Overview

While facing issues with unusual RAM usage, such as low free memory alerts, consumption, utilization, leaks, or spikes, the Kerio Control NG500 box may stop responding. A hard reboot may fix such problems for a while.

Memory steady increase may cause bandwidth performance degradation and general firewall slowness.

This article provides a step-by-step procedure on how to upgrade or replace the RAM unit in NG500 devices. Also optionally, replacing the SSD drive for faulty storage.

Prerequisites

Experience with hardware disassembling (laptops, PCs, network devices, etc)

Procedure

Warning: To reduce the risk of personal injury, electric shock, or damage to the equipment, remove the power cord to remove power from the server. The back panel Power On/Standby button does not completely shut off the system power. Portions of the power supply and some internal circuitry remain active until AC power is removed.

1. Turn off the NG500 and remove the power cord. Remove any connected Ethernet/LAN cables or USB devices.
2. Remove the top cover with a standard PH1 x 75mm or PH1 x 100mm screwdriver: 2 at the back and 2 at the left and right sides.
   
3. Slide the cover backward and open the cover upwards. Now you have access to the internal parts of the box.
   
4. The motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 1600 MHz (with ECC support). It has 2 slots with 8 GB max (each) featuring 16 GB of RAM in total. To install the memory:
   1. Open the DIMM slot latches.
   2. Install the DIMM.
      
      

      Important: All DIMMs installed must be the same speed (DDR3/DDR3L 1066/1333/1600MHz, unbuffered non-ECC). Do not install DIMMs supporting different speeds. Since the system is capable of dual-channel architecture, insert DIMMS on both DIMM1 and DIMM2 slots to enable dual-channel configuration.

5. (Optional) NG500 contains a 32 GB SSD slot for storage. To replace it:
   1. Disassemble the SSD caddy from the SATA connector.
   2. Replace the drive.
      
6. Assemble the box to the starting point (backward procedure).
7. Switch on the device.

Important Considerations

• RAM upgrade may require BIOS tweaks. You will need to access the box via serial console. However, it's expected the Linux OS will pick up the RAM increase automatically.
• The storage replacement needs a complete system restore (kerio-control-rescue). For more information, please refer to Restoring Kerio Control NG series.
• The box warranty is NOT affected by disassembling or upgrading the mentioned parts (RAM, storage). We strongly recommend that you have previous experience with such procedures in the past.
• If the box is set as an RMA, you should remove the replacement RAM module(s) and put back the original.