QuickSpecs
Compaq AlphaServer GS320
(731 MHz)
DA-10643 North America — Version 8 — July 6, 2001
5
Options
Step 3 −
−−
− Additional SMP CPUs
• AlphaServer GS320 base systems contain one CPU module. Additional SMP CPUs may be added, up to the limits shown in above
table. SMP CPU options include an operating system SMP license.
GS160/320 SMP upgrade CPU, 6/731-MHz with 4-MB on-board cache, Tru64 UNIX
3X-KN8AA-AD
GS160/320 SMP upgrade CPU, 6/731-MHz with 4-MB on-board cache, OpenVMS
3X-KN8AA-AE
Compaq Capacity on Demand (CcoD) CPUs
• AlphaServer GS320 base systems can be configured with optional Compaq Capacity on Demand (CCoD) CPUs for non-disruptive
future capacity expansion. The CPUs will be field installed as part of the system installation. The total number of CPUs – base CPU,
SMP CPUs, and CCoD CPUs – must adhere to the limits shown in the above table. Refer to the Compaq Capacity on Demand
Program described in the “Upgrades” section.
GS160/320 CCoD SMP CPU, includes one 6/731-MHz CPU module with 4-MB on-board
cache, Tru64 UNIX SMP license, and CCoD program license
3X-KN8CA-AD
GS160/320 CCoD SMP CPU, includes one 6/731-MHz CPU module with 4-MB on-board
cache, OpenVMS SMP license, and CCoD program license
3X-KN8CA-AE
Step 4 −
−−
− Select Memory Options
• Memory options are engineered specifically for use with this series and include additional required components that are integral to the
system architecture.
• Memory options consist of a series of base modules that contain one memory array. A second array (called "upgrades" in the table)
may be added to a base module in the factory or in the field.
0.5-GB GS80/160/320 base memory module
3X-MS8AA-AB
0.5-GB GS80/160/320 memory DIMM upgrade
3X-MS8AA-AU
1-GB GS80/160/320 base memory module
3X-MS8AA-BB
1-GB GS80/160/320 memory DIMM upgrade
3X-MS8AA-BU
2-GB GS80/160/320 base memory module
3X-MS8AA-CB
2-GB GS80/160/320 memory DIMM upgrade
3X-MS8AA-CU
4-GB GS80/160/320 base memory module
3X-MS8AA-DB
4-GB GS80/160/320 memory DIMM upgrade
3X-MS8AA-DU
Note: ES40 configurations that require N+1 redundant power are restricted to a maximum
of 24-GB of mixed memory (sixteen 1-GB DIMMs and sixteen 512-MB DIMMs). If
N+1 redundant power is not required, 32-GB of memory is supported.
Memory Configuration Guidelines
Memory options should be selected in the context of the application's sensitivity to memory bandwidth and memory capacity, and the number of hardware
partitions. This will determine the number of memory base modules and upgrades needed. The total capacity required will determine the size of the arrays
to be chosen.
The configuration of memory may influence the performance of applications, and there are numerous ways to configure the choices of memory base
modules and upgrade DIMMs. The following general guidelines can lead to several configuration choices. Application-specific guidelines will help narrow
down the choices.
• Configuring for capacity: The highest capacity is achieved when the 3X-MS8AA-DB/DU combination is used.
• Configuring for performance: Interleaved operations reduce the average latency and increase the memory throughput over non-interleaved operations.
Each memory base module is capable of 4-way interleaving with one array (no upgrades added) or 8-way interleaving with two arrays (base module
plus one upgrade). A QBB configured with eight arrays (four base modules plus four array upgrades) provides 32-way interleaving and has the
maximum potential memory bandwidth. Refer to “Memory Applications Examples” below to determine which applications gain the most benefit from
this bandwidth.
• Memory modules should be configured in powers of 2: that is, 0, 1, 2, or 4 base modules in a QBB. Upgrades should also be installed in powers of 2:
0, 1, 2, or 4 base modules in a QBB.
• Although mixed-capacity memory modules may be configured, the highest bandwidth is achieved when a QBB is populated with eight identical arrays:
four base modules and four upgrades. The next-highest bandwidth would be four base modules (four arrays).
• If it is not possible to match the capacities of all the arrays, the next best choice is to configure pairs of identical base modules, or base
module/upgrade combinations. For example, a configuration of two 2-GB base modules
(3X-MS8AA-CB), each with a 1-GB upgrade (3X-MS8AA-BU), is a better choice than a configuration of three
2-GB modules (3X-MS8AA-CB).
