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December 2nd, 2014 11:00

Dell PowerEdge R710 RAM upgrade 16 GB to 32 GB

Hi,
I have PowerEdge R710 that current 16GB RAM have 8 sticks (2GB 1RX8 PC3L-10600E-9-10-D0, ECC and Optimizer)
I need help to upgrade the server to 32GB RAM.

Original Configuration - 16GB Optimized Mode

A1 = A4 = A7 = A2 = 2GB A5 = 2GB A8 = A3 = 2GB A6 = 2GB A9 =
B1 = B4 B7 = B2 = 2GB B5 = 2GB B8 = B3 = 2GB B6 = 2GB B9 =

What kinds of memort stick do I need ?
4 x 4GB Sticks (2Rx8 RDIMM 1333MHz LV) or 2 X 8 GB Sticks (2Rx4 RDIMM 1333MHz LV) ?

261 Posts

December 2nd, 2014 15:00

Hi Chris,

Let me make sure I'm understanding your current layout.

You currently have your 2GB DIMMS installed as follows:

A2/A5 - A3/A6
B2/B5 - B3/B6

First, your current DIMMs look like UDIMMs. Verify if they are or not. If they are UDIMMs, you cannot mix UDIMMs with the proposed RDIMMs that you listed. 

If you have RDIMMs then see below.

Any memory that is added must be balanced to all other channels that the DIMMs are populated in. Meaning, as you can see above, you currently have the first two channels of both the A side, and B side DIMMs identical with 2 DIMMs populated in each channel. The empty outside channels do not need to match if they are empty.

Your proposal of adding 2 X 8GB DIMMs would not work since there is not a way to balance out the channels to match. However, the 4 x 4GB DIMMs would work.

For a mixed DIMM size configuration of adding 4GB DIMMs using your existing 8 x 2GB DIMMs, you can add the 4 x 4GB DIMMs as follows:
Install the largest DIMM in the Primary white slot, then followed by the 2 smaller DIMMs in the each given channel.

A2=4GB / A5=2GB / A8=2GB - A3=4GB / A6=2GB / A9=2GB
B2=4GB / B5=2GB / B8=2GB - B3=4GB / B6=2GB /B 9=2GB

If your current DIMMs are all UDIMMs then it is a max of two per channel.  I believe you can mix sizes on UDIMMs, but you are still limited to 2 per channel. So, you could possibly get your target DIMM capacity by sticking to same population rules above going with all only 6 x 2GB UDIMMs, plus 6 x 4GB UDIMMs

Please let me know if this helps clarify the DIMM population rules for you. I'll be glad to provide further info. 

5 Posts

December 2nd, 2014 19:00

Hi Bo,

How do I determine that current RAM's are UDIMMS ?

My Service Tag is (removed by moderator for privacy reasons).

Please let me know correct memory part number If current RAM's are UDIMMS.

Thank you

Chris

261 Posts

December 3rd, 2014 09:00

Hi Chris. You can visually inspect the DIMM label which will possibly elude "UBE" for Unbuffered ECC type DIMMs. However, based on your service tag. The original DIMMs are indeed UDIMMs.  

I was not able see any available kits that will work for you.  There seems to be a max size of 2 GB with UDIMMs. Thus, I stand corrected, and i don't believe you find what need to expand to 36 GB.  

For your reference. The original part reference is :
Part FM833 (DIMM,2G,1333,1RX8,8,240,UBE,LV)

But truly, I recommend that you go with replacing all your memory with RDIMMs for a more scalable config, and also the buffered process of RDIMMs will allow the memory controller on the CPU to work more efficiently. RDIMMs are are the way go for servers that have more robust configurations. 

So simply put, just order 4 x 8GB, or 2 X 16GB RDIMMs and you'll be set allowing you many future expandable options. 

SKU A6996785
Dell 4 GB Certified Replacement Memory Module for Select Dell Systems - 2Rx8 RDIMM 1333MHz LV 

SKU A6996808
Dell 8 GB Certified Replacement Memory Module for Select Dell Systems - 2Rx4 RDIMM 1333MHz LV

 

 

 

 

5 Posts

December 5th, 2014 08:00

Hi Bo,

I will take your advice.

Before I order RAM, What is better Speed and Performance  ( 4 X 8GB or 2 X 16GB ) ?

and also Where do I put these RAM ? ( for example, 4 X 8GB or 2 X 16GB)

Thank you

Chris

261 Posts

December 5th, 2014 14:00

Chris,

In theory, having more DIMMs will spread the load better, but with your setup, you will not see a difference. You are barely pushing the maximum limitations of the 288 GB that the system can handle.

But here are some things to consider.

The memory speed of each channel depends on the memory configuration:
•For single, or dual rank memory modules:
  ◦two memory module per channel supports up to 1333 MHz (with BIOS 1.1.4 and higher).
  ◦Three memory modules per channel are limited to 800 MHz regardless of the memory module speed.

•For quad rank memory modules:
  ◦One memory module per channel supports up to only 1066 Mhz.
  ◦Two memory modules per channel are limited to 800 MHz, regardless of memory module speed.

Most of the 16GB DIMMs I've seen are quad rank. Thus, i would go with 4 x 8 GB DIMMs installed as follows.

A1/A4
B1/B4

*Ensure you are in Optimizer mode.

If you add more DIMMs in the future you, you can can add at least 4 more of the same 8GB DIMMs in the next channels. Keeping only max two per channel to retain your 1333MHz speed. That will take you from 32 to 64 GB of memory

ex:
A1/A4 - A2/A5
B1/B4 - B2/B

5 Posts

December 8th, 2014 06:00

Hi Bo,

Thank you for your advise.

I will order 2 X 16GB RAM for future expand.

Dell Part# A6994465 is correct one for PowerEdge R710 ?

Thank you

Chris

 
 

261 Posts

December 8th, 2014 07:00

Hi Chris, 

Yes, SKU A6994465  is for a Dual Rank 16GB DIMM and is compatible with the R710.  You would install them in A1/B1. 

5 Posts

December 8th, 2014 07:00

and also

Where do I put 2 X16GB ?

A1/B1 ?

A9/B9 ?

Thank you

Chris

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