Remove a memory module

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

About this task

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.

1. Make preparations for this task.
   1. If any of the modules to be removed is PMEM:
      • In the case of pure system board or expansion tray replacement, keep records of the slots in which the modules are installed, and make sure to install them back to the exact same slots after system board or expansion tray replacement.

      • If the removed PMEM is to be replaced or reused in a different configuration, make sure to complete the following procedure before physically removing the module.

        Attention

        Without the following steps being completed, the removed PMEM will not be usable in another system or configuration.
        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.

   2. If applicable, remove the security bezel (see Remove the security bezel).

   3. Remove the top covers (see Remove the top covers).

   4. Remove the air baffle (see Remove the air baffle).

   5. Locate the memory module to be removed on the system board, and remove the corresponding components.

      Figure 1. Memory module slots on the system board
      
      

      • To remove DIMM 1 to 5: remove Riser 2.
      • To remove DIMM 6 to 10: remove Riser 1.

      See Remove the PCIe riser assemblies and adapters for the topic corresponding to the present system configuration.
2. Remove the memory module.
   Figure 2. Removing a memory module
   
   

   • Open the retaining clip to disengage the memory module. One end of the module will be slightly highly than the other.
   • Grasp the memory module at both ends; then, gently lift it vertically to remove it from the slot.