CompTIA Server+ (SK0-005)Server Hardware Installation and ManagementHard
A server manufacturer states that to reach the maximum supported RAM capacity of 3TB across 24 DIMM slots, only a specific type of memory module can be installed. This module type uses a memory buffer chip to buffer not only the command and address lines but also the data lines, allowing significantly higher DIMM density than standard registered modules. Which memory type is being described?
- ARDIMM (Registered DIMM)
- BLRDIMM (Load-Reduced DIMM)
- CUDIMM (Unbuffered DIMM)
- DSODIMM (Small Outline DIMM)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. LRDIMM (Load-Reduced DIMM)
LRDIMM (Load-Reduced DIMM) uses a memory buffer that isolates and buffers the data lines in addition to command/address lines, reducing electrical loading and enabling much higher memory density per DIMM than RDIMM, which only buffers command/address signals.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. RDIMM only buffers command and address lines, not data lines, limiting achievable density.
- C. UDIMM has no buffering and is used in lower-capacity desktop/entry-level systems.
- D. SODIMM is a smaller form factor used in laptops, not high-density server memory.
LRDIMM (Load-Reduced DIMM)
A high-density server memory module that uses a memory buffer chip to isolate command, address, and data lines from the memory controller, allowing more ranks and higher total capacity per DIMM than RDIMM.
- Buffers data lines in addition to command/address (unlike RDIMM)
- Enables highest memory density and capacity in servers
- Slightly higher latency than RDIMM due to buffering
Memory trick: LRDIMM 'loads off' extra weight from every line, even data, to pack in more memory.