Mode-Specific Guidelines

•Up to two quad-rank RDIMMs and up to three dual- or single-rank RDIMMs can be populated per channel. When a quad-rank RDIMM is populated in the first slot with white release levers, the third DIMM slot in the channel with green release levers cannot be populated.

•Up to three LRDIMMs can be populated regardless of rank count.

•Populate DIMM sockets only if a processor is installed. For single-processor systems, sockets A1 to A12 are available. For dual-processor systems, sockets A1 to A12 and sockets B1 to B12 are available.

•Populate all sockets with white release tabs first, then black, and then green.

•Do not populate the third DIMM socket in a channel with green release tabs, if a quad-rank RDIMM is populated in the first socket with white release tabs.

•Populate the sockets by highest rank count in the following order — first in sockets with white release levers, then black, and then green. For example, if you want to mix quad-rank and dual-rank DIMMs, populate quad-rank DIMMs in the sockets with white release tabs and dual-rank DIMMs in the sockets with black release tabs.

•In a dual-processor configuration, the memory configuration for each processor should be identical. For example, if you populate socket A1 for processor 1, then populate socket B1 for processor 2, and so on.

•Memory modules of different sizes can be mixed provided that other memory population rules are followed (for example, 2 GB and 4 GB memory modules can be mixed).

•Populate four DIMMs per processor (one DIMM per channel) at a time to maximize performance.

•If memory modules with different speeds are installed, they will operate at the speed of the slowest installed memory module(s) or slower depending on system DIMM configuration.

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 (Lockstep)

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.

Memory Optimized (Independent Channel) Mode

This mode supports SDDC only for memory modules that use x4 device width and does not impose any specific slot population requirements.

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.

43

Page 42 Page 44
Page 43
Image 43
Dell R720XD Mode-SpecificGuidelines, Advanced ECC Lockstep, Memory Optimized Independent Channel Mode, Memory Sparing
Page 42 Page 44

R720XD, R720 specifications

The Dell PowerEdge R720 and R720xd are powerful rack servers designed to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and scalability for a wide range of data center applications. As part of Dell's 12th generation of PowerEdge servers, they come equipped with advanced features and technologies that cater to diverse workloads.

Both models are built on the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 family, supporting dual-socket configurations. This allows for an impressive maximum memory capacity of up to 768 GB with 32 DIMM slots, enabling efficient handling of memory-intensive applications. The R720 and R720xd are designed with efficiency in mind, allowing organizations to optimize their resource utilization while maintaining high performance.

One of the most noteworthy features of the R720 and R720xd is the flexible storage options. The R720 can accommodate up to 16 2.5-inch drives, while the R720xd extends this capacity to 24 2.5-inch drives or 12 3.5-inch drives, greatly enhancing storage scalability. This flexibility is essential for businesses with growing data needs, allowing them to configure the server according to their specific requirements.

Both servers come with the iDRAC7 (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller), which provides advanced management capabilities. iDRAC7 enables IT administrators to remotely monitor and control the server, simplifying the management of hardware functions and system updates. The optional Lifecycle Controller further streamlines server deployment and management, offering integrated systems management capabilities.

In terms of networking, the R720 and R720xd support a variety of network interface cards, including 1 GbE and 10 GbE options. This ensures that organizations can select the right networking capabilities for their specific workload and performance requirements.

Power efficiency is another significant characteristic of these servers. Equipped with Dell’s Energy Smart technologies, they can reduce power consumption and operating costs. Features like power capping and efficient fan control help achieve optimal thermal management in the data center.

In summary, the Dell PowerEdge R720 and R720xd are robust and versatile servers that offer exceptional performance for mission-critical applications. With their advanced processor support, memory capacity, flexible storage configurations, and comprehensive management features, they are well-suited for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure.
Top Page Image Contents