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

IBM 46W0796 16GB DDR4 Server Memory

Product Identification and Key Specifications

The IBM 46W0796 represents a high-performance server memory module designed for enterprise-level computing environments. This 16GB DDR4 RAM module operates at 2133MHz with PC4-17000 data transfer rates, featuring ECC Registered technology for enhanced data integrity and system stability in mission-critical applications.

Detailed Specifications

Memory Architecture

Built using advanced DDR4 SDRAM technology, the 46W0796 module delivers significant improvements over previous DDR3 generations, including higher bandwidth, improved power efficiency, and enhanced reliability features. The module's 288-pin configuration is specifically engineered for server-grade motherboards and systems requiring maximum uptime and data protection.

Performance Characteristics

With a data rate of 2133 million transfers per second (MT/s) and PC4-17000 designation, this module provides a peak transfer rate of approximately 17,000 MB/s. The CAS Latency (CL) of 15 cycles ensures balanced performance between speed and responsiveness, making it ideal for memory-intensive applications and multi-user environments.

Advanced Technical Features and Technologies

ECC Registered Technology Explained

Error Correcting Code (ECC) technology represents a critical feature for enterprise environments where data integrity is paramount. The IBM 46W0796 incorporates advanced ECC capabilities that can detect and correct single-bit memory errors automatically, while also detecting double-bit errors. This proactive error management significantly reduces system crashes, data corruption, and unexpected downtime in server environments.

Registered DIMM Architecture

The Registered (or Buffered) DIMM design includes memory buffers that sit between the memory controller and DRAM chips. These buffers reduce the electrical load on the memory controller, enabling support for higher memory capacities and more modules per channel. This architecture is particularly beneficial in systems requiring large memory configurations, as it maintains signal integrity and system stability even under heavy loads.

Benefits of ECC Registered Design

The combination of ECC and Registered technologies provides enterprise systems with unparalleled reliability. The registered buffers improve signal quality across large memory arrays, while ECC ensures data accuracy. This dual protection makes the 46W0796 ideal for financial transactions, database management, scientific computing, and other applications where data integrity cannot be compromised.

DDR4 Technological Advancements

DDR4 technology represents a significant leap forward from DDR3, offering numerous improvements that enhance both performance and efficiency. The IBM 46W0796 leverages these advancements to deliver superior performance in server environments.

Voltage Efficiency and Thermal Management

Operating at just 1.2 volts compared to DDR3's 1.5V, DDR4 modules like the 46W0796 achieve substantial power savings – approximately 20% reduction in power consumption under similar workloads. This lower voltage operation also reduces heat generation, contributing to improved system thermal characteristics and potentially lowering cooling requirements in data center environments.

Enhanced Data Integrity Features

Beyond basic ECC, DDR4 introduces additional data integrity enhancements including CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) for data transfers and CA parity for command/address signals. These features provide end-to-end protection against data corruption during transmission between the memory controller and DRAM modules.

DDR4 vs. DDR3 Performance Delta

Compared to DDR3 memory operating at similar frequencies, DDR4 modules like the 46W0796 achieve approximately 20-30% better performance per watt. The architectural improvements in DDR4, including bank groups and improved prefetch algorithms, contribute to more efficient memory access patterns and higher sustainable bandwidth.

Scaling Characteristics in Multi-Module Configurations

As systems scale to higher memory capacities using multiple 46W0796 modules, the registered architecture maintains signal integrity and access timing consistency. This scaling capability ensures that performance remains predictable even in fully populated systems with hundreds of gigabytes of memory.

Enterprise Reliability and Serviceability

Mission-Critical Reliability Features

The 46W0796 incorporates multiple reliability enhancements specifically designed for 24/7 operation in enterprise environments. These features work together to maximize system uptime and data protection.

Extended Temperature Operation

Engineered for extended temperature ranges typically from 0°C to 85°C, the 46W0796 maintains stable operation in varying data center environments. The module includes thermal sensors that interface with system management controllers to provide early warning of potential thermal issues.

Implementation Scenarios

Enterprise Deployment Scenarios

The 46W0796 finds application across numerous enterprise computing scenarios, each with specific requirements and configuration considerations.

Virtualization Infrastructure

In virtualized environments, the module's 16GB capacity provides substantial memory resources for hosting multiple virtual machines. The ECC protection ensures guest OS stability, while the registered architecture maintains performance consistency during consolidation peaks.

Database Server Applications

For database servers, particularly those handling online transaction processing (OLTP), the 46W0796's combination of capacity, speed, and data integrity protection makes it ideal for buffer pool and transaction log memory allocation. The modules help maintain consistent response times during peak load periods.