Memory Mirroring

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) × 4 GB = 48 GB, and not 16 (DIMMs) × 4 GB = 64 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 modules must be identical in size, speed, and technology.

DIMMs installed in memory sockets with white release levers 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.

Sample memory configurations

The following tables show sample memory configurations for one and two processor configurations that follow the appropriate memory guidelines stated in this section.

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

NOTE: 1R, 2R and 4R in the following tables indicate single-, dual-, and quad-rank DIMMs respectively.

Table 1. Memory configurations—single processor

System Capacity

DIMM Size (in

Number of

DIMM Rank, Organization,

DIMM Slot Population

(in GB)

GB)

DIMMs

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, A3

 

 

 

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

 

8

2

4

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

A1, A2, A3, A4

 

 

 

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

 

12

2

6

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

 

 

 

1R, x8, 1600 MT/s

 

16

2

8

1R, x8, 1333 MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8

 

4

4

2R, x8, 1333 MT/s,

A1, A2, A3, A4

 

 

 

2R, x8, 1600 MT/s

 

24

2

12

1R, x8, 1333

MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10,

 

 

 

 

 

A11, A12

 

4

6

2R, x8, 1333

MT/s,

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6

 

 

 

2R, x8, 1600

MT/s

 

48

4

12

2R, x8, 1333

MT/s

A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, A9, A10,

 

 

 

 

 

A11, A12

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Dell R720XD owner manual Sample memory configurations, Memory Mirroring

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.