Question

Difficulty: MediumRAM Types and Characteristics

An IT technician is auditing hardware specifications for several client systems and memory upgrades. Match each RAM component or configuration on the left with its corresponding technical characteristic or operational scenario on the right.

  • DDR4 SO-DIMMUses a 260-pin compact form factor intended for laptops and small form factor devices.
  • ECC UDIMMProvides unbuffered memory with single-bit error detection and correction for entry-level workstations.
  • Motherboard memory slots A1 and A2 populatedOperates both installed modules on a single memory channel, resulting in a 64-bit total bus width.
  • DDR5 DIMMFeatures a 288-pin architecture with two independent 32-bit subchannels per module and on-die ECC.

Answer

DDR4 SO-DIMM matches the 260-pin compact laptop form factor; ECC UDIMM matches unbuffered single-bit error correction for workstations; populating slots A1 and A2 matches operating both modules on a single memory channel (64-bit total width); DDR5 DIMM matches 288-pin architecture with dual 32-bit subchannels and on-die ECC.
Matching each module and configuration with its standard specifications confirms: DDR4 SO-DIMMs use 260 pins for compact systems; ECC UDIMMs provide unbuffered error correction; installing memory into slots A1 and A2 limits system operation to single-channel mode (64-bit data path); DDR5 desktop modules utilize 288 pins with internal dual 32-bit subchannels.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify form factor pin counts and physical packaging for laptop versus desktop memory.
DDR4 SO-DIMM is identified as the 260-pin small outline module for mobile/compact systems.
SO-DIMMs are physically smaller than full-size DIMMs to fit tight laptop spaces.
2
Evaluate memory module error checking capabilities.
ECC UDIMM provides unbuffered error checking that detects and corrects single-bit errors.
UDIMMs lack registered buffering but can still incorporate Error-Correcting Code functionality.
3
Analyze dual-channel motherboard slot population rules.
Populating slots A1 and A2 puts both modules on Channel A, keeping the system in single-channel (64-bit) operation.
Dual-channel operation requires placing modules across distinct channels (e.g., A1 and B1).
4
Examine DDR5 internal architecture improvements over DDR4.
DDR5 DIMM is matched with 288-pin modules featuring dual 32-bit subchannels and on-die ECC.
DDR5 introduces dual independent 32-bit memory channels per DIMM module to increase data efficiency.

Key Concept

RAM Types, Form Factors, and Channel Configurations
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