2.3 Memory subsystem

The p5-570 memory controller is internal to the POWER5 chip. It interfaces to either two (DDR1) or four (DDR2) SMI-II buffer chips and 8 pluggable DIMMs per processor card, as described in 2.2, “Processor cards” on page 23. The minimum memory for a p5-570 processor-based system is 2 GB. The maximum installable memory is 512 GB (using DDR1 memory DIMM technology). The p5-570 total memory depends on the number of available processor cards. Figure 2-7shows memory slot availability.

2.3.1 Memory placement rules

The memory features that are available for the p5-570 at the time of writing are listed in 1.3.2, “Memory features” on page 6. Each memory feature consists of four DIMMs, or quad, and must be installed according to Figure 2-7.The first quad slots are J0A, J1A, J0C, and J1C. For the second quad, the slots are J0B, J1B, J0D, and J1D.

Note: A quad must consist of a single feature (that is, made of four identical DIMMs). Mixing DIMM capacities in a quad is not supported.

First quad

 

Second quad

DCM

2-way

Heat Sink

J1A

J1B

J1C

J1D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SMI II

 

 

 

SMI II

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

J0D

J0C

J0B

J0A

Figure 2-7 Memory placement for the p5-570, DDR1 card

2.3.2 Memory restriction

The p5-570 does not support OEM memory, and there is no exception to this rule. OEM memory is not certified for use in pSeries and in the IBM Sserver p5 systems. If the p5-570

is populated with OEM memory, you could experience unexpected and unpredictable behavior.

All IBM memory is identified by an IBM logo and a white label printed with a barcode on top and an alphanumeric string on the bottom, created according to the rule reported in Figure 2-8.

26p5-570 Technical Overview and Introduction

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IBM P5 570 manual Memory subsystem, Memory placement rules, Memory restriction
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P5 570 specifications

The IBM P5 570 is a high-performance server that was designed for enterprise-scale computing, offering a blend of advanced technologies and a flexible architecture. Launched as part of IBM's Power5 server line, the P5 570 stands out for its robust processing capabilities and extensive scalability, making it a preferred choice for businesses requiring reliable and efficient computing solutions.

At the heart of the P5 570 is the IBM Power5 processor, which employs simultaneous multi-threading (SMT) technology. This allows the processor to handle two threads per core, effectively doubling the throughput for workloads ideally suited to multi-threading. The server typically features a configuration of up to 32 Power5 processors, providing an impressive compute power that supports demanding applications, ranging from databases to complex enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

The P5 570 architecture supports a wide range of memory configurations, with a maximum memory capacity of up to 512 GB. Utilizing IBM’s proprietary Chip Memory technology, it can deliver high bandwidth and low latency, significantly enhancing performance for memory-intensive applications. Furthermore, the integrated memory controller architecture optimizes memory access, ensuring that critical workloads run smoothly.

Scalability is a key characteristic of the P5 570, with the ability to expand processing power and memory capacity as an organization’s needs grow. The server supports various operating systems, including AIX, Linux, and IBM i, which provides flexibility for diverse IT environments. This versatility ensures that companies can run their preferred applications without the need for substantial system overhauls.

In terms of storage, the P5 570 utilizes advanced RAID technology and supports a variety of disk configurations, ensuring that data integrity and availability are maintained. Coupled with built-in security features, such as the IBM Trusted Foundation, which establishes a secure boot environment, the P5 570 offers a reliable platform for mission-critical workloads.

Finally, the IBM P5 570 is designed for high availability and redundancy. Features like hot-swappable components and advanced error detection and recovery mechanisms minimize downtime, making it a dependable choice for businesses that operate around the clock. Combined with its powerful hardware and versatile software support, the IBM P5 570 remains a formidable player in the high-performance server arena.
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