Skip to main content

Install a memory module

Use this information to install a memory module.

About this task

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

Important

When removing/installing the memory module, do not tilt the memory module and keep it at an upright position to prevent damaging the gap pad.

Attention
  • Read Installation Guidelines and Safety inspection checklist to ensure 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. 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.

    • 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.

    • If processor socket 2 is empty, DIMM fillers should be removed from the DIMM slots surrounding socket 2 (slot 13 to slot 24).

  • Before installing 24 Gb DRAM RDIMMs, make sure to update the UEFI firmware to the latest version first, then remove all existing 16 Gb DRAM RDIMMs.

The following illustration shows the location of the memory module connectors on the system board.
Figure 1. Memory module connector location
Memory module connector location
Note
The following illustration might differ slightly from your hardware, but the installation method is the same.
Firmware and driver download: You might need to update the firmware or driver after replacing a component.

Procedure

Note
  • 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.

  • Depending on the model, your solution might look slightly different from the illustration.

  1. Remove the memory module tool attached to the DIMM comb.
    Figure 2. Memory module tool removal
    Memory module tool removal
    Note
    Memory module tool is recommended due to space limitations caused by location of water loop tubes through the memory section.
  2. Remove the DIMM cover.
    Note

    Do not tilt the DIMM cover and keep it at an upright position to prevent damaging the gap pads.

    Figure 3. DIMM cover removal
    DIMM cover removal
  3. Carefully use the memory module tool to press the retaining clips outward on each end of the memory module connector.
    Figure 4. Pressing retaining clips on memory module connector
    Pressing retaining clips with memory module tool
    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.

  4. 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.
  5. Align the memory module with the slot, and gently place the memory module on the slot with both hands.
  6. Firmly press both ends of the memory module straight down into the slot until the retaining clips snap into the locked position.
    Attention
    • If processor socket 2 is empty, DIMM fillers should be removed from the DIMM slots surrounding socket 2 (slot 13 to slot 24).

    • When removing/installing the memory module, do not tilt the memory module and keep it at an upright position to prevent damaging the gap pad.

    • 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.

    Figure 5. Memory module installation
    Memory module installation
  7. Install the DIMM cover.
    Note

    Do not tilt the DIMM cover and keep it at an upright position to prevent damaging the gap pads.

    Figure 6. DIMM cover installation
    DIMM cover installation
  8. Install the memory module tool to the DIMM comb.
    Figure 7. Memory module tool
    Memory module tool
After you finish
  1. Install the tray cover. See Install the tray cover.

  2. Install the tray into the enclosure. See Install a DWC tray in the enclosure.

  3. Connect all required external cables to the solution.
    Note
    Use extra force to connect QSFP cables to the solution.
  4. Check the power LED on each node to make sure it changes from fast blink to slow blink to indicate all nodes are ready to be powered on.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube