What are Buffered and Unbuffered DIMMs?

• A buffered DIMM has extra logic chips on the module to reduce the loading on the system address and control busses.
• All else being equal, a system designed for buffered DIMMs can have more modules loaded into a system at one time, since the buffer chips 'absorb' some of the load.
• The maximum number of buffered DIMMs that can be added to a system is typically at least 8 and can go beyond 16 modules on a system.
• An unbuffered DIMM connects address and control busses directly from the module interface to the DRAM on the module.
• Systems that use unbuffered DIMMs are typically limited to four modules.
• Typically, any system that can use either EDO or SDRAM 168 pin DIMMs require unbuffered DIMMs.

Return