Skip to main content

Install a memory module

Follow instructions in this section to install a memory module.

About this task

See Memory module installation rules and order for detailed information about memory configuration and setup.

To avoid potential danger, make sure to read and follow the safety information.

Attention
  • Read Installation Guidelines and Safety inspection checklist to make sure that you work safely.

  • Make sure to remove or install memory module 20 seconds after disconnecting power cords from the system. It allows the system to be completely discharged of electricity and safe for handling memory module.

  • Memory modules are sensitive to static discharge and require special handling. Refer 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 do not touch each other. 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.
    • Do not use any metal tools (such as jigs or clamps) to handle the memory modules, because the rigid metals may damage the memory modules.
    • Do not insert memory modules while holding packages or passive components, which can cause package cracks or detachment of passive components by the high insertion force.
  • When a processor is installed, each of the DIMM slots connected to the processor must be installed with a DIMM or DIMM filler.
    • DIMM slots 1-8 are connected to processor 1
    • DIMM slots 9-16 are connected to processor 2
Important

Remove or install memory modules for one processor at a time.

Firmware and driver download: You might need to update the firmware or driver after replacing a component.

Procedure

  1. Locate the required memory module slot on the system board.
    Note
    Figure 1. Memory module and processor location
    Memory module and processor location

  2. Touch the static-protective package that contains the memory module to any unpainted surface on the outside of the node. Then, take the memory module out of the package and place it on a static-protective surface.
  3. Install the memory module into the slot.
    1. Open the retaining clip at each end of the memory module slot.
    2. Align the memory module with the slot and gently place the memory module into the slot with both hands.
    3. Firmly press both ends of the memory module straight down into the slot until the retaining clips snap into the locked position.
    Attention
    • To avoid breaking the retaining clips or damaging the DIMM connectors, handle the retaining clips gently.
    • If there is a gap between the memory module and the retaining clips, the memory module has not been correctly inserted. In this case, open the retaining clips, remove the memory module, and then reinsert it.

    Figure 2. Installation of a memory module
    Installation of a memory module

After you finish

  1. Reinstall the required front or rear air baffle (see Install an air baffle).
  2. If necessary, reinstall the flash power module and reconnect the flash power module cable (see Install a flash power module).
  3. If necessary, reinstall the rear air baffle or the 2U performance PHM (see Install an air baffle and Install a processor and heat sink).
  4. Make sure that all the required cables are routed and connected correctly; then, reinstall the top cover (see Install the top cover).
  5. Reinstall the node into the chassis (see Install a node to the chassis).
  6. Make sure that the required power supply units are installed and power cords are connected; then, power on the node (see Install a hot-swap power supply and Power on the node).
  7. Proceed to complete the parts replacement (see Complete the parts replacement).