DDR DIMM Vs. DDR SDRAM

DIMM memory is the dominant memory module in computers.

Computer memory comes in many varieties. Different technologies have different architecture and many different acronyms. Keeping the differences straight can be a challenging task.

The DIMM

DIMM is short for Dual In-line Memory Module.

It refers to the type of memory that has dominated the computer market since 1993, when Intel introduced the Pentium class of microprocessors. Previously, memory modules were known as SIMMs or single in-line memory module. SIMMs had to be installed as pairs to function. The DIMM's design removed the need to pair memory in the computer by integrating the memory modules of two SIMMs into one unit.

Nearly all desktop computers in use today use the DIMM architecture for their memory.

DDR Memory

DDR means Double Data Rate.

This type of DIMM operates by transferring its data twice in one cycle of the computer's clock signal.

SDRAM

SDRAM means Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory.

This memory synchronizes the data transfer to the clock signal. This memory will wait for the clock signal to respond to instructions.

Differences Between DDR DIMM and DDR SDRAM

The terms DDR SDRAM and DDR DIMM can be used interchangeably in referring to desktop computer memory. Laptop memory may come in a different format. All DDR DIMMs in use as of September 2010 use the SDRAM memory synchronization.

References

• Hardware Secrets: Everything You Need To Know About DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 Memories
• Wise Geek: What Is DDR RAM?
• Bit-Tech: The Secrets of PC Memory