Remove a memory module
Follow instructions in this section to remove a memory module.
About this task
Read Installation Guidelines and Safety inspection checklist to ensure that you work safely.
Power off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and all external cables. See Power off the server.
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.
If the node is installed in an enclosure or mounted, remove the node from the enclosure or mount. See Configuration guide.
If you are not installing a replacement memory module to the same slot, make sure you have memory module filler available.
- 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.
Required tools
Make sure you have the required tools listed below in hand to properly replace the component.- Prepare corresponding thermal pad kits for replacing the memory module installed in specific slot:
- Memory module in slot 1:
- System board thermal pad kit
- Top cover thermal pad kit
- Memory module in slot 2:
- System board thermal pad kit
- Top cover thermal pad kit
- Memory module in slot 1:
Procedure
- Make preparation for this task.
- Locate the memory module to be removed on the system board, and remove the corresponding node cover.
- To remove the memory module from slot 1, remove the top cover. See Remove the top cover.
- To remove the memory module from slot 2, remove the bottom cover. See Remove the bottom cover.
Figure 1. Memory modules and processor layout
Table 1. Location of memory modules 1 DIMM slot 1 (top side) 2 DIMM slot 2 (bottom side)
- Locate the memory module to be removed on the system board, and remove the corresponding node cover.
- Remove the memory module from the slot.
Carefully spread apart the securing clips on each end of the memory module slot until the memory module pops up.
Remove the memory module from the memory module slot.
AttentionTo avoid breaking the securing clips or damaging the memory module slots, handle the clips gently.
Figure 2. Removing the memory module
Install a replacement unit. See Install a memory module.
If you are instructed to return the component or optional device, follow all packaging instructions, and use any packaging materials for shipping that are supplied to you.