PowerEdge 11th Generation Servers: R810, R910, and M910 Memory Guidance
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Sparing (DIMM and Rank): The system allocates a Rank or DIMM per channel as a Spare memory region,
and is able to move a Rank or DIMM exhibiting correctable errors to the Spare while the operating
system is running.
RDIMM: Registered DIMMs. Address, Control, and Clock lines are buffered and re-driven on the DIMM.
Overview Intel Architecture
PowerEdge 11
Th
Generation 4-socket servers use the new Intel Xeon 7500 and 6500 series processors
that support DDR3 memory technology. Each processor has two memory controllers that support two
Millbrook Memory Buffers. Every Millbrook Memory Buffer supports up to four DIMMs, which allows for
greater scalability and memory performance.
It is important to recognize that memory speed and the processor chosen have interdependencies. The
processor’s maximum QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) speed will determine the memory performance
(1066 MTS, 978 MTS, or 800 MTs). Memory speed remains locked regardless of DIMM population. There
is no speed change when populating increasing numbers of DIMMs. However, there are recommended
population practices when upgrading or changing memory. DIMMs always must be populated identically
in pairs (A1-A2, for example).
Table 1. Quick Reference R810, R910, and M910 Memory Guide
DIMM Feature
Combine
Rules
Mixed Ranks Yes DIMMs of different Ranks can be mixed. The first slot of each
channel populated (first two white tab DIMM slots on each memory
buffer: A1, A2, A3, and A4) must be populated with the highest
ranked DIMM.
Mixed Capacity
Yes
DIMMs must match (capacity, rank) across channels. For example, a
1 GB RDIMM in A1 and A2 implies that A3 and A4 would need to be 1
GB RDIMMs also. DIMM slots A5, A6, A7, and A8 could be a different
capacity and rank.
Mixed Speeds
Yes Nehalem EX Architecture will support a maximum memory speed of
1066 MTs.
Mixed Vendors
Yes
Any Dell-sourced DDR3 DIMMs are supported, regardless of vendor or
vendor mix. Where possible, Dell recommends using the same DIMM
manufacturer.
Note: Only RDIMMS are supported with Intel 7500 and 6500 series processors.
Table 2. Quick Comparison Intel Xeon 5500-5600 Series to Intel Xeon 7500-6500
Feature
Intel Xeon 5500-5600 Series
Intel Xeon 7500-6500 Series
DIMM Type
DDR3 (UDIMM or RDIMM)
DDR3 (RDIMM only)
DIMM Rank
DR, SR, or QR
DR, SR, or QR
All Memory channels operate at
the same frequency
Yes Yes
Memory controllers per socket
1 2
Memory Channels per socket
3
4/8
(4 SMI Buses/8 DDR3 Channels)
Maximum DIMMs per channel
3 2
DIMM Speed
(Speed shown is for top
bin…may be slower for down-
1333 MTs (1 and 2 DPC)
1066 MTs (2 DPC)
800 MTs (3 DPC)
1066 MTs (1 or 2 DPC)
(Same speed for SR, DR, or QR
DIMMs)