FB-DIMM Memory: Need for Low Voltage Modules |
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Source : TGdailyAll Mac Pro owners can confirm that when FB-DIMM memories are fully loaded with processes, they rapidly become very hot, despite the huge integrated heat sink and the dedicated air flow designed to cool them down. The problem is mostly linked to the FB-DIMM architecture, each module featuring both memory chips as well as a dedicated CPU to manage exchange between the memory bus and the chips.
Overheating events leading to Kernel panics usually take place when large capacity modules are installed. To avoid such problem, hereafter are some tricks:
- avoid working in a warm environment
- leave some space between the back panel of the Mac Pro and the wall or any surface
- think of cleaning regularly the dust trapped in the air flow system, or on the components located in the Mac Pro.
You can also speed up the FB-DIMM dedicated fan via SMCFanControl 2.1. You will have to find the best compromise between noises and cool down efficiency. Probably the best application to monitor physical parameters inside your Mac Pro is Hardware Monitor (8,33€). One should keep in mind that such overheating events are usually only encountered with machines heavily loaded with processes, PCI Express cards and HDs
With the support of 800MHz FB-DIMM by the future Mac Pro revision, such frequency will not decrease the overheating tendency of such memory modules. Qimonda announced to have supplied its technology partner Supermicro with 2 GB configuration of low voltage 800MHz FB-DIMM for a demonstration at the ongoing Supercomputing Conference 2007 (SC07). Such modules are running at 1.5V instead of 1.8V, saving 20% of power consumption, and subsequently leading to lower heat release. However, one will need to update the chipset firmware in order to deliver only 1.5V to such modules, and one will have to identify if the subsequent lower performance level is worth saving on power consumption and heat release. There is currently no date for availability of such modules.
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