VAX 6000: Installing MS65A Memories

This document, "VAX 6000: Installing MS65A Memories" (Order Number EK-MS65A-UP-001), provides detailed instructions for Digital customer service engineers and self-maintenance customers.

It covers the installation of MS65A memory modules, which are mandatory for VAX 6000 Model 500 systems and can be used to upgrade memory density in Models 200, 300, and 400.

Key aspects covered include:

• MS65A Description: Details the module's features, including MOS DRAM, Error Correction Code (ECC) logic, and self-test capabilities.
• Required ROM Upgrades: Emphasizes the critical need for CPU console and diagnostic ROM upgrades for VAX 6000 Models 200, 300, and 400 to support MS65A memories, with a dedicated appendix listing ROM kit order numbers.
• Unpacking and Installation: Provides step-by-step procedures for unpacking, inspecting (including essential anti-static precautions), and physically installing the memory modules. It outlines specific slot placement rules for systems both with and without vector processors, as well as guidelines for memory module mixing and interleaving.
• Power-Up and Self-Test: Describes how to power up the system after installation, check the self-test display to verify proper memory configuration and recognition, and interpret any console error messages related to memory failures or inconsistencies.
• Interleaving: An appendix explains memory interleaving, a process optimized by the console program, and the console commands associated with it.