Crucial launches a low profile 16GB DDR3-1066 module for servers

MEMORY MAKER Crucial has announced 16GB DDR3-1066 modules aimed at servers.

Crucial, the retail arm of Micron, announced its registered DDR3 1066MHz modules saying they will reduce the space taken up by memory and allow for greater airflow in servers. The "very low profile" modules have a height of just 18.75mm, while in comparison, standard height modules are around 30mm.

For consumers the power consumption of memory is relatively insignificant when compared to CPUs and graphics cards, however in a server that might have 12 or more modules and a very basic GPU, memory power consumption is a big deal. So some firms promote lower voltage for their modules but Crucial has decided to play the density and airflow game.

Crucial claims that its low profile modules not only help airflow through the server to reduce cooling costs but that their impressively high density will allow users to either pack even more memory into their servers or reduce the number of modules.

When asked how Crucial's design process differs for its server oriented modules compared to its consumer modules, Jim Jardine, senior product marketing manager at Crucial told The INQUIRER, "In servers, especially smaller form factor servers (1U) and blade servers, the motherboard designers would have to space the memory slots differently and use angled slots if they had to use full height modules. Using VLP [very low profile] modules allows more flexibility in their overall design and generally the ability to provide better airflows. VLP modules are essential to applications that require a lot of compute power in a small space. Virtualization being the hot application at the moment, but the applications really are quite broad from database/SQL serving to deeply embedded."

Jardine also clarified that the modules used for its low profile modules are the same, though have packaging differences. "They use the same memory speeds as standard height modules however the components are DDP to get to the required density in such a small footprint. DDP stands for Dual Die Package and takes two dies and puts it in one package, the 'package' being the black component you see on the module itself," said Jardine.

While consumer-oriented DDR3 modules might be pretty cheap at the moment, Crucial's 16GB server modules are not. A standard-height 16GB module sells for £460 with the low profile module going for £530. Crucial even sells a 48GB kit, with three low profile modules coming in at just under £1,600.

That said, Crucial's dense, low-profile memory modules are designed to make the user money and not for gaining envy from overclocking buddies. µ