Memory Modules (SIMMs)

The CPU/Memory+ board has 16 SIMM sockets, which are divided into two banks of 8 SIMMs each, Bank 0 and Bank 1. Bank 0 and Bank 1 SIMMs occupy alternate slot locations; Bank 0 SIMMs are in the even numbered slots, and Bank 1 SIMMs are in odd numbered slots (Figure 3-12).

Three types of SIMMs (Table 3-1) can be used in Bank 0 and Bank 1.

Figure 3-12 SIMM Slot Numbers

Removing a Memory Module

1. Remove the CPU/Memory+ board from which the SIMM is to be removed. See "Removing a Board".

2. Attach a wrist strap and place an antistatic surface next to the system.

3. Use the system error messages to locate the slot (Figure 3-12) for the SIMM you need to replace.

4. Eject the faulty SIMM by pressing down on the ejection levers on both sides of the SIMM connector (Figure 3-13).

   Figure 3-13 Ejecting a SIMM

   
   

5. Holding the SIMM by its edges, remove it from the slot and place it on an antistatic surface.

Installing a Memory Module

Requirements

All banks must have the same size SIMMs, however, SIMMs from different manufacturers are interchangeable in a single bank if the SIMMs all have the same capacity and speed. Sort the SIMMs into banks of eight using the same size SIMMs.

Maximizing Performance

The following guidelines will result in optimal memory interleaving across boards for performance. These guidelines are for optimal performance and are not requirements for a functional system. The guidelines apply to systems with no SIMMS installed and when adding SIMMs to a system; if you are adding SIMMs, you may need to move some SIMMs to meet the guidelines.

1. Install one bank on each board before installing the second bank on any board.

   It does not matter whether the first bank is bank 0 or bank 1.

2. Begin with the largest density banks first (128 Mbyte SIMMs), continue with medium sized banks (32 Mbyte SIMMs), and finish with the smallest banks (8 Mbyte SIMMs).

3. If there is remaining memory, start filling the second banks on the boards in the same order as the first banks.

Installation

1. Place the CPU/Memory+ board on which the SIMM is to be installed on an antistatic mat.

2. Carefully remove the new SIMM from its protective packaging and place it on an antistatic surface.

   The bag that the SIMM is packed in makes a good antistatic surface.

3. Press down on the ejector levers at both ends of the SIMM connector slot that will receive the new SIMM.

   The connector slot will not accept the SIMM unless the levers are in the insert position (Figure 3-14).

4. Align the SIMM with the slot.

   Hold the SIMM by its edges and orient it so that the two notches at the bottom of the SIMM line up with the two tabs in the SIMM connector (Figure 3-14).

5. Place your thumbs on the top edge of the SIMM and push the SIMM firmly into its connector (Figure 3-15).

6. Lock the SIMM in place by pushing both ejector levers into the upright position (Figure 3-15).

7. Install the CPU/Memory+ board and detach the wrist strap.

   See "Installing a Board".

8. As you reboot the system, watch for the system banner to verify that the new memory is recognized by the system.

   Figure 3-14 Orienting a SIMM

   
   

   Figure 3-15 Installing a SIMM