Server Memory

There are two main types of memory: unbuffered and buffered. The biggest difference between the two is that buffered memory includes a layer of processing power to keep things running smoothly. There are pros and cons to each option, so let’s take a closer look at each one.

The key advantage of buffered memory is a processing chip that receives information directly from the computer. This buffer chip then sends out the information to be processed by the other chips on the memory stick, allowing the computer to send information to one target instead of several chips on the RAM.

With unbuffered memory, the computer communicates directly with the individual memory banks, so the CPU sends the information to each chip on the stick of RAM. While this allows the system to be more expandable and flexible, it also requires more processing power.

Different Types of Buffered Memory

Registered Memory has an extra chip that acts as a middleman in the communication between the computer and the memory module chips. Each stick of RAM has a number of chips, which, when communicating directly with the computer, requires more signals. The buffer chip reduces the number of signals sent by the computer.

Fully Buffered Memory is essentially an older version of registered memory. You won’t find fully buffered DIMMs (FB-DIMMs) in DDR3.

Load Reduced Memory is a newer version of buffered memory. The advantage of load reduced memory is that it solves rank issues that may prevent all DIMM slots from being filled with quad-rank memory modules.

What is ECC Memory?

ECC stands for Error Checking and Correction memory. ECC memory is essential for higher-performing enterprise-level environments. ECC works by identifying bits of information that are lost in translation and back-filling them to ensure stable storage.

ECC memory is more stable and reliable than standard RAM, offering a much lower rate of failure compared to standard memory.

However, there are some disadvantages. ECC RAM is slightly slower than non-ECC RAM due to its role in checking and correcting all the data passing through it.

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