Skip to main content

Memory rank sparing

The memory rank sparing feature disables the failed memory from the system configuration and activates a rank sparing DIMM to replace the failed active DIMM.

You can enable rank sparing memory in the Setup utility, select System Settings > Memory. For more information, see Using the Setup utility. When you use the memory rank sparing feature, consider the following information:
  • The memory rank sparing feature is supported on server models with an Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 series microprocessor.
  • The maximum available memory is reduced when memory rank sparing mode is enabled.
  • 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. 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
Follow the installation sequence for rank sparing mode:
  • Install at least two single-rank or dual-rank DIMMs in a channel.
Table 1. Memory rank sparing mode DIMM population sequence.

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 DIMMs13, 6
Sixth pair of DIMMs17, 10
Seventh pair of DIMMs113, 14
Eighth pair of DIMMs116, 17
Ninth pair of DIMMs120, 21
Tenth pair of DIMMs123, 24
Eleventh pair of DIMMs115, 18
Twelfth pair of DIMMs119, 22