AC055066 Dell 16GB DDR4 3200MT/S ECC RDIMM Memory Module

Dell VxRail DDR4 Server Memory Module

Memory Capacity

The Dell AC055066 VxRail memory module features a 16GB capacity in a single 1x16GB configuration. This specific density is engineered for optimal performance in VxRail hyper-converged infrastructure nodes, providing balanced memory distribution across processor channels. The module operates at 3200MT/s (mega transfers per second), delivering high-speed data throughput essential for demanding virtualized workloads and data-intensive applications.

Memory Technology and Architecture

This module utilizes PC4-25600 classification, which denotes the peak transfer rate of 25600 MB/s. The CL22 timing (CAS Latency 22) represents the number of clock cycles between a read command and data availability. The ECC (Error Correcting Code) Registered technology provides single-bit error correction and double-bit error detection, crucial for maintaining data integrity in enterprise environments. The dual-rank architecture allows for better memory controller utilization and improved performance in multi-processor systems.

Physical Characteristics

Voltage and Power Management

Operating at 1.2V, this DDR4 memory module maintains lower power consumption compared to previous generation DDR3 modules while delivering enhanced performance. The reduced voltage specification contributes to improved energy efficiency in data center environments where power consumption and heat generation are critical considerations. The module includes advanced power management features that optimize energy usage based on system demand.

Physical Design

The 288-pin RDIMM (Registered Dual In-Line Memory Module) form factor ensures proper mechanical compatibility with VxRail server memory slots. The registered design incorporates a register between the memory controller and DRAM modules, reducing electrical load on the memory controller and enabling support for higher memory capacities. The physical dimensions strictly adhere to JEDEC standards for server-grade memory modules.

Memory Scaling in VxRail Clusters

Node Memory Configuration

In VxRail configurations, memory modules must be installed in specific populations to maintain optimal memory channel balance across processors. The 16GB capacity allows for flexible scaling from minimum configurations to maximum supported memory per node. Proper population follows Dell's stringent guidelines for memory mirroring, sparing, and performance-optimized configurations based on the specific VxRail model and processor count.

Cluster-Wide Memory Considerations

When expanding VxRail clusters, consistent memory configuration across nodes ensures predictable performance and simplified management. The Dell AC055066 module provides identical timing, voltage, and performance characteristics when used in homogeneous configurations, supporting vSphere features like vMotion and Distributed Resource Scheduler that rely on consistent hardware profiles across cluster nodes.

DDR4 Server Memory Architecture

DDR4 Advancements Over Previous Generations

DDR4 technology represents significant architectural improvements over DDR3, including higher data rates starting from 2133MT/s and scaling beyond 3200MT/s. The Dell AC055066 operates at 3200MT/s, providing approximately 25% higher bandwidth than 2400MT/s DDR4 modules while maintaining similar power characteristics. The improved prefetch architecture (8n prefetch vs. DDR3's 8n prefetch with different internal banks) enables more efficient data transfer cycles.

Reliability and Signal Integrity

DDR4 introduces new reliability features including parity checking on the command and address bus, along with enhanced write-leveling capabilities for improved signal integrity at higher speeds. The module's registered design further enhances signal integrity by buffering commands and addresses, which is particularly important in multi-DIMM per channel configurations common in server environments.

ECC and Registered Technology Explained

Error Correcting Code Implementation

The ECC functionality in this memory module utilizes additional DRAM chips to store error correction codes. When data is written to memory, the ECC bits are calculated and stored alongside the data. During read operations, the stored ECC bits are used to detect and correct single-bit errors automatically, while detecting multi-bit errors. This process occurs transparently to the operating system and applications, preventing silent data corruption that could lead to system instability or data loss.

Registered DIMM Advantages

Registered DIMMs incorporate a register (or buffer) between the memory controller and the DRAM modules. This register reduces the electrical load on the memory controller by presenting only one electrical load per rank instead of one load per DRAM chip. This architecture enables support for higher memory capacities per channel and improves signal integrity at high speeds and in systems with large memory populations, which is essential for VxRail nodes that may contain substantial memory configurations.

Wide Compatibility and Integration Specifications

Dell VxRail System Compatibility

The Dell AC055066 16GB memory module is validated for use in specific VxRail generations and models including VxRail E Series, P Series, V Series, and S Series nodes. Compatibility extends to both Intel Xeon Scalable and AMD EPYC-based configurations depending on the specific VxRail model. Each VxRail platform has specific memory population rules that must be followed to ensure optimal performance and system stability.

Performance Optimization

Optimal memory performance in VxRail systems is achieved through balanced memory channel population. Systems perform best when all channels contain identical memory quantities and configurations. The Dell AC055066 module supports performance-optimized population schemes that maximize memory bandwidth while maintaining system stability. Specific guidelines address memory interleaving configurations that distribute memory accesses across channels and ranks for reduced latency and improved throughput.

Performance Characteristics and Benchmarks

Bandwidth and Latency Metrics

With a data rate of 3200MT/s and PC4-25600 classification, the module delivers peak theoretical bandwidth of 25,600 MB/s per module. In practical applications, actual achievable bandwidth depends on processor architecture, memory population, and workload characteristics. The CL22 latency specification represents 22 clock cycles at 1.6ns per cycle (for 3200MT/s), resulting in approximately 35ns CAS latency, though actual access times include additional command and addressing overhead.

Real-World Workload Performance

In VxRail environments, the memory module demonstrates optimized performance for virtualized workloads including database applications, virtual desktop infrastructure, and software-defined storage operations. The combination of ECC protection and registered architecture ensures consistent performance under continuous operation while maintaining data integrity. Performance testing shows sustained throughput characteristics suitable for mixed workload environments typical of hyper-converged infrastructure deployments.

Comparative Performance Analysis

Against Other DDR4 Speeds

Compared to lower-speed DDR4 modules such as 2400MT/s and 2666MT/s variants, the 3200MT/s Dell AC055066 provides measurable performance improvements in memory-sensitive applications. Benchmarks demonstrate approximately 15-20% higher memory bandwidth in synthetic tests, with real-world application improvements varying based on the degree of memory dependency in the workload. The performance advantage is most noticeable in applications with large working sets and random access patterns.

Impact on Overall System Performance

In VxRail systems, memory performance directly impacts overall cluster capabilities including virtual machine density, storage performance, and application responsiveness. The 3200MT/s memory speed reduces memory-related bottlenecks in compute-intensive operations, while the ECC functionality minimizes performance-impacting correctable error handling. The balanced performance characteristics support VxRail's quality of service maintenance across mixed workloads.

Hot-Plug Capabilities

Depending on the specific VxRail platform and configuration, memory modules may support hot-plug replacement procedures that allow maintenance without system shutdown. Proper procedures require following specific sequences for memory isolation and replacement, with system firmware managing the memory reinitialization process. Not all VxRail configurations support memory hot-plug, requiring reference to specific platform documentation.