Dell M630 Mode-specific guidelines

Mode-specific guidelines

Four memory channels are allocated to each processor. The allowable configurations depend on the

memory mode selected.

NOTE: x4 and x8 DRAM based DIMMs can be mixed providing support for RAS features. However,

all guidelines for specific RAS features must be followed. x4 DRAM based DIMMs retain Single

Device Data Correction (SDDC) in memory optimized (independent channel) mode. x8 DRAM based

DIMMs require Advanced ECC mode to gain SDDC.

The following sections provide additional slot population guidelines for each mode.

Advanced ECC mode extends SDDC from x4 DRAM based DIMMs to both x4 and x8 DRAMs. This

protects against single DRAM chip failures during normal operation.

Memory installation guidelines:

• Memory modules must be identical in size, speed, and technology.

• DIMMs installed in memory sockets with white release tabs must be identical and similar rule applies

for sockets with black and green release tabs. This ensures that identical DIMMs are installed in

matched pairs - for example, A1 with A2, A3 with A4, A5 with A6, and so on.

NOTE: Advanced ECC with mirroring is not supported.

This mode supports SDDC only for memory modules that use x4 device width and does not impose any

specific slot population requirements.

NOTE: To use Memory Sparing, all populated channels must have at least two DIMMs and Memory

Sparing must be enabled in the System Setup.

In this mode, one rank per channel is reserved as a spare. If persistent correctable errors are detected on

a rank, the data from this rank is copied to the spare rank and the failed rank is disabled.

With Memory Sparing enabled, the system memory available to the operating system is reduced by one

rank per channel. For example, in a dual-processor configuration with sixteen 4 GB dual-rank DIMMs, the

available system memory is: 3/4 (ranks/channel) × 16 (DIMMs) × 8 GB = 96 GB, and not 16 (DIMMs) × 8

GB = 128 GB.

NOTE: Memory Sparing does not offer protection against a multi-bit uncorrectable error.

NOTE: Both Advanced ECC/Lockstep and Optimizer modes support Memory Sparing.

Memory Mirroring offers the strongest DIMM reliability mode compared to all other modes, providing

improved uncorrectable multi-bit failure protection. In a mirrored configuration, the total available

system memory is one half of the total installed physical memory. Half of the installed memory is used to

mirror the active DIMMs. In the event of an uncorrectable error, the system will switch over to the

mirrored copy. This ensures SDDC and multi-bit protection.