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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, and make sure to adopt a supported configuration.

Attention

  • Read Installation Guidelines to ensure that you work safely.

  • Power off the server and disconnect all power cords for this task.

  • 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.

Note

  • If any of the modules to be installed is PMEM, make sure to adopt a supported configuration. In the case of installing PMEMs for the first time, read the rules and instructions in PMEM and DRAM DIMM installation order carefully to learn how to set up and configure PMEMs.

  • If the PMEM to be installed is used in another configuration before and has stored data in it, 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:

      • Lenovo XClarity Provisioning Manager

        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.

Procedure

  1. Locate the required memory module slot on the system board. Ensure that you observe the installation rules and sequence in Memory module installation rules and order.
  2. Install the memory module into the slot.
    Figure 1. Memory module installation
    Memory module installation

    1. Gently open the retaining clip on each end of the memory module slot.
    2. Align the memory module with the slot, and gently place the memory module on the slot with both hands.
    3. Firmly press both ends of the memory module straight down into the slot until the retaining clips snap 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.

Demo video

Watch the procedure on YouTube