PCI e Cards – How to Add PCI-E Card to Your Lenovo Thinkcenter PC

Trying to add a PCI-Express card to your Lenovo Thinkcentre computer? The Thinkcentre S51 part numbers 8098, 8171, 8172, and 8173 will beep with code 4 2 3 3 if you try to install any PCI-Express card, besides a PCI-Express x1 card. This type of Lenovo ThinkCentre computer system only supports PCI-Express x1 cards.

Please read the official hardware maintenance manual from Lenovo, for your Lenovo Thinkcentre S51. The bezel is removable but must be replaced with a PCI-Express x1 card only. If you feel your Lenovo Thinkcentre computer is having this problem then make sure to check with Lenovo support to see if this affects your particular model.

You can find PCI-Express x1 cards from many popular online retailers like the ones listed in a google search. You might also want to contact a local retail computer store to see if they have any if you do not want to purchase one online. Just ask them if they have any PCI-Express x1 cards.

Installing a PCI Express card is pretty straight forward. Now that you have verified if your International Business Machines has an empty PCI Express x1 card slot or not, you can begin the installation process.

You will need to remove the computer case cover. This will depend on which IBM ThinkCentre you are installing this add on card. Power off your computer then disconnect any cables attached including the power cable.

There should be two release buttons one each on both sides. Press in on these buttons and it should release the case cover. Now pull up away from the computer to partially remove the case cover.

Now you can access the inside of the computer. Look for the PCI Express card type 1 slot. There may only be one of these slots.

Also, the PCI Express x1 type card is very short in comparison to other PCI Express types. There may or may not be a factory default blank that you have to take out in order to slide in the PCI Express x1 card. Also, there may be a screw holding this blank in place that you would need to remove.

Also, there could be a blank that if you twist it correctly, will break out. Some blanks are designed to become temporary until you physically remove them by twisting them. Once the blank is removed, then you want to slide the PCI Express x1 card tight in this slot.

You want to make sure to tighten the screw if one was supplied, in order to make certain that this add in card will not come lose. Now that you have the PCI Express x1 card installed, you will need to replace the cover by sliding it back down towards the motherboard. It should lock itself in place.

Once this is accomplished then you can plug in all necessary cables including the power cable. Power on the cable and see if your computer will successfully boot the operating system. If your computer starts beeping or will not boot the operating system, make sure that you installed that card tight and flush.

You need to apply some pressure downwards as you insert the PCI Express x 1 card. However, you do NOT need to apply so much pressure that the card breaks.

items, 0, 3); // specify first and last item
?>