HPE NonStop NS7 X3 Memory Upgrade Options & Compatibility
Upgrading memory in an HPE NonStop NS7 X3, or replacing a failed DIMM? HPE documents the NS7 X3 memory rules in detail, and they are quite different from standard server practice. This guide explains the NS7 X3 memory configurations, how an upgrade works, and why compatible RAM for an HPE NonStop (Tandem) system is defined by more than DDR4 and capacity.
HPE NonStop Memory & Storage Upgrade
Special Pricing for HPE NonStop Users
NS7 X3 Memory Facts
HPE NonStop, the platform originally developed by Tandem, gives every NonStop CPU its own memory and its own copy of the operating system. In the NS7 X3, each NonStop CPU is an HPE ProLiant BL460c Gen10 server blade.
Item | NS7 X3 detail | Why it matters |
NonStop CPU | HPE ProLiant BL460c Gen10 server blade | Memory rules are set by HPE for this blade in NonStop use |
Processors | Intel Xeon Gold 6100 series | These processors use DDR4 memory |
Memory per NonStop CPU | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | Three defined configurations |
DIMM size | 32 GB | All three configurations are built from 32 GB DIMMs |
DIMM slots used | Processor 1 slots only | A NonStop-specific layout, not standard server practice |
NonStop CPUs per node | 2 to 16 | Memory is planned CPU by CPU |
Maximum memory per node | 4 TB | Reached with 16 CPUs at 256 GB each |
Memory type | RDIMM or LRDIMM | HPE states the two cannot be mixed in a BL460c Gen10 |
On an NS7 X3, a memory upgrade means moving a NonStop CPU from one defined configuration to the next.
The Three NS7 X3 Memory Configurations
HPE documents three memory configurations for NS7 X3 NonStop CPUs, all using 32 GB DIMMs installed in a defined order:
64 GB per CPU: two 32 GB DIMMs
128 GB per CPU: four 32 GB DIMMs
256 GB per CPU: eight 32 GB DIMMs
HPE's NS7 planning documentation lists NS7 X3 NonStop CPUs with 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB of memory, together with a 64 GB memory kit. Moving from one configuration to the next means adding DIMMs in the slots and order HPE defines, not simply filling empty slots.
Why All DIMMs Sit on Processor 1
The BL460c Gen10 has two processor sockets, and standard server guidance normally balances DIMMs across both processors. For NonStop X3 systems, HPE installed all DIMMs in the slots of processor 1 only.
HPE describes this unbalanced layout as a performance optimization for NonStop. Generic population guides for the BL460c Gen10 are therefore not the right reference for an NS7 X3. Follow HPE's NonStop documentation for the slot order.
NS7 X3 Memory Upgrade Paths
Moving a CPU to the Next Memory Step
A CPU with 64 GB can move to 128 GB, and a CPU with 128 GB can move to 256 GB. The new DIMMs must be the same type as the installed 32 GB modules and go into the slots HPE defines for the target configuration.
Adding CPU Blades to the Node
An NS7 X3 node scales up to 16 NonStop CPUs. Each added CPU blade brings its own memory, so total memory and compute capacity grow together. This also involves licensing and planning with your NonStop support team.
Replacing a Failed 32 GB DIMM
After a memory error, the safest replacement is a 32 GB DIMM with the same HPE part number as the failed module, installed in the same slot.
Moving to the NS8 X4
When 256 GB per CPU is not enough, or you want newer hardware, the HPE NonStop NS8 X4 is HPE's next high-end generation. HPE also supports mixed NonStop X Cluster Solution (NSXCS) clusters of NS7 and NS8 systems.
NS7 X1, X2, X3 and NS3 X3 Memory Are Not Interchangeable
Memory from other NonStop X systems is a common source of wrong orders. Keep these differences in mind:
System | NonStop CPU hardware | Memory per CPU | Key difference |
NS7 X1 | BL460c Gen8 blade | 64 GB to 192 GB | Gen8 blades use DDR3, which HPE states is not compatible with Gen10 |
NS7 X2 | BL460c Gen9 blade | 64 GB to 192 GB | Different blade generation and processor family |
NS7 X3 | BL460c Gen10 blade | 64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB | 32 GB DIMMs, processor 1 slots only |
NS3 X3 | BL460c Gen10 blade | 32 GB or 64 GB | 16 GB DIMMs, which HPE states are not interchangeable with NS7 X3 DIMMs |
Even two X3 systems built on the same blade generation use different DIMMs, so the HPE part number is always the deciding factor.
Speed, Type and Part Numbers
On the BL460c Gen10, HPE states that memory runs at 2666, 2400 or 2133 MT/s, depending on the processor and memory configuration. HPE also requires HPE SmartMemory for the full memory performance and functionality of Gen10 servers.
For an NS7 X3, the practical rule is simple: match the installed DIMM's HPE part number. That covers type (RDIMM or LRDIMM), rank, speed and capacity in one step.
Memory and NonStop Dynamic Capacity
The NS7 X3 is licensed with 2, 4 or 6 cores per NonStop CPU. HPE offers NonStop Dynamic Capacity (NSDC) on NS7 systems, which temporarily enables two more cores per CPU. NSDC does not add memory, and HPE recommends considering a larger memory size per NonStop CPU for memory-intensive applications that use more cores.
Before Ordering NS7 X3 Memory
System model and generation: HPE NonStop NS7 X3
NonStop OS RVU
Current and target memory per NonStop CPU (64 GB, 128 GB or 256 GB)
Which CPUs will change
HPE part number and a photo of the label from an installed DIMM
For a failed DIMM: the slot location and the error reported by the system
Quantity needed
Compatible NS7 X3 Memory from server-parts.eu
server-parts.eu can help identify compatible HPE NonStop / Tandem RAM for NS7 X3 replacements and upgrades, based on your existing configuration and DIMM part numbers. Send us the details above and we will check the match before we quote.
For drives and storage, read our guide to HPE NonStop NS7 X3 SSD upgrade options and compatibility. For all other components, see our HPE NonStop NS7 X3 upgrade parts overview.
FAQ: HPE NonStop NS7 X3 Memory
Can HPE NonStop NS7 X3 memory be upgraded?
Yes. NS7 X3 NonStop CPUs can move from 64 GB to 128 GB or 256 GB, following HPE's defined DIMM configuration. Total memory also grows when you add NonStop CPUs.
What RAM is compatible with the NS7 X3?
32 GB DDR4 DIMMs of the type HPE specifies for NS7 X3 NonStop CPUs. Compatibility depends on the exact system configuration and should be checked by HPE part number before ordering.
What is the maximum supported memory in an NS7 X3?
256 GB per NonStop CPU and up to 4 TB per node with 16 NonStop CPUs.
Can different DIMM sizes be mixed?
No. HPE builds all three NS7 X3 memory configurations from 32 GB DIMMs, so mixing in other sizes does not match HPE's configuration.
Why are all DIMMs installed on processor 1?
HPE uses this unbalanced layout on NonStop X3 blades as a performance optimization for NonStop. Follow HPE's slot order when adding or replacing DIMMs.
Can NS7 X2 or NS3 X3 memory be used in an NS7 X3?
Not without checking. The NS7 X2 uses a different blade generation, and HPE states that NS3 X3 and NS7 X3 DIMMs are not interchangeable. Compare HPE part numbers before reusing memory.
Does NonStop Dynamic Capacity increase memory?
No. NSDC temporarily adds cores per NonStop CPU. Memory stays the same, so memory-intensive applications may need more RAM per CPU.
Are refurbished HPE NonStop NS7 X3 memory modules available?
Yes. server-parts.eu supplies refurbished and tested HPE NonStop memory, depending on stock. Each module is matched to your HPE part number and current configuration before we quote.
How do I identify the correct memory module?
Read the HPE part number from the label on an installed DIMM and send a photo. With the model, RVU and current memory per CPU, server-parts.eu can check the correct replacement or upgrade module.
HPE NonStop Memory & Storage Upgrade
Special Pricing for HPE NonStop Users
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