Adding Memory To The StorageExpress™ System Control Unit

This document contains information on the following topics:

• When to upgrade the memory in the StorageExpress™ system control unit
  
• What SIMMs to add to the StorageExpress system control unit
  
• How to install SIMMs in the StorageExpress system control unit
  

When to upgrade the memory in the StorageExpress™ system control unit

The StorageExpress I system control unit EL and all XLx models came with 8MB of RAM. The StorageExpress II system control unit EL and all XLx models came with 16MB of RAM.

Use the table below as a guideline for memory requirements.

StorageExpress™ Software Version	1 or 2 Tape Groups	3 or more Tape Groups
1.11.A.E or earlier	8 MB	8 MB
1.2x.A.E	8 MB	16 MB
1.30.A.E	8 MB	16 MB
1.4x.A.E.	16 MB	32 MB
1.5x	16 MB	32 MB
Version 2.0 (ARCserve* 6.0)	32 MB	32 MB

What SIMMs to add to the StorageExpress system control unit

Install only known good 72-Pin SIMMS (tested) in the following configuration, preferably those with tin solder contacts- Gold has inherent problems.

StorageExpress I system (Version 2.0 is NOT supported on this platform):

Motherboard Banks SIMM Speed SIMM Density

- Panther - 2 (2 sockets per bank) - 80ns or faster WITH PARITY - 4,8,16 Mbit.

Each Bank MUST have 2 PARITY SIMMs of the SAME density and speed, offering the following configurations (up to 32 MB):

2x4 = 8MB (EL typical configuration) 2x8 = 16MB (XL typical configuration)

4x4 = 16MB (EL upgrade) 4x8 = 32MB

StorageExpress II system (Version 2.0 is supported on this platform):

This platform has two motherboards, the 486 based Ninja (EL) and the Pentium® processor based Plato (XL). The Ninja / Plato memory chipset will allow the use of parity and non-parity SIMMS. On the Ninja motherboard, the parity is detected automatically and enabled for the particular bank. The Plato motherboard does not support parity memory and will treat any SIMM's put in it as non-parity memory.

486 based Ninja (EL system)-

Motherboard Banks SIMM Speed SIMM Density

- Ninja - 2 (1 socket per bank) - 80ns or faster - 4,8,16,32

1x16 = 16MB (ELD typical configuration) 2x16 = 32MB (ARCserve 6.0- Version 2.0 requires 32 meg)

Pentium® processor based Plato (XL system)-

Motherboard Banks SIMM Speed SIMM Density

- Plato - 2 (2 sockets per bank) - 70ns or faster - 4,8,16 Mbit.

Each Bank MUST have 2 SIMMs of the SAME density and speed. Parity is NOT supported thus ANY SIMM (with or without) will work offering the following configurations (up to 32 Mb specified):

4x4 = 16MB 4x8 = 32MB ( Version 2.0 requires 32 Meg) 2x8 = 16MB (XL typical configuration) 2x16 = 32MB ( Version 2.0 requires 32 Meg)

How to install SIMMs in the StorageExpress™ system control unit

1. Power down the StorageExpress™ system using the 'Reboot or Shut Down' option under the 'Utilities' section of Central Console. Disconnect the power cord from the control unit and unplug all connections between the control unit and any tape drive peripheral unit that may be present.

2. Remove the retaining screw from the back (in the top middle) of the control unit.
   1. StorageExpress I system -- Pull the cover toward the front of the unit, then carefully lift the cover up and off the unit.
   2. StorageExpress II system -- Pull or push the cover towards the back of the unit, then carefully lift the cover off the unit.

3. Remove the hard disk drive to expose the SIMM sockets.
   1. StorageExpress I system -- Lift the disk drive carrier (this is the component in the center) straight up and remove it from the system.
   2. StorageExpress II system -- Remove the screw[s] holding the hard disk drive mounting bracket to the tape drive mounting bracket. Slide the hard disk drive mounting bracket towards the back of the drive. Detach any cables connected to the hard disk drive and remove the drive/bracket from the StorageExpress system.

4. Do not force the SIMM into the socket. Use the small notch on one side of the SIMM to determine its orientation in the socket. Position the SIMM at a 45 degree angle and press it down firmly into the socket. When the SIMM is aligned correctly, gently rotate the SIMM upright until it snaps into place.

   If the SIMM does not snap into place, gently spread the retaining clips to free the SIMM and try again. Repeat this step for the second SIMM.

5. Reverse steps 1 through 3 to put the control unit back together and power the StorageExpress system on.

This applies to:

StorageExpress™ Systems