Intel Server Board S5000PAL - Manual (Page 28)

Intel
®
Server Board S5000PAL / S5000XAL TPS Functional Architecture
Revision 1.4
Intel order number: D31979-007
29
3.1.3.3 DIMM Population Rules and Supported DIMM Configurations
DIMM population rules depend on the operating mode of the memory controller, which is determined by
the number of DIMMs installed. DIMMs must be populated in pairs. DIMM pairs are populated in the
following DIMM slot order: A1 & B1, C1 & D1, A2 & B2, C2 & D2. DIMMs within a given pair must be
identical with respect to size, speed, and organization. However, DIMM capacities can be different
between different DIMM pairs.
For example, a valid mixed DIMM configuration may have 512MB DIMMs installed in DIMM Slots A1 &
B1, and 1GB DIMMs installed in DIMM slots C1 & D1.
Intel supported DIMM configurations for this server board are shown in the following table.
Supported and Validated configuration : Slot is populated
Supported but not validated configuration : Slot is
populated
Slot is not populated
Mirroring: Y = Yes. Indicates that configuration supports Memory Mirroring.
Sparing:
Y(x) = Yes. Indicates that configuration supports Memory Sparing.
Where x = 0 : Sparing supported on Branch0 only
1 : Sparing supported on Branch1 only
0,1 : Sparing supported on both branches
Branch 0 Branch 1
Channel A Channel B Channel C Channel D
DIMM_A1 DIMM_A2 DIMM_B1 DIMM B2 DIMM C1 DIMM C2 DIMM D1 DIMM D2
Mirroring
Possible
Sparing
Possible
Y (0)
Y
Y (0)
Y Y (0, 1)
Notes:
- Single channel mode is only tested and supported with a 512MB x8 FBDIMM installed in DIMM
Slot A1.
- The supported memory configurations must meet population rules defined above.
- For best performance, the number of DIMMs installed should be balanced across both
memory branches. For Example: a four DIMM configuration will perform better than a two
DIMM configuration and should be installed in DIMM Slots A1, B1, C1, and D1. An eight
DIMM configuration will perform better then a six DIMM configuration.
- Although mixed DIMM capacities between channels is supported, Intel does not validate DIMMs
in mixed DIMM configurations.
3.1.3.3.1 Minimum Non-Mirrored Mode Configuration
The server board is capable of supporting a minimum of one DIMM installed. However, for system
performance reasons, Intel’s recommendation is that at least 2 DIMMs be installed.