AB814057 Dell 256GB PC4-25600 DDR4-3200MHz 8Rx4 ECC RAM

Dell AB814057 256GB Server Memory Module

The Dell AB814057 represents enterprise-grade memory engineering at its finest, specifically designed for high-demand server environments where reliability, capacity, and performance are non-negotiable. This 256GB module is engineered to deliver exceptional data throughput and system stability for mission-critical applications, data centers, and virtualization platforms.

Key Specifications

This section provides a detailed breakdown of the core technical specifications that define the Dell AB814057 memory module's capabilities and compatibility.

Capacity

The Dell AB814057 features a substantial 256GB memory capacity configured as a single module (1x256GB). This high-density design is crucial for modern servers, allowing for maximum memory capacity in systems with a limited number of memory slots. It enables organizations to build servers with terabytes of RAM without requiring excessive physical space or power, optimizing rack density and operational efficiency.

Single Module Architecture

As a 1x256GB module, it operates independently, providing the full 256GB capacity in a single memory slot. This architecture simplifies memory population strategies and is ideal for scaling memory in systems where slot availability is a premium resource.

Performance Characteristics

The performance of the AB814057 is defined by its speed, latency, and data transfer rate, all optimized for server workloads.

Memory Speed and Data Rate

This module operates at a frequency of 3200MHz (Megahertz), which translates to a peak data transfer rate of PC4-25600. The "PC4-25600" designation indicates that the module can transfer approximately 25,600 MB/s (Megabytes per second) under ideal conditions. This high bandwidth is essential for reducing data bottlenecks in applications involving large datasets, real-time analytics, and high-transaction databases.

CAS Latency Timing

The module features a CAS Latency (CL) timing of 22 (CL22). Latency refers to the delay between a memory controller's request for data and the moment the data is available. In the context of server memory, a balance between high speed (3200MHz) and slightly higher latency (CL22) is standard, ensuring robust performance and stability under continuous load.

Advanced Memory Technology

The Dell AB814057 incorporates two critical technologies for server-grade reliability and performance: Error-Correcting Code (ECC) and a Registered (Buffered) design.

Error-Correcting Code (ECC) Memory

ECC is a non-negotiable feature for any server or workstation handling critical data. It detects and corrects the most common types of internal data corruption.

Registered DIMMs (RDIMM) and Load-Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMM)

This module is specifically an LRDIMM (Load-Reduced Dual In-line Memory Module), which is an advanced type of Registered DIMM.

Registered DIMM (RDIMM) Fundamentals

A standard Registered DIMM places a register (or buffer) on the module between the memory controller and the DRAM chips. This register handles the electrical load (or "fan-out") of the command and address signals from the memory controller. By buffering these signals, the register reduces the electrical load on the memory controller, allowing it to support a greater number of memory modules per channel and higher capacities of RAM without signal degradation. This enhances system stability and scalability.

LRDIMM

The Dell AB814057 is an LRDIMM, which goes a step further than a standard RDIMM. In addition to buffering the command/address signals (like an RDIMM), an LRDIMM also buffers the *data signals* using a memory buffer chip. This significantly reduces the electrical load on the memory bus for all types of signals. The primary advantage of LRDIMMs is their ability to enable even higher memory capacities and densities—like this 256GB module—while maintaining signal integrity and performance. They are the preferred choice for populating all memory slots in a server with the highest-capacity modules available.

Octal Rank and x4 Organization

The "Octal Rank" and "x4" organization are key to achieving the 256GB capacity. A "rank" is a set of DRAM chips that work together to form a 64-bit (or 72-bit with ECC) data block. "Octal Rank" means this single module presents eight independent ranks to the memory controller. The "x4" refers to the internal organization of the individual DRAM chips, meaning they have a 4-bit wide data bus. This x4 organization, combined with advanced LRDIMM buffer technology, is what allows for the creation of such high-density modules while managing the overall electrical load effectively.

Physical Specifications

Understanding the physical and electrical properties is essential for ensuring compatibility and proper installation.

Form Factor: 288-Pin DIMM

The module conforms to the standard 288-pin DDR4 DIMM form factor. The pin layout and the physical notch on the connector are specifically keyed for DDR4 technology, preventing accidental insertion into an incompatible DDR3 or DDR5 slot. The 288-pin design supports the increased data rates and bandwidth of the DDR4 standard.

LRDIMM Physical Profile

While sharing the same 288-pin footprint as other DDR4 DIMMs, the LRDIMM can often be identified by the presence of the additional memory buffer chip, which is typically a larger, centrally located component on the PCB compared to the surrounding DRAM chips.

Operating Voltage

The Dell AB814057 operates at a standard DDR4 voltage of 1.2V. This represents a significant reduction from the 1.5V of DDR3 and 1.35V of DDR3L, contributing to lower power consumption and reduced heat output in the server chassis. Lower power consumption translates directly into reduced operational costs and a smaller carbon footprint for large-scale data centers.

Compatibility and Intended Use Cases

This memory module is not designed for consumer PCs or workstations. It is a specialized component for specific enterprise server platforms.

Dell PowerEdge Server Compatibility

The Dell AB814057 is a genuine Dell part, engineered and validated for optimal performance and reliability in compatible Dell PowerEdge servers. It is crucial to consult the specific Technical Guide or Memory Configuration Tool for your PowerEdge server model (such as the R740xd, R840, R940xa, or similar generations from the 14th generation and beyond) to confirm compatibility. Using non-validated memory can lead to system errors, performance degradation, or voided warranties.

Ideal Workloads and Applications

The combination of high capacity, ECC, and LRDIMM technology makes this module ideal for the most demanding server applications.

In-Memory Databases

Databases like SAP HANA, Oracle Database In-Memory, and others reside primarily in RAM for lightning-fast query responses. The 256GB capacity per module allows for massive datasets to be held entirely in memory, dramatically accelerating transaction processing and analytics.

Server Virtualization and Consolidation

Virtualization hosts, such as those running VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V, require massive amounts of RAM to host dozens or even hundreds of virtual machines. High-density modules like the AB814057 allow for greater VM density per physical server, improving hardware utilization and reducing the total number of physical servers required.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Big Data Analytics

Scientific simulations, financial modeling, and big data analytics frameworks (like Hadoop or Spark) process enormous volumes of data. The high bandwidth (PC4-25600) and large capacity of this memory are critical for keeping computational cores fed with data, minimizing idle time and accelerating time-to-results.