What is DRAM? DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is a type of RAM (Random Access Memory) used as the main memory in various computing devices, including desktop and notebook computers, servers, and high-end workstations. It is the most commonly used semiconductor memory in current generation computers, offering several significant advantages such as structural simplicity, high packing densities, low power consumption, and fast data read/write speeds. Types of DRAM There are several types of DRAM available for deployment on different computing platforms, including home/personal computers, portable computers, and network servers. These types of memory have undergone innovative technological developments and offer high price/performance ratios. DRAM for Servers Two types of DRAM are commonly used in current generation servers: registered memory and fully-buffered (FB) memory. Both of these memory types are available as DIMMs (Dual Inline Memory Modules). Registered DIMMs (RDIMMs) RDIMMs are designed with an additional hardware register between the DRAM module and the system's memory controller. This provides several advantages for the system, including lower electrical load on the memory controller and sustained stability even with an increase in the number of installed memory modules. As a result, RDIMMs are often the preferred choice for deployment in server-class computing systems. Fully-Buffered DIMMs (FB-DIMMs) FB-DIMMs are designed for systems that require higher memory densities with limited board space. Unlike normal DRAM, which uses parallel data transfer, FB-DIMMs transfer data in a serial format using an additional buffer called an Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB). The AMB acts as an intermediary and handles all data reads/writes for the memory modules, reducing any overhead on the memory controller and ensuring reliable performance. This makes FB-DIMMs a reliable alternative for deployment in server-grade machines.
