Installing a memory module

Use these instructions to install memory modules in the blade server.

The following notes describe the types of direct inline memory modules (DIMMs) that the blade server supports and other information that you must consider when you install DIMMs:

Note

The following illustration shows the location of the DIMM connectors on the system board.
The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.

The system board has DIMM connectors.
The server supports two-way memory interleaving.
The optional DIMMs that are available for the blade server are 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB. Depending on the memory configuration that is set in the Configuration/Setup Utility program, the blade server can support a minimum of 1 GB and a maximum of 24 GB of system memory on the system board.

When you install memory, you must install a pair of matched DIMMs. Some blade server models come with one DIMM installed in DIMM slot 1. In this case, you must order and install a second matched DIMM in DIMM slot 2. Install the DIMMs in the order shown in the following table.

Table 1. DIMM configuration
Pair	DIMM pairs and location
First	DIMM 1 and DIMM 2
Second	DIMM 3 and DIMM 4
Third	DIMM 5 and DIMM 6

Table 2. DIMM Population Rule
Configuration	DIMM 5 and DIMM 6	DIMM 3 and DIMM 4	DIMM 1 and DIMM 2
1	X	X	Single rank
2	X	Single rank	Single rank
3	Single rank	Single rank	Single rank
4	X	X	Dual rank
5	X	Dual rank	Dual rank
6	Dual rank	Dual rank	Dual rank
7	X	Dual rank	Single rank
8	X	Single rank	Dual rank
9	Dual rank	Single rank	Single rank
10	Dual rank	Dual rank	Single rank

All DIMMs in a pair or group must be the same size, speed, type, technology, and physical design. You can use compatible DIMMs from different manufacturers.
Install only ECC DDR2 667 DRAM with ECC DIMMs. For a current list of supported DIMMs for the blade server, see http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/.
Installing or removing DIMMs changes the configuration information of the blade server. After you install or remove a DIMM, you must change and save the new configuration information by using the Configuration/Setup Utility program. When you restart the blade server, a message indicates that the memory configuration has changed. Start the Configuration/Setup Utility program and select Save Settings (see Configuration/Setup Utility menu for more information) to save changes.

To install a DIMM, complete the following steps:

Before you begin, read Safety and Installation guidelines.
Read the documentation that comes with the DIMMs.
If the blade server is installed in a BladeCenter® unit, remove it (see Removing the blade server from the BladeCenter unit for instructions).
Carefully lay the blade server on a flat, static-protective surface.
Open the blade server cover (see Opening the blade server cover for instructions).
If an expansion unit is installed and you are installing DIMMs on the system board, remove the expansion unit (see Removing an optional expansion unit).
Locate the DIMM connectors. Determine the connector into which you will install the DIMM.
Touch the static-protective package that contains the DIMM to any unpainted metal surface on the BladeCenter unit or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component in the rack in which you are installing the DIMM for at least 2 seconds; then, remove the DIMM from its package.
To install the DIMMs, repeat the following steps for each DIMM that you install:
1. Turn the DIMM so that the DIMM keys align correctly with the connector on the system board.
  Attention
  To avoid breaking the retaining clips or damaging the DIMM connectors, handle the clips gently.
2. Make sure that the small tabs on the retaining clips are in the notches on the DIMM. If there is a gap between the DIMM and the retaining clips, the DIMM has not been correctly installed. Press the DIMM firmly into the connector, and then press the retaining clips toward the DIMM until the tabs are fully seated. When the DIMM is correctly installed, the retaining clips are parallel to the sides of the DIMM.
  Important
  If there is a gap between the DIMM and the retaining clips, the DIMM has not been correctly installed. In this case, open the retaining clips and remove the DIMM; then, reinsert the DIMM.

If you have other devices to install or remove, do so now; otherwise, go to Completing the installation.

Give documentation feedback