What is SDRAM?

SDRAM was developed in 1988 in response to increased speeds of other computer components. The "synchronous" in its name is a
clue — SDRAM modules are designed to automatically synchronize with the timing of the central processing unit (CPU).
Just like a clock, the memory controller knows the exact cycle when the requested data will be ready, meaning the CPU doesn't
have to wait between memory accesses. SDRAM can only read/write one time per clock cycle.
What is DDR?
DDR, short for double data rate, was introduced in 2000 as the next generation following SDRAM. DDR transfers data to the processor
on both the downbeat and upbeat of the clock signal, so twice per cycle. Using both beats to transfer data makes DDR memory
significantly faster than SDR memory, which uses only one edge of the clock signal to transfer data.
The process of the DDR transferring two bits of data from the memory array to the internal input/output buffer is called 2-bit prefetch.
DDR transfer rates are usually between 266 and 400MT/s. Bear in mind that double data rate is different from dual-channel memory.
Over time, DDR technology has evolved to handle improvements to other components and has enhanced overall computer
performance. We'll now explore and compare each generation of DDRAM.
SDRAM DDR
Prefetch 1 - Bit 2 - Bit
Data Rate (MT/s) 100 - 166 266 - 400
Transfer Rate (GB/s) 0.8 - 1.3 2.1 - 3.2
Voltage (V) 3.3 2.5 - 2.6
DDR vs. DDR2
DDR2 was introduced in 2003 and operates twice as fast as DDR due to an improved bus signal. DDR2 uses the same internal clock
speed as DDR, however, the transfer rates are faster due to the enhanced input/output bus signal. DDR2 has a 4-bit prefetch, which is
twice that of DDR. DDR2 can also reach data rates of 533 to 800MT/s.
DDR2 memory can be installed in pairs to run in "dual channel mode," which can increase memory throughput even more.
DDR DDR2
Prefetch 2 - Bit 4 - Bit
Data Rate (MT/s) 266 - 400 533 - 800
Transfer Rate (GB/s) 2.1 - 3.2 4.2 - 6.4
Voltage (V) 2.5 - 2.6 1.8
DDR2 vs. DDR3
In 2007 DDR3 technology was introduced with not only 2x the bandwidth and transfer rates of DDR2, but a significant reduction in
power consumption – roughly 40% compared to DDR2. . This reduction from 1.8 to 1.5V meant lower operating currents and
voltages, which was fantastic news for battery operated devices.. DDR3 transfer rates are between 800 and 1600MT/s.
All these improvements meant higher bandwidth and performance with less power consumption, making DDR3 a great memory
option for laptops.
DDR2 DDR3
Prefetch 4 - Bit 8 - Bit
Data Rate (MT/s) 533 - 800 1066 - 1600
Transfer Rate (GB/s) 4.2 - 6.4 8.5 - 14.9
Voltage (V) 1.8 1.35 - 1.5

DDR3 vs DDR4
Seven years after the release of DDR3, DDR4 became available. The DDR4 has lower operating voltage with 1.2 V, and has higher
transfer rates than previous generations, processing four data rates per cycle. This means DDR4 consumes less power and is faster
and more efficient than DDR3. This newer generation also introduced bank groups to avoid having a prefetch of 16, which isn’t
desirable. With bank groups, each group can execute 8-bits of data independently from the other, so DDR4 can process multiple
data requests within a clock cycle.
DDR4 transfer rates are continually rising, as DDR4 modules can reach speeds of 5100MT/s and even higher when overclocked.
Crucial Ballistix MAX modules broke numerous overclocking world records in 2020.
DDR3 DDR4
Prefetch 8 - Bit Bit per Bank
Data Rate (MT/s) 1066 - 1600 2133 - 5100
Transfer Rate (GB/s) 8.5 - 14.9 17 - 25.6
Voltage (V) 1.35 - 1.5 1.2
DDR4 vs DDR5
DDR5 was introduced in 2021, and is the most recent generation of memory technology, marking a revolutionary jump in
architecture. It’s arguably the biggest jump in memory technology we’ve seen since SDRAM.
DDR5 brings better channel efficiency, improved power management, and optimized performance - enabling next-generation multi-
core computing systems. DDR5 launch speeds deliver nearly double the bandwidth of DDR4. It also allows scaling memory
performance without degrading channel efficiency at higher rates. These results aren’t just during testing but under real-world
conditions.
DDR5 memory standard is a denser memory stick and equates to more memory capacity in your system. In comparison, the DDR4
stopped at 16-gigabit memory chips, but DDR5 offers up to 64-gigabit memory chips. Crucial DDR5 memory will operate at 4800MT/s
at launch, 1.5x the maximum standard DDR4 speed.
DDR4 DDR5
Prefetch Bit per Bank 16 - Bit
Data Rate (MT/s) 2133 - 5100 3200 - 6400
Transfer Rate (GB/s) 17 - 25.6 38.4 - 51.2
Voltage (V) 1.2 1.1
Comparing RAMs in numbers
DRAM DDR DDR2 DDR3 DDR4 DDR5
Prefetch 1 – Bit 2 - Bit 4 - Bit 8 - Bit Bit per Bank 16 - Bit
Data Rate (MT/s) 100 - 166 266 - 400 533 - 800 1066 - 1600 2133 - 5100 3200 - 6400
Transfer Rate (GB/s) 0.8 - 1.3 2.1 - 3.2 4.2 - 6.4 8.5 - 14.9 17 - 25.6 38.4 - 51.2
Voltage (V) 3.3 2.5 - 2.6 1.8 1.35 - 1.5 1.2 1.1
Memory is not compatible across all motherboards
Generally speaking, motherboards are built to support only one type of memory. So, you can't mix and match SDRAM, DDR, DDR2,
DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5 memory on the same motherboard, as they won't function. They may not even fit in the same sockets.
RAM systems are industry-wide standardized, so you need to know the electrical parameters and physical shape of the memory
hardware installed in your computer. Because the electrical parameters are different for each generation of memory, the physical
form of the memory changes to prevent the wrong memory from being installed in a computer. For example, choosing between
SDRAM vs DDR5 isn't possible as motherboards can only use a particular memory specification. Some forms of memory are cross-
compatible, but your system will only work with the appropriate RAM.
To figure out the right kind of memory for your computer, use the Crucial® Advisor™ tool or the System Scanner tool. These will tell you
which memory modules are compatible with your computer, along with options for your speed requirements and budget.
Different types of RAM explained
Random access memory (RAM) comes in different generations, shapes, sizes and speeds.

Understanding the differences between the different types is essential when you want to upgrade a computer or build a new one. If
you get the wrong RAM, your system may not work.
SRAM vs DRAM vs ECC
What is SRAM?
Static random access memory (SRAM) stores data using a six-transistor memory cell. SRAM is frequently used as cache memory for
the central processing unit (CPU) and is not typically replaceable by users.
What is DRAM?
Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) stores data using a transistor and capacitor pair, which make up a single DRAM cell. Most
user-replaceable memory modules are DRAM.

DRAM is less expensive to produce but is slightly slower than SRAM. That’s why it’s mainly used for short-term data storage.
What is ECC?
Error-correcting code (ECC) is a type of DRAM with an additional cell to detect and correct random faults. ECC memory is user
replaceable. This is normally found in workstations and servers and can be a type of server RAM.
When adding new memory, it's essential that you make sure it’s compatible with your system and other computer hardware, and
also understand the differences between ECC and non-ECC memory.
Data rates: SDRAM and DDR explained
What is SDRAM?
Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) was developed in response to increased speeds in other computer
components. SDRAM is a form of DRAM where the operation of the external interface is synchronised by an clock signal, hence the
name.

Previously, memory had to be asynchronous, meaning it operated independently of the processor. Synchronous memory
synchronizes the memory module's responses with the system bus.
What is DDR?
As the speed of computer components have increased, memory speeds also improved. Double data rate (DDR) memory was
introduced to consumers in 2000, prompting the previous technology to become known as single data rate (SDR).

DDR memory transfers data to the processor on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal. This makes double data rate
memory significantly faster – and more energy-efficient – than single data-rate memory, which uses only one edge of the clock signal
to transfer data. Since DDR is faster and uses less energy than SDR, it quickly became the new standard for memory innovation.

It's also worth pointing out that double data rate memory differs from dual-channel memory.
DDR generations
Each successive generation of DDR memory is faster and uses less energy than the one before it.

Today, most computers can get by using DDR3, while most high-end gaming and data-intensive creative content computers now
use DDR4.

The latest generation, DDR5, was released in 2021 and offers next-level performance for serious gamers and professional creatives.
It important to determine what generation of memory your computer supports before buying new RAM. DDR5 memory, for example,
will not fit on a motherboard built to support DDR4. Check with your motherboard manufacturer to ensure you have the right
memory. Or, easier yet, use the Crucial System Scanner or System Selector to find guaranteed compatible memory for your
computer.
Comparing RAM performance
Different generations of RAM also have key performance factors, shown in the table below. Of these, only data rates, transfer rates,
and module densities can be chosen by the end users. Other factors like prefetch and voltage are unchanging characteristics
associated with the memory generation.
Data rate (MT/s): MT/s stands for mega transfers (or million transfers) per second and is an accurate measurement of data rate
transfer speeds.
Transfer rate (GB/s): GB/s stands for Gigabits per second, and is a unit of data transfer rate equal to 1,000,000,000 bytes per second.
Module densities (GB/s): Density refers to the total capacity of a memory module. Typically, density modules are available in
multiples of four: 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64, and can be sold as single modules or in kits. In some cases, intermediate densities of 24 and
48GB are offered as well.
Prefetch: the loading of a resource before it is required, which decreases the time waiting for that resource later on.
Voltage (V): RAM voltage refers to the power consumed by a RAM module. Generally, lower voltage is preferred as it consumes less
power and generates less heat.
DRAM DDR DDR2 DDR3 DDR4 DDR5
Prefetch 1 – Bit 2 - Bit 4 - Bit 8 - Bit Bit per Bank 16 - Bit
Data Rate (MT/s) 100 - 166 266 - 400 533 - 800 1066 - 1600 2133 - 5100 3200 - 6400
Transfer Rate (GB/s) 0.8 - 1.3 2.1 - 3.2 4.2 - 6.4 8.5 - 14.9 17 - 25.6 38.4 - 51.2
Voltage (V) 3.3 2.5 - 2.6 1.8 1.35 - 1.5 1.2 1.1
RAM compatibility
If you want to upgrade your computer's memory or build your own computer, your new memory must be compatible with your RAM
must be compatible with your motherboard.

Due to their unique size, shape, and electrical parameters, memory modules will only fit in the generation of motherboards they are
designed for.

These memory 'standards' are controlled by the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council, more commonly known as JEDEC, an
independent semiconductor engineering trade organization.
Memory compatibility tools
The Crucial System Scanner is a tool that makes finding compatibility memory effortless, and without accessing any of your personal
data.

Trusted by millions of users, it analyzes your system's configuration and provides a list of compatible upgrades in seconds.

The Crucial System Selector is an online tool that doesn't require a download. Instead, it will give a list of compatible upgrades based
on information you provide about your system's manufacturer, make, and model.
RAM is used for programs and data as well as by the operating system for disk caching (using RAM to hold recently accessed
information). Thus, installing more RAM improves transfers between the CPU and both RAM and hard drives. If your computer runs
short of RAM, the operating system can also use the hard drive as virtual memory, a slow substitute for RAM. Although the hard drive
can substitute for RAM in a pinch, don’t confuse RAM with mass storage devices such as hard disks or SSDs. Although the contents of
RAM and mass storage can be changed freely, RAM loses its contents as soon as you shut down the computer, while magnetic
storage can hold data for years. Although RAM’s contents are temporary, RAM is much faster than magnetic or SSD storage; RAM
speed is measured in nanoseconds (billionths of a second), while magnetic and SSD storage is measured in milliseconds (thousandths
of a second).
Ever-increasing amounts of RAM are needed as operating systems and applications get more powerful and add more features.
Because RAM is one of the most popular upgrades to add to any laptop or desktop system during its lifespan, you need to
understand how RAM works, which types of RAM exist, and how to add it to provide the biggest performance boost to the systems
you maintain.
220-901: Objective 1.3 Compare and contrast various RAM types and their features.
This chapter covers the following subjects:
Memory Upgrade Considerations—This section lists the many different factors you need to take into account when
selecting RAM for a particular system.
RAM Types—This section provides the information you need to understand memory chip and module types and how some
types of memory are designed to correct memory errors.
SO-DIMM vs DIMM—In this section, you learn the differences between memory modules made for desktop and those
made for laptop computers.
RAM Configurations—Discover how multi-channel memory layouts available on many systems can boost performance and
how to install the modules.
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided—Learn what these terms mean and how they might affect how much RAM you can install
on a particular system.
RAM Compatibility—Learn how to make sure additional memory works with existing memory in this section.
Installing Memory—Laptops and desktops differ in how memory is installed, as you learn in this section.
Foundation Topics
Memory Upgrade Considerations
When you must specify memory for a given system, there are several variables you need to know:
• Memory module form factor (240-pin DIMM, 184-pin DIMM, 168-pin DIMM, 204-pin SO-DIMM, and so on)—The form factor
your system can use has a great deal to do with the memory upgrade options you have with any given system. Although a
few systems can use more than one memory module form factor, in most cases if you want to change to a faster type of
memory module, such as from 184-pin DIMM (used by DDR SDRAM) to 240-pin DIMM (such as DDR2 or DDR3 SDRAM), you
need to upgrade the motherboard first.
• Memory chip type used on the module (SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, and so on)—Today, a particular memory module type uses
only one type of memory. However, older memory module types such as early 168-pin DIMMs were available with different
types of memory chips. You need to specify the right memory chip type in such cases to avoid conflicts with onboard
memory and provide stable performance.
• Memory module speed (PC3200, PC2-6400, PC3-12800, and so on)—There are three ways to specify the speed of a
memory module: the actual speed in ns (nanoseconds) of the chips on the module (60ns), the clock speed of the data bus
 (PC800 is 800MHz), or the throughput (in Mbps) of the memory (for example, PC3200 is 3,200Mbps or 3.2Gbps; PC2-2 6400 is
6,400Mbps or 6.4Gbps; and PC3-12800 is 12,800Mbps or 12.8Gbps). The throughput method is used by current memory
types.
• Memory module latency—Latency is how quickly memory can switch between rows. Modules with the same speed might
have different latency values. All of the modules in a bank should have the same latency as well as size and speed.
• Error checking (parity, non-parity, ECC)—Most systems don’t perform parity checking (to verify the contents of memory or
correct errors), but some motherboards and systems support these functions. Although parity-checked memory mainly
slows down the system, ECC memory can detect memory errors as well as correct them. If a system is performing critical
work (such as high-level mathematics or financial functions or departmental or enterprise-level server tasks), ECC support in
the motherboard and ECC memory are worthwhile options to specify. Some systems also support buffered (registered) or
nonregistered modules. Buffered (more commonly known as registered) modules are more reliable but are slower because
they include a chip that boosts the memory signal.
• Allowable module sizes and combinations—Some motherboards insist you use the same speeds and sometimes the same
sizes of memory in each memory socket; others are more flexible. To find out which is true about a particular system, check
the motherboard or system documentation before you install memory or add more memory.
• The number of modules needed per bank of memory—Systems address memory in banks, and the number of modules per
bank varies according to the processor and the memory module type installed. If you need more than one module per
bank, and only one module is installed, the system will ignore it. Systems that require multiple modules per bank require that
modules be the same size and speed.
• Whether the system requires or supports multi-channel memory (two or more identical memory modules accessed
together instead of one at a time)—Dual-channel memory, triple-channel memory, and quad-channel memory are
accessed in an interleaved manner to improve memory latency (the time required between memory accesses). As a
result, systems running dual-channel memory offer faster memory performance than systems running single-channel
memory. Intel introduced triple-channel memory (which runs even faster than dual-channel memory) with its Core i7
processor. Quad-channel memory, available on some high-performance Intel desktop and server platforms and AMD
server platforms, is even faster. Almost all of these systems can run (albeit with reduced performance) if non-identical
memory modules are used.
• The total number of modules that can be installed—The number of sockets on the motherboard determines the number of
modules that can be installed. Very small-footprint systems (such as those that use microATX or Mini-ITX motherboards)
often support only one or two modules, but systems that use full-size ATX motherboards often support three or more
modules, especially those designed for multi-channel memory (two or more modules accessed as a single logical unit for
faster performance).
RAM Types
Virtually all memory modules use some type of dynamic RAM (DRAM) chips. DRAM requires frequent recharges of memory to retain its
contents.
SRAM
Static random-access memory (SRAM) is RAM that does not need to be periodically refreshed. Memory refreshing is common to
other types of RAM and is basically the act of reading information from a specific area of memory and immediately rewriting that
information back to the same area without modifying it. Due to SRAM’s architecture, it does not require this refresh. You will find SRAM
being used as cache memory for CPUs, as buffers within hard drives, and as temporary storage for LCD screens. Normally, SRAM is
soldered directly to a printed circuit board (PCB) or integrated directly to a chip. This means that you probably won’t be replacing
SRAM. SRAM is faster than—and is usually found in smaller quantities than—its distant cousin DRAM.
SDRAM
Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) was the first type of memory to run in sync with the processor bus (the connection between the
processor, or CPU, and other components on the motherboard). Most 168-pin DIMM modules use SDRAM memory. To determine
whether a DIMM module contains SDRAM memory, check its speed markings. SDRAM memory is rated by bus speed (PC66 equals
66MHz bus speed; PC100 equals 100MHz bus speed; and PC133 equals 133MHz bus speed). All SDRAM modules have a one-bit
prefetch buffer and perform one transfer per clock cycle.
Depending on the specific module and motherboard chipset combination, PC133 modules can sometimes be used on systems that
are designed for PC100 modules.
DDR SDRAM
The second generation of systems running synchronous DRAM use double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM). DDR SDRAM performs two
transfers per clock cycle (instead of one, as with regular SDRAM) and features a two-bit prefetch buffer. 184-pin DIMM memory
modules use DDR SDRAM chips.
While DDR SDRAM is sometimes rated inMHz, it is more often rated by throughput (MBps). Common speeds for DDR SDRAM include
PC1600 (200MHz/1600Mbps), PC2100 (266MHz/2100Mbps), PC2700 (333MHz/2700Mbps), and PC3200 (400MHz/3200Mbps), but other
speeds are available from some vendors.
DDR2 SDRAM
Double data rate 2 SDRAM (DDR2 SDRAM) is the successor to DDR SDRAM. DDR2 SDRAM runs its external data bus at twice the speed
of DDR SDRAM and features a four-bit prefetch buffer, enabling faster performance. However, DDR2 SDRAM memory has greater
latency than DDR SDRAM memory. Latency is a measure of how long it takes to receive information from memory; the higher the
number, the greater the latency. Typical latency values for mainstream DDR2 memory are CL=5 and CL=6, compared to CL=2.5 and
CL=3 for DDR memory. 240-pin memory modules use DDR2 SDRAM.
DDR2 SDRAM memory might be referred to by the effective memory speed of the memory chips on the module (the memory clock
speed x4 or the I/O bus clock speed x2)—for example, DDR2-533 (133MHz memory clock x4 or 266MHz I/O bus clock x2)=533MHz)—or
by module throughput (DDR2-533 is used in PC2-4200 modules, which have a throughput of more than 4200Mbps). PC2- indicates the
module uses DDR2 memory; PC- indicates the module uses DDR memory.
Other common speeds for DDR2 SDRAM modules include PC2-3200 (DDR2-400; 3200Mbps throughput); PC2-5300 (DDR2-667); PC2-
6400 (DDR2-800); and PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066).
DDR3 SDRAM
Double data rate 3 SDRAM (DDR3 SDRAM) Compared to DDR2, DDR3 runs at lower voltages, has twice the internal banks, and most
versions run at faster speeds than DDR2. DDR3 also has an eight-bit prefetch bus. As with DDR2 versus DDR, DDR3 has greater latency
than DDR2. Typical latency values for mainstream DDR3 memory are CL7 or CL9, compared to CL5 or CL6 for DDR2. Although DDR3
modules also use 240 pins, their layout and keying are different than DDR2, and they cannot be interchanged.
DDR3 SDRAM memory might be referred to by the effective memory speed of the memory chips on the module (the memory clock
speed x4 or the I/O bus clock speed x2); for example, DDR3-1333 (333MHz memory clock x4 or 666MHz I/O bus clock x2)=1333MHz) or
by module throughput (DDR3-1333 is used in PC3-10600 modules, which have a throughput of more than 10,600MBps or 10.6GBps).
PC3- indicates the module uses DDR3 memory.
Other common speeds for DDR3 SDRAM modules include PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066; 8500MBps throughput); PC3-12800 (DDR3-1600); and
PC3-17000 (DDR3-2133).
NOTE
Memory modules of the same type with the same speed memory chips can have different CAS latency (CL) values. CL refers to how
quickly memory column addresses can be accessed. A lower CL provides faster access than a higher CL. As Figure 4-1 makes clear,
CL values increase when comparing different types of memory.
Most, but not all, memory module labels indicate the CL value. For modules that aren’t labeled, look up the part number for details.
compares DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DD4 memory modules.
From top to bottom, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 DIMM desktop memory modules.
1. 256MB DDR module, PC3200 (DDR400)
2. CL3 latency
3. 2GB DDR2 module (from matched set), DDR2-667 (PC2-5300)
4. CL5 latency
5. 2GB DDR3 module, PC3-10600 (DDR3-1333)
6. CL9 latency
7. 8GB DDR4 module, DDR4-2133 (PC4-17000)
NOTE
DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 are the memory types covered on the 900 series exams. However, you might encounter DDR4 memory on the
latest desktop and laptop computers. See the following sidebar to learn more.
DDR4 SDRAM: The Next Standard
DDR4 SDRAM, introduced alongside Intel’s X99 chipset for Haswell-E Core i-series processors in August 2014, is the fourth generation of
DDR memory. Compared to its predecessor, DDR3, DDR4 runs at lower voltage (1.2V) than either DDR3 or lower-voltage DDR3L. DDR4
supports densities up to 16Gb per chip (twice the density of DDR3), twice the memory banks, and uses bank groups to speed up burst
accesses to memory, but uses the same eight-bit prefetch as DDR3. Data rates range from 1600Mbps to 3200Mbps, compared to
800Mbps to 2133Mbps for DDR3. To improve memory reliability, DDR4 includes built-in support for CRC and parity, rather than requiring
the memory controller to support error-checking (ECC) with parity memory as in DDR3 and earlier designs.
Parity vs non-parity
Two methods have been used to protect the reliability of memory:
• Parity checking
• ECC (error-correcting code or error-correction code)
Both methods depend upon the presence of an additional memory chip over the chips required for the data bus of the module. For
example, a module that uses eight chips for data would use a ninth chip to support parity or ECC. If the module uses 16 chips for data
(two banks of eight), it would use the 17th and 18th chips for parity
standard unbuffered module (top) compared to a buffered (registered) module with ECC (bottom).
1. Unbuffered DIMM
2. Two groups of four (total eight) memory chips (no parity chip)
3. Buffered (registered) DIMM with ECC
4. Eighteen memory chips (two banks of nine, including parity chip)
5. Buffer chip
Parity checking, which goes back to the original IBM PC, works like this: Whenever memory is accessed, each data bit has a
value of 0 or 1. When these values are added to the value in the parity bit, the resulting checksum should be an odd number.
This is called odd parity. A memory problem typically causes the data bit values plus the parity bit value to total an even number.
This triggers a parity error, and your system halts with a parity error message. Note that parity checking requires parity-enabled
memory and support in the motherboard. On modules that support parity checking, there’s a parity bit for each group of eight
bits.
 The method used to fix this type of error varies with the system. On museum-piece systems that use individual memory chips, you
must open the system, push all memory chips back into place, and test the memory thoroughly if you have no spares (using
memory-testing software). Or you must replace the memory if you have spare memory chips. If the computer uses memory
modules, replace one module at a time, test the memory (or at least run the computer for a while) to determine whether the
problem has gone away. If the problem recurs, replace the original module, swap out the second module, and repeat.
TIP
Some system error messages tell you the logical location of the error so you can refer to the system documentation to determine which
module or modules to replace.
NOTE
Parity checking has always cost more because of the extra chips involved and the additional features required in the motherboard
and chipset, and it fell out of fashion for PCs starting in the mid-1990s. Systems that lack parity checking freeze up when a memory
problem occurs and do not display any message onscreen.

Because parity checking “protects” you from bad memory by shutting down the computer (which can cause you to lose data),
vendors created a better way to use the parity bits to solve memory errors using a method called ECC.

ECC vs non-ECC Memory

For critical applications, network servers have long used a special type of memory called error-correcting code (ECC). This memory
enables the system to correct single-bit errors and notify you of larger errors.

Although most desktops do not support ECC, some workstations and most servers do offer ECC support. On systems that offer ECC
support, ECC support might be enabled or disabled through the system BIOS or it might be a standard feature. The parity bit in parity
memory is used by the ECC feature to determine when the content of memory is corrupt and to fix single-bit errors. Unlike parity
checking, which only warns you of memory errors, ECC memory actually corrects errors.

ECC is recommended for maximum data safety, although parity and ECC do provide a small slowdown in performance in return for
the extra safety. ECC memory modules use the same types of memory chips used by standard modules, but they use more chips and
might have a different internal design to allow ECC operation. ECC modules, like parity-checked modules, have an extra bit for each
group of eight data bits.

To determine whether a system supports parity-checked or ECC memory, check the system BIOS memory configuration (typically on
the Advanced or Chipset screens). Systems that support parity or ECC memory can use non-parity checked memory when parity
checking and ECC are disabled. Another name for ECC is EDAC (Error Detection and Correction).

Buffered (Registered) vs Unbuffered

Most types of desktop memory modules use unbuffered memory. However, many servers and some desktop or workstation
computers use a type of memory module called registered memory or buffered memory: buffered memory is the term used by the
220-901 exam. Buffered (registered) memory modules contain a register chip that enables the system to remain stable with large
amounts of memory installed. The register chip acts as a buffer, which slightly slows down memory access.

Buffered (registered) memory modules can be built with or without ECC support. However, most buffered memory modules are used
by servers and include ECC support. Figure 4-2 compares a standard (unbuffered) memory module with a buffered (registered)
memory module that also supports ECC.

SO-DIMM vs DIMM
Most desktop computers use full-sized memory modules known asDIMMs. However, laptop computers and some small-footprint mini-
ITX motherboards and systems use reduced-size memory modules known as small outline DIMMs (SO-DIMMs or SODIMMS).

Figure 4-3 compares common DIMM and SODIMM modules.

Table 4-1 lists common DIMM and SODIMM form factors and their uses.
DDR2 SODIMM and DIMM modules compared to DDR3 SODIMM and DIMM modules.

1. DDR2 SO-DIMM

2. DDR2 DIMM

3. DDR3 SO-DIMM

4. DDR3 DIMM