Question

Difficulty: MediumRAM Types and Characteristics

A field technician is auditing memory inventory for an upcoming hardware refresh across desktop workstations, portable devices, and network servers. Match each physical memory specification or characteristic on the left to its corresponding RAM type on the right.

  • 288-pin standard desktop module operating at a default voltage of 1.2 V1.2\text{ V}DDR4 Unbuffered DIMM
  • 262-pin small-outline module operating at 1.1 V1.1\text{ V} with an integrated Power Management IC (PMIC)DDR5 SODIMM
  • 260-pin small-outline module operating at 1.2 V1.2\text{ V} designed for portable systemsDDR4 SODIMM
  • 288-pin module featuring a 72-bit72\text{-bit} bus width (64 bits64\text{ bits} data + 8 bits8\text{ bits} parity) for single-bit error correctionECC Unbuffered DIMM

Answer

The correct matches are: 288-pin desktop module operating at 1.2 V1.2\text{ V} matches DDR4 Unbuffered DIMM; 262-pin small-outline module operating at 1.1 V1.1\text{ V} with PMIC matches DDR5 SODIMM; 260-pin small-outline module operating at 1.2 V1.2\text{ V} matches DDR4 SODIMM; and 288-pin module with 72-bit72\text{-bit} bus width matches ECC Unbuffered DIMM.
Each RAM specification accurately reflects the physical pin count, operating voltage, form factor, and architecture of its respective memory technology. DDR4 desktop DIMMs use 288 pins at 1.2 V1.2\text{ V}, DDR4 laptop SODIMMs use 260 pins at 1.2 V1.2\text{ V}, DDR5 SODIMMs use 262 pins at 1.1 V1.1\text{ V} with an onboard PMIC, and ECC memory adds 8 error-checking bits to achieve a 72-bit72\text{-bit} bus width.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify form factor pin counts and standard operating voltages for DDR4 desktop and laptop RAM
DDR4 desktop DIMMs have 288 pins (1.2 V1.2\text{ V}), while DDR4 SODIMMs have 260 pins (1.2 V1.2\text{ V}).
Physical pin counts and notch locations prevent installing mismatched RAM generations or form factors into incompatible slots.
2
Identify architectural updates in DDR5 memory modules
DDR5 SODIMMs use 262 pins, operate at 1.1 V1.1\text{ V}, and feature onboard Power Management Integrated Circuits (PMIC) instead of relying on motherboard power delivery.
DDR5 transfers power regulation control from the motherboard to the module itself to increase energy efficiency and signal integrity.
3
Analyze error checking characteristics
ECC memory modules add 8 extra error-checking bits, expanding the standard 64-bit64\text{-bit} data path to a 72-bit72\text{-bit} bus width.
The additional 8 bits allow the memory controller to detect multi-bit errors and correct single-bit memory corruption in real time.

Key Concept

RAM Form Factors, Generation Specifications, and Error Checking
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