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Install a memory module

Use this information to install a memory module. This section applies to both DRAM DIMMs and DCPMMs.

See Memory module installation order for detailed information about memory configuration and setup.
Before you install a memory module:

  1. If you are installing DCPMMs for the first time, follow the instructions in DC Persistent Memory Module (DCPMM) setup so that the system supports DCPMMs.

  2. Read the following section(s) to ensure that you work safely.

  3. Turn off the corresponding compute node that you are going to perform the task on.

  4. Remove the compute node (see Remove a compute node from the enclosure).
  5. Remove the compute node cover (see Remove the compute node cover).
  6. Remove the air baffle (see Remove the air baffle).
Attention
Memory modules are sensitive to static discharge and require special handling. In addition to the standard guidelines for Handling static-sensitive devices:

  • Always wear an electrostatic-discharge strap when removing or installing memory modules. Electrostatic-discharge gloves can also be used.

  • Never hold two or more memory modules together so that they touch. Do not stack memory modules directly on top of each other during storage.

  • Never touch the gold memory module connector contacts or allow these contacts to touch the outside of the memory-module connector housing.

  • Handle memory modules with care: never bend, twist, or drop a memory module.

The following illustration shows the location of the memory module connectors on the system board. The following illustration shows the location of the memory module connectors on the system board.
Figure 1. The location of the memory module connectors on the system board
The location of the memory module connectors on the system board

Complete the following steps to install a memory module.

Important
Before installing a memory module, make sure that you understand the required installation order, depending on whether you are implementing memory mirroring, memory rank sparing, or independent Memory Mode. See Memory module installation order for the required installation order.

  1. Open the retaining clip on each end of the memory module connector.
    Attention

    • Memory modules are static-sensitive devices. The package must be grounded before it is opened.

    • To avoid breaking the retaining clips or damaging the memory module connectors, open and close the clips gently.

    Figure 2. Memory module installation
    Memory module removal
  2. Touch the static-protective package that contains the memory module to any unpainted metal surface on the outside of the node. Then, remove the memory module from the package.
  3. Turn the memory module so that the alignment slot align correctly with the alignment tab.
  4. Insert the memory module into the connector by aligning the edges of the memory module with the slots at the ends of the memory module connector.
  5. Firmly press the memory module straight down into the connector by applying pressure on both ends of the memory module simultaneously. The retaining clips snap into the locked position when the memory module is firmly seated in the connector.
    Note
    If there is a gap between the memory module and the retaining clips, the memory module has not been correctly inserted; open the retaining clips, remove the memory module, and then reinsert it.
  6. Reconnect any cable that you removed.

After you install a memory module, complete the following steps:

  1. Reinstall the air baffle (see Install the air baffle).

  2. Reinstall the compute node cover (see Install the compute node cover).

  3. Reinstall the compute node (see Install a compute node in the enclosure).

  4. Check the power LED to make sure it transitions between fast blink and slow blink to indicate the node is ready to be powered on.

  5. If you have installed a DCPMM:

    1. Update the system firmware to the latest version (see Update the firmware).

    2. Make sure the firmware of all the DCPMM units is the latest version. If not, update it to the latest version (see Updating firmware on managed devices with LXCA).

    3. Configure DCPMMs and DRAM DIMMs (see Configure DC Persistent Memory Module (DCPMM)).

    4. Restore the data that have been backed up if necessary.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube