Removing and replacing a memory module

Edit online

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:

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 shows how to place the node canister so that you can best read the DIMM slot labelling and see the physical layout of the DIMM slots above and below the CPU. DIMM slot numbering also appear of the adapter cover.

Figure 1. Location and numbering of the DIMM slots

The number of DIMMs installed in each node canister depends on the enclosure memory configuration. See Table 1 for valid memory configurations per node canister.

Table 1. Summary of valid node canister memory configurations
DIMM slot	Memory configuration options
DIMM slot	Base	ALGG
1	Blank	64 GB
2	Blank	64 GB
3	Blank	64 GB
4	64 GB	64 GB
5	64 GB	64 GB
6	64 GB	64 GB
CPU
7	64 GB	64 GB
8	64 GB	64 GB
9	64 GB	64 GB
10	Blank	64 GB
11	Blank	64 GB
12	Blank	64 GB

Procedure

DIMM Installation considerations

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

Use 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 1 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.
See the Replaceable units for the correct FRU part number.

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.

Remove the canister that contains the faulty DIMM, as described in Removing and reseating a node canister.
Refer to Figure 1 to place the node in front of you so that DIMM slot numbers will run top to bottom.
Remove the air duct by pulling the middle gently up, while pressing each of the four touch points around the outside in turn until it lifts off.

Figure 2. Removing the air duct
Locate the appropriate DIMM slot.
Press the locking tabs on the ends of the DIMM to eject it.
Lift the DIMM up and out of the slot.

Replacing or adding the DIMM

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.
Turn the DIMM so that the DIMM keys align correctly with the connector on the main board.
Insert the DIMM into the connector by aligning the edges of the DIMM with the slots at the ends of the DIMM connector.
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.

Figure 3. Pushing the DIMM down into the slot
Repeat steps 10 through 13 until all the new or replacement DIMMs are installed.
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.
Use the management GUI to monitor the system as the node powers on and resolve any unfixed events that appear in the event log.
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.