M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS Samsung 32GB PC5-38400 288P RDIMM ECC REG DDR5-4800MHz RAM

Overview of the Samsung M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS Memory Kit

The Samsung M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS 32GB PC5-38400 2Rx4 288-pin RDIMM ECC Registered DDR5-4800MHz memory module represents the cutting-edge in server-grade memory technology. Engineered for enterprise servers, workstations, and high-performance computing applications, this DDR5 module combines reliability, efficiency, and high-speed performance. Designed to meet the increasing demands of modern data centers and computational workloads, this memory module ensures seamless multitasking, improved bandwidth, and superior system stability.

Understanding of the 32GB Server Memory Kit

The landscape of server memory has evolved significantly with the advent of DDR5 technology, offering substantial improvements in bandwidth, power efficiency, and data integrity. Within this ecosystem, modules like the Samsung M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS are engineered for mission-critical stability and performance. This category encompasses memory specifically designed for servers, workstations, and high-availability computing environments where error-free operation and large-capacity configurations are non-negotiable. Unlike standard consumer-grade memory, these modules incorporate advanced technologies such as Error-Correcting Code (ECC) and Registering to ensure data accuracy and system stability under heavy, continuous loads.

Core Specifications of the Samsung M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS Memory Module

The Samsung M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS is a 32GB DDR5 SDRAM module built to exacting server standards. Its specifications define its application in modern data centers and enterprise hardware.

Capacity

This module provides a substantial 32 gigabytes (GB) of memory capacity on a single stick. This high density is crucial for modern servers that require large amounts of RAM to handle virtualization, in-memory databases, and big-data analytics. Using high-density modules like this allows system builders to maximize total system memory while minimizing the number of occupied memory slots, which can improve power efficiency and leave room for future expansion.

Decoding the Part Number: M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS

Samsung's part numbering system provides a detailed blueprint of the module's capabilities. Breaking down "M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS": The "M3" signifies a DDR5 memory product. "21" indicates a 32GB density. "R" confirms it is a Registered (RDIMM) module. "4" denotes the generation and specific revision of the component design. "GA" refers to the 4800Mbps speed grade and the specific timing profile. The "3BB6" segment details the chip configuration and internal organization. Finally, "CQKMS" is a manufacturing code representing the semiconductor wafer composition, assembly location, and packaging line, ensuring traceability and consistency for enterprise customers.

Comparison with Other DDR5 Form Factors

It is essential to distinguish this RDIMM from other DDR5 types. Unbuffered DIMMs (UDIMMs) lack the register and are typically used in desktops and workstations; they offer lower latency but cannot support the high capacities and quantities needed in servers. Load Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs) use a different buffer (iOB) that reduces load on the data bus as well, enabling even higher capacities (e.g., 64GB, 128GB per module) but at a slight cost to latency and power. The Samsung M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS RDIMM strikes the optimal balance for mainstream server deployments, offering high capacity, robust reliability with ECC, and excellent performance without the premium cost of LRDIMMs.

1x32GB Configuration

The "1x32gb" designation indicates this is a single-module kit. Servers are typically populated with multiple identical modules to leverage multi-channel architectures (like dual, quad, or octa-channel) for dramatically increased memory bandwidth. This module is designed to be used alongside others of the same type to build out a system's total memory capacity in increments of 32GB.

Performance Characteristics

4800 Mbps Data Rate

The module operates at a data transfer rate of 4800 Megatransfers per second (MT/s), often expressed as 4800 Mbps. This represents the speed at which data can be read from or written to the memory. This high bandwidth is a key feature of DDR5, enabling faster processing of data-intensive workloads and reducing potential bottlenecks in the memory subsystem.

PC5-4800 & CL40 Timing

The "PC5-4800" designation is the industry standard name for DDR5 modules running at 4800 MT/s. The "CL40" refers to the CAS Latency, which is the number of clock cycles between a read command and the moment data is available. While latency is an important factor, in server environments, the combination of high bandwidth, massive capacity, and rock-solid stability often takes precedence over ultra-low latencies typically sought in gaming PCs.

Advanced Memory Architecture

ECC (Error-Correcting Code) Technology

ECC is a critical feature for any server memory. It enables the module to detect and correct the most common types of internal data corruption, specifically single-bit errors, on the fly. This prevents software crashes, data corruption, and system instability that can be caused by cosmic rays, electrical interference, or other factors. In an enterprise setting, where data integrity and uptime are paramount, ECC is not an optional luxury but a fundamental requirement.

Registered (RDIMM) Design

This is a Registered Dual In-Line Memory Module (RDIMM). It incorporates a register (or buffer) on the module itself, placed between the memory controller and the DRAM chips. This register buffers the command and address signals, reducing the electrical load on the memory controller. This allows a system to support a greater number of memory modules and higher total capacities with greater stability and signal integrity compared to unbuffered modules (UDIMMs). The slight added latency from the register is a worthwhile trade-off for the scalability and reliability it enables in multi-socket and high-capacity server platforms.

2Rx8 Organization

The "2Rx8" notation describes the physical and logical layout of the memory chips on the module. "2R" means the module is dual-rank. A rank is a set of DRAM chips that work together to provide a full data width (72 bits for an ECC module: 64 data + 8 ECC). A dual-rank module has two independent sets of these chips, which the memory controller can access alternately, improving efficiency and performance in certain access patterns. The "x8" refers to the organization of the individual DRAM chips, meaning they have an 8-bit wide data interface. This is a common and efficient design for server memory.

288-Pin DDR5 RDIMM

The module uses a 288-pin edge connector, which is the standard for DDR5 memory. However, the key notch position and the pinout for an RDIMM are different from those of a DDR5 UDIMM (unbuffered desktop memory). This physical difference ensures that server RDIMMs can only be installed in compatible server motherboards and sockets designed to support them, preventing accidental misuse.

Power Efficiency

DDR5 technology achieves its higher performance while operating at a reduced voltage of 1.2V compared to DDR4's typical 1.2V (for some specs) or higher. This lower voltage translates directly into lower power consumption and reduced heat output per module. In a data center rack populated with hundreds of memory modules, this improved power efficiency contributes significantly to lower operational costs (OPEX) and cooling requirements.

Compatibility and Use Cases

The Samsung M321R4GA3BB6-CQKMS is not compatible with consumer desktop PCs or laptops. It is purpose-built for specific server platforms.

Target Server Platforms

This memory module is designed for modern enterprise servers powered by the latest Intel Xeon Scalable Processors (e.g., Sapphire Rapids, Emerald Rapids, and successors) or AMD EPYC processors (e.g., Genoa, Bergamo, and successors) that support DDR5 memory. It is essential to verify the specific server or motherboard's Qualified Vendor List (QVL) to ensure this exact Samsung module model is tested and supported for a guaranteed stable operation.

Ideal Applications and Workloads

This type of high-performance, high-reliability memory is essential for a wide range of demanding enterprise and cloud applications.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

Hypervisors like VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM require large pools of reliable memory to host multiple virtual machines efficiently. ECC protection is vital to maintain the integrity of all VMs running on a single physical host.

Relational and In-Memory Databases

Database servers (SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, SAP HANA) heavily cache data in RAM for fast access. Large memory capacities with ECC ensure fast query performance and protect against data corruption within the cache, which could propagate to permanent storage.

High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Analytics

Scientific simulations, financial modeling, and big data analytics frameworks process massive datasets. The high bandwidth of DDR5 4800 modules accelerates these computations, while ECC ensures the accuracy of the results.

Enterprise Applications and ERP Systems

Large-scale business applications (SAP, ERP, CRM systems) used by thousands of concurrent users rely on robust server hardware with fault-tolerant memory to ensure continuous business operation.