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Installing a DIMM

Use this information to install a DIMM.

Read the safety information in Safety and Installation guidelines.

If you are replacing a server component in the server, you need to slide the server out from the rack enclosure, turn off the server and peripheral devices, and disconnect the power cords and all external cables.

Attention
Static electricity that is released to internal server components when the server is powered on might cause the server to halt, which might result in the loss of data. To avoid this potential problem, always use an electrostatic-discharge wrist strap or other grounding system when you work inside the server with the power on.
The following illustration shows the location of the DIMM connectors on the system board.
Figure 1. The location of the DIMM connectors on the system board
The location of the DIMM connectors on the system board

To install a DIMM, complete the following steps.

  1. Remove the cover (see Removing the cover).
  2. Remove the air baffle if installed (see Removing the air baffle).
  3. Locate the DIMM connectors on the system board. Determine the connectors into which you will install the DIMMs. Install the DIMMs in the sequence shown in the following table.
    Table 1. DIMM installation sequence.

    Two column table for documenting the number of DIMMs and installation sequence (connectors).

    Number of DIMMsInstallation sequence (connectors)
    First pair of DIMMs1, 3
    Second pair of DIMMs2, 4
  4. Open the retaining clip on each end of the DIMM connector.
    Attention
    To avoid breaking the retaining clips or damaging the DIMM connectors, open and close the clips gently.
    Figure 2. DIMM installation
    DIMM installation
  5. Touch the static-protective package that contains the DIMM to any unpainted metal surface on the outside of the server. Then, remove the DIMM from the package.
  6. Turn the DIMM so that the alignment slot align correctly with the alignment tab.
  7. Insert the DIMM into the connector by aligning the edges of the DIMM with the slots at the ends of the DIMM connector.
  8. 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.
    Note
    If there is a gap between the DIMM and the retaining clips, the DIMM has not been correctly inserted; open the retaining clips, remove the DIMM, and then reinsert it.
  9. Reconnect any cable that you removed.
  10. Reinstall the air baffle if it was removed before (see Replacing the air baffle).
  11. Reinstall the cover (see Replacing the cover).

If you have replaced a server component or installed an optional device in the server, you need reinstall the cover, slide the server into the rack, reconnect the power cords and all external cables, and turn on the server and peripheral devices.