Install a memory module

See this topic to learn how to install a memory module.

About this task

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

ATTENTION: Static Sensitive Device Ground package before opening

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.

• Do not use any metal tools (such as jigs or clamps) to handle the memory modules, because the rigid metals may damage the 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.

• Go over Installation Guidelines to ensure that you work with safety.

• Turn off the server and peripheral devices and disconnect the power cords and all external cables (see Power off the server).

• If the server is installed in a rack, slide the server out on its rack slide rails to gain access to the top cover, or remove the server from the rack.

• Make sure to adopt one of the supported configurations that is listed in Memory module installation rules and order.

• In the case of installing PMEMs for the first time, read the rules and instructions in PMEM and DRAM DIMM installation order carefully, and make sure to adopt a supported configuration.

1. In the case of altering memory configuration, refer to Memory module installation rules and order to ensure a valid configuration is planned.
2. If any of the modules to be installed is PMEM, make sure to complete the following procedure before physically installing the module:
   1. Back up stored data in PMEM namespaces.
   2. Disable PMEM security with one of the following options:

      • LXPM

        Go to UEFI Setup > System Settings > Intel Optane PMEMs > Security > Press to Disable Security, and input passphrase to disable security.

      • Setup Utility

        Go to System Configuration and Boot Management > System Settings > Intel Optane PMEMs > Security > Press to Disable Security, and input passphrase to disable security.

   3. Delete namespaces with command corresponding to the operating system that is installed:

      • Linux command:

        ndctl destroy-namespace all -f

      • Windows Powershell command

        Get-PmemDisk | Remove-PmemDisk

   4. Clear Platform Configuration Data (PCD) and Namespace Label Storage Area (LSA) with the following ipmctl command (for both Linux and Windows).

      ipmctl delete -pcd
      

      Note

      See the following links to learn how to download and use impctl in different operating systems:

      • Windows: https://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/us/en/videos/YTV101407

      • Linux: https://datacentersupport.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/HT508642

   5. Reboot the system.
3. Locate the slot to install the memory module in on the system board.
   Figure 1. Memory module slots on the system board
   
   
4. Install the memory module.
   Figure 2. Installing a memory module
   
   

   • Open the retaining clip.
   • Align the memory module with the slot.
   • Firmly press both ends of the memory module straight down until the retaining clip snaps into the locked position.

   Note

   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.