Installing a memory module

Use this information to install a memory module in the blade server.

To install a DIMM, complete the following steps.

Note:

The following illustration shows the location of the DIMM connectors on the system board.
The illustrations in this document might differ slightly from your hardware.

The following notes describe the types of DIMMs that the blade server supports and other information that you must consider when you install DIMMs:

The system board has DIMM connectors.
The server supports two-way memory interleaving.
The optional DIMMs that are available for the blade server are 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB. Depending on the memory configuration that is set in the Configuration/Setup Utility program, the blade server can support a minimum of 1 GB and a maximum of 24 GB of system memory on the system board.

When you install memory, you must install a pair of matched DIMMs. Some blade server models come with one DIMM installed in DIMM slot 1. In this case, you must order and install a second matched DIMM in DIMM slot 2. Install the DIMMs in the order shown in the following table.

Table 1. DIMM configuration
Pair	DIMM pairs and location
First	DIMM 1 and DIMM 2
Second	DIMM 3 and DIMM 4
Third	DIMM 5 and DIMM 6

All DIMMs in a pair or group must be the same size, speed, type, technology, and physical design. You can use compatible DIMMs from different manufacturers.
Install only ECC DDR2 667 DRAM with ECC DIMMs. For a current list of supported DIMMs for the blade server, see http://www.ibm.com/servers/eserver/serverproven/compat/us/.
Installing or removing DIMMs changes the configuration information of the blade server. After you install or remove a DIMM, you must change and save the new configuration information by using the Configuration/Setup Utility. program. When you restart the blade server, a message indicates that the memory configuration has changed. Start the Configuration/Setup Utility program and select Save Settings (see Configuration/Setup Utility menu for more information) to save changes.

To install a DIMM, complete the following steps.

Graphic illustrating the retention clips for the memory module connector

Read the documentation that comes with the DIMM.
Before you begin, read Safety and Installation guidelines.
If the blade server is installed in a BladeCenter unit, remove it (see Removing the blade server from the BladeCenter unit).
Remove the blade server cover (see Removing the blade server cover).
If an optional expansion unit is installed, remove the expansion unit (see Removing an optional expansion unit).
Locate the DIMM connectors. Determine the connector into which you will install the DIMM.
Touch the static-protective package that contains the DIMM to any unpainted metal surface on the BladeCenter unit or any unpainted metal surface on any other grounded rack component; then, remove the DIMM from the package.
To install the DIMMs, repeat the following steps for each DIMM that you install:
1. Turn the DIMM so that the DIMM keys align correctly with the connector on the system board.
  Attention: To avoid breaking the retaining clips or damaging the DIMM connectors, handle the clips gently.
2. Make sure that the small tabs on the retaining clips are in the notches on the DIMM. If there is a gap between the DIMM and the retaining clips, the DIMM has not been correctly installed. Press the DIMM firmly into the connector, and then press the retaining clips toward the DIMM until the tabs are fully seated. When the DIMM is correctly installed, the retaining clips are parallel to the sides of the DIMM.
  Important: If there is a gap between the DIMM and the retaining clips, the DIMM has not been correctly installed. In this case, open the retaining clips and remove the DIMM; then, reinsert the DIMM.
Install the optional expansion unit, if you removed one from the blade server to remove a DIMM (see Installing an optional expansion unit).
Install the blade server cover (see Installing the blade server cover).
Install the blade server into the BladeCenter unit (see Installing the blade server in a BladeCenter unit).