AC055078 Dell Persistent Memory Module - Optane 200 Series

Dell AC055078 128GB Memory Kit

The Dell AC055078 represents a groundbreaking class of memory technology that bridges the gap between traditional DRAM and storage. Intel Optane Persistent Memory (PMem) combines the performance characteristics of dynamic random-access memory with the persistence capabilities of storage media. This 128GB module operates at memory bus speeds while maintaining data persistence across power cycles, creating new possibilities for enterprise computing architectures and data-intensive applications.

Dell AC055078 Key Specifications

Module Form Factor and Interface

The Dell AC055078 utilizes the standard 288-pin DDR4 DIMM form factor with physical dimensions of 133.35mm x 31.25mm. This industry-standard form factor ensures compatibility with existing server infrastructure while delivering advanced persistent memory capabilities. The module operates at JEDEC-standard 1.2 volts and features the same physical keying as conventional DDR4 memory, though it requires specific BIOS and platform support for full functionality.

Performance Specifications

This persistent memory module delivers 128GB capacity per module with a data transfer rate of 3200 megatransfers per second (MT/s) at CAS latency of CL22. The bandwidth capabilities significantly exceed traditional storage media while providing persistence that conventional DRAM cannot offer. The module's performance characteristics make it ideal for memory-intensive applications that benefit from both high speed and data persistence.

Compatibility and Platform Requirements

Supported Dell Platforms

The Dell AC055078 128GB persistent memory module is specifically validated for Dell EMC VxRail hyper-converged infrastructure systems and compatible Dell PowerEdge servers featuring Intel Xeon Scalable processors of the appropriate generation. These systems must include the necessary firmware and BIOS support for Optane Persistent Memory 200 series operation. Platform compatibility extends to specific Dell chassis and system configurations that have undergone rigorous validation testing.

VxRail Integration and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure Benefits

Optimized for VxRail Environments

The Dell AC055078 is specifically engineered and validated for VxRail hyper-converged infrastructure deployments. This integration ensures optimal performance, reliability, and management within the VxRail ecosystem. The persistent memory modules enhance VxRail's capabilities for virtualized environments, containerized applications, and software-defined storage workloads by providing expanded memory capacity with persistence characteristics.

Performance Acceleration in HCI Workloads

In VxRail environments, this persistent memory technology accelerates various HCI workloads including virtualized databases, in-memory analytics, and high-performance computing applications. The technology reduces latency for storage-intensive operations while providing the memory capacity needed for memory-hungry virtual machines and applications. This results in improved VM density, faster application response times, and enhanced overall system efficiency.

Enterprise Applications and Use Cases

Database and Transaction Processing

The Dell AC055078 persistent memory module delivers significant benefits for database management systems and online transaction processing (OLTP) workloads. By storing database pages in persistent memory, systems can achieve dramatic reductions in transaction commit times and recovery periods after unscheduled downtime. Major database platforms including Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, and SAP HANA have been optimized to leverage persistent memory for improved performance and reliability.

In-Memory Analytics and Big Data

For analytics platforms and big data applications, this persistent memory technology enables larger in-memory datasets, reducing the need to access slower storage media during processing. This capability is particularly valuable for real-time analytics, financial modeling, and scientific computing where large datasets must be processed rapidly. The persistence aspect ensures that critical analytical data remains available immediately after system restart.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

In virtualized environments and private cloud deployments, the Dell AC055078 enhances performance for memory-intensive virtual machines and enables faster VM checkpointing and restoration. The technology improves virtual machine density by providing additional memory capacity while maintaining performance levels. For cloud service providers and enterprise data centers, this translates to improved resource utilization and better total cost of ownership.

Reliability, Availability, and Serviceability Features

Enterprise-Grade Reliability

The Dell AC055078 persistent memory module is engineered for mission-critical environments with extensive reliability features including advanced error correction, failure prediction, and thermal monitoring. The modules undergo rigorous testing and validation to ensure consistent performance in demanding 24/7 operation. Built with enterprise-grade components, these modules deliver the reliability expected from Dell's server-class components.

Implementation

Deployment Considerations

Successful deployment of Dell AC055078 persistent memory modules requires careful planning and configuration. Organizations should assess application compatibility, performance requirements, and data persistence needs before implementation. Proper capacity planning ensures optimal DRAM to PMem ratios for specific workloads, and application software may require updates or configuration changes to fully leverage persistent memory capabilities.

Performance Optimization Techniques

Maximizing the benefits of persistent memory involves several optimization strategies including proper namespace configuration, application memory allocation policies, and workload-specific tuning. For Memory Mode operations, ensuring adequate DRAM for caching is critical, while App Direct Mode requires application-level optimization to leverage persistence effectively. Dell provides comprehensive guidance and tools to assist with performance optimization.

Memory Subsystem Architecture

The Dell AC055078 operates within the server's memory controller subsystem, interfacing directly with the CPU memory channels. The module utilizes 3D XPoint memory media developed by Intel, which provides the unique combination of speed, endurance, and persistence. This architecture enables byte-addressable access similar to DRAM while maintaining non-volatile characteristics traditionally associated with storage devices.

Data Persistence and Protection Mechanisms

Advanced data protection features ensure data integrity across power cycles and unexpected system events. The module includes built-in capabilities for flushing write buffers to persistent media and maintaining data consistency. These mechanisms work in conjunction with platform features such as asynchronous DRAM refresh (ADR) and enhanced power loss protection to safeguard critical data during unexpected power events.

Comparative Analysis with Alternative Technologies

Compared to Traditional DRAM

While traditional DRAM offers lower latency and higher bandwidth for pure memory operations, the Dell AC055078 provides significantly higher capacity per module and data persistence. The cost per gigabyte is substantially lower than DRAM, making it economically attractive for large memory deployments. The persistence feature eliminates the need to write critical data to storage, reducing I/O bottlenecks and improving application performance.

Compared to NVMe Storage

When compared to NVMe solid-state storage, the Dell persistent memory module offers substantially lower access latency and higher throughput for memory-mapped operations. While NVMe storage provides higher capacity at lower cost, it cannot match the performance characteristics of memory bus-attached persistent memory. The two technologies are often deployed complementarily, with each serving different tiers of the memory-storage hierarchy.