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Installing a memory module

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

The blade server has a total of twelve direct inline memory module (DIMM) slots. The blade server supports very low profile (VLP) DDR3 DIMMs with error code correction (ECC) in 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB capacities. For a list of supported DIMMs for the blade server, see Parts listing.

After you install or remove a DIMM, you must change and save the new configuration information by using the Setup utility. When you turn on the blade server, a message indicates that the memory configuration has changed. Start the Setup utility and select Save Settings (see Setup utility menu for more information) to save changes.

The memory is accessed internally through the system using six channels. Each channel contains two DIMM connectors. The following table lists each channel and which DIMM connectors belong to the channel.

Table 1. Memory channel configuration
Memory channelDIMM connector
Channel 0DIMM connector 1 and 2
Channel 1DIMM connector 5 and 6
Channel 2DIMM connector 3 and 4
Channel 3DIMM connector 7 and 8
Channel 4DIMM connector 11 and 12
Channel 5DIMM connector 9 and 10

Depending on the memory mode that is set in the Setup utility, the blade server can support a minimum of 1 GB and a maximum of 48 GB of system memory on the system board in a blade server with one processor. If two microprocessors are installed, the blade server can support a minimum of 2 GB and a maximum of 96 GB of system memory. There are two different memory modes:

  • Independent channel mode: Independent channel mode gives a maximum of 96 GB of usable memory with one CPU installed, and 192 GB of usable memory with 2 CPUs installed (using 16 GB DIMMs). The DIMMs can be installed without matching sizes. See the table below for the memory installation order.
    Table 2. System memory configuration for independent channel mode (1 microprocessor)
    Installed memoryDIMM socket
    123456789101112
    1 DIMM X          
    2 DIMMs X X        
    3 DIMMs X X X      
    4 DIMMsXX X X      
    5 DIMMsXXXX X      
    6 DIMMsXXXXXX      
    Table 3. System memory configuration for independent channel mode (2 microprocessors)
    Installed memoryDIMM socket
    123456789101112
    2 DIMMs X     X    
    3 DIMMs X X   X    
    4 DIMMs X X   X X  
    5 DIMMs X X X X X  
    6 DIMMs X X X X X X
    7 DIMMsXX X X X X X
    8 DIMMsXX X XXX X X
    9 DIMMsXXXX XXX X X
    10 DIMMsXXXX XXXXX X
    11 DIMMsXXXXXXXXXX X
    12 DIMMsXXXXXXXXXXXX
  • Mirrored channel mode: In mirrored channel mode, channels 2 and 5 are unused. The memory contents on channel 0 are duplicated in channel 1, and the memory contents of channel 3 are duplicated in channel 4. The effective memory available to the system is only half of that installed. The maximum available memory (with 16 GB DIMMs) is 32 GB for a single CPU system and 64 GB for a dual CPU system.
    Important
    The memory configuration of channel 0 must match that of channel 1, and the memory configuration of channel 3 must match that of channel 4. For example, if a 4 GB Dual Rank DIMM is installed into the DIMM2 connector, then a 4 GB Dual Rank DIMM must also be installed into the DIMM6 connector. Table 1 lists each channel and which DIMM connectors belong to the channel.

    The following table shows the order that memory DIMMs are installed to use a mirrored channel mode.

    Table 4. System memory configuration for mirrored channel mode (1 microprocessor)
    Installed memoryDIMM socket
    123456789101112
    2 DIMMs X   X      
    4 DIMMsXX  XX      
    Table 5. System memory configuration for mirrored channel mode (2 microprocessors)
    Installed memoryDIMM socket
    123456789101112
    4 DIMMs X   X X   X
    6 DIMMsXX  XX X   X
    8 DIMMsXX  XXXX  XX
  • Spare channel mode: In spare channel mode, channel 2 is the spare of the active channels 0 and 1. The spare channel is not available as active memory. The maximum memory available (with 16 GB DIMMs) is 64 GB in a single CPU system and 128 GB in a dual CPU system. All three channels must have identical population with regards to size and organization. DIMMs within a channel do not have to be identical. The population ordering for spare channel mode is shown in the table below.
    Note
    Spare channel mode is only supported if the blade server has an Intel Xeon 5600 series microprocessor. Use the Setup utility to view the system summary and verify the type of microprocessor installed in your blade server (see Using the Setup utility).

    The following table shows the order that memory DIMMs are installed to use spare channel mode.

    Table 6. System memory configuration for spare channel mode (1 microprocessor)
    Installed memoryDIMM socket
    123456789101112
    3 DIMMs X X X      
    6 DIMMsXXXXXX      
    Table 7. System memory configuration for spare channel mode (2 microprocessors)
    Installed memoryDIMM socket
    123456789101112
    6 DIMMs X X X X X X
    9 DIMMsXXXXXX X X X
    12 DIMMsXXXXXXXXXXXX

To install a DIMM, complete the following steps:

  1. Locate the DIMM connectors (see Blade server connectors). Determine which DIMM connector you will be installing memory into.
  2. If a DIMM filler or another memory module is already installed in the DIMM connector, remove it (see Removing a memory module).
    Note
    A DIMM or DIMM filler must occupy each DIMM socket before the blade server is turned on.
  3. If you are installing a DIMM in DIMM connector seven through twelve, use your fingers to lift the DIMM access door.

    Graphic illustrating how to open the DIMM access door
  4. 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 two seconds; then, remove the DIMM from its package.
  5. To install the DIMMs, repeat the following steps for each DIMM that you install:
    Graphic illustrating the installation of DIMMs in the blade server
    1. Make sure that the retaining clips are in the open position, away from the center of the DIMM connector.
    2. Turn the DIMM so that the DIMM keys align correctly with the DIMM connector on the system board.
      Attention
      To avoid breaking the retaining clips or damaging the DIMM connectors, handle the clips gently.
    3. Press the DIMM into the DIMM connector. The retaining clips will lock the DIMM into the connector.
    4. 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.
  6. If the DIMM access door is open, use your fingers to close it.
  7. Install the cover onto the blade server (see Closing the blade server cover).
  8. Install the blade server into the BladeCenter unit (see Installing the blade server in a BladeCenter unit).