Install RED ROCKET-X and HD-SDI Slot Filler

WARNING: The computer system that you are installing the RED ROCKET-X in works with voltages that can be hazardous to your health.

Follow the instructions below to install the RED ROCKET-X and HD-SDI slot filler (optional) in a Mac Pro system:

1. Ensure that the computer is turned off.

2. Wait 5 to 10 minutes to ensure that the system components cool down.

3. Touch the metal on the outside of the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

   NOTE: To avoid generating static electricity while installing the RED ROCKET-X, DO NOT walk around the room until you have completed the installation and closed the computer.

4. Unplug the power cable and all external cables from the computer.

   WARNING: Never work on the system or access its interior while any power cables are plugged in.

5. Hold the side access panel and lift the latch on the back of the computer.

6. Remove the side access panel.

   

   Figure: Remove Panel

7. Remove all hard drives except the one in the first bay (the one farthest to the left).

8. Loosen the two (2) thumbscrews that secure the PCI bracket to the enclosure and remove the PCI bracket.

9. Remove any cards that are not in slot 1 from the system.

10. Press the button on the PCI slider and move the PCIe fan to the side to create more room for installing the RED ROCKET-X (slide the PCIe fan back into place after you install the RED ROCKET-X).

    

    Figure: Slide PCIe Fan Away

11. Connect your power cable(s) to the Mac Pro based on your configuration needs:

    • If the graphics card is connected to one Mac Pro power connector and the other power connecter is unused, connect a 6-pin PCIe power cable (either a PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin power cable or the included PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter) to power connector B on the backplane board (this is the upper power connector that is closer to the optical drive). Connect the 6-pin PCIe power cable to the RED ROCKET-X in Step 17.

    • If both Mac Pro power connectors are in use, disconnect the graphics card from the power connector and connect the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) to power connector B on the backplane board (this is the upper power connector that is closer to the optical drive). Connect the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter to the graphics card and the RED ROCKET-X in Step 17-18.

    NOTE: For more information on different ways to connect power, go to Power Supply.

12. Feed the 6-pin PCIe power cable outside of the computer so that it is not in your way when you install the RED ROCKET-X.

    

    Figure: Connect Power

13. Angle the RED ROCKET-X so that the end with the DisplayPort connections is angled toward the upper right corner.

14. Insert the RED ROCKET-X into the system so that the metal bracket at the end with the DisplayPort connections clears the top.

    

    Figure: Angle RED ROCKET-X

15. Straighten the RED ROCKET-X.

16. Line up the RED ROCKET-X connectors with slot 2, and then gently but firmly press the card into the slot, ensuring that the lip at the end slides between slot 2 and slot 3.

    

    Figure: Insert RED ROCKET-X

    NOTE: To prevent damage to your system and the RED ROCKET-X, DO NOT rock the card or use excessive force when installing the RED ROCKET-X.

17. Plug your 6-pin PCIe power cable (either a PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin power cable or the included PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter) into the RED ROCKET-X. Make sure that the latch of the power cable aligns with the corresponding slot on the RED ROCKET-X.

    WARNING: If you use the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) to connect only the RED ROCKET-X or graphics card, ensure that the unused connector does not come in contact with a fan or any moving parts.

    

    Figure: Connect Power to RED ROCKET-X

18. If you are using the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) to connect both the graphics card and the RED ROCKET-X to a single power connector in the Mac Pro, plug the second connector on the PCIe 6-pin to 6-pin Dual Y Power Splitter (included) into the graphics card. For more information on different ways to connect power, go to Power Supply.

19. If you are using the HD-SDI slot filler, follow the instructions below to install and connect the HD-SDI slot filler:

    For more information, go to Supported HD-SDI Signals.

    1. Remove one (1) free slot bracket from the system.

    2. Slide the HD-SDI slot filler into the empty slot so that the SDI Out B connector is toward the back.

       

       Figure: Install HD-SDI Slot Filler

       CAUTION: Ensure that the HD-SDI slot filler or connectors DO NOT contact other components inside the computer.

    3. Connect the SDI Out A cable on the HD-SDI slot filler to the SDI Out A connector on the RED ROCKET-X. The SDI Out A connector is the right connector when the RED ROCKET-X is installed.

    4. Connect the SDI Out B cable on the HD-SDI slot filler to the SDI Out B connector on the RED ROCKET-X. The SDI Out B connector is the left connector when the RED ROCKET-X is installed.

       

       Figure: Connect HD-SDI Slot Filler to RED ROCKET-X

20. Place the PCI bracket under the brace and tighten the two (2) thumbscrews to secure the RED ROCKET-X.

    NOTE: The photo below shows the system without the HD-SDI slot filler installed.

    

    Figure: Install PCI Bracket

21. Reinstall any cards that you removed from the system.

22. Reinstall any hard drives that you removed from the system.

23. Slide the PCIe fan toward the RED ROCKET-X until it locks back into place.

    

    Figure: Slide PCIe Fan to Original Position

24. Reinstall the side access panel.

25. Reconnect all cables to the computer system.

26. To install or upgrade the RED ROCKET-X driver and firmware, go to Install RED ROCKET-X Software.