I need some definitions: Ecc, Dual Channel, SDRAM, Unbuffered, DIMM. Can someone help?

Answer 1

ECC: "Error checking code" or "Error Checking and Correcting" depending on who you ask.

Dual channel means that the memory is running basically in a raid array if you are familiar with that. Two chips of the same size and speed are set up and each receives half the data that is sent to the memory bank. Increases data transfer rates

SDRAM is Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory.

Unbuffered simply means it is lacking the extra memory chip for ECC.

DIMM means Dual Inline Memory Module.

Answer 2

ECC is Error Correcting Code
-means that everytime you go to access information from your memory(RAM) it checks the information for its validity and repairs 1 byte data errors. This is only used in servers where file consistency is really needed, not for the everyday user.
Dual Channel
-Dual channel means that it uses up 2 memory slots instead of 1 so if you get a 1GB Dual Channel memory then it will be 512mb x 2
SDRAM
-Synchronus Dynamic Random Access Memory, pretty much unsused anymore, it really means that is synchronized with the cpu and offers a speed greater than the previous versions of RAM, i think it was like 133MHz or something like that.
Unbuffered
-bufffered is when a signal is sent to refresh the data as it travels across the "wire", that is not available on unbuffered memory. Most if not all desktops don't use this, its mainly for high performance server setups.
DIMM
-Dual Inline Memory Module, it's a computer speak name for memory. Most use 184pin DIMM DDR1 and 240pin DIMM DDR2 at this point in time. there are older ones, but who wants to go back in time. There's also SO-DIMM Small Outline-Dual Inline Memory Module, used in laptops/notebooks and is probably about half the size of regular DIMM

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Dual Channel Memory Architecture

Answer 4

ECC (either "error correction [or correcting] code" or "error checking and correcting") allows data that is being read or transmitted to be checked for errors and, when necessary, corrected on the fly. It differs from parity-checking in that errors are not only detected but also corrected. ECC is increasingly being designed into data storage and transmission hardware as data rates (and therefore error rates) increase.


SDRAM (synchronous DRAM) is a generic name for various kinds of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that are synchronized with the clock speed that the microprocessor is optimized for. This tends to increase the number of instructions that the processor can perform in a given time. The speed of SDRAM is rated in MHz rather than in nanoseconds (ns). This makes it easier to compare the bus speed and the RAM chip speed. You can convert the RAM clock speed to nanoseconds by dividing the chip speed into 1 billion ns (which is one second). For example, an 83 MHz RAM would be equivalent to 12 ns.


A DIMM (dual in-line memory module) is a double SIMM (single in-line memory module). Like a SIMM, it's a module containing one or several random access memory (RAM) chips on a small circuit board with pins that connect it to the computer motherboard. A SIMM typically has a 32 data bit (36 bits counting parity bits) path to the computer that requires a 72-pin connector. For synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) chips, which have a 64 data bit connection to the computer, SIMMs must be installed in in-line pairs (since each supports a 32 bit path). A single DIMM can be used instead. A DIMM has a 168-pin connector and supports 64-bit data transfer. It is considered likely that future computers will standardize on the DIMM.

Dual-channel architecture DDR/DDR2 SDRAM describes a motherboard technology that effectively doubles data throughput from RAM to the memory controller. Dual channel-enabled memory controllers utilize two 64-bit data channels, resulting in a total bandwidth of 128-bits, to move data from RAM to the CPU.

In order to achieve this, the DDR/DDR2 SDRAM memory modules must be installed into matching banks, which are usually color coded on the motherboard. It is not required that identical modules are used, but it is often recommended. One module of 512MB RAM could be installed in bank one and a 1GB module could be installed in bank two. Modules rated at different speeds can be run in dual channel, although the motherboard will then run all memory modules at the speed of the slowest module. Some motherboards however have compatibility issues with certain brands or models of modules when attempting to use them in dual channel mode. For this reason it is generally advised to use identical pairs of memory modules and most memory manufacturers now sell "kits" of matched pair DIMMs. Several motherboard manufacturers only support configurations where a "matched pair" of modules are used. Dual-channel architecture is a technology embraced by motherboard manufactures and does not apply to memory modules. In other words, any matched pair of memory modules may support single and dual-channel operation, provided your motherboard supports this architecture.

Unbuffered memory is volatile memory which is the module of choice for personal computers and workstations. Unbuffered memory, however, is not suitable for servers. Bufferred memory is more suited for server needs.

In the past, registered memory was called buffered memory and unregistered memory was called unbuffered memory. Registered memory got renamed in common use, but unbuffered memory did not.