Memory Interleaving

You can maximize the system’s memory bandwidth by taking advantage of its memory interleaving capabilities. Sun Fire V490 systems support two-way, four-way, and eight-way memory interleaving. In most cases, higher interleaving factors result in greater system performance. However, actual performance results may vary depending on the system application.

The system’s interleaving capabilities are summarized as follows:

■Memory interleaving is limited to memory within the same CPU/Memory board. Memory is not interleaved across CPU/Memory boards.

■Eight-way interleaving occurs automatically when all 16 DIMM slots in a CPU/Memory board are filled with identical capacity DIMMs (16 identical DIMMs).

■Four-way interleaving occurs automatically between any two DIMM groups that are configured identically (eight identical capacity DIMMs).

■Two-way interleaving occurs automatically in any DIMM group where the DIMM capacities do not match the capacities used in any other group.

Independent Memory Subsystems

Each Sun Fire V490 CPU/Memory board contains two independent memory subsystems (one per UltraSPARC IV processor). Memory controller logic incorporated into the UltraSPARC IV processor allows each processor to control its own memory subsystem. One processor controls DIMM groups A0 and A1, while the other processor controls DIMM groups B0 and B1.

The Sun Fire V490 system uses a shared memory architecture. During normal system operations, the total system memory is shared by all processors in the system. However, in the event of a processor failure, the two DIMM groups associated with the failed processor become unavailable to the other processors in the system.

TABLE 3-1shows the association between the processors and their corresponding DIMM groups.

TABLE 3-1Association Between Processors and DIMM Groups

		Associated Local DIMM
CPU Number	CPU/Memory Slot	Groups

CPU 0	Slot A	A0, A1

30 Sun Fire V490 Server Administration Guide • August 2004

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.

Sun Microsystems V490 manual Memory Interleaving, Independent Memory Subsystems

Models: V490