Removing and replacing a memory module

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You can remove and replace a faulty dual in-line memory module (DIMM) from the enclosure. You can also use this procedure to add DIMMs to increase the memory capacity of the node canister.

Before you begin

Notes:
  • Electrostatic discharge precaution symbol The memory modules are sensitive to electrostatic-discharge (ESD). Take precautions to avoid damage from static electricity. When you remove or replace this part, you must follow recommended procedures for handling ESD-sensitive devices.
  • No tools are required to complete this task. Do not remove or loosen any screws.

About this task

Figure 1 illustrates the physical layout of the four DIMM slots and CPU as present inside the node canister. DIMM slot numbering, as seen in this figure, also appears embossed on the adjacent fan assembly.

Figure 1. Location and numbering of the DIMM slots
Location and numbering of the DIMM slots
Review Table 1 to understand mapping between a DIMM slot and its corresponding CPU memory channel. The channel name is also included in the slot label printed on the canister circuit board.
Table 1. Summary of slot numbers and channel names
Slot number Channel Name
1 CH4
2 CH3
3 CH0
4 CH1
The number of DIMMs installed in each node canister depends on the enclosure memory configuration. See Table 2 for valid memory configurations per node canister.

Procedure

DIMM Installation considerations

  1. The number of DIMMs installed in each node canister depends on the enclosure memory configuration. Review for valid memory configurations per node canister.
    Table 2. Summary of valid node canister memory configurations
    Configuration Node canister (total) Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4
    ALG2 Empty Empty Empty 32 GiB Empty
    ALG3 Empty Empty 64 GiB 64 GiB Empty
    ALG3 + ALGE 64 GiB 64 GiB 64 GiB 64 GiB 64 GiB
  2. In an operational enclosure, both node canisters always have the same memory configuration except when you are upgrading node canister memory. To upgrade enclosure memory, one node canister is upgraded at a time. The system logs an error when the node canister memory configurations differ. After the second node canister in the enclosure is upgraded, the error is cleared and the nodes use the upgraded memory.

Identifying failed DIMMs

  1. Use the service assistant or the System Event Log in the management GUI to obtain the system event log with error code 1022 and the sense data. The sense data includes information that is also used to identify which DIMM is faulty.
    • If a node error 510 is logged and event ID 073510, the sense data includes information such as, the detected size of the DIMM in slot 1, 2, 3 and 4, followed by the expected size for each slot. Compare each detected capacity with the expected size to determine which DIMMs are faulty. See Table 2 for permitted configurations and Figure 1 for the physical location of each DIMM slot inside the node canister.
    • If a event ID 076101 is logged, the object ID of the event identifies the slot number of the faulty DIMM. The sense data includes information on the channel name of the faulty DIMM, along with manufacturer and serial number of the DIMM to aid identification. The channel name is another way to refer to the slot number, as described in Table 1.
  2. See the Replaceable units for the correct FRU part number for each size of DIMM.

Removing the DIMM

Important: Do not start service status on the node. Power off the node to replace a DIMM or run the rmnode command to add DIMMs.
If you are upgrading memory of a node canister as a part of an enclosure upgrade, you must remove that node from the system configuration before you start the following procedure. To do so, you can use the management GUI or the CLI.
  • To use the management GUI, right-click the node canister and select Remove.
  • To use the CLI, enter the following command, where object_id | object_name identifies the node canister that receives the additional memory:
    rmnodecanister object_id | object_name
If you are replacing a faulty DIMM with a new one from FRU stock, you do not need to remove the node canister from the system configuration.

  1. Remove the canister that contains the faulty DIMM, as described in Removing and reseating a node canister.
  2. Refer to Figure 1 to locate the appropriate DIMM slot.
  3. Press the locking tabs on the ends of the DIMM to eject it.
  4. Lift the DIMM up and out of the slot.

Replacing or adding the DIMM

  1. Touch the static-protective package that contains the new DIMM to any unpainted metal surface on the node canister. Remove the DIMM from the package.
  2. Turn the DIMM so that the DIMM keys align correctly with the connector on the main board.
  3. Insert the DIMM into the connector by aligning the edges of the DIMM with the slots at the ends of the DIMM connector.
  4. Firmly press the DIMM straight down into the connector by applying pressure on both ends of the DIMM simultaneously. The retaining clips snap into the locked position when the DIMM is firmly seated in the connector.
  5. Repeat steps 9 through 12 until all the new or replacement DIMMs are installed.
  6. Reinsert the node canister, as described in Removing and reseating a node canister.
    If the canister power does not on, check that the canister is fully inserted into the enclosure.
  7. Use the management GUI to monitor the system as the node powers on and resolve any unfixed events that appear in the event log.
  8. If you are upgrading the memory of an enclosure, use the Management GUI to ensure that the removed node is automatically added back into the system configuration and is active. Then repeat the procedure to upgrade the second node canister in the enclosure.