46W0796 IBM 16GB DDR4 2133MHZ ECC Reg 288-Pin RAM

IBM 46W0796 — 16GB DDR4 RDIMM (PC4-17000 / 2133MHz)

High-reliability 16GB DDR4 memory module engineered for servers and workstations. This IBM 46W0796 registered DIMM (RDIMM) delivers ECC-protected, low-latency DRAM for enterprise-grade systems that require stable, error-correcting RAM. Ideal for database hosts, virtualization platforms and heavy computational workloads.

Primary Product Details

• Product name / type: 16GB DDR4 SDRAM memory module / RAM stick
• Manufacturer: IBM
• Part number (MPN): 46W0796
• Form factor: 288-pin RDIMM (registered)
• Memory configuration: 1 × 16GB module

Performance & timing characteristics

Speed and latency

• Memory standard: DDR4-2133 / PC4-17000
• Clock rate: 2133 MHz effective
• CAS latency: CL15 (low-latency profile for DDR4-2133)
• Signal type: Registered / buffered with ECC (error-correcting code)

Technology & reliability

• DDR4 SDRAM architecture — modern dynamic RAM for higher throughput
• ECC registered module — detects and corrects single-bit memory errors
• Engineered for continuous operation in server-class systems

Compatibility & physical specs

Hardware compatibility

• Designed for servers and enterprise motherboards that accept 288-pin RDIMM
• Compatible with platforms supporting DDR4-2133 / PC4-17000 registered modules
• Not a UDIMM — intended for systems that explicitly support RDIMM and ECC

Physical details

• Form factor: 288-pin registered DIMM
• Module density: 16 gigabytes per module
• Single-module pack: 1 × 16GB

Use cases & ideal deployments

• Server upgrades for improved memory capacity and fault tolerance
• Virtual machine hosts and hypervisors that benefit from ECC protection
• High-availability database servers, analytics nodes and compute clusters

IBM 46W0796 16GB DDR4 Server Memory

Product Specifications and Technical Details

Core Memory Specifications

Capacity and Performance Metrics

The IBM 46W0796 represents a high-performance 16GB DDR4 memory module engineered specifically for enterprise server environments. This ECC Registered DIMM operates at a base frequency of 2133MHz, which corresponds to the PC4-17000 designation, indicating a peak transfer rate of 17,000 MB/s. The module features a CAS latency of CL15, providing optimized timing characteristics that balance performance with reliability in memory-intensive applications.

Physical Architecture and Design

Constructed with a 288-pin configuration that complies with JEDEC standard DDR4 specifications, this memory module incorporates advanced PCB design with multiple signal layers for enhanced signal integrity. The physical dimensions measure the standard server DIMM form factor of approximately 133.35mm in length and 31.25mm in height, ensuring compatibility with mainstream server chassis and cooling solutions.

Advanced Memory Technology

Error Correction Code (ECC) Implementation

The IBM 46W0796 employs sophisticated Error Correction Code technology that can detect and correct single-bit memory errors in real-time, while also detecting double-bit errors. This advanced error correction capability significantly reduces the risk of system crashes, data corruption, and silent data errors that can compromise mission-critical operations. The ECC functionality operates transparently to the operating system and applications, providing an additional layer of data protection without performance degradation.

Registered DIMM Architecture

As a Registered DIMM (RDIMM), this memory module incorporates register chips between the memory controller and DRAM components. These registers buffer command, address, and control signals, reducing the electrical load on the memory controller and enabling support for higher memory capacities per channel. This architecture is particularly beneficial in multi-processor systems and memory-intensive applications where large memory configurations are required.

Performance Characteristics and Benchmarking

Theoretical vs. Practical Throughput

With a theoretical maximum bandwidth of 17,000 MB/s (17 GB/s) per module, the PC4-17000 specification represents the peak data transfer capability under ideal conditions. In practical server deployments, achievable bandwidth typically ranges between 14-16 GB/s depending on processor architecture, memory configuration, and workload characteristics. The 2133MHz operating frequency provides a balanced performance profile that meets the requirements of most enterprise applications without excessive power consumption.

Latency Characteristics

The CL15 latency rating indicates a 15-cycle delay between memory access initiation and data availability. When combined with the 2133MHz operating frequency, this results in an absolute latency of approximately 14.06 nanoseconds for initial access. Subsequent accesses benefit from burst mode operations and bank interleaving, which can significantly reduce effective latency for contiguous memory operations common in server workloads.

Workload-Specific Performance

Database and Transaction Processing

In database server applications, the IBM 46W0796 demonstrates exceptional performance for both OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) and OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) workloads. The ECC functionality ensures data integrity for critical transaction records, while the registered architecture supports the large memory capacities required for database buffer pools and in-memory processing. Performance testing shows consistent sub-100 nanosecond response times for random access patterns typical in database operations.

Virtualization and Cloud Applications

For virtualized environments, this memory module supports high VM density deployments through efficient memory addressing and rapid context switching capabilities. The 16GB capacity per module provides flexibility in allocating memory to virtual machines, while the 2133MHz frequency ensures responsive performance across mixed workloads. Memory overcommitment features such as ballooning and swapping perform efficiently with the balanced latency/bandwidth characteristics of this DDR4 technology.

Reliability and Serviceability Features

Enterprise-Grade Reliability Engineering

Component Selection and Testing

IBM employs rigorous component selection criteria for the 46W0796 memory module, utilizing premium-grade DRAM chips that exceed JEDEC standards for reliability and endurance. Each module undergoes extensive burn-in testing at elevated temperatures and voltage margins to identify early-life failures. Additional screening includes signal integrity validation at maximum operating frequency and comprehensive compatibility testing across the supported server ecosystem.

Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) Ratings

The IBM 46W0796 achieves an exceptional MTBF rating exceeding 2,000,000 hours under typical data center operating conditions. This reliability metric reflects the robust design, quality components, and comprehensive testing methodology employed throughout the manufacturing process. The high MTBF translates to reduced maintenance intervals and lower total cost of ownership over the system lifecycle.

Advanced RAS Features

Memory Fault Management

Beyond standard ECC functionality, this memory module supports advanced RAS features including memory mirroring, memory rank sparing, and patrol scrubbing. These capabilities work in conjunction with IBM's systems management infrastructure to provide predictive failure analysis, proactive fault containment, and automated recovery from correctable errors. The integrated management controller continuously monitors memory health indicators and can trigger alerts or automated responses to potential failure conditions.

Hot-Plug and Hot-Swap Capabilities

When deployed in supported IBM server platforms, the 46W0796 memory modules can be replaced without system shutdown in configurations that implement memory hot-plug functionality. This capability enhances system availability by enabling maintenance and upgrades during normal business operations. The physical design includes appropriate clearances and handling features to facilitate safe installation and removal while the system remains powered.

Comparative Analysis and Market Positioning

Technology Generation Comparison

DDR4 vs. DDR3 Advancements

The transition from DDR3 to DDR4 technology represented by the IBM 46W0796 delivers significant improvements in multiple dimensions. DDR4 operates at a lower voltage (1.2V vs. 1.5V for DDR3), reducing power consumption by approximately 20-40% depending on workload. The architectural enhancements include bank groups for improved parallelism, more sophisticated prefetch algorithms, and enhanced signal integrity through revised termination schemes. These improvements collectively deliver better performance per watt, a critical metric in modern data center operations.

Performance Relative to Higher-Frequency DDR4

While later DDR4 implementations reached frequencies of 2666MHz, 2933MHz, and beyond, the 2133MHz operating point of the IBM 46W0796 represents an optimal balance for many enterprise workloads. The marginal performance gains of higher-frequency modules often come with increased power consumption, latency penalties, and compatibility constraints. For general-purpose server applications, the 2133MHz frequency provides sufficient bandwidth while maximizing compatibility across server generations.

Use Case Scenarios and Application Fit

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

The IBM 46W0796 16GB DDR4 module excels in general business applications, including file and print services, email servers, web hosting, and medium-sized databases. The 16GB capacity per module provides flexibility for scaling memory in 16GB increments, making it suitable for both initial deployments and strategic expansion of existing infrastructure. The balanced performance characteristics meet the requirements of mixed-workload environments common in small to medium enterprise settings.

Specialized Application Considerations

For memory-intensive applications such as in-memory databases, high-performance computing, and large-scale virtualization, organizations may consider higher-density modules or alternative configurations. However, the 46W0796 remains a cost-effective solution for scaling memory capacity in support applications, development environments, and disaster recovery systems where extreme performance is less critical than reliability and total cost of ownership.