Chapter 2. Installing or Removing Memory and Option Boards

This chapter explains how to install or remove DIMMs (double in-line memory modules), PCI option boards, or a digital display option board. The following topics are covered:

Removing the System Module

Before installing memory or option boards, you must follow these steps:


Note: The illustrations show an O2+ RM7000class workstation. The process of installing and removing the system module is the same for the O2+ R12000class workstation.


  1. Turn off the workstation by pressing the power button on the front (Figure 2-1).

    Figure 2-1. Turning Off the O2+ Workstation

    Turning Off the O2+ Workstation

  2. Remove the power cable from the rear (Figure 2-2).


    Caution: Always remove the power cable before removing the system module from the workstation.

    When you walk quickly across a room, or sit down or stand up, you build up a lot of static electricity. To perform any of the hardware tasks on the system module, you should stand in one place until you have completed the task.

    Figure 2-2. Disconnecting the Power Cables

    Disconnecting the Power Cables

  3. The system module is on the left as you face the rear. Pull down the lever on the left side of the module to release it (Figure 2-3).


    Note: You do not need to remove the cables from the system module, if you are careful when handling it. But you may find it easier to work if the cables are removed.


    Figure 2-3. Pulling Down the Lever on the System Module

    Pulling Down the Lever on the System Module

  4. Slide the system module out of the chassis (Figure 2-4).

    Figure 2-4. Remove the System Module from the Chassis

    Remove the System Module from the Chassis

  5. Lay the system module on a clean, flat surface, such as your desktop (Figure 2-5).

    Figure 2-5. Laying the System Module on a Flat Surface

    Laying the System Module on a Flat Surface

Now that you have removed the system module, you can perform the following activities:

Installing Memory Modules

To see a 3D animation of installing memory modules, see Hardware Central . When the browser window opens, see “Hardware Overview” and then “Installing Memory Modules.” (If your Web browser is not loaded, it takes a few seconds to load.) If you are viewing this on a remote server, the 3D animation is not available.


Caution: The O2+ workstation uses DIMMs (Double Inline Memory Modules). DIMMs are extremely sensitive to static electricity. Handle the modules carefully, and wear the wrist strap while installing them.



Note: The illustrations show an O2+ RM7000class workstation. The process of installing and removing memory modules is the same for the O2+ R12000class workstation. Also note that DIMMs cannot be installed on earlier workstations that used SIMMs.

To install memory modules, follow these steps:

  1. If you have not already done so, remove the power cable, and remove the system module from the chassis. See “Removing the System Module”.

  2. Components on the system module are extremely sensitive to static electricity. Before touching any of the components, ground yourself to a metal part of the chassis, as follows:

    • Unwrap the first two folds of the wrist strap and wrap the exposed adhesive side firmly around your wrist.

    • Unroll the rest of the strap and peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end.

    • Attach the copper foil to the PCI tray. Attach the wrist strap to your wrist and to the PCI tray (Figure 2-6).

      Figure 2-6. Attaching the Wrist Strap

      Attaching the Wrist Strap

  3. Familiarize yourself with the memory (DIMM) banks (Figure 2-7) and (Figure 2-8). There are four banks comprised of eight sockets, numbered 1 through 8. Two sockets form a bank.

    The minimum configuration has 256 MB of memory—one 128-MB module installed in slot 1 and one 128-MB module installed in slot 2.

    Figure 2-7. Locating the DIMM Banks

    Locating the DIMM Banks

    Figure 2-8. Top View of the DIMM Banks

    Top View of the DIMM Banks

  4. Read the following guidelines and then proceed to the next step.

    • Slots 1 and 2 must always be populated.

    • High-density DIMMs must always be installed in the lowest slots, that is, slots 1 and 2.

    • Install the DIMMs in groups of two, with DIMMs of the same capacity in each bank of two. You cannot mix capacities in one bank.

    • In a bank of two slots, both slots must have a DIMM or both slots must be empty (except for slots 1 and 2, which must always be populated). For example, you can install a 128-MB module in slot 3, a 128-MB module in slot 4, a 64-MB module in slot 5 and a 64-MB module in slot 6. But you cannot install a 128-MB module in slot 3 and a 64-MB module in slot 4.


      Note: If you need to remove a DIMM, see “Removing Memory Modules”.


  5. Install the DIMMs consecutively in groups of two, beginning with the lowest open slot (Figure 2-9), as follows:

    • Hold the DIMM over the socket without tilting it.

    • Lower the DIMM, pushing it straight down into the socket gently but firmly. You hear a click as it is seated and the latches on each side of the module snap up.

      Figure 2-9. Installing the Memory Modules

      Installing the Memory Modules

  6. Check the DIMMs visually to make sure they are installed correctly (Figure 2-10), as follows:

    • The tops of the DIMMs of the same capacity should be even.

    • The DIMMs should all be absolutely vertical (no leaning).

    • The latches on the sides should fit snugly against each DIMM.

      Figure 2-10. Checking the DIMM Installation

      Checking the DIMM Installation

  7. Remove the wrist strap and follow the steps in “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Removing Memory Modules

To remove memory modules, follow these steps:

  1. If you have not already done so, remove the power cable, and remove the system module from the chassis. See “Removing the System Module”.

  2. Before touching any of the components, ground yourself to a metal part of the chassis, as follows:

    • Unwrap the first two folds of the wrist strap and wrap the exposed adhesive side firmly around your wrist.

    • Unroll the rest of the strap and peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end.

    • Attach the copper foil to the PCI tray. Attach the wrist strap to your wrist and to the PCI tray (Figure 2-11).

      Figure 2-11. Attaching the Wrist Strap

      Attaching the Wrist Strap

  3. Remove the DIMM by pushing down the latches on both sides to release it. Pick up the DIMM and set it aside (Figure 2-12).

    Figure 2-12. Removing the Memory Module

    Removing the Memory Module

  4. If you want to install memory modules, see “Installing Memory Modules”. If not, remove the wrist strap and follow the steps in “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Installing a PCI Board in an RM7000class Workstation

To install a PCI board in an RM7000class workstation, follow these steps:


Note: Check the documentation and software release notes that come with the PCI board for instructions on installing the software. The software may include online software guides.


  1. If you have not already done so, remove the power cable, and remove the system module from the chassis. (See “Removing the System Module”.)


    Caution: The small, printed circuit board beneath the PCI tray contains a host chip with important system information such as the serial number. Do not mix PCI trays between workstations. If you remove the PCI tray, always replace it, or the workstation will not operate correctly.


  2. Release the PCI tray by pushing up the lever on the side (Figure 2-13). The tray pops up.

    Figure 2-13. Releasing the PCI Tray

    Releasing the PCI Tray

  3. Push down slightly on the rear of the PCI tray and remove it from the system module (Figure 2-14).

    Figure 2-14. Removing the PCI Tray

    Removing the PCI Tray

  4. Hold the PCI tray with one hand and remove the screw and the filler panel from the tray (Figure 2-15). Keep the panel and screw. If you later remove the PCI board and do not replace it, you must reinstall the filler panel.

    Figure 2-15. Removing the Screw and Filler Panel

    Removing the Screw and Filler Panel

  5. Slide the PCI board into the tray and push the PCI connector firmly into the slot (Figure 2-16). Make sure it is completely seated. You should hear a click as it is seated. You may have to use some pressure.


    Note: PCI boards with extra long I/O connectors may be difficult to install. In this case, slide the board into the tray at an angle, inserting the side with the I/O connector first, and then rotate in the other side.


  6. Replace the screw and tighten it (Figure 2-16).

    Figure 2-16. Installing the PCI Board

    Installing the PCI Board

  7. Push the lever to return it to its starting position (Figure 2-17).

    Figure 2-17. Returning the Lever to Its Starting Position

    Returning the Lever to Its Starting Position

  8. Replace the tray in the system module (Figure 2-18), as follows:

    • Engage the hinge on the PCI tray in the slot on the system module.

    • Lower the tray, as you push toward the back of the system module.

    • Look from the side and align the gold-colored PCI edge connector with the slot on the system board.

      Figure 2-18. Replacing the PCI Tray in the System Module

      Replacing the PCI Tray in the System Module

  9. Push the tray down firmly until it is completely seated. You hear a click as it seats. Check that the lever returns to its starting position (Figure 2-19).


    Caution: If the PCI tray is not completely seated, the system module will not slide back into the chassis.


    Figure 2-19. PCI Tray Seated Correctly

    PCI Tray Seated Correctly


    Note: If the option board you installed comes with a cable, remember to connect the cable to the option board's external port after you reinstall the system module.


  10. Follow the steps in “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Removing a PCI Board in an RM7000class Workstation

To remove a PCI board in an RM7000class workstation, follow these steps:

  1. If you have not already done so, remove the power cable and remove the system module from the chassis. (See “Removing the System Module”.)

  2. Release the PCI tray by pushing up the lever on the side (Figure 2-20). The tray pops up.

    Figure 2-20. Releasing the PCI Tray

    Releasing the PCI Tray

  3. Push down slightly on the rear of the PCI tray and remove it from the system module (Figure 2-21).

    Figure 2-21. Removing the PCI Tray

    Removing the PCI Tray

  4. Remove the screw that secures the board (Figure 2-22). Disconnect the PCI board and slide it out of the tray. (It may be a little difficult to remove.)


    Note: If the PCI board has an extra long I/O connector , pivot up the side of the board without the long I/O connector first. Then slide out the side with the I/O connector.


    Figure 2-22. Removing the Screw and the PCI Board

    Removing the Screw and the PCI Board

  5. If you want to install another PCI board, see “Installing a PCI Board in an RM7000class Workstation”. If not, replace the filler panel and screw (Figure 2-23). (You removed the panel and screw when you installed the board.)

    Figure 2-23. Replacing the Filler Panel and Screw on the PCI Tray

    Replacing the Filler Panel and Screw on the PCI Tray

  6. Follow the steps in “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Installing a PCI Board in an R12000class Workstation

To install a PCI board in an R12000class workstation, follow these steps:


Note: Check the documentation and software release notes that comes with the PCI board for instructions on installing the software. The software may include online software guides.


  1. If you have not already done so, remove the power cable, and remove the system module from the chassis. (See “Removing the System Module”.)


    Caution: The small, printed circuit board beneath the PCI tray contains a host chip with important system information such as the serial number. Do not mix PCI trays between workstations. If you remove the PCI tray, always replace it, or the workstation will not operate correctly.


  2. Remove the screw and filler panel from the PCI tray.

    Keep the panel. If you later remove the PCI board and do not replace it, you must reinstall the filler panel and screw (Figure 2-24).

    Figure 2-24. Removing the Screw and Filler Panel

    Removing the Screw and Filler Panel


    Note: PCI boards with extra long I/O connectors may be difficult to install. In this case, slide the board into the tray at an angle, inserting the side with the I/O connector first, and then rotate in the other side.


  3. Install the PCI board by sliding the PCI board into the tray and pushing the PCI connector firmly into the slot. Make sure it is completely seated (Figure 2-25). You may need to use some pressure to seat it all the way.

    Figure 2-25. Installing the PCI Board on the R12000class Workstation

    Installing the PCI Board on the R12000class Workstation

  4. Insert and tighten the screw that secures the PCI board (Figure 2-26).

    Figure 2-26. Securing the PCI Board

    Securing the PCI Board

  5. Follow the steps in “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Removing a PCI Board in an R12000class Workstation

To remove a PCI board in an R12000class workstation, follow these steps:

  1. If you have not already done so, remove the power cable and remove the system module from the chassis. (See “Removing the System Module”.)

  2. Remove the screw that secures the PCI board (Figure 2-27).

  3. Remove any external cables connected to the PCI board.

  4. Disconnect the PCI board from the connector and slide it out of the tray. (It may be a little difficult to remove.)


    Note: If the PCI board has an extra long I/O connector , slide out the side opposite the long I/O connector first. Then remove the side with the I/O connector.


    Figure 2-27. Removing the Screw That Secures the PCI Board

    Removing the Screw That Secures the PCI Board

  5. If you want to install another PCI board, see “Installing a PCI Board in an R12000class Workstation”. If not, replace the screw and filler panel (Figure 2-28). (You removed the screw and panel when you first installed the board.)

    Figure 2-28. Replacing the Filler Panel and Screw

    Replacing the Filler Panel and Screw

  6. Follow the steps in “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Installing an Option Board

The figures in this section show an option board similar to the Dual Channel Display Option Board (DCD), which enables two monitors to be plugged into an O2+ workstation (Figure 2-29).

The board you want to install may look different, but the installation steps are the same. Review any documentation that comes with the option board.


Caution: Option boards are extremely sensitive to static electricity. Handle it carefully, and wear the wrist strap while installing the board.

Figure 2-29. Option Board

Option Board

The slot for the display option is on the system module .

To install an option board, follow these steps:

  1. If you have not already done so, remove the power cable, and remove the system module from the chassis. (See “Removing the System Module”.)

  2. Remove the PCI tray as follows:

  3. Before touching any of the components, ground yourself to a metal part of the chassis with a wrist strap (Figure 2-30), as follows:

    • Wrap the first two folds of the strap around your wrist.

    • Peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end.

    • Attach the copper foil to the metal part of the chassis.

      Figure 2-30. Attaching the Wrist Strap

      Attaching the Wrist Strap

  4. If there is a filler panel covering the I/O slot, remove the filler panel as follows:

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws that hold it (Figure 2-31).

    • Push the filler panel inward.

    • Remove the filler panel and save it. In the event that you remove the option board and do not replace it, you must reinstall the panel.

      Figure 2-31. Removing the I/O Filler Panel

      Removing the I/O Filler Panel

  5. Maneuver the board until its I/O connector is opposite the open slot in the rear of the chassis and it is parallel to the system board (Figure 2-32). You may find this installation difficult, especially on an R12000class workstation, because there is limited space in which to work. Figure 2-32, Figure 2-33, and Figure 2-34 show an R12000class O2+ workstation.

    Figure 2-32. Positioning the Option Board

    Positioning the Option Board

  6. Push the left side of the board toward the rear and then to the right side, until the connector underneath is aligned over the socket on the system board. Remember to keep the board parallel to the system board as you align it (Figure 2-33).

    Figure 2-33. Aligning the Option Board

    Aligning the Option Board

  7. Push the board down into the socket firmly until it clicks and the connectors are completely seated. Look from the side as shown in Figure 2-34.

    Figure 2-34. Seating the Option Board Viewed from the Side

    Seating the Option Board Viewed from the Side

  8. Insert and tighten two screws in the locations shown (Figure 2-35).

    Figure 2-35. Installing the Two Screws

    Installing the Two Screws

  9. Remove the wrist strap.

  10. Reinstall the PCI tray as follows:

Removing the PCI Tray in an RM7000class Workstation

To remove the PCI tray in an RM7000class workstation, follow these steps:

  1. Push up the lever on the side of the PCI tray to release it (Figure 2-36). The tray pops up.

    Figure 2-36. Releasing the PCI Tray

    Releasing the PCI Tray

  2. Push down slightly on the rear of the PCI tray and remove it from the system module (Figure 2-37). Do not remove the PCI board from the tray, if one is installed.

    Figure 2-37. Removing the PCI Tray

    Removing the PCI Tray

  3. Follow the steps in “Installing an Option Board”.

Removing the PCI Tray in an R12000class Workstation

To remove the PCI tray in an R12000class workstation, follow these steps:

  1. You must remove the plastic faceplate of the system module as follows:

    • Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove five screws in the rear and two screws on the underside, in the locations shown (Figure 2-38). Keep the two screws from the underside separate. When reinstalling the faceplate you must use the same screws.


      Caution: On the underside, remove only two screws. Do not remove the third screw that attaches the lever to the faceplate.


      Figure 2-38. Removing the Screws from the Faceplate

      Removing the Screws from the Faceplate

    • Remove the faceplate by grasping it where the plastic comes to a “V” and pulling it outward. (See Figure 2-39.) The filler panel covering the I/O port falls away as you remove the faceplate.

      Figure 2-39. Removing the Faceplate from the System Module

      Removing the Faceplate from the System Module

  2. Remove the PCI tray from the system module, as follows. If a PCI board is installed in the tray, do not remove it from the tray. However, you need to disconnect any cables attached to the PCI board.

    • Insert a screwdriver in the small opening shown (Figure 2-40). Use a twisting motion first to release the PCI connector from the slot on the system module. Then use an up and down motion to release the PCI tray .

    • Pull the PCI tray straight up to remove it and set it aside.

      Figure 2-40. Removing the PCI Tray from the R12000class System Module

      Removing the PCI Tray from the R12000class System Module

  3. Follow the steps in “Installing an Option Board”.

Reinstalling the PCI Tray in an RM7000class Workstation

To reinstall the PCI tray in an RM7000class workstation, follow these steps:

  1. Push the lever to return it to its starting position (Figure 2-41).

    Figure 2-41. Returning the Lever to Its Starting Position

    Returning the Lever to Its Starting Position

  2. Reinstall the PCI tray in the system module (Figure 2-42), as follows:

    • Engage the hinge on the PCI tray in the slot on the system module.

    • Lower the tray as you push toward the back of the module.

    • Align the gold-colored PCI edge connector with the slot on the system board.

      Figure 2-42. Replacing the PCI Tray in the System Module

      Replacing the PCI Tray in the System Module

  3. Push the tray down firmly until it is completely seated. You hear a click as it seats (Figure 2-43).


    Caution: If the PCI tray is not completely seated, the system module will not slide back into the chassis.


    Figure 2-43. PCI Tray Seated Correctly

    PCI Tray Seated Correctly

  4. Follow the steps in “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Reinstalling the PCI Tray in an R12000class Workstation

To reinstall the PCI tray in an R12000class workstation, follow these steps:

  1. Replace the PCI tray in the system module, as follows:

    • Lower the PCI tray, engaging it on the tab on the side of the system module (Figure 2-44).

    • Insert the PCI connector beneath the tray into the slot on the system module.

    • Once the connector is aligned, push down firmly until it is completely seated.


      Note: If the PCI tray is not completely seated, the system module will not slide back into the chassis.


      Figure 2-44. Replacing the R12000class PCI Tray in the System Module

      Replacing the R12000class PCI Tray in the System Module

  2. Replace the faceplate by sliding it onto the system module, while at the same time lifting the plastic at the “V” to snap it in place. When properly seated, the underside of the faceplate is flush to the module and the screw holes are aligned (Figure 2-45).

    Figure 2-45. Replacing the Faceplate

    Replacing the Faceplate

  3. Align the screw holes on the faceplate with the screw holes on the system module. Use a Phillips screwdriver to insert and tighten two screws on the underside in the locations shown (Figure 2-46).

    Figure 2-46. Replacing Two Screws on the Faceplate

    Replacing Two Screws on the Faceplate

  4. Use a Phillips screwdriver to insert and tighten five screws on the rear in the locations shown (Figure 2-47).

    Figure 2-47. Replacing Five Screws on the Faceplate

    Replacing Five Screws on the Faceplate

  5. Follow the steps in “Reinstalling the System Module”.

Removing an Option Board

To remove an option board, follow these steps:

  1. If you have not already done so, remove the power cable, and remove the system module from the chassis. (See “Removing the System Module”.)

  2. To reach the option board, you must first remove the PCI tray, as follows:

  3. Before touching any of the components, ground yourself to a metal part of the chassis with a wrist strap (Figure 2-48), as follows:

    • Wrap the first two folds of the strap around your wrist.

    • Peel the liner from the copper foil at the opposite end.

    • Attach the copper foil to the metal part of the chassis.

      Figure 2-48. Attaching the Wrist Strap

      Attaching the Wrist Strap

  4. Grasp the board on either side and gently rock it out until it disconnects from the slot on the system board (Figure 2-49). Do not exaggerate the rocking motion, because you should not bend the pins. You may find this difficult because there is limited space in which to work.

    Figure 2-49. Removing the Option Board

    Removing the Option Board

  5. If you want to install another option board, see “Installing an Option Board”. If not, replace the filler panel that you removed when you installed the first option board.

  6. Remove the wrist strap.

  7. Reinstall the PCI tray, as follows:

Reinstalling the System Module

To reinstall the system module, follow these steps:


Note: The illustrations show an RM7000class workstation. The process of installing the system module is the same for an R12000class workstation.


  1. Return the system module to its upright position (Figure 2-50).

    Figure 2-50. Returning the System Module to Its Upright Position

    Returning the System Module to Its Upright Position

  2. Slide the system module into the chassis until the lever engages (Figure 2-51).

    Figure 2-51. Reinstalling the System Module in the Chassis

    Reinstalling the System Module in the Chassis

  3. Push the lever up to lock the module in place (Figure 2-52). If installed correctly, the lever is all the way up and the system module is flush with the system drive module and other modules.

    Figure 2-52. Securing the System Module in Place

    Securing the System Module in Place

  4. Remove the wrist strap from the chassis.

  5. Reconnect the power cable and any other cables you removed (Figure 2-53).

  6. If you installed an option board that has a cable, connect the cable to the I/O port on the board you installed.

    Figure 2-53. Connecting the Power Cable

    Connecting the Power Cable

  7. Turn on the workstation by pressing the power button on the front (Figure 2-54).

  8. If you have just installed memory modules or an option board, follow the steps in “Verifying the Hardware Installation”.

    Figure 2-54. Turning On the Workstation

    Turning On the Workstation

Verifying the Hardware Installation

Once you have installed memory modules or an option board, you should verify that the system recognizes the new hardware, as follows:

  1. Log in to your account.

  2. From the Toolchest (Figure 2-55), select System > System Manager > About This System.

    Figure 2-55. The Toolchest

    The Toolchest

  3. If you installed memory, look under the Hardware menu. Check the amount of memory shown. It should equal the total amount that you installed.

    For example, if you had 32 MB of memory when you started and you installed another 64 MB, the total shown should be 96 MB.

    If the system does not show the total amount of memory you installed, turn off the workstation, remove the power cable, remove the system module, and make sure all the DIMMs are installed correctly.

  4. If you installed a PCI option board , from a shell window, enter:
    hinv

    This shows the hardware inventory for your workstation. Look for a line describing the board you installed. For some option boards, the software must be installed before the board is shown.

    If it is now shown, turn off the workstation, and review the installation steps again to make sure the board is seated correctly. (See “Installing a PCI Board in an RM7000class Workstation”, or “Installing a PCI Board in an R12000class Workstation”.)