A load-reducing dual inline memory module (LRDIMM) uses buffering technology to increase memory capacity while reducing electrical loads. In contrast, a registered dual inline memory module (RDIMM) uses a register to improve reliability and stability, giving them more bandwidth. When considering LRDIMM vs. RDIMM, the bottom line is that LRDIMMs offer higher capacity while RDIMMs offer more stability and better performance.
What is LRDIMM vs. RDIMM?
LRDIMMs offer better capacity than RDIMMs. They allow you to configure your data center to provide the most memory storage possible. The potential drawback is that they use more energy and can have more latencies than the lower-capacity option, the RDIMM.
RDIMM uses a register to transmit signals. These control the data flow into and out of the storage space and are designed to reduce the distance of and ensure the validity of parallel transmissions. Meanwhile, LRDIMMs use memory buffers to reduce the electrical load of many signals to a single load.
How Do You Tell the Difference Between Them?
RDIMMs use a register and are generally found in locations where more stability is required. Meanwhile, LRDIMMs use buffering technology and are typically used in data centers requiring higher memory capacity. Depending on the situation, RDIMMs can offer half to one-quarter of the capacity of an LRDIMM.
Are LRDIMM and RDIMM Compatible?
All DIMMs installed in a system must be the same type. You cannot mix RDIMMs and LRDIMMs on the same server. You also cannot replace RDIMMs with LRDIMMs.
Why is RDIMM Expensive?
RDIMMs are expensive because their design is complex and includes dedicated registers on the chip, which makes them more expensive to manufacture. They are only common in data centers with high-end servers where the need for scalability and the support of robust storage solutions outweigh the need for lower costs. For example, they are popular in in-house server applications.
What are the Benefits of RDIMM?
RDIMM has several benefits. The register technology helps make the system stable and reliable by reducing the electrical load and the chances of signal issues. It also allows for substantial memory capacities, which is crucial for in-house systems that specialize in memory-intensive solutions, such as visualization or data analysis.
Is RDIMM a Type of RAM?
Yes, RDIMM is a type of RAM. There are many different types of RAM, including DRAM, SIMM, UDIMM, SODIMM, RDIMM, LRDIMM, and NON-ECC, each of which works best with its own type of system.
DIMMs can be based on different types of RAM, especially single-data-rate DRAM, which gives them a consistent frequency throughout a network. Meanwhile, DIMMs based on double-data-rate DRAM accept data at double the rate of the rest of the system.
What is LRDIMM Used for?
LRDIMMs are most commonly used in high-performance computing situations. They are most commonly found in data centers and virtualization servers. Designers choose them when they need to prioritize high memory capacities and high-speed data processing.
What is the Capacity Difference Between UDIMM, RDIMM, and LRDIMM?
UDIMMs offer the lowest memory capacity, and the RDIMM has less than the LRDIMM. Because of technology differences, UDIMMs cannot match the extremely high capacities offered by LRDIMMs.
What is UDIMM?
Unbuffered dual-inline memory modules (UDIMMs) are a very common type of RAM in small-scale memory applications. They consist of small circuit boards with multiple memory chips, and like the others, they connect to the system’s motherboard via a DIMM slot.
Is UDIMM Better than RDIMM?
UDIMM has a limit of 2 DIMMs per memory channel on a system. Both it and RDIMM solutions offer small energy consumption and top performance in terms of stability. However, RDIMMs offer better scalability than UDIMMs and are the best choice if you need to prioritize stability and reliability.
Can You Use RDIMM Instead of UDIMM?
If you design your system to run RDIMMs, you might want to know if you can also use UDIMMs. In previous technology generations, you could interchange UDIMMs and RDIMMs. However, with today’s technology, the pins on RDIMM and UDIMM modules are no longer compatible.
What is the Difference Between RDIMM and SODIMM?
An RDIMM is designed for in-house network servers and larger hardware applications. A small outline dual-inline memory module, or SODIMM, is a smaller DIMM designed primarily for applications using smaller hardware.
Which DIMM is the Fastest?
A double data rate, or DDR-DIMM, is the fastest option. DDR means that it transfers data at twice the speed of a standard memory module. It can also read data at double speed, making it the fastest option for a system that prioritizes speed over anything else.
What Does a Standard DIMM Configuration Look Like?
The configuration of a memory system depends on the number of DIMMs and slots available. Still, the general rule is that the DIMM should go on one of the ends if you have only one slot or be spaced with one empty storage slot between the modules if you have multiple slots.
For example, if you have three slots and two DIMMs, you should put them in the first and third slots, but if you add a fourth slot, you either need to leave that configuration or move it to the second and fourth slots. On the other hand, if you have four slots and one DIMM, you can place it in either the first or fourth slot.
Do You Know Your LRDIMM vs. RDIMM Needs?
LRDIMMs use buffering technology to create extremely high memory capacities, while RDIMMs use register technology to offer better signal reliability and stability. LRDIMMs generally have significantly higher memory capabilities, making them better for in-house solutions that support memory-intensive applications.
Although the difference is hard to notice, LRDIMMs have slightly less reliable and stable performance than RDIMMs. LRDIMMs are preferred in solutions with high memory demands, and RDIMMs are preferred in situations where stability is prioritized over memory capacities.
Choose the Right Memory for Your Application
Equal Optics is a leading provider of premium network solutions. We carry multiple types of OEM-compatible DIMM modules for Cisco, Dell, Lenovo, HPE, and IBM systems. Our team can help you compare LRDIMM vs. RDIMM to determine the right fit for your needs. Contact us today to explore server memory options.
