KSM56R46BD4-64MD Kingston 64GB DDR5-5600MHz PC5-44800 ECC Registered RDIMM 288-Pin Memory

Understanding KSM56R46BD4-64MD 64GB Server Memory

In the landscape of modern data centers, enterprise servers, and high-performance workstations, memory is not merely a component; it is the critical conduit through which data flows to the central processing unit. The evolution from DDR4 to DDR5 represents a seismic shift in this architecture, delivering profound improvements in bandwidth, capacity, power efficiency, and reliability. At the heart of this evolution for enterprise environments are modules like the Kingston KSM56R46BD4-64MD, a 64GB DDR5-5600MHz ECC Registered RDIMM. This category of memory is engineered explicitly for systems where uptime, data integrity, and consistent performance under relentless loads are non-negotiable. Unlike standard unbuffered DIMMs found in consumer PCs, ECC RDIMMs incorporate advanced technologies to manage the immense electrical loads and data fidelity requirements of multi-channel, multi-processor server platforms.

Key Specifications of the Kingston KSM56R46BD4-64MD

This memory module embodies the cutting-edge specifications of the DDR5 standard, tailored for server deployment. Each parameter is optimized for the dual demands of high throughput and unwavering stability.

Capacity and Density: 64GB

The 64GB capacity per module is a cornerstone for building high-memory configurations. In a typical dual-processor server with 16 memory slots, utilizing 64GB RDIMMs enables a staggering 1 terabyte of total system memory. This vast addressable space is essential for memory-intensive applications such as in-memory databases (e.g., SAP HANA), large-scale virtualization hosts, data analytics platforms, and scientific computing. The high density reduces the total number of modules required to reach a target memory capacity, which can optimize power consumption and simplify system configuration.

Speed and Data Rate: DDR5-5600 (PC5-44800)

The module operates at a data rate of 5600 MT/s, a significant leap over the common 3200 MT/s of mainstream DDR4. The "PC5-44800" designation refers to the peak transfer bandwidth per module: 64 bits per transfer * 5600,000,000 transfers/second = ~44,8000 MB/s or 44.8 GB/s. This raw bandwidth is crucial for feeding modern multi-core CPUs, preventing the processors from becoming starved for data. DDR5 achieves this higher speed through architectural improvements, including dual 32-bit sub-channels per module and a more robust signaling system.

Advanced Memory Architecture

ECC and Registered

This module combines two vital server-grade technologies: Error-Correcting Code (ECC) and a Registered buffer.

ECC (Error-Correcting Code)

ECC is a non-negotiable feature for mission-critical systems. It goes beyond simple parity checking. ECC memory includes extra bits (e.g., 8 bits for a 64-bit word) that allow the memory controller to detect and, most importantly, *correct* single-bit errors on the fly. It can also detect (though not correct) multi-bit errors. This "self-healing" capability prevents silent data corruption, system crashes, and computational errors that could lead to data loss or corrupted results in financial modeling, scientific research, or database transactions.

Registered (RDIMM) Buffer

The "Registered" in RDIMM stands for a register, or buffer, placed on the module between the memory controller and the DRAM chips. This buffer handles the electrical load (capacitance) of the memory chips, presenting a cleaner, more stable signal to the memory controller. This allows servers to support a much greater number of memory modules per channel (commonly 2 per channel for RDIMMs vs. 1 for UDIMMs) and higher total capacities without signal degradation. While it adds a minimal latency of one clock cycle, the benefits in system stability, scalability, and capacity far outweigh this minor trade-off in enterprise contexts.

Timing and Voltage: CL46 at 1.1V

The CAS Latency (CL) of 46, measured in clock cycles, represents the delay between the memory controller requesting data and the first bit being available. While this number is higher than typical DDR4 timings, it must be considered in the context of the vastly faster clock speed of DDR5. The operating voltage of 1.1V is a reduction from DDR4's standard 1.2V, contributing to lower power consumption and reduced heat generation at the module and system level. This power efficiency is critical in densely packed server racks where thermal management and power budgets are constant constraints.

Rank and Organization: 2Rx4

"2Rx4" describes the internal organization of the DRAM chips on the module. "2R" means it is a dual-rank module. A rank is an independent set of DRAM chips that can be accessed simultaneously. Dual-rank modules effectively interleave accesses between the two ranks, improving performance under certain workloads compared to a single-rank module of the same capacity. The "x4" refers to the data width of the individual DRAM chips (4 bits). This chip organization is standard for server modules and works efficiently with the memory controller's error correction and addressing schemes.

Form Factor: 288-Pin DIMM

The module uses the standard DDR5 288-pin Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) form factor. However, the key notch position is different from DDR4, providing physical incompatibility to prevent accidental insertion into the wrong motherboard socket. The pin layout is specifically designed to support the increased signal integrity requirements and power delivery (via two separate power supplies for I/O and array) of the DDR5 standard.

Application Environments and Use Cases

The Kingston KSM56R46BD4-64MD is not a general-purpose memory; it is a precision tool for demanding computing environments.

Enterprise Data Center Servers

In virtualized server infrastructure (e.g., VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V), memory is often the primary limiting resource for consolidation ratios. High-density, reliable RDIMMs allow a single physical host to run dozens of virtual machines efficiently, ensuring smooth performance for business applications, web servers, and file/print services. The ECC protection is vital to maintain the integrity of the entire virtualized environment.

High-Performance Computing (HPC)

Computational workloads in scientific research, financial modeling, and artificial intelligence training involve processing massive datasets. The high bandwidth of DDR5-5600 accelerates the movement of data from memory to CPU cores, reducing computation time. The large 64GB capacity per module ensures that substantial portions of datasets can reside in fast RAM, avoiding slower disk or SSD access.

In-Memory Databases and Analytics

Platforms like SAP HANA, Oracle Database In-Memory, and other real-time analytics engines store their working sets entirely in system memory. This requires not only enormous total capacities (often in the terabytes) but also memory with the highest reliability. A single uncorrected memory error could corrupt a database index, leading to catastrophic business logic failures. The combination of high density and robust ECC makes this module ideal for such deployments.

Cloud Infrastructure and Hyperscalers

For large-scale cloud service providers, consistency, reliability. Memory modules must deliver predictable performance across thousands of identical servers, with minimal failure rates. The power efficiency of DDR5 also translates directly into lower operational costs at scale, while the high density optimizes rack space and management overhead.

Compatibility Server Platforms

This module is engineered for compatibility with server platforms based on Intel Xeon Scalable Processors (codename Sapphire Rapids, Emerald Rapids, and later) and AMD EPYC 9004 Series (Genoa) and 8004 Series (Siena) processors. These platforms feature memory controllers explicitly designed for DDR5 RDIMMs and LRDIMMs, supporting the necessary speeds, capacities, and ECC features.

Comparative Advantages in the DDR5 Ecosystem

Within the spectrum of DDR5 memory modules, the Kingston KSM56R46BD4-64MD occupies a specific tier defined by its balance of performance, capacity, and enterprise features.

Other DDR5 Types: UDIMMs, SODIMMs, and LRDIMMs

Compared to Unbuffered DIMMs (UDIMMs), RDIMMs offer superior capacity scaling and signal integrity in multi-slot configurations, making them the default choice for servers. Small Outline DIMMs (SODIMMs) are for compact and blade systems. Load-Reduced DIMMs (LRDIMMs) use a different buffer (iSO) to allow for even higher densities (e.g., 128GB+ per module) but often at a slightly higher cost and latency. The 64GB RDIMM represents a high-performance, high-density sweet spot for mainstream enterprise servers.