[ The PC Guide | Systems and Components Reference Guide | System Memory | Memory Packaging ]

Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs)

The dual inline memory module or DIMM is a newer memory module, intended for use in fifth- and sixth-generation computer systems. DIMMs are 168 pins in size, and provide memory 64 bits in width. They are a newer form factor and are becoming the de facto standard for new PCs; they are not used on older motherboards. They are also not generally available in smaller sizes such as 1 MB or 4 MB for the simple reason that newer machines are rarely configured with such small amounts of system RAM.

Physically, DIMMs differ from SIMMs in an important way. SIMMs have contacts on either side of the circuit board but they are tied together. So a 30-pin SIMM has 30 contacts on each side of the circuit board, but each pair is connected. This gives some redundancy and allows for more forgiving connections since each pin has two pads. This is also true of 72-pin SIMMs. DIMMs however have different connections on each side of the circuit board. So a 168-pin DIMM has 84 pads on each side and they are not redundant. This allows the packaging to be made smaller, but makes DIMMs a bit more sensitive to correct insertion and good electrical contact.

DIMMs are inserted into special sockets on the motherboard, similar to those used for SIMMs. They are generally available in 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB and 64 MB sizes, with larger DIMMs also available at a higher cost per megabyte. DIMMs are the memory format of choice for the newest memory technology, SDRAM. DIMMs are also used for EDO and other technologies as well.

DIMMs come in different flavors, and it is important to ensure that you get the right kind for the machine that you are using. They come in two different voltages: 3.3V and 5.0V, and they come in either buffered or unbuffered versions. This yields of course a total of four different combinations. The standard today is the 3.3 volt unbuffered DIMM, and most machines will use these. Consult your motherboard or system manual.

A smaller version of the DIMM is also sometimes seen; called the small outline DIMM or SODIMM, these packages are used primarily in laptop computers where miniaturization is key.

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