Remove a memory module

Follow instructions in this section 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 safely.

• 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.

Procedure

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
             

             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. Remove the top cover (see Remove the top cover).
   3. Remove the following components depending on the location of the processor that is to be removed:
      • If the processor is located on the processor and memory expansion tray, do not remove the expansion tray. Only remove the air baffle from the expansion tray.
        Figure 1. Removing the air baffle from the expansion tray
        
        
      • If the processor is located on the system board:
        1. Remove one of the following components.
           • System air baffle (see Remove the system board air baffle)
           • Processor and memory expansion tray and expansion tray air baffle (see Remove the processor and memory expansion tray)
        2. Remove the expansion tray air baffle.
           Figure 2. Removing the expansion tray air baffle
           
           
2. Remove the memory module from the slot.
   Figure 3. Removing a memory module
   
   

   • Open the retaining clip on each end of the memory module slot.
   • Grasp the memory module at both ends, and gently lift and remove it from the slot.