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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.
Attention

  • Read Safety inspection checklist and Installation Guidelines to ensure that you work safely.

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

  • Memory modules are sensitive to static discharge and require special handling. Refer to the standard guidelines at 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.

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

Procedure

  1. 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:
    5. Reboot the system.
  2. Touch the static-protective package that contains the memory module to any unpainted surface on the outside of the server. Then, take the memory module out of the package and place it on a static-protective surface.
  3. Locate the required memory module slot on the system board.
    Note
    Figure 1. Location of memory module slots and processor sockets
    Location of memory module slots and processor sockets
    Table 1. Location of memory modules and processors
    1 Memory module slots 9–124 Memory module slots 1–4
    2 Processor socket 25 Memory module slots 5–8
    3 Processor socket 16 Memory module slots 13–16
  4. Install the memory module into the slot.
    1. Carefully use a common tool to press the retaining clips.
    2. Push the retaining clips outward on each end of the memory module slot.
    3. Align the memory module with the slot, and gently place the memory module on the slot with both hands. 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 memory module slots, open and close the 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. Memory module installation
      Memory module installation

After you finish

Note

Change and save the new configuration information by using the Setup utility. When you turn on the compute node, a message indicates that the memory configuration has changed. Start the Setup utility and select Save Settings to save changes. See the ThinkSystem SN550 V2 Setup Guide for more information.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube