xFusion FusionServer Series with Intel® Optane™ DC Persistent Memory Module Support

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

This article provides information about the persistent memory support on xFusion 2488H V5.

Disclaimer: The partner solution referenced in this article is a solution that is developed and supported by the partner. For more information, Refer to Technical Support - xFusion Digital Technologies Co.Ltd.

Environment

VMware vSphere 6.5.x
VMware vSphere 6.7.x

Resolution

Here is a summary of server architecture, persistent memory components, and support information.

Server Architecture:
2488H V5 (2U 4-Socket Rack Server)
Persistent Memory Components

Persistent Memory Modules

Persistent Memory Type	Module Description
Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory	128GB Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory
	256GB Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory
	512GB Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory

Configuration Maximums

Server Model	Supported CPU Series	Certified Maximum Capacity in App-Direct Mode (TB)	Certified Maximum Capacity in Memory Mode (TB)
2488H V5	Intel Xeon Platinum 8200 (Cascade Lake-SP) Series Intel Xeon Gold 6200/5200 (Cascade Lake-SP) Series	6	6

Note: 

• All servers that support Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory supports the following NVDIMM Platform Capabilities:

• Memory Controller Flush to NVDIMM Durability on Power Loss Capable.

 

• The ACPI Specification 6.2 defines in section 5.2.20.4 the NVDIMM Platform Capabilities:  

1. CPU Cache Flush to NVDIMM Durability on Power Loss Capable
2. Memory Controller Flush to NVDIMM Durability on Power Loss Capable.
3. Byte Addressable Persistent Memory Hardware Mirroring Capable.

• The certified maximum persistent memory capacity is based on installed memory capacity.  There is a small difference between installed persistent memory capacity and amount available to ESXi because the system reserves some memory for internal use.

• App-Direct Mode is supported in vSphere 6.7 U2 + Express Patch 10(ESXi670-201906002) or later. 

• Memory Mode is supported in the below product versions:

  • vSphere 6.5 U3 or later.
  • vSphere 6.7 U2 + Express Path 10(ESXi670-201906002) or later.
  • Earlier 6.7 releases are not supported.
    
     

Additional Configuration Details:

Support Information:

Intel® Optane™ DC Persistent Memory “Memory Mode” Production Deployment Advisory-

Customers interested in using Intel’s Optane DC Persistent Memory in “Memory” mode on the above-certified OEM servers must contact VMware to file an intent for production deployment request. At present, any production deployment requires explicit approval from VMware for support. VMware will continue to work with its customers and ecosystem to adjust the criteria for production deployments. For more information, customers should contact VMware representative.
 

Troubleshooting and Best Practices:

When the DCPMM operating in the AD mode is replaced or added, the iBMC reports the 0x170E alarm.
 

Possible Causes:

The newly installed DCPMM operates in the MM mode by default, while the operating mode of the existing DCPMMs or DCPMM replaced operates in the AD mode. The system detects the difference in operating modes and reports the 0x170E alarm.

Handling Procedure:

Symptom

1. Set the operating mode of the newly installed DCPMM to the AD mode.

2. Restart the server.

a. Configure the App Direct mode (interleaving mode): Restart the server twice to clear the alarm. The first restart is performed to make the configuration take effect, and the second restart is performed to clear the alarm.

b. Configure the App Direct Not Interleaved mode (non-interleaved mode): Restart the server to clear the alarm.

For more information on xFusion persistent memory support, refer xFusion Digital Technologies Co.,Ltd.-FusionServer DCPMM User Guide.