Collection: Dell PowerEdge R420 RAM Memory Upgrades

Dell PowerEdge R420 Memory Configuration Guide

The R420 is a Dual Processor system with 6 DIMM slots per CPU. There are three memory channels per CPU. Each memory channel manages two DIMM slots.  Dell has labeled and color coded the channels to make them easy to identify.  The start of each channel is the white DIMM slot.  This is important if you are not fully maxing out your system.   Let's say you were only putting in 6 DIMMs.  You want to make sure to put at the start of each channel (the white slot) and skip the second slot (the black slot).  This will maximize your overall performance.  You cannot mix different memory types so RDIMMs and LRDIMMs will not work together. Different speeds can be mixed but the modules will function at the slowest speed installed.  We recommend matching modules in your Dell R420.  This will help with system stability.  We always send matching sticks and major brands.  We want to ensure your upgrades are an easy and smooth process.  If you need any help configuring or installing memory inside your Dell PowerEdge R420, then please reach out to our sales team at sales@cloudninjas.com.  We are hear to help.

Cloud Ninjas' Dell R420 Memory Upgrade Tips

• The total number of DIMMs for the Dell R420 is 12 slots.
• The PowerEdge R420 supports 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB DDR3 registered DIMMs.  Dell's spec sheet will say 16GBs are the highest.  This is not correct.  32GBs are compatible with the R420.
• The Dell R420 also supports 2GB or 4GB ECC unbuffered DIMMs.  However, we recommend ECC Registered over ECC Unbuffered due to higher scalability and less expensive as far as price per GB.
• The PowerEdge R420 can accommodate up to 384GB of Registered DDR3 memory.
• The Maximum memory for ECC UDIMM modules in the R420 is 48GB.
• Supports 1066MHz, 1333MHz, or 1600MHz RDIMMs
• Supports up to 1866MHz LRDIMMs.  1866 will clock down to 1600.
• Think Long Term! Purchase the maximum amount that your PowerEdge R420 can hold and avoid wasting time and money on modules you won't be able to use if you upgrade again.
• The total number of memory modules that you should have in your PowerEdge R420 should equal 3, 6, or 12 to receive maximum value out of the memory channels.
• To properly configure your system, install a minimum of two memory modules first.

R420 Memory Installation video

Cloud Ninjas' Dell PowerEdge R420 Questions & Answers

1. What sizes can you use for the Dell PowerEdge R420 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R420 Server can be upgraded using 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB and 32GB RDIMM or 1 GB, 2 GB, and 4 GB ECC UDIMM.
   Note: For a 384 GB upgrade, get your 32 GB kit.
   
   
2. What speeds are supported by the Dell PowerEdge R420 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R420 Server can support 1600MT/s and 1333MT/s, 1066MT/s, and 800MT/s based on DIMM and configuration. 1866MT/s is supported but will clock down to 1600.
   
   
3. What types of RAM are accepted by the Dell PowerEdge R420 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R420 Server supports three types of RAM.  DDR3 ECC Registered, Load Reduced and ECC Unbuffered.  ECC Reg (RDIMM) and Load Reduced (LRDIMM) are the most predominant.  LRDIMMs are generally only used for high end configurations requiring 16GB or 32GB modules.
   
   
4. What is ECC Registered Memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R420 Server supports registered memory with ECC. ECC memory detects and corrects memory errors within the server environment. Registered (also called buffered) memory modules register between DRAM modules and the system's memory controller. ECC Registered Memory transfers less electrical load to your memory controller which makes it more stable and reliable.
   
   
5. What is Unbuffered Memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R420 Server supports unbuffered memory with ECC. Unbuffered memory is memory that has no register between your DRAM and your system’s memory controller.
   
   
6. What is Load Reduced Memory?
   Load reduced DIMMs are designed with a buffer chip (or chips) to replace the register to help minimize loading, the LRDIMM increases server system memory capacity and speed.  LRDIMM differs from low capacity, low voltage registered memory modules (LV RDIMM).
   
   
7. Can I mix ECC Reg with ECC unbuffered or Non-ECC memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R420 Server does not support the use of both unregistered and registered memory with ECC or the use of non-ECC memory. It is recommended to use identical memory configuration in all channels.
   
   
8. What is max configuration?
   The Dell PowerEdge R420 Server allows the maximum configuration of 384 GB with the use of 12 x 32GB DDR3 RDIMMs or LRDIMMs, at a max speed of 1600 MTs.   Dell's spec sheet with say the max configuration is 192GBs.  However, we have tested and you can achieve 384GBs with 32GB DIMMs.
   
   
9. How many memory channels per CPU?
   The Dell PowerEdge R420 Server has 3 memory channels per processor.  There are 6 memory channels total.  Each memory channel can support up to 2 DIMMs per channel.  There are 6 DIMMs per processor and 12 DIMMs total.
   
   
10. How do I identify the start of the memory channel?
    Dell has labeled and color coded to make this process easy.  White is the start of the channel.  You can also look at the motherboard and each slot is labeled.  Memory channels are very important to maximize the performance.
    
    
11. Where can I order memory for my server?
    Order your memory here on this page by finding and selecting the memory package that is right for you or email sales@cloudninjas.com.  Our team of ninjas is here to help.
    
    
12. How soon will my RAM arrive?
    Orders placed before 8 am are set for same day processing and shipping. Delivery times vary based on carrier and location.  We always try to ship same day.  Sometimes this is not possible (generally due to ordered late in day) and will ship out the following day.
    
    
13. What is the warranty on memory for the server?
    Cloud Ninjas offers a one-year warranty on fully tested, refurbished memory.  We appreciate your business!
    
    
14. Is this RAM Dell labeled or Dell branded?
No. The memory shipped from Cloud Ninjas is compatible with your Dell system. However, it will not have a Dell sticker. We ship major brands such as Samsung, Hynix and Micron.