Skip to main content

Memory rank sparing

Sparing enables a failing rank to be replaced by ranks installed in an unoccupied space. An unused spare rank on the channel can be used to copy the contents of a failing rank on that channel.

You can enable rank sparing memory in the Setup utility (see Starting the Setup utility).

The memory rank sparing mode requires an even number of DIMMs. If your server has an odd number of DIMMs installed, ensure that you disable the memory rank sparing mode from the Memory menu in Setup Utility. See Using the Setup utility.
Note
After disabling the memory rank sparing mode, if a message prompts that the memory configuration is not valid, restart the IMM2.1. Alternatively, you can turn off the server, disconnect it from and then reconnect it to ac power, and then turn on the server again.
The following diagram lists the DIMM connectors on each memory channel.
Figure 1. Connectors on each memory channel
Connectors on each memory channel
Note
You can install DIMMs for the microprocessor 2 once the microprocessor 2 is installed. You do not need to wait until all of the DIMM connectors for microprocessor 1 are filled.

The following table shows the installation sequence for memory rank sparing mode:

Table 1. Memory rank sparing mode DIMM population sequence.

Three column table for documenting the number of DIMMs, number of installed microprocessor, and DIMM connector.

Number of DIMMsNumber of installed microprocessorDIMM connector
First pair of DIMMs11, 2
Second pair of DIMMs14, 5
Third pair of DIMMs18, 9
Fourth pair of DIMMs111, 12
Fifth pair of DIMMs17, 10
Sixth pair of DIMMs13, 6
First pair of DIMMs21, 2
Second pair of DIMMs213, 14
Third pair of DIMMs24, 5
Fourth pair of DIMMs216, 17
Fifth pair of DIMMs28, 9
Sixth pair of DIMMs220, 21
Seventh pair of DIMMs211, 12
Eighth pair of DIMMs223, 24
Ninth pair of DIMMs27, 10
Tenth pair of DIMMs219, 22
Eleventh pair of DIMMs23, 6
Twelfth pair of DIMMs215, 18
Note
Rank Sparing is only supported when there is more than 1DPC or if a single QRDIMM is installed