Oracle^® Server X5-2L Service Manual

Populating DIMMs in Dual-Processor Systems for Optimal System Performance

In dual-processor systems, populate DIMMs into DIMM sockets starting with processor 0 (P0) D0, then, alternating between sockets associated with processor 0 (P0) and matching sockets for processor 1 (P1). Fill the black sockets, then the black sockets with white tabs, and finally, the white sockets, as shown in the following figure. Notice that the order of populating the black DIMM sockets is Ch C first, Ch A second, Ch D third, and Ch B last. Repeat the same population sequence for the black sockets with white tabs, and finally, for the white sockets.

Figure 9  DIMM Population Order for Dual-Processor Systems

The following table describes the proper order in which to install DIMMs in a dual-processor system using the numbered callouts in the above figure, the memory channel labels (Ch A through Ch D), and the DIMM socket labels (D0 through D11).

Table 9  DIMM Population Order for Dual-Processor Systems

Population Order DIMM Sockets for Processor 0 (P0) DIMM Sockets for Processor 1 (P1) Memory Channels Fill the black sockets first Alternate between processor 0... ...and processor 1 First Fill D0 first Then fill D0 Ch C Second Fill D11 first Then fill D11 Ch A Third Fill D3 first Then fill D3 Ch D Fourth Fill D8 first Then fill D8 Ch B Fill the black sockets with white tabs Alternate between processor 0... ...and processor 1 Fifth Fill D1 first Then fill D1 Ch C Sixth Fill D10 first Then fill D10 Ch A Seventh Fill D4 first Then fill D4 Ch D Eighth Fill D7 first Then fill D7 Ch B Fill the white sockets last Alternate between processor 0... ...and processor 1 Ninth Fill D2 first Then fill D2 Ch C Tenth Fill D9 first Then fill D9 Ch A Eleventh Fill D5 first Then fill D5 Ch D Twelfth Fill D6 first Then fill D6 Ch B