Memory Overview / Description, DIMMs Supported

Dell™ PowerEdge™ R710 Technical Guidebook

CPU Power Voltage Regulation Modules (EVRD 11.1)

Voltage regulation to the 5500 series 2S processor (Nehalem EP) is provided by EVRD (Enterprise Voltage Regulator-Down). EVRDs are embedded on the planar. CPU core voltage is not shared between processors. EVRDs support static phase shedding and power management via the PMBus.

Section 7. Memory

A. Overview / Description

The PowerEdge R710 utilizes DDR3 memory providing a high performance, high-speed memory interface capable of low latency response and high throughput. The PE R710 supports Registered ECC DDR3 DIMMs (RDIMM) or Unbuffered ECC DDR3 DIMMs (UDIMM).

Key features of the PowerEdge R710 memory system include:

•Registered (RDIMM) and Unbuffered (UDIMM) ECC DDR3 technology

•Each channel carries 64 data and eight ECC bits support for up to 96GB of RDIMM memory

(with twelve 8GB RDIMMs)

•Support for up to 24GB of UDIMM memory (with twelve 2GB UDIMMs)

•Support for 1066/1333MHz single- and dual-rank DIMMs

•Support for 1066MHz quad rank DIMMs

•Single DIMM configuration only with DIMM in socket A1

•Support ODT (On Die Termination) Clock gating (CKE) to conserve power when DIMMs are not accessed

•DIMMs enter a low-power self-refresh mode

•I2C access to SPD EEPROM for access to RDIMM thermal sensors

•Single Bit Error Correction

•SDDC (Single Device Data Correction – x4 or x8 devices)

•Support for Closed Loop

•Thermal Management on RDIMMs and UDIMMs

•Multi Bit Error Detection Support for Memory Optimized Mode

•Support for Advanced ECC mode

•Support for Memory Mirroring

B. DIMMs Supported

The DDR3 memory interface consists of three channels, with up to two RDIMMs or UDIMMs per channel for single-/dual-rank and up to two RDIMMs per channel for quad rank. The interface uses 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB RDIMMs. 1GB or 2GB UDIMMs are also supported. The memory mode is dependent on how the memory is populated in the system:

Three channels per CPU populated identically:

•Typically, the system will be set to run in Memory Optimized (Independent Channel) mode in this configuration. This mode offers the most DIMM population flexibility and system memory capacity, but offers the least number of RAS (reliability, availability, service) features.

•All three channels must be populated identically.

•Users wanting memory sparing must also populate the DIMMs in this method, but one channel is the spare and is not accessible as system memory until it is brought online to replace a failing channel.

•The first two channels per CPU populated identically with the third channel unused

•Typically, two channels operate in Advanced ECC (Lockstep) mode with each other by having the cache line split across both channels. This mode provides improved RAS features (SDDC support for x8-based memory).

•For Memory Mirroring, two channels operate as mirrors of each other — writes go to both channels and reads alternate between the two channels.

R710 specifications

The Dell PowerEdge R710 is a highly versatile and robust server that has been a popular choice for businesses seeking reliable performance and efficient management. Launched as part of Dell’s 11th generation PowerEdge line, the R710 is designed to handle various workloads, making it ideal for virtualization, data analysis, and enterprise applications.

One of the standout features of the R710 is its support for dual Intel Xeon 5500 or 5600 series processors. This capability allows for substantial processing power and improved energy efficiency through Intel’s Nehalem architecture. The server can accommodate up to 128GB of DDR3 RAM across its 16 DIMM slots, delivering the memory capacity needed for demanding applications while also providing the performance enhancements of higher memory speeds.

The R710 also boasts an impressive array of storage options. It supports up to eight 2.5-inch or six 3.5-inch hard drives, which can be configured in various RAID levels for enhanced data protection and performance. The server is compatible with both SAS and SATA drives, providing flexibility for different storage needs. Additionally, the optional PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller) allows for enhanced RAID configurations, ensuring data integrity and performance optimization.

In terms of connectivity, the Dell R710 comes equipped with four Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed networking. This connectivity facilitates effective communication in virtualized and clustered environments. The server is also built with optional iDRAC (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller) technology, which provides administrators with advanced management capabilities, remote control, and monitoring features that simplify server administration, minimize downtime, and enhance overall productivity.

Thermal efficiency is another key characteristic of the R710. Its innovative cooling design features intelligent fans that optimize airflow based on workload demands, ensuring that the system runs at optimal temperatures while minimizing energy consumption. This contributes to reduced operating costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

The modular design of the R710 allows for easy upgrades and maintenance, making it a practical option for IT departments. The server’s support for various operating systems, including Windows Server and various distributions of Linux, ensures compatibility with diverse environments.

In summary, the Dell PowerEdge R710 is an enterprise-class server that balances power, flexibility, and efficient management features. With its dual-processor capability, extensive memory options, robust storage configurations, and advanced management tools, it remains a solid choice for organizations looking to streamline their IT operations and enhance performance.