Collection: Dell PowerEdge R820 RAM Memory Upgrades

Dell PowerEdge R820 Memory Configuration Guide

The R820 is a Quad Processor system with 12 DIMM slots per CPU. There are four memory channels per CPU. Each memory channel manages three DIMM slots. This is very important because 3 DIMMs per channel means the R820 is subject to the rank rule.  The rank rule states you can only allow 8 Ranks for DDR3 ECC Registered memory per memory channel.  This means the Dell R820 will only support two Quad Rank or two ECC unbuffered DIMMs per channel.  Since all 32GB DDR3 ECC Reg DIMMs are quad rank, that means you can only install 32 x 32GB RDIMM.  Along with standard RDIMMs and ECC UDIMMs, the PowerEdge R820 also supports Load Reduced DIMMs.  LRDIMMs are a better technology that defeats the rank rule.  Check out our video below to learn more.  The R820 also supports standard 1.5V or low voltage 1.35V. You cannot mix different memory types and you cannot mix voltages. You can mix different speeds.  However mixed speeds will function at the slowest speed installed.  We recommend matching memory kits.  This will help to ensure your memory is running stable.

Cloud Ninjas' Dell PowerEdge R820 Memory Upgrade Tips

• There are a total of 48 DIMM slots on the Dell R820 server utilizing DDR3.
• Sizes supported: 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB ECC Registered (RDIMM); and 2GB, 4GB or 8GB Unbuffered (UDIMMs); and 16GB, 32GB or 64GB Load Reduced (LRDIMM).
• DO NOT MIX DIFFERENT MEMORY TYPES.  LRDIMMs will not work with RDIMMs in the same system.
• 1.35V and 1.5V are supported.  Do not mix different voltages.
• The Dell R820 maxes out at 1TB of ECC Registered memory (32 x 32GB).
• ECC unbuffered tops out at 256GB (32 x 8GB).
• Load Reduced is the big winner and highest possible capacity.  The Dell R820 could get all the way up to 3TB (48 x 64GB) ECC load reduced server memory.
• Note: In order to use 64GB DIMMs, the R820 needs updated BIOS and Intel V2 series processors.
• There are 12 DIMMs per processors.  There are 4 memory channels per processor.  There are 3 DIMMs per memory channel.  Rank rule applies.
• Can install up to two quad-rank (QR) ECC Reg DIMMs per channel.
• Can install up to three dual-rank (DR) or single-rank (SR) DIMMs per channel.
• Note: LRDIMMs are exempt from the rank rule and can use as many ranks per memory channel as needed.  Learn more about the rank rule in our tutorial video.
• 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 LRDIMMs per channel.
• Speed options for the PowerEdge R820 are 1866MHz, 1600MHz, 1333MHz, or 1066MHz depending on the type of memory module.  1866 will clock down to 1600.
• Think Long Term! Purchase the maximum amount that your PowerEdge R820 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 R820 should equal 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 48.
• To properly configure your system, install a minimum of four memory modules first.

Youtube Video Memory RAM instalation Dell PowerEdge R820

Cloud Ninjas' Dell PowerEdge R820 Questions & Answers

1. What sizes can you use for the Dell PowerEdge R820 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R820 Server can be upgraded using 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB RDIMM and 32 GB or 64 GB LRDIMM. For a 3TB upgrade, get your 64GB LRDIMM kit right here.  Note: There is support for ECC UDIMM. Refer to your technical guide for specifics.
   
   
2. What speeds are supported by the Dell PowerEdge R820 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R820 Server can support up to 1333, 1600 MT/s or 1866MT/s in single, dual, and quad rank DIMM based on configuration.  1866 will clock down to 1600 as 1600 is the fastest possible speed.
   
   
3. What types of RAM are accepted by the Dell PowerEdge R820 Server?
   The Dell PowerEdge R820 Server supports ECC UDIMM, RDIMM and LRDIMM.  All are supported but there are some differences regarding max DIMM sizes.
   
   
4. What is ECC Registered Memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R820 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 R820 Server supports unbuffered memory with ECC. Unbuffered memory is memory that has no register between your DRAM and your system’s memory controller.  We do not recommend ECC Unbuffered memory for the R820.  ECC Registered and Load Reduced are far superior options.
   
   
6. What is Load Reduced Memory?
   The Dell PowerEdge R820 Server supports 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 R820 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 R820 Server allows the standard maximum configuration of up to 1TB (32 x 32GB) 1600MT/s with RDIMMs or 3TB (48 x 64GB) 1600MT/s with LRDIMM memory.
   
   
9. How many memory channels per CPU?
   The Dell PowerEdge R820 Server has 12 DIMM per CPU and there are 4 memory channels per processor.  This results in 3 DIMMs per channel. There are 48 DIMM slots in a quad processor system.
   
   
10. How do I identify the start of the memory channel?
    The DIMM slots are color coded and the motherboard labeled by Dell.  This makes it easy and convenient to locate and identify the different memory channels.  The white slot is the first DIMM in the channel, followed by black in the second slot and green in the third slot.  A1, A2, A3 = first channel.  B1, B2, B3 = second channel.  And proceed from there.
    
    
11. Where can I order memory for my server?
    Order your memory at right here on this page by finding and selecting the memory package that is right for you.  If you prefer another method, then please email sales@cloudninjas.com or call our main line.  We are 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.
    
    
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.