Installing 8204-E8A or 9409-M50 memory modules

Learn about installing memory modules in an 8204-E8A or 9409-M50 server.

1. Complete the prerequisite tasks described in Before you begin.
2. Stop the system, as described in Stopping a system or logical partition.
3. Disconnect the power source from the system by unplugging the system.
   Note: This system might be equipped with a second power supply. Before continuing with this procedure, ensure that the power source to the system has been completely disconnected.

   (L003)

   
   or
   

4. If you have a rack-mounted system, place it in the service position, as described in Placing a rack-mounted model 8203-E4A, 8204-E8A, 9407-M15, 9408-M25, or 9409-M50 in the service position.
5. Remove the service access cover, as described in Removing the service access cover from a rack-mounted model 8203-E4A, 8204-E8A, 9407-M15, 9408-M25, or 9409-M50.
6. Attach the wrist strap.
   Attention:

   • Attach a wrist strap to an unpainted metal surface of your hardware to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging your hardware.
   • When using a wrist strap, follow all electrical safety procedures. A wrist strap is for static control. It does not increase or decrease your risk of receiving electric shock when using or working on electrical equipment.
   • If you do not have a wrist strap, just prior to removing the product from ESD packaging and installing or replacing hardware, touch an unpainted metal surface of the system for a minimum of 5 seconds.
7. Remove the system processor assembly and protective cover, as described in Removing the 8204-E8A or 9409-M50 system processor assembly. Skip any steps that you have already completed.
8. If necessary, remove the memory modules from the system processor assembly as described in Removing 8204-E8A or 9409-M50 memory modules.
9. Determine the slots in which the memory modules will be placed. Each system processor assembly has eight memory module slots. See Table 1 to ensure that memory modules are balanced on each processor assembly. The memory modules should be plugged into the slots shown in the table. For the memory module slot locations in the system processor assembly, see Figure 1.
   Notes:

   • Memory modules installed on the same processor assembly must identical in size, speed, and feature code.
   • Memory modules installed on different processor assemblies can be different sizes and speeds.
   • Each memory feature consists of one pair of dual inline memory modules (DIMMs). Each processor card can have two, four, or eight DIMMs.
   • When two processors are installed, alternate installing memory modules between the first processor and the second processor.
   • Memory features 4520, 4521, and 4522 are not available with processor feature 4967.

   Table 1. Memory module balancing

   Processors and memory	Where to install memory modules
   Memory plugged in pairs	Plug the first pair of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C2 and P1-Cn-C7. Plug the second pair of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C4 and P1-Cn-C9. Important: Memory modules installed on the same processor assembly must be identical in size, speed, and feature code. After the second pair of memory modules, the memory modules become a quad.
   One processor card, memory plugged in quads	Plug the first quad of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C2, P1-Cn-C4, P1-Cn-C7, and P1-Cn-C9. Plug the second quad of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C1, P1-Cn-C3, P1-Cn-C6, and P1-Cn-C8. Important: Memory modules installed on the same processor assembly must be identical in size, speed, and feature code. After the second pair of memory modules, the memory modules become a quad.
   Multiple processor cards, memory plugged in quads	Memory should be balanced on each processor card, unless you have an odd number of memory modules. Plug the first quad of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C2, P1-Cn-C4, P1-Cn-C7, and P1-Cn-C9 on each processor card. Plug the second quad of memory modules in slots P1-Cn-C1, P1-Cn-C3, P1-Cn-C6, and P1-Cn-C8 on each processor card. Important: Ensure that the memory modules installed on the same processor assembly are identical in size, speed, and feature code. However, memory module feature codes can be different between processor assemblies.

   Figure 1. Memory module slot locations in the processor assembly

   
10. Ensure that the connector is ready to receive the memory module. Remove the memory module filler, if one is present, by pushing the tabs (A) out and then down. The lever action of the tabs forces the memory module filler out of the connector.
11. If necessary, remove the memory module from its antistatic package.
12. Ensure that the connector locking tabs (A) are pushed out into the unlocked position, as shown in Figure 2, before installing a new memory module.
13. Carefully grasp the memory module (B) along two edges and align it with the connector.
    Attention: Memory modules are keyed to prevent a memory module from being installed incorrectly. Note the locations of the key tabs within the memory module connector before attempting to install the memory module.
14. Push the memory module (B) firmly into the connector until the connector locking tabs engage.
    Figure 2. Replacing a memory module

    
15. Replace the system processor assembly. See Replacing the 8204-E8A or 9409-M50 system processor assembly for information about replacing the system processor assembly and covers, restoring power, and starting the system. Skip any steps that you have already completed.
16. Verify the installed part, as described in Verifying the installed part.