LRDIMM (Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Module) Explained

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What is LRDIMM (Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Module)

What is LRDIMM (Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Module)?

LRDIMM, or Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Module, refers to the memory chips with load-reduction ability and higher densities, used mainly in high-end server settings and in high-performance computers.

Technically, LRDIMMs refer to the memory chips that come with a memory buffer, which increases the speed of operation of the memory and reduces the load on the memory bus.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • The design of the LRDIMMs impacts both the workload capacity and server performance.
  • This memory module buffers the data lines using bi-directional drivers, which in turn buffers the signal lines fully in a parallel mode.
  • Using the LRDIMMs redrive method, the DIMM number may be doubled.

Understanding LRDIMM (Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Module)

Understanding LRDIMM (Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Module)

Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Modules support higher memory capacities and reduce the load on the memory bus.

These specific memory modules follow the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard and are pin-compatible with the Double Data Rate 3 or DDR3 DIMM sockets on a motherboard.

The design and features of the LRDIMMs offer significant improvements such as:

  • An increase in the speed of operation of the memory
  • Reduction of load on the memory bus of a server
  • Lower power consumption
  • Lower latency
  • Better performance for memory intensive and bandwidth intensive applications

These specific performance benefits offered by the LRDIMMs make them the most suitable alternative for use in specific settings needing higher memory capacity such as:

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The most notable feature of the LRDIMMs is the memory buffer chip in it, instead of a register.

This memory buffer helps in minimizing the load on the memory bus. This is done by reducing the following to a single load:

  • The clocks
  • The commands
  • The addresses
  • The data input

Though the design and features of the LRDIMMs do not make them superior to the RDIMMs, all of the above features certainly enhance the memory speed.

Also, since the bi-directional drivers work in the parallel mode, issues regarding power and heat dissipation that are common with the serial approach are eliminated.

Now, as much as the RDIMMs may seem better to you, using two such memory modules will certainly not make one LRDIMM. This is because the servers typically cannot mix different types of modules in a channel.

These memory modules are quite scalable as future server modules.

What is LRDIMM (Load Reduced Dual Inline Memory Module)

LRDIMM Vs RDIMM

  • The LRDIMMs offer a higher memory capacity or density than the RDIMMs in general.
  • Since the data bits are held in the data buffers, the LRDIMMs offer a relatively higher memory capacity in comparison to the RDIMMs.
  • The LRDIMMs are usually high-powered in comparison to the RDIMMs.
  • In terms of speed, the LRDIMMs lag behind the RDIMMs a little bit.
  • Using LRDIMMs will be relatively costly in comparison to RDIMMs.
  • The RDIMMs offer lower latency than the LRDIMMs.
  • The LRDIMMs reduce the load and power consumption during operation, as opposed to the RDIMMs.
  • The LRDIMMs usually have a simple memory buffer. On the other hand, the RDIMMs usually have a dedicated and more sophisticated register.
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What is LRDIMM Used for?

The Load-reduced DIMMs are typically used to increase DIMMs in the channel.

In addition to that, it is also used to improve the speed of the system overall, along with a significant increase in the memory capacity.

Conclusion

The Load-reduced DIMMs offer an easy way to improve the operations of a computer system by adding to its memory capacity and bandwidth.

The systems can perform at a higher speed, which eventually enhances the usefulness of the systems while using it for bandwidth intensive and capacity intensive applications.

About Dominic Chooper

AvatarDominic Chooper, an alumnus of Texas Tech University (TTU), possesses a profound expertise in the realm of computer hardware. Since his early childhood, Dominic has been singularly passionate about delving deep into the intricate details and inner workings of various computer systems. His journey in this field is marked by over 12 years of dedicated experience, which includes specialized skills in writing comprehensive reviews, conducting thorough testing of computer components, and engaging in extensive research related to computer technology. Despite his professional engagement with technology, Dominic maintains a distinctive disinterest in social media platforms, preferring to focus his energies on his primary passion of understanding and exploring the complexities of computer hardware.

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Dominic Chooper
Dominic Chooper, an alumnus of Texas Tech University (TTU), possesses a profound expertise in the realm of computer hardware. Since his early childhood, Dominic has been singularly passionate about delving deep into the intricate details and inner workings of various computer systems. His journey in this field is marked by over 12 years of dedicated experience, which includes specialized skills in writing comprehensive reviews, conducting thorough testing of computer components, and engaging in extensive research related to computer technology. Despite his professional engagement with technology, Dominic maintains a distinctive disinterest in social media platforms, preferring to focus his energies on his primary passion of understanding and exploring the complexities of computer hardware.
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