SOLVED What is this on the side of my Supermicro 2U?

[scrappy]

I am preparing to upgrade from a Supermicro 1U to a Supermicro 2U server I purchased from eBay. As I prepared to start up my new server for the first time I realized that I had no clue where to power it on from! There is not an actual physical power button on the front like my 1U had. It wasn't until I happened to pull off a piece of tape with some plastic covering a metal ribbon on the left side of the chassis near the front that the server came roaring to life. Can anybody tell me what this ribbon is and does?

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[Spearfoot]

I am preparing to upgrade from a Supermicro 1U to a Supermicro 2U server I purchased from eBay. As I prepared to start up my new server for the first time I realized that I had no clue where to power it on from! There is not an actual physical power button on the front like my 1U had. It wasn't until I happened to pull off a piece of tape with some plastic covering a metal ribbon on the left side of the chassis near the front that the server came roaring to life. Can anybody tell me what this ribbon is and does?

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My guess: it's the ribbon connector to the power button and status lights on your left rack ear... which seems to be missing.

 

[scrappy]

My guess: it's the ribbon connector to the power button and status lights on your left rack ear... which seems to be missing.

Thanks. I know there's a bag with some parts the eBay seller stuffed into a drive bay. I have not opened it up yet but will when I get home tonight. It would make sense. Since my old Supermicro 1U had power/reset buttons on the front panel I was unaware other models might have those controls built into the rack ear.

 

[Spearfoot]

Thanks. I know there's a bag with some parts the eBay seller stuffed into a drive bay. I have not opened it up yet but will when I get home tonight. It would make sense. Since my old Supermicro 1U had power/reset buttons on the front panel I was unaware other models might have those controls built into the rack ear.

Well, it's just a guess... but hopefully you'll find rack ears, one of which the ribbon cable plugs in to, and all will be well.

 

[scrappy]

@Spearfoot Yes, you are correct! Thanks again.