2

I have removed and installed ram-chips from laptops and desktops before, but this is the first time I am doing it on a server (Dell PowerEdge T110 2). The hardware manual cautions that a memory-module blank must be installed if a ram-chip is removed for proper cooling of the system. My question is - since I don't have a memmory-module blank, should I really get one or can I simply remove the ram chip?

Some background:

Upon performing MemTest86, I found that one ram chip has a huge number of faults - which I believe is causing the server to crash daily. So, I am trying to remove that defective ram chip (I'll probably have to guess which of the 4 ram chips could be the defective one...)

Link to the hardware manual: ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_ser_stor_net/esuprt_poweredge/poweredge-t110_Owner%27s%20Manual_en-us.pdf

Thanks in advance to all for trying to help me out here!

1
  • Why would you guess which RAM module is bad? Why would you not run the Dell diagnostic tools and identify the bad RAM module?
    – joeqwerty
    Aug 26, 2013 at 14:44

3 Answers 3

2

As it said, it should be in place for proper cooling of the server. If the server is in a 'safe' environment (ie, data center, or at least a dedicated equipment room with adequate cooling) then you should be fine to leave it out, especially if it's only a temporary situation while you get a replacement stick of RAM.

1

I don't think that this is critical for system cooling and you can remove it. Just to be sure use some tool for monitoring systems temperatures - if they don't exceed limits, than you can proceed using it "as is".

For example you can use Aida64 - it has stability test which will show you temperatures under peak loads

2
  • Why would you recommend a consumer PC benchmarking tool instead of recommending Dell OpenManage Server Administrator?
    – joeqwerty
    Aug 26, 2013 at 14:46
  • Because OMSA can only monitor current state, Aida can load cpu and ram to 100% and show temperatures in this state. This will give understanding of temperature levels with peak loads. Aug 26, 2013 at 14:57
0

I do agree that if your system has adequate cooling then for the time being you can remove the memory module without adding a blank filler else you may have to add it. However, TBH it is better to replace the defective memory with a new memory rather than removing it and adding a filler in its place.

Try installing just a module in the first slot of the first channel and see if it works, repeat the process with all the other 3 modules one at a time and try to sort which one is defective. IMO, this should work and it is better.

I guess you knw what kinda memory your system has right now, so try getting the memory with the exact specs from whatever site you prefer like crucial, memorystock, newegg etc.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .