
1.8 Parts Overview ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 13
2 Hardware Installation .................................................................................................................... 14
2.1 Tools Required for Installation ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
2.2 Installation-Procedures Overview ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 Open Enclosure ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.4 Install Expansion Interface card .............................................................................................................................................................. 16
2.5 Install Host Interface card ....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.5.1 Computer PCIe slots to use .......................................................................................................................................................... 18
2.6 Install PCIe Cards..................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
2.6.1 PCIe slots ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
2.6.2 Types of PCIe cards to use............................................................................................................................................................ 22
2.6.3 Auxiliary Power Connectors ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
2.6.4 High Power PCIe card installation................................................................................................................................................. 25
2.6.5 How to Use OSS Auxiliary Power cable......................................................................................................................................... 26
2.7 Connect PCIe Cable ................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
2.7.1 Placement of Cable....................................................................................................................................................................... 29
2.7.2 How to Disconnect Cable ............................................................................................................................................................. 30
2.8 Install Cable Clamp.................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
2.8.1 Secure the cable with a retainer clamp ........................................................................................................................................ 30
2.8.2 Clamp Position / Orientation....................................................................................................................................................... 31
2.9 Attach Power Cord .................................................................................................................................................................................. 32
2.10 Connect to Electrical Outlet............................................................................................................................................................... 33
2.11 Turn ON Expansion Unit .................................................................................................................................................................... 33
2.12 Power ON the Computer ................................................................................................................................................................... 33
2.12 Hardware Check –Verify Connection ................................................................................................................................................ 34
3 Software Installation...................................................................................................................... 36

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3.1 Install Software ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
3.2 Software Check - Verify Installation ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
3.2.1 Windows 7 and 8.......................................................................................................................................................................... 36
3.2.2 Mac OS X ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 37
3.2.3 Linux............................................................................................................................................................................................. 38
3.3 Check PCIe cards ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
3.3.1 Mac OS X ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 40
3.3.2 Windows 7, 8 and 10.................................................................................................................................................................... 41
3.3.3 Linux............................................................................................................................................................................................. 42
4 Advanced Technical Information .................................................................................................... 43
4.1 Speed / Performance of OSS EB3200 ...................................................................................................................................................... 43
4.2 Card and LED Indicators .......................................................................................................................................................................... 46
4.3 Display Functions of Interface card LEDs................................................................................................................................................. 47
4.4 Reset & Power Status LEDs ..................................................................................................................................................................... 48
4.5 Dipswitches ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 49
4.5.1 SW1 and SW2............................................................................................................................................................................... 49
4.5.2 SW3 .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 50
4.5.3 SW4 .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 50
4.6 Backplane / Expansion board .................................................................................................................................................................. 51
4.7 Power LEDs & Link UP LED ...................................................................................................................................................................... 52
4.8 Fan Control Switch .................................................................................................................................................................................. 53
4.8.1 What is a Fan control?.................................................................................................................................................................. 53
4.9 Internal Front Fan Specifications............................................................................................................................................................. 54
4.10 Power Supply –Fanless ..................................................................................................................................................................... 55
4.10.1 Features ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 55
4.10.1 PSU Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................................ 55
4.10.2 Power Distribution ....................................................................................................................................................................... 56
4.10.3 Wire Configuration....................................................................................................................................................................... 56
5 How to Remove & Install Parts....................................................................................................... 57
5.1 How to replace the Expansion card?....................................................................................................................................................... 57
5.2 How to remove the Fan?......................................................................................................................................................................... 57
5.3 How to remove the Power Supply?......................................................................................................................................................... 58
5.4 How to remove the Expansion board? .................................................................................................................................................... 59
5.5 Rack mount Kit Installation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 61
5.5.1 Rack mount Front Ears Installation............................................................................................................................................... 61
5.5.2 Rack mount Rear Ears Installation................................................................................................................................................ 63
6 Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................................. 66
6.1 My Computer Hangs During Power Up ................................................................................................................................................... 66
6.2 My PCIe Card Doesn’t Work.................................................................................................................................................................... 67
6.3 Support for 3rd Party PCI Cards .............................................................................................................................................................. 67

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6.4 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ......................................................................................................................................................... 68
7 How to Get More Help..................................................................................................................... 72
7.1 Contacting Technical Support ................................................................................................................................................................. 72
7.1.1 Shipping or Transporting of Expansion Unit with PCI / PCIe cards ............................................................................................... 72
7.2 Returning Merchandise to OSS ............................................................................................................................................................... 72
7.3 Online Support Resources....................................................................................................................................................................... 73
7.4 Items & Part numbers ............................................................................................................................................................................. 74
8Appendix A Multiple Expansion System Configurations............................................................. 75
8.1 Fan-Out ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 76
8.2 Daisy-Chaining......................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
9Appendix B PCI Express General Information............................................................................ 78
9.1 What is PCIe / PCIE.................................................................................................................................................................................. 78
9.2 How PCI Express Works........................................................................................................................................................................... 78
9.3 What is Lane............................................................................................................................................................................................ 78
9.4 PCI Express Links and Lanes .................................................................................................................................................................... 79
9.5 Form Factor............................................................................................................................................................................................. 80
9.5.1 PCI Express Sample Connectors.................................................................................................................................................... 80
9.6 Bandwidth............................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
9.7 Operation Mode...................................................................................................................................................................................... 81
9.7.1 PCI Express Performance Table .................................................................................................................................................... 82
9.8 Power .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 83
10 Appendix C Compliance.......................................................................................................... 84

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Preface
What’s in this Guide
This guide provides easy instructions to install your expansion system, verify the installation was completed correctly, and troubleshoot the
installation, if necessary.
This manual is divided into the following chapters:
Chapter 1: Provides general specifications and parts list .
Chapter 2: Information on how to set up the Expansion chassis.
Chapter 3: Explains how to verify a successful installation.
Chapter 4: Provides more technical information on all components of the expansion unit.
Chapter 5: Information on how to remove and install parts such as fan, power supply, board and etc.
Chapter 6: Information on troubleshooting and Frequently Asked Questions.
Chapter 7: Explains where to get technical support and information about online support resources.
Appendix A: Information about multiple Expansion unit configuration (i.e. daisy-chain and fanout)
Appendix B: General information about PCIe
Appendix C: Provides information on FCC Regulatory Compliance.

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Advisories
Five types of advisories are used throughout this manual to provide helpful information, or to alert you to the potential for hardware damage
or personal injury.
NOTE
Used to amplify or explain a comment related to procedural steps or text.
IMPORTANT
Used to indicate an important piece of information or special “tip” to help you
CAUTION
Used to indicate and prevent the following procedure or step from causing damage to the
equipment.
WARNING
Used to indicate and prevent the following step from causing injury.
DANGER or STOP
Used to indicate and prevent the following step from causing serious injury or significant
data loss
Disclaimer: We have attempted to identify most situations that may pose a danger, warning, or caution condition in this manual. However, OSS
does not claim to have covered all situations that might require the use of a Caution, Warning, or Danger indicator.
Safety Instructions
Always use caution when servicing any electrical component. Before handling the OSS Expansion chassis, read the following instructions and
safety guidelines to prevent damage to the product and to ensure your own personal safety. Refer to the “Advisories” section for advisory
conventions used in this manual, including the distinction between Danger, Warning, Caution, Important, and Note.
Always use caution when handling/operating the computer. Only qualified, experienced, authorized electronics personnel
should access the interior of the computer and expansion chassis.

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WARNING
Never modify or remove the radio frequency interference shielding from your workstation or expansion unit. To do so may
cause your installation to produce emissions that could interfere with other electronic equipment in the area of your
system.
When Working Inside a Computer
1. Before taking covers off a computer, perform the following steps:
2. Turn off the computer and any peripheral devices.
3. Disconnect the computer and peripheral power cords from their AC outlets or inlets in order to prevent electric shock or system
board damage.
In addition, take note of these safety guidelines when appropriate:
To help avoid possible damage to systems boards, wait five seconds after turning off the computer before removing a component,
removing a system board, or disconnecting a peripheral device from the computer.
When you disconnect a cable, pull on its connector or on its strain-relief loop, not on the cable itself. Some cables have a connector
with locking tabs. If you are disconnecting this type of cable, press in on the locking tabs before disconnecting the cable. As you pull
connectors apart, keep them evenly aligned to avoid bending any connector pins. Also, before connecting a cable, make sure both
connectors are correctly oriented and aligned.
CAUTION
Do not attempt to service the system yourself except as explained in this manual. Follow
installation instructions closely.
Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is the enemy of semiconductor devices. You should always take precautions to eliminate any
electrostatic charge from your body and clothing before touching any semiconductor device or card by using an
electrostatic wrist strap and/or rubber mat.
Static electricity can harm system boards. Perform service at an ESD workstation and follow proper ESD procedures to reduce the risk of
damage to components. OSS strongly encourages you to follow proper ESD procedures, which can include wrist straps and smocks, when
servicing equipment.
You can also take the following steps to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD):
When unpacking a static-sensitive component from its shipping carton, do not remove the component’s anti-static packaging
material until you are ready to install the component in a computer. Just before unwrapping the anti-static packaging, be sure you
are at an ESD workstation or are grounded.
When transporting a sensitive component, first place it in an anti-static container or packaging.

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Handle all sensitive components at an ESD workstation. If possible, use anti-static floor pads and workbench pads.
Handle components and boards with care. Do not touch the components or contacts on a board. Hold a board by its edges or by its
metal mounting bracket.
1 Introduction, ExpressBox 3200
1.1 General Specifications
Precision engineered to OSS’s mission critical standards for performance and reliability. The ExpressBox 3200 features three (3) full-length, full-
height PCIe slots and flexibility with two customer configurable 5.25” expansion bays all connected through PCIe Gen 3. Designed with your
workstation in mind, the EB3200 has a rack-mountable aluminum chassis for integrated removable storage expansion, a 520-watt fan less
power supply, auxiliary power, and features OSS’s exclusive quiet cooling control.
The ExpressBox 3200 Expansion is compatible with a series of operating systems, including MacOS, Windows, Linux, and Solaris.
Three (3) available full length/full height expansion slots
Tool-less cover removal
White power-on indicator front panel light
One 80mm 70 CFM Expansion Card/Backplane Fan
Speeds up to 8 GT/s (PCIe x8 Gen 3)
Connect PCI Express Host to Expansion over cable
Use same PCIe interface card for both sides of the connection
High Speed IO cable
Product Name
Description
ExpressBox 3200
3 Slot –Expansion Only
Use OSS’s PCI Express Expansion to create a super-fast PCIe connection outside the computer.
The ExpressBox 3200 expansion chassis is the perfect solution for creating a super-fast local PCIe connection from a host computer to a target
PCI Express device. The OSS 01-08003-00 interface card installs into any x8 or x16 PCIe slot in the host computer motherboard and the other
OSS 01-08003-00 interface card is inserted into a designated upstream PCIe slot. A high-speed IO cable allows data transfers to and from the
host computer at 64 Gbps (8 Gb/s per lane multiply by 8 lanes).

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1.2 Features
High-speed x8 PCI Express connection
Easy Plug and Play installation
Low profile bracket provides for easy installation in low profile computers
Easily visible LEDs that indicate correct installation and PCIe link width
Low power consumption - less than 4 Watts
LEDs show status of connection for quick debug- reset indicator, clock indicator, link width indicator
Supports Spread Spectrum Clocking, LOS (Loss of Signal), LOL (Loss of Lock Indicator)
Low Latency and Low Jitter
Fanless 550 Watt Power Supply
Auxiliary Power Cables
1.3 Benefits
Attach PCIe Cards to any Computers
Extension of PCI Express signal outside the computer
Daisy-chain or end-point device
Transparent extension of PCI Express signals outside the computer
No software required - connection is automatically recognized and configured by system BIOS
Attach large power hungry PCI Express cards to computer with limited card space
Low latency PCIe connection between host and target without using bridges or switches
Same PCIe card used for both the host and expansion device
Interface Card can be used with any PCIe compliant expansion chassis
Automated x1, x4 and x8 link negotiation for PCI Express Gen1, Gen2 and Gen 3
Ability to override automatic PCIe link training through dip-switch settings

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1.4 Specifications
Item
Description
Technology
PCI Express Bus Specification Revision 3.0 & 2.0
PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.3
PCI Bridge Architecture Revision 1.2
Backplane
(3) available full length/full height expansion slots, x8 PCIe Gen 3.0
Electrical - x8 PCIe
Physical –x16 PCIe
PCIe Link Cards
Form Factor: x8 PCIE, low profile, half-length. Capable of x16
LED Indicators: PCIe Link width, reset clock
Interconnect Bandwidth
8GB/sec or 64Gb/s (PCIe x8 Gen3)
Physical Characteristics
Length 139.7mm (5.5 inches)
Width 12.7mm (0.5 inches)
Height 69.9mm (2.75 inches)
Cable
1-meter PCIe Gen 3 cable
Enclosure
2U Aluminum Desktop –Black
14.25” Wide x 3.48” High x 17” Deep (363mm x 88.4mm x 432mm)
8.5 lbs or 3.6Kg
Tool-less cover removal
White power-on indicator front panel light
Optional rackmount kit
System Cooling
One 80mm 70 CFM Expansion Cards/Backplane Fan
Power Supply Options
520 W fanless, 100-240V, 50-60Hz Power Input
Four 4-pin Molex Connector
Two 6-pin + PCIe connector
Input Frequency: 50-60Hz
DC Output: 540 Watts Max
+12V 43A
-12V .5A
+5V 20A
+3.3V 20A
+5Vsb 2.5A
Total of +3.3V and 5V must not exceed 100W
Environmental
Ambient Temperature 0° to 50° C
Storage Temperature -20° to 60° C
Relative Humidity 5% to 85% non-condensing
MTBF
35k hours
Regulatory Compliance
FCC Class A Verified
CE
RoHS Compliant
Supported Operating Systems
MacOS 10.6.8 or higher, Windows 7 and Windows 8, Linux and Solaris
Warranty
30-day money back guarantee. 1 Year Return to factory

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1.5 Pre-Installation Information
Before using the OSS PCIe expansion chassis, you should perform the following steps:
•Inventory the shipping carton contents for all of the required parts
•Gather all of the necessary tools required for installation
•Read this manual
1.6 Part List
ITEM#
DESCRIPTION
QTY
1
Gen3 Host Interface card
1
2
High Speed / HD IO cable
1
3
Power Cord
1
4
QSG (Quick Start Guide)
1
5
Low Profile Bracket
1
6
Rack mount Kit (Optional).
1 set
7
Cable Clamp
1 set
ExpressBox 3200 (3 PCIe –Gen3)
This model cannot be connected to a laptop.

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1.7 Components
Once you have completed your inventory, your next step is to be familiarized with components of the OSS ExpressBox 3200 expansion unit.
The expansion unit is composed of the following integral components
1. Expansion Backplane
a. 3 PCIe slots (x8 electrical and x16 mechanical)
b. One designated Link-Up Slot for Interface card
c. Slot LED
d. Thermistor control switch (not enable)
2. Interface card
a. Expansion and Host mode dipswitch
b. One Cable port (x8). Two ports, if it is used as x16
3. Power Supply, fanless
a. Power cord socket
b. On/Off Switch
c. PCIe Aux power cable connectors
4. Replaceable Fan
a. 70 CFM
b. Locking Thumb screw
c. Air Flow: from outside going inside
5. Storage Bay
a. Configurable 5.25” expansion bays
Front panel:
1. Front Panel Status LED
2. Front Air Ventilation cover
3. Configurable 5.25” expansion bays
Rear Panel,
1. PCI Express card slot opening
2. Interface card cable ports
3. Power Supply (Power Cord & On/Off Switch)
4. Top cover Thumb Screws
5. Cable Port
6. Serial number

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1.8 Parts Overview

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2 Hardware Installation
The following steps will guide you through the installation of your OSS Expansion System.
CAUTION
Hardware installation shall be performed only by qualified service personnel.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Warning
All add-in cards are susceptible to electrostatic discharge. When moving cards, it is best to carry the cards in anti-static
packaging. If you need to set a circuit card down, be sure to place it inside or on top of an anti-static surface. For more
information, see “Protecting Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the Preface.
WARNING
High voltages are present inside the expansion chassis when the unit’s power cord is plugged into an electrical outlet.
Disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet before removing the enclosure cover. Turning the system power off at the
power on/off switch does not remove power to components. High voltage is still present.
CAUTION
Before touching anything inside the enclosure, move to an ESD station and follow proper ESD procedures. Failure to do so
may result in electrostatic discharge, damaging the computer or its components. For more information, see “Protecting
Against Electrostatic Discharge” in the Preface.
2.1 Tools Required for Installation
To complete the installation of the OSS product you will need a Phillips-head screwdriver and ESD wrist strap to prevent electrostatic discharge.

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2.2 Installation-Procedures Overview
Below is the concise version on how to set up the ExpressBox 3200.
1. Open Enclosure
2. Install Expansion Interface card (by default, this is installed)
3. Install Host Interface card into host computer
4. Install PCIe cards (see note below)
5. Connect Cable
6. Install Cable Clamp
7. Attach Power Cord
8. Connect to Electrical Outlet
9. Turn on EB3200 expansion unit (not applicable)
10. Power On Computer
11. Hardware Check
12. Software Installation: OSS requires no driver/software
13. Verify Installation (via Operating System)
NOTE
It is highly recommended to install any 3rd party PCI-E cards / High Power PCIe cards after you have verified and tested that
the OSS expansion chassis is functional and free of hardware failures.
When installing third Party PCIe cards, start with one card first just to see if there are any software and / or hardware issues or incompatibility
problems that may occur. This way you can troubleshoot the problem more easily and efficiently. If everything works well and there are no
configuration issues, you can proceed with the installation of the remaining third party PCIe cards.
Always refer to or read “3rd party manufacturer installation guide” for further instructions.
2.3 Open Enclosure
Loosen the thumbscrews that retain the top cover of the chassis and slide the lid towards you as shown from the pictures below:

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2.4 Install Expansion Interface card
By default, the Expansion Interface card is already installed. No need to install the Expansion Interface card.
If you need to install the Expansion Interface card, follow these steps below:
1. Remove the slot cover
2. Plug-in the Expansion Interface card into PCIe slot labeled #3. This is the designated slot for the Expansion interface card. Installing
the interface card into a non-designated slot will cause the system to malfunction.
Make sure to check that the dipswitch (SW4) is set to proper mode. It should be set to “ON=EXP” position, see picture below.

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2.5 Install Host Interface card
Begin the installation of your Host Interface card by first powering down your computer.
The Host Interface card is a “half-height,” x8-capable PCIe card mounted to a “full-height” bracket, see picture below.
For low profile case applications, you may need to change the mounting bracket to the low profile bracket that shipped with your system, see
picture below. This is done by removing the screws that hold the card to the bracket. Be sure you are using proper ESD procedures when
completing this action.
WARNING
You must only install the Host Interface card into a PCI EXPRESS SLOT.
Only use Interface card WITH bracket. This will ensure that your PCIe host card can only be inserted into a PCIe slot.
Once the host computer is turned OFF and the power cord is disconnected from the AC outlet, remove the cover. Check the red Dipswitch
(SW4) on the Interface card, make sure it is set to “OFF= HOST”.
Insert the Host Interface card into a vacant x8 (or x16) PCIe slot by gently pushing the card until it is firmly seated. Then secure the card into
the slot with a mounting screw.

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To utilize the maximum bandwidth, install the OSS Host interface card into a Gen3 x8 lane slot or Gen2 x8 lane slot.
It is important to know how many lanes the host computer slot can support. The Host Interface card does not need to be configured for the
same number of lanes as the host computer slot. The Host Interface card will train down to whatever the PCIe slot speed is that it detects.
For example, if the Host Interface card is installed in a X4 lane card slot, leave the Host Interface Card setting as is. The host computer dictates
what link width and speed the expansion system will operate.
2.5.1 Computer PCIe slots to use
You must plug in the OSS Host interface card to the following slots:
1. X16 slot @ x16 mode
2. X16 slot @ x8 mode
3. X8 slot @ x8 mode

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2.6 Install PCIe Cards
It is highly recommended to install third party PCIe cards / High Power PCIe cards after you have verified and tested that the OSS expansion
chassis is functional and free of hardware failures.
When installing PCIe card, start with one card first just to see if there are any software and/or hardware issues or incompatibility problems that
may occur. This way you can troubleshoot the problem more easily and efficiently. If everything works well with one card and there are no
configuration issues, you can proceed with the installation of the remaining cards.
Remove slot covers and install PCIe cards.
Make sure that all cards are fully seated in their PCIe card slots. When correctly seated, there will be a firm resistance when you pull up gently
on the card. To keep the cards in place, secure them in the enclosure with their retaining screws. After securing the cards verify that they do
not touch each other.
Some card manufacturers recommend that you install their software driver prior to installing the card. If this is the case, be sure to install the
card driver before connecting the expansion chassis the computer.
Slot 3 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanically).
Slot 2 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanically).
Slot 1 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanically).
Always refer to or read “3rd party manufacturer installation guide” for further instructions

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2.6.1 PCIe slots
The OSS EB3200 expansion chassis uses a x8 (electrically), x16 (mechanically) slot. All three slots are compatible with x1, x2, x4, x8 and x16
PCIe cards
OSS x16 PCIe slot provides 75 Watts of power.
It is a x16 connector but it is only electrically wired as a x8.
Slots have two main properties:
• Physical size
• Electrical connectivity
The physical size determines the size of the slot on the motherboard. You can physically plug a x8 card into a x16 slot. The electrical
connectivity determines the number of "lanes" actually wired up. Less lanes means less potential data transfer speed. All three slots are
compatible with x1, x2, x8 and x16 cards.
Slot 3 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanical).
Slot 2 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanical).
Slot 1 accepts all types of PCIe cards x1, x2, x4, x8 or x16 (mechanical).