Installing memory modules
You can increase the amount of memory in your server by installing memory
modules. Your server uses industry-standard PC2100 double-data-rate (DDR) dual
inline memory modules (DIMMs).
Notes:
1. The system board contains four DIMM connectors and supports two-way
memory interleaving.
2. The DIMM options available for your server are 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1
GB, and 2 GB. Your server supports a minimum of 256 MB and a maximum of 8
GB of system memory.
3. The amount of usable memory will be reduced depending on the system
configuration. A certain amount of memory must be reserved for system
resources. The BIOS will display the total amount of installed memory and the
amount of configured memory.
4. Your server comes with two 256 MB or 512 MB DIMMs (for a total of 512 MB or
1024 MB) installed in the DIMM 3 and DIMM 4 memory connectors. When you
install additional DIMMs, be sure to install them as a pair in DIMM connectors 1
and 2.
5. DIMMs must be installed in matched pairs. The first pair of DIMMs you install in
DIMM 3 and DIMM 4 memory connectors must be the same size, speed, type,
and technology. You can mix compatible DIMMs from various manufacturers. If
you install a second pair of DIMMs in DIMM 1 and DIMM 2 memory connectors,
they do not have to be the same size, speed, type, and technology as the
DIMMs you installed in DIMM 3 and DIMM 4 memory connectors. However, the
size, speed, type, and technology of the DIMMs you install in DIMM 1 and
DIMM 2 memory connectors must match each other.
6. Install only 133 MHz (memory bus), 2.5 V, 184-pin, double-data-rate (DDR),
PC2100, registered synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM)
with error correcting code (ECC) DIMMs. These DIMMs must be compatible
with the latest PC2100 SDRAM Registered DIMM specification. For a list of
supported options for your server, go to http://www.ibm.com/us/compat/ on the
World Wide Web.
7. Your server supports Chipkill™ memory if the DIMMs are all type x4 and are 256
MB or larger. Using any 128 MB DIMMs or DIMMs that are not type x4 on your
server disables Chipkill memory.
Complete the following steps to install a DIMM:
1. Review the safety information beginning on page vii, “Installation guidelines” on
page 9, and “Handling static-sensitive devices” on page 10.
2. Remove the side cover (see “Removing the side cover” on page 11).
3. Remove the support bracket (see “Removing and installing the support bracket”
on page 13).
4. Locate the DIMM connectors on the system board. Determine the connectors
into which you will install the DIMMs. Install the DIMMs in the order shown in
the following table.
Table 3. DIMM installation sequence
Installation order DIMM connectors Diagnostic reference
First DIMM 3 and DIMM 4 Bank 2
Second DIMM 1 and DIMM 2 Bank 1
28 IBM xSeries 225 Type 8647: Installation Guide
5. Open the retaining clips and, if necessary, remove any existing DIMM.
6. Touch the static-protective package containing the DIMM to any unpainted metal
surface on the server. Then remove the new DIMM from the package.
7. Gently open the retaining clip on each end of the DIMM slot. Turn the DIMM so
that the pins align correctly with the connector.
8. Insert the DIMM into the 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. If there is a gap between the DIMM and the retaining clips, the
DIMM has not been correctly installed. Open the retaining clips, remove the
DIMM, and then reinsert it.
DIMM 1
DIMM 3
DIMM 2
DIMM 4
9. If you have other options to install or remove, do so now; otherwise, replace the
support bracket (see “Removing and installing the support bracket” on page 13)
and go to “Completing the installation” on page 34.