Old HP ProLiant DL385 (first gen) memory configuration: mix PC2700 with PC3200

[Sven Aelterman]

Hi,

I understand from the specs that the first generation DL385 supports up to 32 GB of RAM, but the 4 GB DIMMs must be PC2700.

I have two of those currently running an ESXi 5 test environment. They have 8x PC3200 2 GB DIMMs. Some of the memory in them has started to fail, and instead of simply replacing it, I would like to upgrade by replacing them with 4 GB DIMMs.

Can I mix the PC2700 4 GB DIMMs with the PC3200 2 GB DIMMs? I understand that all the memory will run at the lower speed.

Also, will I need the redundant fan option if I only have some 4 GB DIMMs? How can I tell if the redundant fan option is already installed?

Thanks.

[TVVJ]

Refer to section “Memory > DIMM Installation Guidelines” in the server QuickSpecs. The first guideline states that all DIMMS must either be PC3200 DDR 400 MHz SDRAM DIMMs or PC2700 DDR 333 MHz SDRAM DIMMs. Hence PC2700 and PC3200 specification DIMMs should not be mixed.

Refer to section "Identifying hot-plug fans" in the server's maintenance and service guide for location of primary and redundant fan location. Ensure that working fans are populated in all primary locations. The guide is lcoatable at the following link:

http://h20565.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/template.BINARYPORTLET/public/kb/docDisplay/resource.process/?spf_p.tpst=kbDocDisplay_ws_BI&spf_p.rid_kbDocDisplay=docDisplayResURL&javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&spf_p.rst_kbDocDisplay=wsrp-resourceState%3DdocId%253Demr_na-c00291791%257CdocLocale%253Den&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken

Regards,

Vijayasarathy 

[TVVJ]

The server’s QuickSpecs are available at the following link:

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12162_div/12162_div.html#Memory

Regards,

Vijayasarathy 

[Sven Aelterman]

Thank you, that's exactly the info I couldn't seem to locate.