5/26/2018 Memory Types Explained
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Memory Types Explained
The 2 main types of memory module are SODIMM and DIMM.
SODIMMs (Small outline dual inline memory module)
An SODIMM is generally used in Laptops / Noteboos and All!in!one
"omputers.
SODIMMs are smaller in length than regular DIMMs.
2#$!pin DD%& SODIMMs are a'ailable in( )*&!+,### /
)*&!+$$## / )*&!+2-## / )*&!+#,## )*&!-##
DD%& SD%AM
2##!pin DD% DD%2 SODIMMs are a'ailable in( )*2!-## / )*2!,$## /
)*2!# / )*2!$2## )*2!
&2## DD%2 SD%AM and )*&2## / )*20## )*2+## DD% SD%AM
+$$!pin SD%AM SODIMMs are a'ailable in( )*+&& )*+##
SD%AM
DIMMs (Dual inline memory module)
DIMMs are generally used in Destops1 Toers and Ser'er
"omputers.
DIMMs are longer than SODIMMs.
2$#!pin DD%2 DD%& DIMMs are a'ailable in( )*&!+,### /
)*&!+$$## / )*&!+2-## / )*&!+#,##
)*&!-## DD%& SD%AM and )*2!-## / )*2!,$## / )*2!# DD%2
SD%AM
+-$!pin DD% DIMMs are a'ailable in( )*&2## / )*20## )*2+##
DD% SD%AM
+,-!pin SD%AM DIMMs are a'ailable in( )*+&& )*+##
SD%AM
Server Memory (ECC Unbuffered, ECC e!istered, ECC "ully
#uffered)
3** 4nbuffered and 3** %egistered modules are a'ailable in all
speeds of DD%& / DD%2 / DD%
SD%AM DIMM memory.
3** 5ully buffered DIMMs 657DIMMs8 are a'ailable in DD%2 DIMM
memory.
These memory types are used predominantly for ser'er and
orstation motherboards.
$pple Ma% &ro Memory
9e supply DD%2 3** 5ully 7uffered DIMMs 657DIMMs8 hi"h are
designed spe"ifi"ally for Apple
"omputers. These ha'e a heat spreader larger in si:e to the
standard 5ully 7uffered DIMMs 657DIMMs8 and
are only to be used in Apple "omputers.
Can I a%%identally install t'e ron! memory type
The simple anser is ;No;. 9ithin the ro of gold pins you ill see
either + or 2 slots depending on the
memory type. This slot is used to ensure the memory module
"orre"tly fits into pla"e on the motherboard1
and you ill find the lo"ation of the slot6s8 may "hange
depending on the type of memory.
DD%&1 DD%21 DD% SD%AM memory all loo 'ery similar in si:e
and design1 but they "an only be
installed into the "orresponding slot 6e.g. a DD%& module
ill only fit a DD%& slot8. If in doubt please "he"
your system motherboard to ensure it a""epts modules ith the
rele'ant pin si:e / slot type.
