System Memory Interface (Sodimm) - Intel EP80579 Manual

Appendix A System Memory Interface (SODIMM)
The EP80579, utilizing next-generation dual-processor server chipset technology,
enables reduced power consumption with improved platform reliability and system
manageability compared to previous generation server platforms.
EP80579-based platforms can be designed to support various memory speeds,
including DDR2-400/533/667/800 MT/s. Certain applications, including those
associated with embedded communications market segments, may require smaller
form factor memory module solutions, such as SODIMM designs, to benefit from the
revolutionary features offered by the EP80579, such as PCI Express*1 serial I/O
technology and next generation DDR2 memory technology, which helps increase I/O
bandwidth and reduces system latency for data-intensive applications.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide basic board design guidance to customers who
are interested in enabling SODIMM DDR2-400/533/667/800 MT/s memory for the
EP80579-based platform designs.
The EP80579 has been validated to work with unbuffered DDR2-400/533/667/800
DIMMs. However, the challenges involved with enabling Unbuffered SODIMM DDR2-
400/533/667/800 have not been fully explored. These guidelines address some of the
possible challenges and best known methods for overcoming the potential issues.
These guidelines do not include the software code necessary for BIOS modification.
Although the intention of these guidelines are to cover all aspects relating to
implementing a design with unbuffered SODIMM DDR2- 400/533/667/800 with
EP80579, it does not guarantee that every possibility has been identified.
Note: Usage of any of the simulation models, topology, and guidelines described in this
document should be accompanied with simulations in your own environment to ensure
that your implementation will be successful.
The targeted specification for the unbuffered SODIMM DDR2- 400/533/667/800 with
EP80579 will be based on 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, and 2 GB memory technology.
Unbuffered SODIMM DDR2-400/533/667/800 design on EP80579 has NOT been
validated by Intel and the data provided in these guidelines are the results from
simulation only.
Note: The simulation results and guidelines provided in this document are based on
simulation topologies composed of EP80579 Memory Controller interfacing to
simulation models from SODIMM Memory Modules with Micron devices. To date, there
have been no reported SODIMM issues with Samsung or Micron memory devices.
Customers that report instability with certain SODIMMs have reported that Samsung
and Micron devices are stable. Intel is not specifically recommending either of these
two SODIMM options, just sharing information gathered from customer feedback.
However, customers are reminded to simulate and validate their EP80579-based
platform designs when using SODIMM Modules with other vendor devices.
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Intel EP80579 Integrated Processor Product Line
Platform Design Guide
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Intel EP80579 Integrated Processor Product Line—System Memory Interface (SODIMM)
May 2010
Order Number: 320068-005US