HMA42GR7AFR4NTF Hynix 16GB DDR4 2133MHz ECC Registered RAM

Hynix 16GB DDR4 Server Memory Module

The Hynix HMA42GR7AFR4NTF represents a high-performance server-grade memory solution engineered for enterprise environments. This 16GB module operates at a base frequency of 2133MHz, conforming to the PC4-17000 classification, which denotes the module's peak transfer rate of 17,000 MB/s. Built on DDR4 SDRAM technology, this memory module features a 288-pin configuration specifically designed for server motherboards and workstations requiring exceptional reliability and performance.

Capacity: 16GB

Thermal and Management

Engineered with enterprise-grade thermal management, the module includes a standard heat spreader that facilitates efficient heat dissipation during continuous operation. The mechanical design ensures compatibility with server memory slots while providing physical robustness necessary for data center environments where vibration and mechanical stress are common concerns.

ECC Registered Technology Explained

The Hynix HMA42GR7AFR4NTF incorporates advanced ECC technology that provides single-bit error correction and multi-bit error detection capabilities. This critical feature ensures data integrity by automatically identifying and correcting memory errors that could otherwise lead to system crashes, data corruption, or computational inaccuracies. The ECC implementation operates transparently to the operating system and applications while providing continuous protection against soft errors caused by cosmic radiation, electrical interference, and other environmental factors.

Registered DIMM DDR4 Technology

As a Registered DDR4 module, the HMA42GR7AFR4NTF incorporates register chips (often called buffers) that sit between the memory controller and the DRAM chips. These registers buffer the 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 essential for servers and workstations that require large memory configurations exceeding 128GB, as it maintains signal integrity across multiple modules.

Scalability 

The HMA42GR7AFR4NTF is designed for deployment in multi-channel configurations, typically operating in dual, triple, or quad-channel modes depending on the server platform. When installed in matched sets, these modules can deliver aggregated bandwidth that scales nearly linearly with additional channels. For example, in a quad-channel configuration, four modules can deliver up to 68GB/s of combined theoretical bandwidth, significantly accelerating memory-bound applications.

Firmware

While the memory hardware operates independently of the operating system, proper functionality requires UEFI/BIOS firmware that supports DDR4-2133 memory specifications. Most enterprise server firmware automatically detects and configures the memory parameters, though manual configuration may be necessary in certain scenarios. The ECC functionality requires operating system support for error reporting, with Windows Server, Linux, and other server operating systems providing comprehensive ECC monitoring capabilities.

Reliability

The HMA42GR7AFR4NTF is designed and tested to achieve exceptional reliability metrics typical of server-grade memory, with MTBF ratings exceeding industry standards for consumer memory products. The combination of ECC protection, registered architecture, and premium components results in a module capable of continuous operation in 24/7 server environments with minimal failure rates.

DDR4 vs. Previous Generations

DDR4 technology introduces several significant architectural enhancements compared to DDR3, including higher module densities, improved power efficiency, and increased data rates. The bank group architecture represents a fundamental change, allowing different bank groups to be accessed independently, thereby increasing parallelism and effective bandwidth. The prefetch architecture remains at 8n (same as DDR3), but the bank group implementation provides additional performance benefits beyond simple frequency scaling.

Capability

The DDR4 standard incorporates a revised signaling scheme with pseudo-open drain I/O on the data bus, replacing the series-stub terminated logic of DDR3. This change improves signal integrity at higher frequencies while reducing power consumption. The power delivery system has been redesigned with the voltage regulator moved from the motherboard to the memory module itself, enabling more precise voltage control and better power management capabilities.

Compatibility

The Hynix HMA42GR7AFR4NTF is compatible with enterprise server platforms supporting DDR4 Registered memory, including Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3/v4, E5-4600 v3/v4, and E7-8800/4800 v3/v4 families, as well as AMD EPYC 7001 and 7002 series processors. The module is specifically designed for systems requiring ECC Registered DDR4 memory and will not function in platforms designed for unbuffered or ECC Unbuffered memory types. Server platforms implementing registered DDR4 memory enforce specific population rules to ensure optimal performance and compatibility. Systems typically require modules to be installed in matched sets per channel, with identical specifications recommended across all installed memory. The Hynix HMA42GR7AFR4NTF is validated for compatibility with major server platforms from manufacturers including Dell, HPE, IBM/Lenovo, and Super micro, though specific platform compatibility should always be verified against manufacturer qualification lists.