Collection: Dell R720 Memory Upgrades

Dell PowerEdge R720 Memory Configuration Guide

The R720 is a Dual Processor system with 12 DIMM slots per CPU. There are four memory channels per CPU. Each memory channel manages three DIMM slots. This means the R720 will only support two Quad Rank or two unbuffered DIMMs per channel. Along with standard RDIMMs and UDIMMs, the R720 also supports Load Reduced LRDIMMs.  The Dell PowerEdge R720 will run on standard (1.5V) or low voltage (1.35V). You cannot mix different memory types and you cannot mix different voltages. Different speeds can be mixed but the modules will function at the slowest speed installed.  We recommend all the memory inside your R720 be matching modules.  We only ship matching kits.  This helps to ensure stability.

Cloud Ninjas' Dell PowerEdge R720 Memory Upgrade Tips

• There are a total of 24 DIMM slots on the Dell R720 server running on DDR3.
• Speeds supported: 1066MT/s, 1333MT/s, 1600MT/s and 1866MT/s.  Please note 1866 will clock down to the true fastest speed 1600MT/s.
• Sizes supported: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB ECC Registered (RDIMM); and 2GB, 4GB or 8GB Unbuffered (UDIMM); and 16GB, 32GB or 64GB Load Reducing (LRDIMM).
• Dell's spec sheet does not show 64GB DDR3 LRDIMMs are supported.  However, 64GB LRDIMMs are in fact compatible with the Dell R720.  Make sure you have Intel V2 processors as well as the latest BIOS.
• Both low voltage (1.35V) (PC3L) and standard voltage (1.5V) (PC3) are supported.  DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT VOLTAGES.
• DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT MEMORY TYPES.
• The R720 maxes out at 512GB of ECC Registered memory (16 x 32GB). Whereas unbuffered tops out at 128GB (16 x 8GB).
• The absolute top of the line RAM would be via load reducing memory. The Dell R720 will max out at 1.5TB via (24 x 64GB) DDR3 PC3L-12800L 1600MT/s Load Reduced Server Memory.
• There are 2 CPUs.  Each CPUs supports 12 DIMMs.  There are 4 memory channels per CPU, meaning there are 3 DIMMs per memory channel.
• 3 DIMMs per memory channel means the Dell R720 is subject to the rank rule.  The rank rule simply states you can only have 8 Ranks per memory channel. 
• Single and dual rank DIMMs need not worry.  You can install 3 per channel.
• However, quad-rank (QR) DIMMs are effected by the rank rule and you can only install two Quad Rank DIMMs per channel. 
• This is the reason you can only install 16 x 32GB DDR3 ECC Registered inside the Dell R720.  All 32GB DDR3 RDIMMs are Quad Rank.  You cannot install 24 quad ranks DIMMs inside the R720.
• Note: LRDIMMs are exempt from the rank rule and can use as many ranks per memory channel as needed.
• Although an LRDIMM is physically a Quad Rank or Eight Rank memory module, logic on the LRDIMM will make it appear as a Dual Rank DIMM to the system, allowing up to three LDRIMMs per memory channel.
• Speed options for the PowerEdge R720 are 1866MHz, 1600MHz, 1333MHz, or 1066MHz depending on the type of memory module.  Note 1866 will clock down to 1600.
• Think Long Term! Purchase the maximum amount that your PowerEdge R720 can hold and avoid wasting time and money on modules you won't be able to use if you upgrade again.
• Buy Dell R720 memory today from Cloud Ninjas!
• The total number of memory modules that you should have in your PowerEdge R720 should equal 4, 8, 12, and 24.
• To properly configure your system, install a minimum of four memory modules first.

Cloud Ninjas' Dell PowerEdge R720 Questions & Answers

1. What sizes can you use for the Dell PowerEdge R720 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720 Server can be upgraded using 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB RDIMM, 4 GB,  8 GB ECC UDIMM, or 32 GB, 64 GB LRDIMM.
   Order your 1.5TB upgrade from Cloud Ninjas today!
   
   
2. What speeds are supported by the Dell PowerEdge R720 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720 Server can support 1066MT/s, 1333MT/s, 1600MT/s, and 1866 MT/s based on DIMM and configuration.  1866 will unfortunately clock down to 1600MT/s
   
   
3. What types of RAM are accepted by the Dell PowerEdge R720 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720 server supports ECC UDIMM, RDIMM and LRDIMM based on configuration.  We recommend RDIMMs for lower sizes such as 4GB 8GB or 16GB and LRDIMMs for 32GBs or 64GBs.  We never recommend ECC UDIMMs.  More expensive and less scalable.
   
   
4. What is ECC Registered Memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720 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 R720 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?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720 Server does support load reduced DIMM (LRDIMM). Load reduced DIMM is designed with a buffer chip (or chips) to replace the register to help minimize loading, the LRDIMM increases server system memory capacity and speed.
   
   
7. Can I mix ECC Reg with ECC unbuffered or Non-ECC memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720 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 R720 Server allows the maximum configuration of up to 768 GB with the use of 12 RDIMM at the size of 32 GB, at the 1866 MTs and two processors. For a 512 GB upgrade, get your 32 GB kit at https://cloudninjas.com/.
   
   
9. How many memory channels per CPU?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720 Server has The Dell PowerEdge R720 Server has 4 memory channels per processor and each channel operates 3 DIMM slots.
   
   
10. How do I identify the start of the memory channel?
    Dell has conveniently color coded and labeled all the DIMM slots.  White is the first DIMM in the memory channel.  Black is the second.  Green is the third.  In our video above, we go over how to utilize the memory channels properly to maximize the performance on your Dell R720. 
    
    
11. Where can I order memory for my server?
    Order your memory right here on this page by finding and selecting the memory kit that is right for you.  Or if you prefer another method, then please email sales@cloudninjas.com.  Our team of ninjas is here to help make your buying experience as easy and smooth as possible.
    
    
12. How soon will my RAM arrive?
    Shipping may take up to eight weeks based on stock availability and shipping location.
    
    
13. What is the warranty on memory for the server?
    Cloud Ninjas offers a one-year warranty on fully tested, refurbished memory.