This week, Micron said that samples of its 256 GB multiplexer combination (MCR) DIMMs, the company’s largest memory modules to date, have started. Targeting next-generation servers, these new DDR5-based MCRDIMMs are specifically designed to work with Intel’s Xeon Scalable ‘Granite Rapids’ CPUs, which are expected to accommodate up to 12 or 24 memory slots per socket. When these modules are used, datacenter computers with 3 TB or 6 TB of memory may be enabled. The total ranks of these modules allow for DDR5-8800 effect data speeds.
Sanjay Mehrotra, CEO of Micron, said in prepared comments for the company’s earnings conference this week, “we also started sampling our 256 GB MCRDIMM module, which further enhances performance and increases DRAM content per server.”
At NVIDIA’s GTC conference, where server manufacturers and consumers alike are busy creating new servers for the next generation of AI accelerators, Micron not only announced a sample of these modules but also showcased them. Somehow, our friends at Tom’s Hardware were able to take a few images of Micron’s DDR5-8800 MCR DIMMs, which have 256 GB of capacity.
Micron seems to offer two variations of their 256 GB DDR5-8800 MCRDIMMs: a standard-height module that uses 2Hi stacked packages and a larger module with 80 DRAM chips spread on both sides. Both are designed to support various server configurations, with the standard-height MCRDIMM addressing 1U systems, and are based on monolithic 32 Gb DDR5 ICs. Roughly 20W of power is used by the taller variant, which is expected given that a 128 GB DDR5-8000 RDIMM uses roughly 10W while in DDR5-4800 mode. I’m not sure how much power the version using the 2Hi packages needs, but I would assume it would be a little hotter and more difficult to cool.
Dual-rank memory modules called Multiplexer Combined Ranks (MCR) DIMMs include a unique buffer that enables both ranks to function concurrently. By allowing the two physical ranks to function as separate modules operating in parallel, this buffer essentially doubles the performance of a single module by enabling the concurrent retrieval of 128 bytes of data from both ranks per clock cycle (as opposed to 64 bytes per cycle for regular memory modules). Of course, the buffer operates with the host at a very fast data transfer rate to send the obtained data to the host CPU since it maintains the physical interface of normal DDR5 modules, which is 72 bits. These rates, which in this instance approach 8800 MT/s, are higher than the typical DDR5 requirements.
Although MCR DIMMs add a little bit of complexity to memory modules compared to standard RDIMMs, they improve the memory subsystem’s performance and capacity without adding extra memory modules, which makes server motherboard construction simpler. These modules have the potential to be very important in allowing the next generation of servers to manage applications that are becoming more and more demanding, especially in the AI space.
Indeed, Micron has unveiled a brand-new line of DDR5 high-capacity memory sticks with astounding 256GB of memory and DDR5-8800 speeds. These MCRDIMM modules are intended for use with next-generation servers, particularly those that have high memory requirements, like AI systems.
These new 256GB DDR5-8800 Sticks have the following important features
Huge capacity
Each stick has 256GB, which is a lot more than what is presently on the market.
High speed
They can transfer data at DDR5-8800 speeds very quickly.
Double-height design
Not all computers can accommodate these because they are physically bigger than memory sticks.
20 watts of power consumption
within reasonable bounds, though it is a little higher than some other DDR5 memory sticks.
Variety of flavors
Various tastes To support various server configurations, Micron is providing both standard and double-height versions of these MCRDIMMs.
Overall, the speed and capacity of these new Micron memory sticks represent a major improvement. For data centers and other applications where a large amount of memory and processing power are needed, they are ideal.
Micron 256GB DDR5-8800 Sticks Specs
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 256 GB per DIMM |
| Speed | DDR5-8800 |
| Power Consumption | Around 20 watts |
| Type | DDR5 MCR DIMM (Dual Rank Memory with Multiplexer Combined Ranks) |
| Variants | Tall (80 chips) and Standard Height |
FAQS
What is the capacity of the 256GB DDR5-8800 Sticks?
The memory sticks are the largest DDR5 memory module that Micron has manufactured to date, with a staggering capacity of 256GB.
What is the speed of the 256GB DDR5-8800 Sticks?
The memory sticks have a speed of DDR5-8800, which is pretty quick. This implies that they have a high data transfer rate, which is crucial for demanding applications like high-performance computing and artificial intelligence.
What form factor do the memory sticks use?
The memory sticks are taller than typical DDR4 memory modules since they are double-height modules. They contain a lot more memory chips, which explains why. Not all computers can accommodate them.
Are there different variations of these memory sticks available?
Indeed, Micron provides these memory sticks in a variety of flavors; however, specifics regarding the variants are not yet available. There might be versions that are only one height or modules with varying capacities.
