Server Memory / Server RAM Upgrade

Differences between Desktop and Server Memory

Introduction

While many servers are compatible with both desktop and server memory, it is advantageous to use server RAM. Compared to desktop memory, computer server RAM has two major features make it more suited for the needs of servers. Those two major features are error correction code (ECC) and registered memory. Below, NeweggBusiness will detail why those two features are important for servers.

Error Correction Code (ECC)

It can sometimes also be referred to as error-correcting code. ECC is a feature that checks for and corrects errors in memory automatically without requiring input from the processor, operating system, or user. When data is saved onto server RAM, an algorithm generates a code that describes the data. The code is then saved along with the data. When the data is retrieved later, the RAM runs the same algorithm again. If the newly calculated code does not match the code stored with the data, the RAM attempts to repair the data by comparing the codes.

ECC memory has slightly slower performance than non-ECC memory, but increases system stability and reduces the likelihood of data corruption. It is important to not install ECC memory and non-ECC memory in the same system, or use it with a motherboard that does not support ECC. Doing either will result in ECC being disabled and may cause system instability.

Registry

Registered memory is a type of memory that has a hardware register between the RAM chips and the system memory controller. The register is a component that delays the transfer of data between the RAM and system memory controller to increase stability. Without a hardware register, the stability of the server RAM would decrease as the amount of memory increases. Registered memory allows for more RAM to be put onto one module without sacrificing stability.

Registered memory has slower performance than non-registered memory but is available in larger capacities. In an environment where quantity is preferred over performance, registered memory is the best option.

Load-Reduced Dual In-line Memory Module (LR-DIMM or LRDIMM)

A type of memory that allows for even more RAM chips on one module than registered memory. LR-DIMM memory utilizes a buffer instead of a register to support the increased memory. On the upper end of the price spectrum, LR-DIMM memory is mostly used by organizations with larger IT budgets.

By NeweggBusiness Staff

Server Memory

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Differences between Desktop and Server Memory

Introduction

Error Correction Code (ECC)

Registry

Load-Reduced Dual In-line Memory Module (LR-DIMM or LRDIMM)