Installing additional memory
The computer comes with double data rate 3 synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3-
SDRAM) dual inline memory modules (DIMMs).
DIMMs
The memory sockets on the system board can be populated with up to four industry-standard DIMMs.
These memory sockets are populated with at least one preinstalled DIMM. To achieve the maximum
memory support, you can populate the system board with up to 32-GB of memory configured in a
high-performing dual channel mode.
DDR3-SDRAM DIMMs
For proper system operation, the DDR3-SDRAM DIMMs must be:
●
industry-standard 240-pin
●
unbuffered non-ECC PC3-12800 DDR3-1600 MHz-compliant
●
1.5 volt DDR3-SDRAM DIMMs
The DDR3-SDRAM DIMMs must also:
●
support CAS latency 11 DDR3 1600 MHz (11-11-11 timing)
●
contain the mandatory JEDEC SPD information
In addition, the computer supports:
●
512-Mbit, 1-Gbit, and 2-Gbit non-ECC memory technologies
●
single-sided and double-sided DIMMs
●
DIMMs constructed with x8 and x16 DDR devices; DIMMs constructed with x4 SDRAM are not
supported
NOTE:
The system will not operate properly if you install unsupported DIMMs.
Populating DIMM sockets
There are four DIMM sockets on the system board, with two sockets per channel. The sockets are
labeled DIMM1, DIMM2, DIMM3, and DIMM4. Sockets DIMM1 and DIMM2 operate in memory
channel B. Sockets DIMM3 and DIMM4 operate in memory channel A.
The system will automatically operate in single channel mode, dual channel mode, or flex mode,
depending on how the DIMMs are installed.
NOTE:
Single channel and unbalanced dual channel memory configurations will result in inferior
graphics performance.
●
The system will operate in single channel mode if the DIMM sockets are populated in one
channel only.
●
The system will operate in a higher-performing dual channel mode if the total memory capacity
of the DIMMs in Channel A is equal to the total memory capacity of the DIMMs in Channel B.
The technology and device width can vary between the channels. For example, if Channel A is
populated with two 1-GB DIMMs and Channel B is populated with one 2-GB DIMM, the system
will operate in dual channel mode.
14 Chapter 2 Hardware upgrades
