Dell M910 manual Diagram of FlexMem Bridge Routing

Models: M910

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memory buffers associated with the two populated sockets would be connected, and therefore only 16 DIMMs would be accessible.

To overcome this limitation with 2 CPUs, the M910 uses the FlexMem Bridge which allows CPU1 and CPU2 to connect to the memory of their respective adjacent sockets (CPU3 and CPU4). The FlexMem Bridge provides the following:

Two pass-through links for SMI

One pass-through link for QPI

The pass-through SMI links connect the two installed CPU’s to additional SMIs, therefore the CPU’s will have the following memory attached:

CPU1 will have access to DIMMs [A1:A8], plus DIMMs [C1:C8] (those normally associated with CPU3)

CPU2 will have access to DIMMs [B1:B8], plus DIMMs [D1:D8] (those normally associated with CPU4)

The pass-through QPI link on the FlexMem Bridge provides increased performance for a 2P configuration because it allows 2 full-bandwidth QPI links between CPU1 and CPU2 as opposed to a single link. Figure 3 depicts the interconnection between the CPU sockets as well as connections internal to the FlexMem Bridges. The FlexMem Bridges are only supported in sockets 3 and 4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Figure 3. Diagram of FlexMem Bridge Routing

Modern processors are capable of tremendous workloads, and many types of utilization patterns such as virtualization often run into memory capacity issues well before the processors reach a saturation point. FlexMem Bridge technology was designed to assist those customers that have workloads that are memory intensive.

Customers who scale their workloads in the future to a point where they would need additional processing power can simply replace the FlexMem Bridge with additional processors to meet those needs.

Due to power limitations, the PowerEdge M910 will only support two X7560 (130W) processors. In an upgrade for a server with two 130W CPUs, the CPUs and the heatsink must be changed to the 95W or 105W CPUs. If the server has only the 95W or 105W CPUs, CPUs can simply be swapped out.

Dell PowerEdge M910 Technical Guide

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Dell M910 manual Diagram of FlexMem Bridge Routing

M910 specifications

The Dell M910 is a powerful and versatile rack server designed for high-performance computing and data-intensive applications. This server is particularly well-suited for organizations looking to optimize their IT infrastructure for demanding workloads. It boasts an array of features, technologies, and characteristics that make it a reliable choice for enterprises seeking robust performance and scalability.

At the heart of the Dell M910 is its ability to support multi-core Intel Xeon processors. This technology allows the server to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, making it ideal for virtualization, database management, and other resource-heavy applications. The M910's processor options deliver a significant increase in performance, enabling businesses to run the latest software efficiently without bottlenecks.

In terms of memory, the M910 offers substantial capacity and speed, supporting up to 1.5TB of DDR3 RAM across 18 DIMM slots. This extensive memory complements the processing capabilities, ensuring that applications run smoothly and that users experience minimal latency. Coupled with advanced memory technologies, the M910 can easily handle large datasets and complex computations.

Another standout feature of the Dell M910 is its storage capabilities. The server supports a range of hard drives and solid-state drives, allowing organizations to tailor their storage solutions to meet their unique needs. With multiple drive configurations, including RAID options, businesses can ensure data redundancy and improve access speeds, crucial for mission-critical applications.

The design of the M910 emphasizes ease of management and maintenance. Dell's OpenManage systems management tools provide comprehensive monitoring and control, allowing IT administrators to easily manage server health, performance, and security. This feature streamlines the maintenance process, reducing downtime and promoting efficiency.

Moreover, the M910 is built with energy efficiency in mind. Utilizing advanced power management technologies, it not only reduces overall power consumption but also helps organizations lower their operational costs. This is increasingly important for businesses aiming to minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining high performance.

In conclusion, the Dell M910 is an exemplary rack server that combines powerful processing capabilities, extensive memory options, versatile storage configurations, and advanced management tools. With its focus on performance, scalability, and reliability, it meets the needs of modern enterprises and positions them well for future growth. Whether for virtualization, data analysis, or other demanding workloads, the Dell M910 proves to be a formidable choice for organizations aiming to leverage technology effectively.