Memory choices for the IBM System x3300 M4

Reverting to 3 memory channels per processor – max at 2 DPC

Thanks to Daniel Bowers for clarifying the use of “socket B” Xeon E5-2400 processors in this server.

IBM has announced the x3300 M4 servers – which are 2-socket servers containing 12 DIMM slots.

The 12 DIMM slots suggest these are running at 3 memory channels per processor (as opposed to the 4 memory channel Romley processors seen so far on this blog). And maximum memory capacity is at 2 DPC.

HyperCloud to own the 32GB market ?

Marketability as a better RDIMM

UPDATE: 07/09/2012 – buyout
UPDATE: 07/09/2012 – strategic value of RDIMM-compatibility and misconceptions debunked
UPDATE: 07/27/2012 – confirmed HCDIMM similar latency as RDIMMs
UPDATE: 07/27/2012 – confirmed LRDIMM latency and throughput weakness

Is Netlist a buyout candidate ?

Is LRDIMM a dead-end product ?

Is it easier to market a better RDIMM that includes all the features of an LRDIMM ?

Examining patent docs at USPTO II – sloppy appeals

What sloppy appeals at the USPTO look like

UPDATE: 07/08/2012 – quoting from the pdfs

We’ll shed some light on Inphi’s arguments in appeal of USPTO finding in favor of Netlist in the ‘537 and ‘274 patent reexams.

A second-source for HyperCloud ?

Could IDTI be licensing or second-sourcing RDIMM-compatible HyperCloud ?

I would like to thank one of the readers for suggesting that IDT maybe entering the LRDIMM/HyperCloud space. While IDT intention to deliver LRDIMM in late 2012 was known, the comment sparked an examination of what options IDTI would have if it were actively to use HyperCloud for it’s product and whether it would justify IDTI decision to not offer any LRDIMM product for the Romley launch.

Netlist will eventually face the problem of second-source for HyperCloud.

Currently they have the capability of supplying most of the demand for HyperCloud – both at the 16GB and 32GB levels – they have capacity for millions of memory modules at their facility.

However, they will eventually be required to establish a second-source for HyperCloud by the OEMs.

VLP RDIMMs for virtualization on Blade Servers

Why Netlist 16GB VLP RDIMM outperforms the competition

UPDATE: 07/06/2012 – VMware certifies Netlist as sole memory vendor

Netlist claims their 16GB VLP RDIMM has improved performance and reliability/robustness vs. the competitors’ products. And is also cheaper to make.

VMware has certified Netlist 16GB VLP RDIMM memory modules for use with VMware products – it is the only VLP memory product certified by VMware.

Examining LRDIMMs

LRDIMMs vs. the RDIMM standard

UPDATE: 07/06/2012 – VMware certifies Netlist as sole memory vendor
UPDATE: 07/27/2012 – confirmed HCDIMM similar latency as RDIMMs
UPDATE: 07/27/2012 – confirmed LRDIMM latency and throughput weakness

Load Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs) are a new JEDEC-ratified standard for memory modules.

The key difference between RDIMMs and LRDIMMs is load reduction and rank multiplication capability.

Infographic – memory buying guide for Romley 2-socket servers

For servers based on the Intel plan of record

UPDATE: 06/30/2012: v1.21 – added 1333MHz/1600MHz speed info
UPDATE: 06/30/2012: v1.21_ibmsys_1_0 – IBM System x memory
UPDATE: 07/01/2012: v1.21_ibmsys_1_1 – IBM System x memory
UPDATE: 07/06/2012 – non-viability of LRDIMMs
UPDATE: 07/06/2012 – viability of HyperCloud

Here is a graphical illustration of how to choose memory for 2-socket Romley servers.

Memory buying guide – including 1.35V memory for Romley

When will low voltage HyperCloud be available ?

We examine the impact of low voltage HyperCloud, and why it was not available at 16GB levels.

And why availability of 1.35V is tied to the arrival of 32GB HyperCloud.

Additionally, we establish a more nuanced “rule of thumb” for choosing memory:

for 1.5V – “above 256GB requires HyperCloud”
for 1.35V – “above 384GB requires HyperCloud”

Memory buying guide – when to use RDIMMs on Romley ?

“above 256GB requires HyperCloud” is a universal limit

256GB seems to be a magical number.

Below that feel free to use RDIMMs.