a couple of weeks ago i became beyond frustrated trying to remove an SFP+ cable. i know i had inserted/removed them plenty times before, but it’s not such a easy task in a cramped area with other cabling in the way. i seriously tried for about 5 minutes straight and was like alright it’s time to google. luckily i found this link on intel’s site: http://www.intel.com/support/network/adapter/10gbe/afdadualserver/sb/CS-029751.htm

so basically the idea is that you pull straight back on the cable release ring (may resemble a ribbon) and that will disengage a retention tab. if that method isn’t working you can find the retention tab with your fingers and manually disengage it.