Installing 8233-E8B or 8236-E8C memory modules

Learn about installing memory modules.

1. Complete the prerequisite tasks. For instructions, see Before you begin.
2. If necessary, remove the memory modules from the system processor assembly as described in Removing 8233-E8B or 8236-E8C memory modules.
3. Stop the system. For instructions, see Stopping a system or logical partition.
4. Disconnect the power source from the system by unplugging the system.
   Note: This system is 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
   

5. If you have a rack-mounted system, place it in the service position, as described in Placing a rack-mounted model in the service position.
6. Remove the service access cover, as described in Removing the service access cover from a rack-mounted model.
7. 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.
8. Remove the system processor assembly and protective cover, as described in Removing the system processor assembly. Skip any steps that you have already completed.
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. Plug the memory modules into the slots shown in the table. For the memory module slot locations in the system processor assembly, see Figure 1.
   Notes:

   • The minimum memory that can be installed is 8 GB (two 4 GB DIMMs).
   • On the 8233-E8B, the maximum memory that can be installed is 512 GB (eight 16 GB DIMMs in each of the four processor cards). 16 GB DIMMs are not supported on the 8236-E8C system.
   • Memory modules installed on the same processor assembly must be 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. A memory feature is not required in all processors, although it is recommended.
   • After the second pair of memory modules is installed in each of the existing processors, the memory modules must be installed as a quad.

   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-C4 for each processor. Plug the second pair of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C3 and P1-Cn-C5 for each processor.
   One processor card, memory plugged in quads	Plug the first quad of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C2, P1-Cn-C3, P1-Cn-C4, and P1-Cn-C5. Plug the second quad of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C6, P1-Cn-C7, P1-Cn-C8, and P1-Cn-C9.
   Multiple processor cards, memory plugged in quads	Balance the memory on each processor card: Plug the first quad of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C2, P1-Cn-C3, P1-Cn-C4, and P1-Cn-C5 on the first processor card. Plug the second quad of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C2, P1-Cn-C3, P1-Cn-C4, and P1-Cn-C5 on the second processor card. Note: After the first quad of memory modules, plug all additional quads into slots P1-Cn-C2, P1-Cn-C3, P1-Cn-C4, and P1-Cn-C5 on the second through fourth processor cards, sequentially. After all the P1-Cn-C2, P1-Cn-C3, P1-Cn-C4, and P1-Cn-C5 slots are filled on all processor cards, then plug additional quads of memory modules into memory module slots P1-Cn-C6, P1-Cn-C7, P1-Cn-C8, and P1-Cn-C9 on the first processor card, followed by the second processor card, and so on. Note: n = 13, 14, 15 or 16 for processor cards 1, 2, 3 or 4.

   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 (B) 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 (B) are pushed out into the unlocked position, as shown in Figure 2, before installing a new memory module.
13. Carefully grasp the memory module (A) 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 location of the key tab within the memory module connector before attempting to install the memory module.
14. Push the memory module (A) firmly into the connector until the connector locking tabs engage.
    Figure 2. Replacing a memory module

    
15. Close the memory module cover (C) until it locks in place, as shown in Figure 3.
    Figure 3. Closing the memory module cover

    
16. Replace the system processor assembly. See Replacing the 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.
17. Verify the installed part, as described in Verifying the installed part.