Memory Sparing

NOTE: To use memory sparing, this feature 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 system with three 8 GB dual-rank DIMMs, the available system memory is: 1/2 (ranks/ channel) × 3 (DIMMs) × 8 GB = 12 GB, and not 3 (DIMMs) × 8 GB = 24 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

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.

Memory installation guidelines:

•Memory sockets A1 and A4 are disabled and you can populate DIMMs in memory sockets A2, A3, A5, and A6.

•DIMMs installed in memory sockets with white release tabs must be identical and similar rule applies for sockets with black release tabs. For example, DIMMs installed in sockets A1, A2, and A3 must be identical.

Sample Memory Configurations

The following table shows sample memory configurations that follow the appropriate memory guidelines stated in this section.

NOTE: 16 GB quad-rank RDIMMs are not supported.

NOTE: 1R and 2R in the following table indicates single- and dual-rank DIMMs respectively.

Table 1. Memory Configurations

System Capacity (in

DIMM Size (in GB)

Number of DIMMs

DIMM Rank,

DIMM Slot Population

GB)

 

 

Organization, and

 

 

 

 

Frequency

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

2

1

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

A1

 

 

 

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

 

4

2

2

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

A1, A2

 

 

 

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

 

8

2

4

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

A1, A2, A3, A4

 

 

 

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

 

12

4

3

2R, x8, 1333

MT/s,

A1, A2, A3

 

 

 

2R, x8, 1600

MT/s

 

24

8

3

2R, x4, 1333

MT/s,

A1, A2, A3

46

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Dell R320 owner manual Sample Memory Configurations, Dimm Size in GB Number of DIMMs Dimm Rank, Organization
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R320 specifications

The Dell PowerEdge R320 is a significant addition to the enterprise server lineup, capturing the needs of businesses that require efficiency, reliability, and scalability. Designed for a variety of applications, the R320 caters to both light virtualization and everyday workloads. Its compact 1U form factor makes it an optimal choice for space-constrained server environments.

One of the standout features of the R320 is its support for Intel Xeon E5-2400 processors, which deliver enhanced performance with up to eight cores per processor. This multi-core capability enables businesses to handle more tasks simultaneously, leading to improved overall productivity. The server supports up to two processors, allowing organizations to scale their compute power as needed.

Memory is another critical aspect where the R320 excels. It boasts 12 DIMM slots, allowing for a maximum memory capacity of 192 GB with 16 GB DDR3 memory modules. This high memory capacity ensures that the server can manage large datasets and perform demanding computations without bottlenecks.

The storage options in the R320 are versatile, with support for up to eight 2.5-inch hot-swappable drives, providing organizations the flexibility to configure storage according to their specific needs. The server supports both SAS and SATA drives, enabling users to choose between speed and capacity. This variety allows businesses to optimize their storage for both performance-oriented applications and large volume data storage.

Networking capabilities are robust, featuring integrated Broadcom NetXtreme II dual-port 1GbE network interface cards (NICs), which enhance connectivity and provide redundancy for mission-critical operations. For additional performance, users can upgrade the NICs to 10GbE options, ensuring that the R320 can handle future network demands.

The R320 also incorporates Dell’s innovative management features through the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC). This technology allows administrators to monitor the server's health remotely and perform management tasks, reducing the need for physical access to the hardware and ensuring smooth operations.

In terms of energy efficiency, the R320 includes features such as power management settings and energy-efficient components designed to minimize power consumption without compromising performance. This aspect is increasingly important as organizations seek to reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs.

Overall, the Dell PowerEdge R320 is an impressive server that combines powerful processing capabilities, flexible storage options, and advanced management features, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of enterprise applications. Whether for small to medium-sized businesses or larger enterprises, the R320 delivers the performance, scalability, and reliability necessary for today's demanding workloads.
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