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E-Series storage systems

Replace a DIMM - EF50 and EF80

Contributors netapp-lisa
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Replace a DIMM in your EF50 or EF80 storage system when it has failed, it is reporting it is not in an optimal state, or it has a mismatched capacity.

About this task

  • Replace a DIMM by determining if you need to replace one, preparing, placing the impaired controller offline, removing the controller, replacing the DIMM, reinstalling the controller, placing it online, completing the replacement, and returning the failed part to NetApp.

  • You must place the impaired controller offline before unplugging any of its cables.

  • You can turn on the storage system location (blue) LEDs (on the front of the storage system and both controllers) to aid in physically locating the affected storage system. Using SANtricity System Manager, select Hardware > Controllers and components, select the Controller shelf tab, and from the context menu select Turn on locator light.

Step 1: Determine if you need to replace a DIMM

Replace a DIMM when it fails, reports that it is not in an optimal state, or has a mismatched capacity.

Steps

  1. From SANtricity System Manager, access the Storage controller profile for the impaired controller:

    1. Go to Support > Support Center.

    2. From the Support Resources page, select Storage Array Profile.

    3. Scroll down or use the Search field to locate the Data Cache Module information.

  2. If any of the following conditions are shown for a DIMM, note the DIMM's location and continue with this procedure to replace the DIMM.

    If none of these conditions are present, you do not need to replace a DIMM. Exit this procedure.

    • A failed DIMM

    • A DIMM reporting Data Cache Module as not optimal

    • A DIMM with a mismatched Data Cache Module capacity

Step 2: Prepare to replace a DIMM

Prepare to replace a DIMM by making sure there are no other storage system issues you need to address, making sure the volumes are in the correct state, gathering the necessary tools and equipment, taking precautions to prevent electrostatic discharge, and backing up the storage system's configuration database.

Steps

  1. Address any other storage system issues.

    Using SANtricity System Manager, review the details in the Recovery Guru to see if there are any other issues.

  2. Make sure that no volumes are in use or that you have a multipath driver installed on all hosts using these volumes.

  3. Make sure you have the following:

    • A replacement DIMM that is the correct size for your storage system configuration.

    • An ESD wristband or you have taken other antistatic precautions.

    • A flat static-free work surface.

    • Labels to identify each cable that is connected to the impaired controller.

    • A management station with a browser that can access SANtricity System Manager for the impaired controller.

      To open the System Manager interface, point the browser to the impaired controller's domain name or IP address.

  4. Prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) during handling and installation of a DIMM:

    • Keep the DIMM in the ESD bag until you are ready to install it.

    • Open the ESD bag by hand or cut the top off with a pair of scissors. Do not insert a metal tool or knife into the ESD bag.

    • Keep the ESD bag and any packing materials to return the failed DIMM or use approved packaging when shipping a DIMM.

    • Always wear an ESD wrist strap grounded to an unpainted surface on your storage system chassis.

    • Avoid magnetic fields. Keep DIMMs away from magnetic devices.

  5. Back up the storage system's configuration database using SANtricity System Manager:

    If a problem occurs when you remove a controller, you can use the saved file to restore your configuration. The system saves the current state of the RAID configuration database, which includes all data for volume groups and disk pools on the impaired controller.

    1. Select Support > Support Center > Diagnostics.

    2. Select Collect Configuration Data.

    3. Select Collect.

      The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, configurationData-<arrayName>-<dateTime>.7z.

Step 3: Place the controller offline

Place the impaired controller offline so you can safely perform the rest of this procedure.

About this task

Whenever you place a controller offline, you need to wait at least one minute before bringing the controller back online. This waiting period allows the storage system to update the status of the controller and ensure that all cached data is written to the drives.

Steps

  1. If the impaired controller is not already offline, place it offline using SANtricity System Manager:

    1. Select Hardware > Controllers and components to show the controllers.

    2. Select the controller that you want to place offline to display its content menu.

    3. Select Place offline, and then confirm that you want to perform the operation.

      Note If you are accessing SANtricity System Manager using the controller you are attempting to place offline, a SANtricity System Manager Unavailable message is displayed. Select Connect to an alternate network connection to automatically access SANtricity System Manager using the other controller.

  2. Wait for SANtricity System Manager to update the controller's status to offline.

    Caution Do not begin any other operations until after the status has been updated.

  3. Confirm it is safe to remove the faulty component, using the Recovery Guru:

    1. Select Recheck.

    2. Confirm that the OK to remove field in the Details area displays Yes.

      Caution If the OK to remove field does not display Yes, do not proceed with the removal of the faulty component. Instead, troubleshoot the issue using the Recovery Guru.

Step 4: Remove the controller

Verify any data in cache memory has been written to the drives, unplug all of the cables from the impaired controller, and then remove the impaired controller from the chassis.

Steps

  1. On the impaired controller, make sure the NV Caching Active (green) LED is off.

    When the NV Caching Active (green) LED is off, any data in cache memory has been written to the drives and it is safe to remove the impaired controller.

    Note If the NV Caching Active (green) LED is on, cached data is being written to the drives. You must wait for the process to complete and the NV Caching Active LED to turn off. However, if the LED remains on for longer than five minutes, contact NetApp Support before continuing with this procedure.

    The NV Caching Active (green) LED is located next to the NV icon on the controller.

    NV status LED location
    Callout number 1

    NV icon and NV Caching Active LED on the controller

  1. Put on an ESD wristband or take other antistatic precautions.

  2. Label each cable that is attached to the impaired controller.

  3. Disconnect the power cord from the power supply on the impaired controller.

    Note The power supply (PSU) does not have a power switch.

  4. Unplug all cables from the impaired controller.

  5. Remove the impaired controller:

    The following illustration shows the operation of the controller handles (from the left side of the controller) when removing a controller:

    controller handle operation to remove a controller
    Callout number 1

    On both ends of the controller, push the vertical locking tabs outward to release the handles to their horizontal position.
    Callout number 2

    • Pull the handles towards you to unseat the controller from the midplane.

      As you pull, the handles extend out from the controller and then you feel some resistance, keep pulling.

    • Slide the controller out of the chassis while supporting the bottom of the controller, and place it on a flat, static-free work surface.
    Callout number 3

    If needed, rotate the handles upright (next to the tabs) to move them out of the way.

  6. Open the controller cover by turning the thumbscrew counterclockwise to loosen, and then open the cover.

Step 5: Replace a DIMM

Locate the faulty DIMM inside the impaired controller and replace it.

Steps

  1. If you are not already grounded, properly ground yourself.

  2. Locate the faulty DIMM.

    Note Consult either the Netapp Hardware Universe or the FRU map on the cover of the controller for exact DIMM locations.

  3. Remove the faulty DIMM:

    DIMM replace
    Callout number 1

    DIMM slot numbering and positions.

    Note Depending on your storage system model you will have two or four DIMMs.
    Callout number 2

    • Note the orientation of the DIMM in the socket so that you can insert the replacement DIMM using the same orientation.

    • Eject the faulty DIMM by slowly pushing apart the two DIMM ejector tabs on both ends of the DIMM slot.

    Important Carefully hold the DIMM by the corners or edges to avoid pressure on the DIMM circuit board components.
    Callout number 3

    Lift the DIMM up and out of the slot.

    The ejector tabs remain in the open position.

  4. Unpack the replacement DIMM and set it on a flat static-free surface near the storage system.

    Save the packing materials to use when returning the faulty DIMM.

  5. Install the replacement DIMM:

    1. Make sure that the DIMM ejector tabs on the connector are in the open position.

    2. Hold the DIMM by the corners and insert it squarely into the slot.

      The notch on the bottom of the DIMM, among the pins, should line up with the tab in the slot.

      When inserted correctly, the DIMM goes in easily but fits tightly in the slot. Reinsert the DIMM if you feel it is not inserted correctly. Never force a DIMM into a slot.

    3. Visually check the DIMM to make sure it is evenly aligned and fully inserted into the slot.

    4. Push down carefully, but firmly, on the top edge of the DIMM until the ejector tabs snap into place over the notches at both ends of the DIMM.

Step 6: Reinstall the controller

Reinstall the controller into the chassis, reconnect its power cord, and all of its cables.

About this task

The following illustration shows the operation of the controller handles (from the left side of a controller) when reinstalling the controller, and can be used as a reference for the controller reinstallation steps.

controller handle operation to install a controller
Callout number 1

If you rotated the controller handles upright (next to the tabs) to move them out of the way while you serviced the controller, rotate them down to the horizontal position.
Callout number 2

Push the handles to reinsert the controller into the chassis.
Callout number 3

Rotate the handles to the upright position and lock in place with the locking tabs.
Steps

  1. Close the controller cover and turn the thumbscrew clockwise until tightened.

  2. Insert the controller into the chassis:

    1. Align the rear of the controller with the opening in the chassis, and gently but firmly push on the handles until the controller meets the midplane and is fully seated.

      Note Do not use excessive force when sliding the controller into the chassis; it could damage the connectors.

    2. Rotate the controller handles up and lock in place with the tabs.

  3. Reconnect the power cord to the power supply and secure the power cord with the power cord retainer.

    Once power is restored to the power supply, the status LED should be green.

  4. Reconnect all of the cables to the controller.

    Note Reconnecting the cables must be done before placing the controller online. This is especially important for the mirroring cable connections because they ensure full system redundancy and are used for cache mirroring and I/O shipping.

Step 7: Place the controller online

Place the impaired controller back online.

Steps

  1. Place the controller online using SANtricity System Manager:

    1. Select Hardware > Controllers and components to show the controllers.

    2. Select the controller that you want to place online to display its context menu.

    3. Select Place online, and then confirm that you want to perform the operation.

      The system places the controller online.

  2. As the controller boots, check the controller LEDs.

    When communication with the other controller is reestablished:

    • The amber Attention LED remains on.

    • The Host Link LEDs might be on, blinking, or off, depending on the host interface.

  3. When the controller is back online:

    1. Confirm its status is Optimal.

    2. Confirm that the Attention LED on the controller is off.

      If the status is not Optimal or if any of the Attention LEDs are on, confirm that all cables are correctly seated and the controller is installed correctly. If necessary, remove and reinstall the controller.

      Note If you cannot resolve the problem, contact NetApp Support before continuing with this procedure. If needed, collect support data for your storage system using SANtricity System Manager.

Step 8: Complete the DIMM replacement

Using SANtricity System Manager, make sure the latest version of SANtricity OS is installed, verify that all volumes are returned to their owning controllers, and collect support data so that you can resume operations.

Steps

  1. Make sure the latest version of SANtricity OS is installed on the storage system:

    1. Select Support > Upgrade Center

    2. As needed, install the latest version.

  2. Verify all volumes are returned to their owning controllers:

    If…​ Then…​

    Recovery Guru is present and indicates volumes are not on their preferred path (not returned to their owning controllers)

    1. Redistribute the volumes to their owning controllers, by selecting Storage > Volumes > More and from the drop-down menu, select Redistribute volumes.

    2. Verify all volumes are redistributed to their owning controllers by checking if Recovery Guru is present and still indicates volumes are not on their preferred path.

    Note If the volumes are still not returned to their owning controllers, contact NetApp Support.

    Recovery Guru is not present (it appears that all volumes are returned to their owning controllers)

    Verify all volumes are returned to their owning controllers by selecting Storage > Volumes > More and from the drop-down menu, select Change volume ownership to view volume owners.

  3. Collect support data for your storage system:

    1. Select Support > Support Center > Diagnostics.

    2. Select Collect Support Data.

    3. Select Collect.

      The file is saved in the Downloads folder for your browser with the name, support-data.7z.

Step 9: Return the failed part to NetApp

Return the failed part to NetApp, as described in the RMA instructions shipped with the kit. See the Part Return and Replacements page for further information.