KSM56E46BS8KM-16HA Kingston 16GB Memory Module

Kingston KSM56E46BS8KM-16HA 16GB Memory kit

The Kingston KSM56E46BS8KM-16HA represents a significant leap forward in server memory technology. As a 16GB DDR5 Registered DIMM (RDIMM) module operating at a speed of 5600 megatransfers per second (MT/s), it is engineered specifically for next-generation data center servers and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Built with rigorous quality control and designed for compatibility with leading server platforms, this memory module is a cornerstone for IT professionals seeking to enhance system bandwidth, improve reliability, and scale infrastructure efficiently.

Key Specifications

At the heart of the Kingston KSM56E46BS8KM-16HA are specifications that define modern server performance. This section details the fundamental architecture that enables its advanced capabilities.

Memory Capacity and Speed Profile

The module provides a substantial 16GB of capacity per DIMM. Operating at a base speed of 5600 MT/s, it offers a substantial increase in raw bandwidth compared to previous DDR4 generations. This speed is critical for reducing data transfer bottlenecks in memory-intensive applications such as virtualization, in-memory databases, and real-time analytics. The module's on-die ECC (Error-Correcting Code) works in concert with the registered architecture to maintain data integrity at these high frequencies.

Data Rate and Transfer Mechanisms

The 5600 MT/s data rate signifies the number of data transfer operations performed per second on each pin of the module. With DDR (Double Data Rate) technology, data is transferred on both the rising and falling edges of the clock cycle. The 288-pin DIMM interface is specifically keyed for DDR5 and provides a denser, more efficient connection to the server motherboard, enabling the higher signal counts necessary for improved channel efficiency and reliability.

DDR5 RDIMM Form Factor

The Kingston module conforms to the standard 288-pin Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM) form factor for server use. Crucially, it is a Registered DIMM (RDIMM). This means it incorporates a register (or buffer) on the module itself for address and command signals. This register reduces the electrical load on the server's memory controller, allowing for greater stability and support for more memory modules per channel, which is essential for maximizing total system memory capacity in multi-socket servers.

Physical Dimensions

The module adheres to the standard LP (Low Profile) height of 1.23 inches (31.25mm), ensuring broad compatibility with server chassis and heatsink designs. The physical notch on the connector is in a different position compared to DDR4 DIMMs, preventing accidental insertion into an incompatible motherboard slot. This design safeguard protects both the memory and the server platform from damage.

Advanced DDR5 Features for Enhanced Performance

DDR5 technology introduces several architectural improvements over DDR4. The Kingston KSM56E46BS8KM-16HA leverages these innovations to deliver superior performance and power management.

On-Die ECC and Reliability

A hallmark of DDR5 memory is the inclusion of On-Die Error-Correcting Code (ECC). This feature allows the memory chip to detect and correct bit errors within the DRAM cell itself before data is sent to the system's main ECC (which is handled by the RDIMM's register). This two-tiered approach to error correction significantly improves data integrity and system reliability, reducing the risk of silent data corruption and unplanned downtime—a paramount concern in enterprise and data center operations.

Signal Integrity

DDR5 architecture decouples the voltage supply for the I/O (input/output) buffers from the voltage supplied to the DRAM core. The Kingston module features a Power Management IC (PMIC) on the DIMM itself. This onboard PMIC provides more stable and cleaner power delivery to the memory chips, reducing noise and improving signal integrity, which is essential for achieving and maintaining the high 5600 MT/s data rate under varying server loads.

Optimized for Server and Data Center Deployment

The Kingston KSM56E46BS8KM-16HA is not a consumer-grade component; it is purpose-built for the demanding 24/7 operational environment of servers.

Platform Compatibility

This memory module is rigorously tested and validated for compatibility with major server platforms from manufacturers like Intel (Xeon Scalable Processors) and AMD (EPYC Processors). It is designed to work seamlessly within platforms that support DDR5 5600 MT/s RDIMMs. IT administrators should always consult their server OEM's qualified vendor list (QVL) and Kingston's compatibility resources to ensure optimal configuration for specific motherboard and CPU combinations.

Power Efficiency

The module operates at a standard DDR5 voltage of 1.1V, which is lower than DDR4's typical 1.2V. This reduction in voltage directly contributes to lower power consumption and reduced heat output at the module level, a critical factor for improving Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) in large-scale data center deployments. The components are selected and screened for extended operation at elevated temperatures common in densely packed server racks.

Multi-Channel

For maximum performance, servers utilize memory in multi-channel configurations (e.g., 8-channel or 12-channel architectures). The Kingston KSM56E46BS8KM-16HA is designed to perform optimally when installed in matched sets per the server manufacturer's guidelines. Balanced population across memory channels is essential to unlock the full bandwidth potential of the CPU's integrated memory controller. Mixing modules of different speeds, timings, or capacities can result in the system downclocking to the slowest common denominator.

Technical Deep Dive: Timings and Latency

While speed (MT/s) is a primary measure of bandwidth, latency timings are equally important for application responsiveness.

Understanding CAS Latency and Timings

The module operates with a specific set of timing parameters, often represented as a series of numbers (e.g., CL46-45-45). The first number, CAS Latency (CL), is the number of clock cycles between the memory controller issuing a read command and the first piece of data being available. At 5600 MT/s, a CL of 46 represents a balance between high bandwidth and controlled latency, optimized for server workloads that benefit from massive throughput.

Real-World Latency Calculation

Absolute latency in nanoseconds is a function of both the CAS Latency (in cycles) and the clock cycle time. For a 5600 MT/s module, the clock period is approximately 0.357 ns. With a CL of 46, the initial read latency is approximately 16.4 nanoseconds. This efficient latency, combined with the vastly improved bandwidth, ensures that CPUs spend less time waiting for data, leading to higher overall computational throughput.

Applications and Use Case Scenarios

The performance characteristics of the Kingston KSM56E46BS8KM-16HA make it ideal for a wide spectrum of server-based applications.

Virtualization and Cloud Infrastructure

In virtualized environments, physical hosts run multiple virtual machines (VMs). Each VM requires allocated RAM. High-density, reliable memory like this 16GB DDR5 RDIMM allows for greater VM density per server, improving hardware utilization and ROI. The high bandwidth ensures smooth performance during periods of high contention, and the robust ECC protection safeguards the data integrity of countless simultaneous workloads.

In-Memory Databases and Analytics

Platforms such as SAP HANA, Redis, or other real-time analytics engines store working datasets entirely in RAM. The speed of the Kingston 5600 MT/s module directly translates to faster query responses, quicker transaction processing, and more timely business intelligence. The large per-DIMM capacity facilitates the deployment of substantial in-memory datasets without requiring excessive physical slots.

High-Performance Computing and AI/ML

HPC clusters tackling scientific simulations, financial modeling, and the training phases of machine learning require immense memory bandwidth to feed data to powerful multi-core CPUs and accelerators. The aggregated bandwidth from multiple channels of DDR5-5600 memory is crucial for minimizing bottlenecks and keeping processing units fully engaged, thereby reducing time-to-solution for complex calculations.