VIS provides high levels of multimedia performance, including real-time video compression and decompression and two streams of MPEG-2 decompression at full broadcast quality with no additional hardware support.

The Sun Fire V490 server employs a shared-memory multiprocessor architecture with all processors sharing the same physical address space. The system processors, main memory, and I/O subsystem communicate via a high-speed system interconnect bus, operating at a clock rate of 150 MHz. In a system configured with multiple CPU/Memory boards, all main memory is accessible from any processor over the system bus. The main memory is logically shared by all processors and I/O devices in the system.

For information about memory modules and memory configuration guidelines, see “About the Memory Modules” on page 28.

About the Memory Modules

The Sun Fire V490 server uses 3.3-volt, high-capacity dual inline memory modules (DIMMs). The DIMMs are built with synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) chips that operate at a 75-MHz clock frequency. The system supports DIMMs with 512-Mbyte and 1-Gbyte capacities.

Each CPU/Memory board contains slots for 16 DIMMs. Total system memory ranges from a minimum of 8 Gbytes (one CPU/Memory board with eight 512-Mbyte DIMMs) to a maximum of 32 Gbytes (two boards fully populated with 1-Gbyte DIMMs).

Within each CPU/Memory board, the 16 DIMM slots are organized into groups of four. The system reads from, or writes to, all four DIMMs in a group simultaneously. DIMMs, therefore, must be added in sets of four. FIGURE 3-1shows the DIMM slots and DIMM groups on a Sun Fire V490 CPU/Memory board. Every fourth slot belongs to the same DIMM group. The four groups are designated A0, A1, B0, and B1.

28 Sun Fire V490 Server Administration Guide • August 2004

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Sun Microsystems V490 manual About the Memory Modules

V490 specifications

Sun Microsystems V490 is a robust, high-performance server that was launched in the mid-2000s. It is part of Sun's Enterprise line of servers, specifically designed to meet the needs of businesses requiring reliability, scalability, and efficiency in their computing environments. The V490 is well-regarded for its versatility and ability to handle demanding applications.

At the heart of the V490 is its support for the UltraSPARC IV processor. The server can be configured to contain up to four processors, allowing it to deliver exceptional parallel processing capabilities. The UltraSPARC IV architecture enhances throughput and efficiency, making it suitable for enterprise applications and database management tasks.

One of the standout features of the V490 is its memory capacity. The server can support up to 64 GB of RAM, which allows for extensive caching and improved performance for memory-intensive applications. Coupled with a high bandwidth architecture, the V490 ensures that data can be processed quickly and effectively.

The V490 also emphasizes storage flexibility. It comes equipped with multiple disk drive bays, allowing for a combination of SATA and SAS drives. This flexibility enables businesses to tailor their storage solutions according to their specific performance and redundancy requirements. The V490 supports hot-swappable drives, making maintenance and upgrades considerably easier without taking the server offline.

In terms of connectivity, the Sun V490 features a variety of networking options. It includes multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, ensuring high-speed data transfer and redundancy. Additionally, the server supports advanced input/output capabilities, making it compatible with various peripherals and external storage solutions.

Sun Microsystems V490 runs on the Solaris operating system, known for its stability and security. This OS enhances the server's performance while providing a reliable platform for mission-critical applications. The V490 also supports virtualization technologies, allowing organizations to run multiple operating systems and applications on a single hardware platform, thus optimizing resource utilization.

Another key characteristic of the V490 is its thermal efficiency. The server is designed with an advanced cooling system that minimizes energy consumption while maximizing performance. This focus on power efficiency aligns with modern data center requirements for sustainability and reduced operational costs.

In summary, the Sun Microsystems V490 is a powerful enterprise server that combines the latest processing technologies, substantial memory and storage capabilities, and robust networking options. Its scalability, along with advanced virtualization support and energy-efficient design, makes it a suitable choice for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure. The V490 remains a testament to Sun Microsystems' commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable computing solutions.