HP Z Virtual manual HP SmartMemory, Memory subsystem architecture

HP SmartMemory

HP SmartMemory, introduced for Gen8 servers, authenticates and unlocks certain features available only on HP Qualified memory and verifies whether installed memory has passed HP qualification and test processes. Qualified memory is performance-tuned for HP ProLiant and BladeSystem servers and provides future enhanced support through HP Active Health and manageability software.

Certain performance features are unique with HP SmartMemory. HP SmartMemory 1.35V DDR3-1333 Registered memory is engineered to achieve the same performance level as 1.5V memory. For example, while the industry supports DDR3-1333 RDIMM at 1.5V, this Gen8 server supports DDR3-1333 RDIMM up to 3 DIMMs per channel at 1066 MT/s running at 1.35V. This equates to up to 20% less power at the DIMM level with no performance penalty. In addition, the industry supports UDIMM at 2 DIMMs per channel at 1066 MT/s. HP SmartMemory supports 2 DIMMs per channel at 1333 MT/s, or 25% greater bandwidth.

Memory subsystem architecture

The memory subsystem in this server is divided into channels. Each processor supports four channels, and each channel supports three DIMM slots, as shown in the following table.

Channel	Population order	Slot number
1	A	12
	E	11
	I	10
2	B	9
	F	8
	J	7
3	C	1
	G	2
	K	3
4	D	4
	H	5
	L	6

For the location of the slot numbers, see "DIMM slot locations on page 12."

This multi-channel architecture provides enhanced performance in Advanced ECC mode. This architecture also enables Lockstep and Online Spare Memory modes.

DIMM slots in this server are identified by number and by letter. Letters identify the population order. Slot numbers indicate the DIMM slot ID for spare replacement.

40 Chapter 5 Hardware options installation