RAM configuration in Dell PowerEdge R760

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Optimal RAM configuration for Dell PowerEdge R760 server with dual Intel Xeon Gold 6526Y processors

To achieve maximum performance and memory bandwidth on a Dell PowerEdge R760 server with two Intel Xeon Gold 6526Y processors, it is key to symmetrically and balancedly populating the memory slots to fully utilize all eight channels of each processor.

Summary: The optimal configuration is 16 DDR5 RDIMMs (8 per processor) installed in the first slots of each channel (with white latches). This will provide maximum speed and bandwidth.

Detailed configuration description

1. Technical characteristics of the equipment:

• Dell PowerEdge R760 server: Supports up to 32 DDR5 RAM slots (16 slots per processor). Slots for processor 1 are labeled A1, A2, ... A16 , and slots for processor 2 are labeled B1, B2, ... B16 .
• Intel Xeon Gold 6526Y Processors: Each processor has 8 memory channels .
• Channels and Slots: Each memory channel on the motherboard serves two slots. The first slot of the channel has a white ejector tab and the second slot has a black ejector tab.

2. Optimization principle:

The goal is to activate all 8 memory channels on both processors, operating in Optimizer Mode (Independent Channel Mode) . This is achieved by installing identical memory modules in each active channel. The highest memory speed is achieved with a one module per channel (1DPC - 1 DIMM Per Channel) configuration.

3. Recommended configuration (Maximum performance):

For optimal performance , 16 identical memory modules (e.g. 16 x 32 GB DDR5 RDIMMs) must be installed.

Installation procedure:

1. Balance memory between processors: The total capacity and number of modules for CPU1 and CPU2 should be identical.
2. Populate one module per channel: Install memory modules into the slots with the white latches . These are the first slots in each of the eight channels.
3. Follow the symmetrical filling order:

Schematic layout for an optimal configuration of 16 modules:

• Processor 1: Fill slots A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8 .
• Processor 2: Fill slots B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B8 .

The image is for illustrative purposes only. Always refer to the markings on your server's motherboard.

4. Memory speed:

• The Intel Xeon Gold 6526Y processor supports DDR5 memory at speeds up to 5200 MT/s .
• The PowerEdge R760 server in a 1DPC (one module per channel) configuration also supports high speeds (up to 5600 MT/s, depending on the module).
• When installing a second module in the channel (2DPC, filling the slots with black latches), the maximum memory speed will drop to 4400 MT/s .

Therefore, to achieve maximum speed (5200 MT/s, limited by the processor), it is necessary to use a 1DPC configuration.

Important notes:

• Memory type: Use only DDR5 Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) with error correction (ECC). Mixing RDIMMs and LRDIMMs (Load-Reduced DIMMs) is not supported.
• Module Identity: For stable operation and maximum performance, all installed memory modules must be of the same size, grade, and manufacturer.
• BIOS Settings: Make sure Optimizer Mode is enabled in the BIOS settings (System Setup > Memory Settings). This is usually the default setting.

By following these recommendations, you will ensure that your system utilizes the full potential of the memory subsystem, which is critical for the performance of applications that are sensitive to data access speed, such as databases, virtualization, and high-performance computing.