SuperMicro Server: Added Memory Upgrade Not Showing Expected
This article focuses on the topic of a 12-year-old SuperMicro server that was upgraded with 16GB to 32GB of system memory. We will discuss the key concepts related to this issue, including memory upgrades, system configuration, and the dmidecode command.
Memory Upgrades in SuperMicro Servers
Memory upgrades are a common way to improve the performance of servers. In the case of a SuperMicro server, upgrading the memory can be done by adding or replacing the memory modules (DIMMs) in the system. However, sometimes the system may not recognize the new memory, as reported in this case.
Checking the System Configuration with dmidecode
To investigate the issue, we can use the dmidecode command, which is a tool to retrieve information about the system's hardware resources. In this case, we are interested in the memory configuration, so we will use the --type 1 option to filter the output to only include information about the memory devices.
# dmidecode --type 1
# dmidecode 3.5
Getting SMBIOS data from sysfs.SMBIOS...
Analyzing the dmidecode Output
The dmidecode output will include information about each memory device in the system, including the size, type, and speed. By comparing the output before and after the memory upgrade, we can determine if the new memory is recognized by the system. In this case, if the system still shows 16GB of memory after the upgrade, it means that the new memory is not recognized.
Troubleshooting Memory Upgrade Issues
If the new memory is not recognized, there are several possible causes, including:
- Incompatible memory: Make sure that the new memory is compatible with the server's memory controller and that it meets the system's requirements.
- improperly seated memory: Make sure that the memory modules are properly seated in their slots and that the clips are securely fastened.
- Faulty memory: Test the new memory modules to make sure that they are not faulty.
In summary, when upgrading the memory in a SuperMicro server, it is important to check the system configuration using the dmidecode command to ensure that the new memory is recognized. If the new memory is not recognized, there are several possible causes, including incompatible memory, improperly seated memory, and faulty memory. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can resolve memory upgrade issues and improve the performance of your SuperMicro server.
References
- SuperMicro: https://www.supermicro.com/
- dmidecode: https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man8/dmidecode.8.html