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Install a DIMM

Use this information to install a DIMM.

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

Before installing a DIMM, make sure that you understand the required installation order, depending on whether you are implementing memory mirroring, memory rank sparing, or independent memory mode. See Memory Population Reference for the required installation order.

If you are installing an optional processor, install it before installing DIMMs. See Install a processor-heat-sink module.

Before you install a DIMM, complete the following steps:

  1. Read Installation Guidelines to ensure that you work safely.

  2. Carefully lay the compute node on a flat, static-protective surface, orienting the compute node with the bezel pointing toward you.

  3. Remove the compute node cover (see Remove the compute node cover for instructions).

  4. If you are installing DCPMMs for the first time, follow the instructions in DC Persistent Memory Module (DCPMM) setup so that the system supports DCPMMs.

To install a DIMM, complete the following steps:

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 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.

  • Remove or install DIMMs for one processor at a time.

  • Do not mix RDIMMs and LR-DIMMs in the same compute node.

  • DIMMs are static-sensitive devices. The package must be grounded before it is opened.

  1. Remove the air baffle (see Remove the air baffle for instructions).
  2. Locate the DIMM connectors (see System-board connectors for instructions). Determine which DIMM connector you want to install the DIMM.
  3. Touch the static-protective package that contains the DIMM to any unpainted metal surface on the Flex System chassis or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component in the rack in which you are installing the DIMM for at least 2 seconds; then, remove the DIMM from its package.
  4. Make sure that both retaining clips on the DIMM connector are in the open position.
    Figure 1. Opening DIMM latch
    Graphic illustrating opening the DIMM retaining clips
    Note

    • If necessary due to space constraints, you can use a pointed tool to open the retaining clips. Place the tip of the tool in the recess on the top of the retaining clip; then, carefully rotate the retaining clip away from the DIMM connector.

    • Make sure you use firm and solid pointed tool to open the retaining clips. Do not use pencil. In case there are any fragments of the tool fall into the compute node, caused unnecessary damage.

    • The retaining clips for adjacent DIMM connectors of processor and processor cannot be opened at the same time. Remove or install the DIMMs for each processor one at a time.

    Attention
    To avoid breaking the retaining clips or damaging the DIMM connector, handle the clips gently.
  5. Turn the DIMM so that the DIMM keys align correctly with the DIMM connector on the system board, and gently place the DIMM on the connector with both hands.
  6. Firmly press both ends of the DIMM straight down into the DIMM connector until the retaining clips snap into the locked position.
    Figure 2. DIMM installation
    DIMM installation
  7. Make sure that the small tabs on the retaining clips engage the notches on the DIMM. If there is a gap between the DIMM and the retaining clips, the DIMM has not been correctly installed. Press the DIMM firmly into the connector, and then press the retaining clips toward the DIMM until the tabs are fully seated. When the DIMM is correctly installed, the retaining clips are parallel to the sides of the DIMM.
    Note
    Retaining clips on the DIMM connectors must be in the closed position to install the air baffles correctly.
Attention
To maintain proper system cooling, do not operate the compute node without an air baffle installed over the DIMM connectors.
If you have installed a DCPMM:

  1. Update the system firmware to the latest version (see Update the firmware).

  2. Make sure the firmware of all the DCPMM units is the latest version. If not, update it to the latest version (see Updating firmware on managed devices with LXCA).

  3. Restore the data that have been backed up if necessary.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube

  • DC Persistent Memory Module (DCPMM) setup
    Follow the instructions in this section to complete required setup before installing DCPMMs for the first time, determine the most suitable configuration, and install memory modules accordingly.
  • Memory guidelines
    There are a number of criteria that must be followed when installing memory modules in your compute node.
  • Memory module installation order
    Memory modules must be installed in a specific order based on the memory configuration that you implement and the number of processors and memory modules installed in the compute node.