Online-spare memory

When you use memory mirroring, you must install two pairs of DIMMs at a time. The four DIMMs in each group must be identical. See Table 4 for the DIMM connectors that are in each group.

Table 4. Memory mirroring DIMM installation sequence

Group

DIMM connectors

11, 4, 7, and 10

22, 5, 8, and 11

33, 6, 9, and 12

Table 5. Memory mirroring DIMM functions

Group	Active DIMMs	Mirroring DIMMs

1	1, 4	7, 10

2	2, 5	8,	11

3	3, 6	9,	12

The server supports online-spare memory. This feature disables the failed memory from the system configuration and activates an online-spare pair of DIMMs to replace the failed active DIMM pair.

Online-spare memory reduces the amount of available memory. Before you can enable this feature, you must install up to two additional pairs of DIMMs. The online-spare DIMM pairs must be the same speed, type, and the same size as, or larger than, the largest active DIMM pairs.

Enable online-spare memory through the Configuration/Setup Utility program. The BIOS code assigns the online-spare DIMM pairs according to your DIMM configuration. Online-sparing is enabled on a memory branch basis; the BIOS code does not enable online-sparing on a branch that cannot support online-sparing. See the illustration on page 61 for the memory branch structure. DIMM ranks are online-spared if the DIMMs are installed according to the rules in Table 6 on page 64 or Table 7 on page 64.

Note: POST gives a warning message when online-sparing cannot be enabled on both branches. However, no warning message is given when online-sparing is enabled on one branch and disabled on the other.

Online-spare configurations are supported for each branch. See Table 6 on page 64 and Table 7 on page 64 for the online-spare DIMM connector assignments.

Important: Table 6 on page 64 shows the basic DIMM online-spare scheme. If the BIOS code level is version 1.04 or later, you can install the DIMMs according to the alternative scheme, shown in Table 7 on page 64, instead.

Chapter 2. Installing optional devices 63

RD120 specifications

The Lenovo RD120 is a robust server specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking for reliable performance and efficiency in their IT infrastructure. This tower server is known for its cost-effectiveness while delivering powerful functionalities that support a wide range of applications, from file sharing to email hosting.

One of the main features of the RD120 is its support for Intel's Xeon processors, providing businesses the scalability they need. It can accommodate up to two Xeon processors, enhancing multitasking capabilities and improving overall performance. This makes it suitable for handling various workloads and running multiple applications simultaneously.

In terms of memory, the RD120 supports up to 32GB of DDR3 RAM, offering excellent speed and efficiency for data processing. With multiple DIMM slots available, businesses can upgrade their memory easily depending on their growing needs, ensuring longevity and adaptability for future workloads.

Storage is another strong aspect of the Lenovo RD120. It offers flexible configuration options, supporting up to four hot-swap SATA hard drives and RAID configurations. This means businesses can choose the optimal balance between performance and redundancy, ensuring that data is always safe and accessible. The option for SSDs enhances speed and reliability, catering to data-intensive applications.

Networking capabilities in the RD120 are impressive, with integrated Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast and dependable network connectivity. This feature is crucial for maintaining fast data transfer speeds and ensuring seamless operation across the network.

The server’s design is focused on ease of use and management, featuring a tool-less chassis that simplifies upgrades and maintenance. Additionally, Lenovo provides management tools such as the Integrated Management Module, allowing for remote monitoring and administration. This is essential for any business looking to optimize their server performance without the need for constant on-site management.

Security features are built into the RD120, with options for encryption and secure boot firmware. These capabilities help protect sensitive information and maintain system integrity, aligning with business needs in today’s security-conscious environment.

In conclusion, the Lenovo RD120 comprises a blend of power, flexibility, and user-centric design, catering perfectly to the needs of small and medium businesses. Its efficient performance, robust storage options, and management features make it a valuable asset for any organization looking to establish a reliable and scalable IT infrastructure.