23 November 2024, Sat |
3:23 AM
Antoine Harb, Team Leader Middle East at Kingston Technology
The memory technology evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. From Intel launching the very first DRAM chip in 1970, to the emergence of EEPROM in the 1980s and the rise of NAND in the 21st century, sustained innovation and technological transformation have seen the industry morph into a global phenomenon.
Underscored by relentless advancements in speed, capacity, and durability to meet ever-growing demands for modern computing and storage needs, past incarnations of memory technology have paved the way for the industry’s envious present-day status.
The fifth generation of Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DDR SDRAM) was introduced in late 2021, initially for desktop systems and later for server platforms. In only two years, DDR5 has been through some technology innovations with the transition from 16Gbit to 24Gbit DRAM memory chip. Historically the DRAM density doubles between generations, however with DDR5, there is an intermediary density called 24Gbit, also referred to as “non-binary” memory.
“The density of DRAM chips increases periodically in order to keep up with memory capacity demand for computer systems,” explained Antoine Harb, Team Leader, Middle East at Kingston Technology. “Non-binary memory is a new approach in increasing DRAM chip density and offers end users more options when they are looking to optimize the memory capacity and configuration in their systems.”
As the number of central processing unit (CPU) cores keeps increasing from one generation to another and application requirements are evolving continuously, organizations seek higher memory capacities for data processing. 24Gbit DRAM chips ultimately enables memory manufacturers like Kingston to build modules with differentiated capacity of 24GB, 48GB and 96GB. This provides a noticeable bump in capacity across multi-channel memory architectures and more capacity per core, without breaking the bank.
“Businesses opting for non-binary 24Gbit DRAM-based memory modules will certainly enjoy more freedom because this option means their systems are adapted to their specific capacity requirements,” Harb continued. “This represents a positive return on investment (ROI), especially when upgrading rather than replacing. Businesses today are actively searching for prudent cost-effective measures across their operations and, with brand new systems not without significant expense, upgrading is a brilliant option without compromising on memory tech quality.”
A region where memory technology investment is booming is the Middle East and Africa (MEA). In 2022, the data storage market totalled $5.65 billion. With increasing penetration of modern technologies across the region, the market is projected to grow at 14.3% CAGR and reach $8.43 billion by 20251. Looking ahead, Harb insists that 24Gbitbased memory modules can assume a healthy market share due to ROI implications.
“It’s important for businesses to first consider the specific needs and requirements of their computing environments when evaluating the potential ROI of a non-binary memory module,” he said. “Scalability, technology longevity, and the nature of workloads are all essential considerations for determining the economic benefits of such an investment – but the potential is copious with proper due diligence.
“If compatibility with existing hardware and software is verified and systems can support the higher memory capacity, upgrading to 24Gbit DRAM-based memory module represents a strategic decision to accommodate future demands in evolving operating requirements. Assured adaptability and better capacity and performance will always equivalate to long-term cost saving and robust ROI.”
While digital transformation is sure to instigate further ground-breaking memory technology developments in the future, today’s 24 Gbit-based memory revolution means businesses can already look ahead to a vibrant and efficient future with support from related systems and devices.
With the freedom to adapt their systems, embracing 24Gbit-based memory means opting for a prudent alternative solution in the realm of memory configuration. Today, installing one dual in-line memory module (DIMM) per channel (DPC) remains the best option for optimized performance when populating a system from desktop to server remains. This is because adding a second module in the memory bank of the same channel usually results in memory issues and lower performance.
Non-binary memory modules allow for increases in system memory capacity, like 64GB to 96GB, while maintaining a single DPC configuration when doubling the capacity to 128GB would not be beneficial and ultimately cost more.
“In the vast landscape of data, 24Gbit-based memory technology is the compass that can guide businesses toward a future where innovation meets newfound operational efficiency,” added Harb. “Without question, the power of seamless performance is pre-requisite for enterprises of all sizes being propelled to greater heights, with each gigabit serving as a cornerstone for unlocking new value and possibilities.”
