---
id: memory-and-storage
title: "Memory and Storage"
status: established
source_sections: "Web research: Dell product page, WCCFTech, Phoronix, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide, NVIDIA Developer Forums, Storage Review"
related_topics: [gb10-superchip, ai-workloads, skus-and-pricing]
key_equations: [memory-bandwidth, storage-throughput]
key_terms: [lpddr5x, unified-memory, nvme, pcie-gen4, m2-2230, m2-2242, sed, opal]
images: []
examples: []
open_questions:
  - "Exact sequential and random IOPS for the included NVMe drives"
  - "Which specific SSD model/brand is used in Dell vs. DGX Spark units"
---

# Memory and Storage

The Dell Pro Max GB10 features a unified memory architecture and NVMe solid-state storage.

## 1. System Memory

- **Capacity:** 128 GB LPDDR5X (T0 Spec)
- **Speed:** Up to 8,533 MHz / 9,400 MT/s (T0 Spec)
- **Bandwidth:** 273 GB/s (T0 Spec)
- **Interface:** 256-bit, 16 channels LPDDR5X (T0 Spec, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide)
- **Architecture:** Unified coherent memory shared between CPU and GPU via [[gb10-superchip|NVLink-C2C]]

### Unified Memory Model

Unlike traditional desktop systems with separate system RAM and GPU VRAM, the GB10's memory is a **single shared pool**. Both the Grace CPU and Blackwell GPU access the same 128 GB with full cache coherence. This means:

- No PCIe transfer bottleneck between CPU and GPU memory
- AI models up to ~200B parameters can fit in memory (with quantization)
- Frameworks see the full 128 GB as available device memory

The LPDDR5X is soldered to the SoC package and is **not user-upgradeable**.

## 2. Storage

- **Interface:** PCIe Gen 4 NVMe, up to 64 GT/s (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)
- **Form factors supported:** M.2 2230 **and** M.2 2242 (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)
- **User-replaceable:** Yes — the SSD is a **Field Replaceable Unit (FRU)** (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)

### Available Drive Configurations (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)

| Form Factor | Type | Interface           | Capacity   | Encryption          |
|-------------|------|---------------------|------------|---------------------|
| M.2 2230    | TLC  | PCIe Gen4 NVMe      | 1 TB       | No                  |
| M.2 2230    | QLC  | PCIe Gen4 NVMe      | 2 TB       | No                  |
| M.2 2242    | TLC  | PCIe Gen4 NVMe      | 1 TB, 4 TB | Opal 2.0 SED       |

**CORRECTION:** Earlier research (NVIDIA Developer Forums) indicated PCIe Gen5 and 2242-only. The Dell Owner's Manual (Rev A01, Dec 2025) is authoritative: the interface is **PCIe Gen4** and **both 2230 and 2242** form factors are supported.

### SSD Replacement Procedure (T0 Spec, Dell Owner's Manual)

**Tools required:** Phillips screwdriver #0, T5 or T8 Torx screwdriver

1. Shut down and disconnect power
2. Place computer top-side down on flat surface
3. Pry and lift the **rubber base plate** (magnetically attached, pry from left/right gaps)
4. Remove **4x M2x4.4 Torx screws** from the bottom cover
5. Use a plastic scribe to pry bottom cover, then gently flip it open
   - **CAUTION:** Do not tension the antenna cables when handling the cover
6. Peel thermal pad from bottom cover (may be adhered to cover or SSD top)
7. Remove **1x M2x2 screw** securing the SSD to the system board
8. Slide and lift the SSD from its connector
9. Peel thermal pads from top and bottom of SSD

**Installation** is the reverse. Adhere bottom thermal pad → top thermal pad → insert at angle → screw → close cover → 4 Torx screws → rubber base plate.

### Screw Summary

| Component     | Screw Type | Quantity |
|---------------|------------|----------|
| Bottom cover  | M2x4.4 Torx | 4      |
| SSD           | M2x2       | 1        |

Storage configurations map to SKU pricing — see [[skus-and-pricing]].

## Key Relationships

- Accessed by: [[gb10-superchip]]
- Determines model capacity: [[ai-workloads]]
- SKU differentiation: [[skus-and-pricing]]