A-Class Server RAM Removal and Replacement

Overview

This section provides step-by-step instructions and general installation rules for removing and replacing RAM boards in the A-Class Server. The following subsections apply:




	CAUTION: The procedures in this section require opening the system cabinet and exposing the system to electrostatic discharge. Always observe all electrostatic precautions when working with components inside or out of the cabinet. Failure to follow these precautions may result in component damage or loss of system reliability.

Electrostatic Discharge Precautions

Use a grounding mat and an anti-static wrist strap.
Wear the anti-static wrist strap to ensure that any accumulated electrostatic charge is discharged from your body to ground.

Before You Do Anything...

Perform system backup.
Shut down the operating system.
Power down the system.
Unplug the server.
NOTE: Cabinet-mounted servers must be removed from the cabinet before proceeding.
Remove the top of the server by unscrewing the knurled captive screws on each side of the rear of the server. Slide the top back, lift it off, and set it aside.

RAM Removal




	NOTE: Before you remove any memory, note the location of the slot from which the memory is being removed, and the size of the RAM (marked on one side near an upper corner) being removed. This information will be needed for the installation process.

Each RAM board has its size marked on one side of the board near an upper corner: 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB, or 256MB. (In the illustration shown, the marking is on the reverse side of the board.)
The white stripe on the end of the board identifies the end of the board that must be toward the white ejector lever.
The notch at the lower corner of the board also indicates the end of the board that must go toward the white ejector lever.




	CAUTION: Always handle RAM boards by their edges. Failure to comply with this precaution may result in damage to the RAM.

Open the ejector levers (down position) on each side of the RAM.
Grasp the RAM by the edges and lift straight up.
Set it carefully on the grounding mat.

RAM Replacement




	CAUTION: Keep RAM boards in their protective anti-static bags until you are ready to install them. Always handle RAM boards by their edges after you have removed them from their protective anti-static bags. Be sure that an anti-static wrist strap is still attached to your wrist and grounded to the cabinet main chassis when you handle and install RAM boards. Failure to follow these precautions may cause damage to the RAM.

Individual RAM board replacement procedures are described below. The illustrated panels that follow depict the replacement process:

Open the ejector levers (down position).
Orient the RAM board with the white stripe on the card toward the white ejector lever. Insert the RAM board into the connector until the fingers on the card edge just touch the connector.
Push the RAM board firmly and evenly into the connector until it clicks into place.

RAM Removal and Replacement Rules

RAM boards are installed in pairs. However, if a defective board has been isolated, it may be replaced individually with a board of the same size. For example, a 128MB board must be replaced with another 128MB board.
Memory is installed in the following increments:
- 128MB (two 64MB RAM boards)
- 256MB (two 128MB RAM boards)
- 512MB (two 256MB RAM boards).
The smallest RAM pair must be installed in the lowest numbered slots, followed by the next larger pair in the next two slots until all slots are filled. Memory slots are configured in the order shown below:
If a memory pair is to be installed that is larger than the largest RAM pair of the existing configuration: remove, reorder, and reinstall all pairs according to the rules listed above.