epilectrik
/
spark
1
0
Fork 0
Code Issues Pull Requests Projects Releases Wiki Activity
You can not select more than 25 topics Topics must start with a letter or number, can include dashes ('-') and can be up to 35 characters long.
5 Commits
1 Branch
0 Tags
5.0 MiB
 
Tree: e982ea4962
Branches Tags
${ item.name }
Create tag ${ searchTerm }
Create branch ${ searchTerm }
from 'e982ea4962'
${ noResults }
spark/context/memory-and-storage.md

3.8 KiB
Raw Blame History

id title status source_sections related_topics key_equations key_terms images examples open_questions
memory-and-storage Memory and Storage established Web research: Dell product page, WCCFTech, Phoronix, NVIDIA DGX Spark User Guide, NVIDIA Developer Forums, Storage Review [gb10-superchip ai-workloads skus-and-pricing] [memory-bandwidth storage-throughput] [lpddr5x unified-memory nvme pcie-gen4 m2-2230 m2-2242 sed opal] [] [] [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

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