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The SIMM and DIMM memory modules were invented to eliminate the older DIP (Dual Inline Package) chips. The DIP chips were delicate, and it is harder to install them as they needed to be poked in the socket. The pins of the chip are easily misaligned in the socket and tend to bend. So, when these chips are removed from the sockets, they require to be straightened which can result in the damaging of the chips and make it unusable. Then the SIMM and DIMM modules were devised which does not need to be penetrated and are surface mounted.

The crucial difference between SIMM and DIMM is that at a time SIMM have only one usable side due to having just one set of the connector while DIMM have different signal pins at each side which are usable and does not rely on the other side. The number of pins have also been increased in the DIMM as compared to SIMM.

Content: SIMM Vs DIMM

Comparison Chart

Jul 15, 2019 DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module): This module contains a circuit board and an additional RAM chip. SO-DIMMs are the newest version of the DIMM and are usually part of laptop computers. What Makes RAM Slots Different? Throughout the history of RAM, the physical shape of the modules has changed. DIMM (dual in-line memory module) slots are the place on your motherboard where the RAM goes. As such, you may also see DIMM slots referred to as “RAM slots.” The more DIMM slots your.

Definition of SIMM

SIMM (Single In-Line Memory Modules) is the tiny circuit boards having edge connectors where the RAM chips are placed. There are slots available on the motherboard for inserting these SIMMs. The SIMM connectors and the slot located on the motherboard are made up of either of the metal – gold or tin. In case the SIMM connector is of gold then the slot connector should be of gold only and not be of other metal. The metal connectors present at each side of bottom edges works effectively through the card, and just one set is of connectors are functional at a time.

Types of SIMM

There are two variants of the SIMM, one with 30 pins and other with 72 pins.

• 30 pins SIMM contain an address width of 8 bits and 1MB or 4 MB of RAM. Therefore, the data it can transfer from the memory bus at a time is 8 bits. Later hardware of 30 pins SIMM contains parity bit for the error detection which makes the address width of 9 bits. To ensure the proper installation of the SIMM, it has a notch on the bottom left.
• 72 pins SIMM can have an address width of 32 bits or 36 bits including parity bits. Each byte is allotted a parity bits (for 32 data bits 4 bits are for parity). The amount of RAM memory it has can be 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 MB. It is notched at the side and centre of the module.

Definition of DIMM

DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module) also has metal connectors similar to SIMM, but either of the sides of the connector does not rely on the other. Advanced motherboards use 168, 184, 240 pin DIMMs. It consumes 3.3 volts of power and can store from 32 MB up to 1GB of memory.

Types of DIMM

• 168 pin DIMM structure is different from the SIMM because it has tiny notches along the rows of the pins at the bottom of the module.
• 184 and 240 pin DIMMs is provided with only one notch at the different position to prevent the improper placement of the DIMM in the socket.

Key Differences Between SIMM and DIMM

1. A DIMM is double sided SIMM, as SIMM can be installed in in-line pairs while DIMM is independent of the side.
2. SIMM can have a maximum 32-bit channel for data transfer. In contrast, DIMM support 64-bit channel.
3. The amount of power consumed by SIMM is 5 volts. As against, it is 3.3 volts for DIMM.
4. SIMM modules can store at maximum 64 bits. On the contrary, DIMM offer up to 1 GB.
5. SIMM is outdated technology, in recent time DIMM is used mainly because its performance is better than SIMM.

Conclusion

16 Dimm Slots Means Smart

After DIP chips, a technology was needed that can be easily removable and soldered. This gave rise to SIMM and DIMM modules which are soldered and easily manageable. However, among SIMM and DIMM, DIMM provides large address width (memory) relative to SIMM and consumes less power.

-written by Jeff Goldenbaum, Dataram Memory Blog Team Member

Comparing Quad-Rank and Dual-Rank Memory Modules

The term “rank” simply refers to a 64-bit chunk of data. In its simplest form, a DIMM with DRAM chips on just one side would contain a single 64-bit chunk of data and would be called a single- rank (1R) module. DIMMs with chips on both sides often contain at least two 64-bit chunks of data and are referred to as dual-rank (2R) modules. Some DIMMs can have DRAM chips on both sides but are configured so that they contain two 64-bit data chunks on each side—four in total—and are referred to as quad-rank (4R) modules. Quad-rank DIMMs run at a maximum PC3-8500 (DDR3-1066) speed in current architecture.

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Why Have Quad-Rank DIMMs?

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With each new generation of DRAM chip, quad-rank DIMMs are the least expensive way to achieve the highest density DIMM. Today, a 16GB dual-rank DDR3 DIMM is built with thirty-six 4Gb (gigabit) chips. A quad-rank 32GB DIMM will utilize thirty-six “dual-die” (essentially two DRAMs within each physical chip) 4Gb chips. Until the next generation 8Gb chips become more mainstream and production costs come down, we won’t see a cost-effective dual-rank 32GB DIMM. But when that does occur, you’ll not only see dual-rank 32GB DIMMs, but you’ll also see quad-rank 64GB DIMMs!

Quad-rank DIMMs actually perform best in Xeon 7500 CPU based systems as the memory BOB (buffer-on board) architecture delivers better performance compared to single- or dual-rank DIMMs of equal capacity. The maximum speed is still PC3-8500 and is consistent regardless of whether the system has the minimum configuration or is fully loaded.

When to Consider Ranks

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Today’s 2-way servers with Intel Xeon 5600 series processors that utilize DDR3 memory technologies have limitations when it comes to how many ranks of memory may be installed. DIMM slots are configured as “channels” with either 3 channels of 2 DIMM slots each (server models with 12 DIMM slots), or 3 channels of 3 DIMM slots each (server models with 16 or 18 DIMM slots). Each channel supports no more than 8 ranks of memory. Simply put, no more than 12 quad-rank DIMMs can be installed in these servers. To utilize all available slots in servers with 16 or 18 DIMM slots, the use of dual-rank DIMMs is required.