AC529145 Dell 64GB DDR5-4800MT/s PC5 38400 ECC Memory Module

Dell AC529145 64GB DDR5 Memory Module

In the realm of enterprise computing, memory performance directly correlates to operational efficiency, and the Dell AC529145 VxRail 64GB DDR5 Memory Module stands as a pinnacle of server memory technology. Engineered specifically for the demanding environments of VxRail hyper-converged infrastructure, this 1x64GB module is not merely a component but a critical investment in data center reliability and speed.

Key Specifications

Understanding the technical specifications of the Dell AC529145 is key to appreciating its capabilities. This section provides a detailed breakdown of the core attributes that define this memory module's performance and compatibility profile.

Capacity

The Dell AC529145 offers a substantial 64GB (Gigabytes) of memory capacity in a single module. This high-density design is crucial for modern servers, as it allows for maximum memory population within the limited DIMM slots available on a server motherboard. By utilizing 64GB modules, IT administrators can achieve total system memory configurations of 512GB, 1TB, or even higher without requiring excessive physical space, thereby optimizing the server's compute density and overall efficiency. This specific part is a single module (1x64GB), providing flexibility for initial deployments or targeted upgrades.

Single Module vs. Multi-Kit

While sold as a single module, optimal server performance is typically achieved by installing memory in matched pairs or sets across memory channels. It is highly recommended to consult your VxRail system's configuration guide to determine the correct population sequence and quantity of 64GB modules required to leverage multi-channel architecture for maximum bandwidth.

DDR5 Technology: A Generational Leap

The "DDR5" designation marks the fifth generation of Double Data Rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory. This is not a minor iteration but a fundamental architectural shift from DDR4. The Dell AC529145 leverages this new standard to deliver significantly improved performance metrics, including higher data transfer rates, greater bandwidth, and enhanced power management, setting a new benchmark for what is possible in server memory performance.

Increased Bandwidth and Speed: 4800MT/s

The module operates at a blazing speed of 4800 Megatransfers per second (MT/s). This is a measure of the number of data transfer operations occurring per second on the memory bus. Compared to common DDR4 speeds (e.g., 3200MT/s), this represents a substantial 50% increase in potential data throughput. This higher speed directly translates to faster data access for CPUs, reducing processing bottlenecks and accelerating application response times for everything from complex database queries to virtual machine operations.

Power Management: The 1.1v JEDEC Standard

Despite its increased performance, the Dell AC529145 operates at a lower voltage of 1.1 volts, down from the typical 1.2v of DDR4. This reduction in operating voltage is a critical achievement, as it directly lowers the power consumption and heat output of the memory subsystem.

Decoding the Memory Type: PC5-38400, RDIMM

The string of acronyms associated with this module—PC5-38400, Dual Rank, x4 ECC, Registered RDIMM—defines its precise type and features. Each term signifies a specific characteristic tailored for the error-free, high-availability demands of server environments.

Peak Transfer Rate: PC5-38400

The "PC5-38400" classification is the module's designation under JEDEC standards, indicating its peak bandwidth capability. To calculate this, the I/O bus clock speed (2400MHz) is multiplied by the number of data transfers per clock cycle (2, for "Double Data Rate") and then by the bus width (64 bits, or 8 bytes). 2400 MHz x 2 x 8 Bytes = 38,400 MB/s. Therefore, a single Dell AC529145 module can theoretically deliver up to 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth. This high peak bandwidth is essential for supporting the simultaneous data requests from multiple CPU cores in modern server processors.

Server-Grade Reliability: ECC and Registered RDIMM

This module is an ECC Registered RDIMM, which is the standard for enterprise servers. ECC, or Error-Correcting Code, is a non-negotiable feature for data integrity. It can detect and correct single-bit memory errors in real-time, preventing software crashes, data corruption, and system instability that can be caused by cosmic rays or electrical interference. The "Registered" component (the 'R' in RDIMM) refers to an additional register placed on the module that buffers the command and address signals between the memory controller and the DRAM chips. This reduces the electrical load on the memory controller, allowing for the support of more memory modules per channel and higher capacities at stable speeds, which is vital for large-scale memory configurations in servers.

Dual Rank x4 Organization

The "Dual Rank" and "x4" specifications describe the internal organization of the memory chips. A dual-rank module is essentially treated as two separate memory devices on a single stick, allowing the memory controller to access one rank while the other is preparing for the next access, improving efficiency. The "x4" refers to the physical organization of the DRAM dies, indicating they have a 4-bit data width. This x4 configuration is particularly beneficial for ECC functionality, as it provides the necessary extra bits for the error-correcting code to operate without requiring additional, separate chips, leading to a more efficient and reliable module design.

Physical Interface: The 288-Pin Design

The Dell AC529145 utilizes a 288-pin edge connector, which is the physical standard for DDR5 modules. This pin count is different from DDR4's 288-pin layout, with a changed keying notch position to prevent accidental insertion into an incompatible motherboard slot. The pin layout is engineered to handle the higher signal speeds and power delivery requirements of the DDR5 architecture, ensuring a secure and reliable physical connection within the server's DIMM slots.

Advanced DDR5 Features for Enterprise Workloads

Beyond the base specifications, DDR5 introduces architectural innovations that are leveraged fully by the Dell AC529145 module to deliver superior performance in a server context.

On-Die ECC (Error Correcting Code)

In addition to the standard ECC that protects data in transit to and from the CPU, DDR5 incorporates On-Die ECC. This is a self-contained error correction mechanism that operates within each individual DRAM chip. It continuously scans for and corrects minor bit errors that can occur within the chip itself before they can affect the wider memory subsystem.

Wide Compatibility and Integration with Dell VxRail Systems

The Dell AC529145 is not a generic server memory module; it is a certified and validated component for Dell's VxRail hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) appliances. This ensures a level of integration and reliability that off-the-shelf components cannot guarantee.

Purpose-Built for VxRail

VxRail is a fully integrated, pre-tested, and factory-assembled HCI system that combines compute, storage, and virtualization management. Using Dell-engineered components like the AC529145 memory module is critical for maintaining system stability and performance. These modules are subjected to rigorous testing and validation cycles with specific VxRail nodes and firmware versions to ensure there are no compatibility issues that could lead to system crashes, performance degradation, or support complications.

Ensuring Optimal Performance

Utilizing genuine Dell memory like the AC529145 ensures that the module is recognized correctly by the system BIOS and integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC). This allows for precise health monitoring, proactive alerts in case of predicted failure, and seamless firmware updates. Using non-certified memory can void the system's support contract and lead to unpredictable behavior, making the AC529145 the only recommended choice for expanding or replacing memory in a supported VxRail environment.

Use Cases and Workloads

The high capacity and speed of the Dell AC529145 make it ideally suited for memory-intensive enterprise workloads. In a VxRail context, this translates directly to superior performance for virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) deployments, where dozens or hundreds of virtual desktops share the host's memory. It is equally critical for large database management systems (e.g., SQL Server, Oracle), in-memory analytics platforms, high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, and dense virtualization environments running hundreds of virtual machines. The module's reliability features ensure that these business-critical applications remain online and data-integrity is maintained.