Dell PowerEdge R720xd Memory Upgrades

Dell PowerEdge R720xd Memory Configuration Guide

The R720xd is a Dual Processor system with 12 DIMM slots per CPU. There are four memory channels per CPU. Each memory channel supports three DIMM slots. This means the R720xd is subject to the rank rule and will only support two quad rank registered DIMMs or two unbuffered DIMMs per memory channel.  This is very important because all 32GB DDR3 RDIMMs are quad rank.  Along with standard RDIMMs and ECC UDIMMs, the R720xd is also compatible with Load Reduced DIMMs.  You can use both regular voltage 1.5V or low voltage 1.35V with the R720xd server. You cannot mix different memory types or different voltages. Different speeds can be mixed, but please take note all the modules will function at the slowest speed installed.  We do not recommend mixing modules.  We only ship matching kits to ensure full stability from a memory stand point.

Cloud Ninjas' Dell PowerEdge R720xd Memory Upgrade Tips

• There are a total of 24 DIMM slots on the Dell R720xd server.
• Sizes supported: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB ECC Registered (RDIMM); and 2GB, 4GB or 8GB Unbuffered (UDIMMs); and 32GB or 64GB Load Reducing (LRDIMM).
• DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT MEMORY TYPES.
• 1.5V (PC3) and 1.35V (PC3L) are supported.  However, you cannot mix together.
• The R720 maxes out at 512GB of ECC Registered memory (16 x 32GB). Whereas unbuffered tops out at 128GB (16 x 8GB).
• The true max capacity for the Dell R720xd is with load reduced memory. The Dell R720xd will max out at 1536GB (1.5TB) via 24 x 64GB DDR3 1600 Load Reduced Server Memory.
• Why can you only install 16 x 32GB RDIMM and not 24 x 32GB RDIMM?  This is because of the rank rule.  Since there are 3 DIMMs per memory channel, you can only install 2 x 32GB DDR3 ECC Registered per channel which is 16 DIMMs total. 
• 32GB DDR3 ECC Registered RDIMMs are all Quad Rank.
• 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 channel.
• Speed options for the PowerEdge R720xd are 1866MHz, 1600MHz, 1333MHz, or 1066MHz depending on the type of memory module.  1866 will clock down to 1600MHz.
• Think Long Term! Purchase the maximum amount that your PowerEdge R720xd 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 R720xd should equal 4, 8, 12, and 24.
• To properly configure your system, install a minimum of four memory modules first.

R720xd Memory Upgrade Video

Cloud Ninjas' Dell PowerEdge R720 Questions & Answers

1. What sizes can you use for the Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server can be upgraded using 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB and 32 GB RDIMM, 4 GB UDIMM, or 32 GB LRDIMM.
   Get your 1.5TB memory upgrade from Cloud Ninjas today!
   
   
2. What speeds are supported by the Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server can support 1066MT/s, 1333MT/s, 1600MT/s, and 1866 MT/s based on DIMM and configuration.  1600MT/s is the fastest and higher speeds will clock back down to 1600.
   
   
3. What types of RAM are accepted by the Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server supports ECC UDIMM, RDIMM and LRDIMM based on configuration.  We recommend RDIMMs for smaller DIMMs like 4GB, 8GB or 16GB memory modules.  However, we recommend LRDIMMs for 32GBs or 64GBs.  ECC UDIMMs are not advisable for the R720xd. They are more expensive and less scalable.  RDIMMs and LRDIMMs are better options than ECC UDIMMs.  
   
   
4. What is ECC Registered Memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720xd 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 ECC Unbuffered Memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720xd 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 R720xd 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 R720xd 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 R720xd Server allows the maximum configuration of up to 512GB with the use of 12 RDIMM at the size of 32 GB, at the 1600 MTs.  LRDIMMs will max out at 1.5TB via 12 x 64GB DDR3.  
   
   
9. How many memory channels per CPU?
   The Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server has The Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server has 4 memory channels per processor and each channel can accept 3 DIMMs.
   
   
10. How do I identify the start of the memory channel?
    Thank you Dell.  They have made identifying the memory channel easy.  All the tabs are color coded and the motherboard is labeled.  White is the first DIMM slot in the memory channel, followed by black (2nd) and then green (3rd).  In our video above, we discuss how to properly install and configure your memory to maximize the performance.
    
    
11. Where can I order memory for my server?
    Order your memory right here on this page by finding and selecting the memory package that is right for you.  If you prefer another method, then kindly email us at sales@cloudninjas.com.  We are here to make your buying experience as easy 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.
    
    
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.