Abstract; Glossary Of Terms; Introduction - HP Dx5150 - Compaq Business Desktop Configuration Manual

Abstract

By incorporating processors, chipset and integrated graphics from AMD and ATI, the HP Business
Desktop dx5150 delivers the latest technologies at an extremely competitive price.
The ATI RADEON XPRESS 200 chipset built into the dx5150 brings both high-performance
3D graphics and the PCI-Express upgradability to the mainstream PC user. The RADEON XPRESS 200
is the first chipset solution in the market with a DirectX 9.0 graphics core that is a derivative of
RADEON X300.
Because the integrated Radeon Xpress 200 graphics core receives an allocation of DDR main
memory, graphics performance can be tied directly to main memory performance. The graphics
memory allocation is hidden from the operating system and cannot be used for other purposes.
The dx5150 business desktop supports single-channel and dual-channel memory configurations.
Performance tests carried out by HP indicate that a dual-channel memory configuration can lead to
significant performance gains.
This white paper outlines memory configurations issues and describes the constraints and options that
are important for optimizing the memory configuration.

Glossary of Terms

DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module)—a circuit board that holds memory chips
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)—a type of memory for computers
SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM)—a type of DRAM that can run at much higher clock speeds than
conventional memory. SDRAM actually synchronizes itself with the CPU's bus.
DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate Synchronous DRAM)—a type of SDRAM designed to transfer data
twice as fast as standard SDRAM
Double Data Rate SDRAM is an established, high-bandwidth DRAM technology that is cost-effective
and suitable for every PC market segment. AMD Athlon processors are designed to work with
memory that meets the DDR I specification at speed ratings of 266 MHz, 333 MHz, and 400 MHz to
provide the power for computing systems that deliver extraordinary performance.
UMA (Unified Memory Architecture)—a computer design that incorporates a graphics controller into
the basic chipset of the system, such that some of the main memory can be dedicated to the graphics
subsystem

Introduction

The HP Business Desktop dx5150 continues the successful AMD-based business desktop line from HP,
further broadening the range of high-performance desktops available to the customer. The dx5150
incorporates the latest AMD Athlon 64 and Sempron processors, supporting up to 4 Gigabytes (GB)
of dual-channel DDR I PC3200 memory. Paired with the first integrated PCI Express graphics chipset
from ATI for the Athlon 64 line, the RADEON XPRESS 200, it provides a flexible, fast, and reliable
desktop solution for today's business customers.
This document will discuss the key features, controls, and constraints for the memory components of
the HP Business Desktop dx5150:
• Main Memory Configuration
• Memory Speed and Type
• Graphics Memory Allocation (for Integrated Graphics)
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