What is DIMM? Difference between DIMM and RAM? what are different type of DIMM?
Anjali Yadav
System Validation Lead at Intel Corporation | Ex-Cisco | Ex-Seagate | Ex-LSI
(DIMM)Dual In-line Memory is a memory module interface more commonly known as name of the memory chips on the module called RAM. It is designed to provide a fast and efficient way to store and access data for the processor rather than accessing the data off of the SSD or hard drive.
?For CPUs, DRAM, or dynamic random-access memory are the chips that are placed on the DIMM stick. Since each DRAM chip has a capacity of memory, it is precisely the reason capacity is referred to as “X GBs of RAM.” With DRAM, the stored information is lost quickly even if the operating voltage is maintained, hence the name "dynamic".?
?RAM serve as a pool of volatile memory for the CPU to access frequently during operation of a task. Running workloads and applications will load data and instructions from the storage drives to the DIMMs. The more RAM capacity a computer has, the more data and applications it can hold in its memory simultaneously for better multitasking capabilities and smoother overall performance. Insufficient RAM can cause bottlenecked performance issues, such as slow response times, lagging, and freezing, especially when running memory-intensive applications or handling large datasets.
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The classic colloquial RAM sticks found in consumer devices are formally known as Unbuffered DIMMs, UDIMMs or LRDIMM's
?RDIMM(Registered DIMM):
?An RDIMM takes care of the address lines. It has two register chips built into the bar. This register has the task of constantly selecting the correct memory locations for the requested data. Usually, this task is the responsibility of the chipset of the mainboard. The aim of this technique is to reduce the (electrical) load on the chipset and and to hand over the selection of the exact memory locations to the RAM itself. This avoids possible errors during data transfer. For servers, increased error and failure safety is important, which is why RDIMMs with ECC are often used.
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LRDIMM(Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Modules):
Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Modules are used for stable server systems with large memory capacities. LRDIMMs are to replace the conventional RDIMMS in the future. Compared to RDIMMs, LRDIMM memory technology allows significantly more memory capacity in the server. The central component of the LRDIMMs is an isolation memory buffer (iMB), which functions like a conventional registered DIMM memory.
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Why LRDIMM called Load reduced DIMM?
?The iMB is responsible for the address lines, the control signals and the actual data lines from the northbridge of the server system. Due to this technology, an LRDIMM places much less load on the server than an RDIMM. In addition, an LRDIMM also uses ECC technology.?
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UDIMM(Unbuffered DIMM's):
In UDIMM (Unbuffered Dual Inline Memory Module), no data is buffered, but goes directly to the chipset (without cache). Nowadays, the RAM modules in ordinary PCs are mostly NON ECC UDIMMs.?
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In terms of price, however, the advantage of an RDIMM over a UDIMM is offset: An RDIMM module costs many times more than a normal UDIMM module. For home use, therefore, UDIMM is definitely sufficient. Although UDIMM and RDIMM have the same memory slots, they cannot be used simultaneously because these two technologies are mutually exclusive.?
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Differences between UDIMM, RDIMM, LRDIMM(Top view cheat sheet)
What is the difference between ECC and NON-ECC??
In addition to "normal" DDR RAM, which can double the data speed on the data bus (the connection between the processor and the main memory), there is also ECC RAM. ECC stands for "Error Correcting Code". Such RAM has an additional chip that can independently detect and correct DataBit errors during operation without causing a crash or loss of data. This type of RAM is used almost exclusively in servers and professional workstations.?
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The difference is not only limited to the software, but also to the pin assignment. This differs slightly from that of conventional RAM, but this is recognised by suitable mainboards. ECC memories, unlike NON ECC memories (also called memory without parity), always have an additional chip per 8 memory modules for error detection. This means that while a NON ECC memory always has a number of 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 chips, an ECC module is always recognised by its 9, 18 or 36 modules.
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One more DIMM type we use for laptop's/notebook systems:
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SODIMM:?Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules are memory modules that are mainly used in laptop and notebook systems or mini ITX mainboards because they have a more compact design than the "usual" DIMMs. They are usually built on a circuit board measuring approx. 68 mm x 30 mm. SODIMMs are also available with ECC and ECC-registered technology.?
SoC/IP Validation | System Validation | Pre-Si and Post-Si Expert | Emulation | Artificial Intelligence | Machine Learning | Technical Product Lead
2 个月Very informative