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What is the difference between DIMM and RIMM?

Author

John Castro

Published Mar 02, 2026

What is the difference between DIMM and RIMM?

DIMM is containing one or several random access memory. Chips on a small circuit board with pins that connect to the motherboard. RIMM is a memory module developed by Kingston Corp. That takes up less space inside the computer than the older DIMM module and had different pin characterists.

Similarly, you may ask, what is SIMM DIMM RIMM?

Early modules had one row of electrical contacts and were called SIMMs (single inline memory modules), whereas later modules had two rows and were called DIMMs (dual inline memory modules) or RIMMs (Rambus inline memory modules). These small boards plug into special connectors on a motherboard or memory card.

One may also ask, what is the meaning of Rimm? While RIMM is commonly believed to stand for "Rambus inline memory module," Kingston Technology has trademarked "RIMM" and uses only that term. A RIMM module consists of RDRAM chips that are attached using a thin layer of solder, a metal alloy that, when melted, fuses metals to each other.

Herein, what is the difference between SIMM and DIMM?

DIMM and SIMM are two major types of random-access memory standards for personal computers. DIMM is an acronym for “dual in-line memory module,” while SIMM stands for “single in-line memory module." The naming of each type of RAM refers to the specific way in which the memory is packaged.

Which two types of DIMMs share a pin count?

Two types of DIMMs: a 168-pin SDRAM module (top) and a 184-pin DDR SDRAM module (bottom). The SDRAM module has two notches (rectangular cuts or incisions) on the bottom edge, while the DDR1 SDRAM module has only one.

What is DIMM used for?

A DIMM or dual in-line memory module comprises a series of dynamic random-access memory integrated circuits. These modules are mounted on a printed circuit board and designed for use in personal computers, workstations and servers.

What is SIMM and DIMM?

Related Articles
DIMM and SIMM are two major types of random-access memory standards for personal computers. DIMM is an acronym for “dual in-line memory module,” while SIMM stands for “single in-line memory module." The naming of each type of RAM refers to the specific way in which the memory is packaged.

What are DIMM slots?

DIMM (dual in-line memory module) slots are the place on your motherboard where the RAM goes. As such, you may also see DIMM slots referred to as “RAM slots.” Your motherboard may have anywhere from one to eight DIMM slots, but most mainstream motherboards have four.

What DIMM means?

Dual In-Line Memory Module

What is SIMM doing now?

The SIMM circuit board that holds six to nine memory chips per board, the ninth chip usually an error checking chip (parity or non parity). The SIMM was used with computers using a 486, early Intel Pentium, and compatible processors. Today, the SIMM is rarely used and have been replaced by DIMMs.

What does DIMM mean in RAM?

Dual In-Line Memory Module

What is a DIMM memory slot?

DIMM (dual in-line memory module) slots are the place on your motherboard where the RAM goes. As such, you may also see DIMM slots referred to as “RAM slots.” Your motherboard may have anywhere from one to eight DIMM slots, but most mainstream motherboards have four.

WHAT DOES SO DIMM mean?

small outline dual in-line memory module

Can I use Sdram instead of DIMM?

So SDRAM and DIMM are referring to slightly different things. Anyway the simple answer is yes DDR3 SDRAM will work with your motherboard, and in fact you already have DDR3 SDRAM installed.

What are DIMM slots used for?

The DIMM slots for your RAM are usually right next to your CPU. Different motherboards arrange their DIMM slots in different ways, so it's best to check your motherboard manual to see what it recommends, but nine times out of ten, groups of four work like this: 1 and 3 are a pair, as are 2 and 4.

What does 8gb DIMM mean?

The 8GB DIMM RAM means it has a slot (or more) where you can plug a RAM module in. DIMM stands for Dual In-line Memory Module. Those DIMM slots vary depending on what DDR standard your using (e.g. DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4 etc.) which is another box of fun to know about and useful when you consider upgrading/changing your RAM.

What type of memory would be installed in a SIMM slot?

DRAM technologies used in SIMMs include FPM (Fast Page Mode memory, used in all 30-pin and early 72-pin modules), and the higher-performance EDO DRAM (used in later 72-pin modules).

What DDR means?

Double Data Rate

What does DIMMs mean?

Dual In-Line Memory Module

What are the two types of memory modules?

Types of memory module include:
  • TransFlash Memory Module.
  • SIMM, a single in-line memory module.
  • DIMM, dual in-line memory module. Rambus memory modules are a subset of DIMMs, but are usually referred to as RIMMs. SO-DIMM, small outline DIMM, a smaller version of the DIMM, used in laptops.

What is dual rank RAM?

A dual-rank DIMM is similar to having two single-rank DIMMs on the same module, with only one rank accessible at a time. A quad-rank DIMM is, effectively, two dual-rank DIMMs on the same module. Only one rank is accessible at a time.

How many pins does a Rimm Module support?

A RIMM has a 184-pin connector and an SO-RIMM module has a 160-pin connector. An SO-RIMM is smaller and is used in systems that require smaller form factors. While RIMM is commonly believed to stand for "Rambus inline memory module," Kingston Technology has trademarked "RIMM" and uses only that term.

What is SIMM RAM?

A SIMM (single in-line memory module) is a module containing one or several random access memory (RAM) chips on a small circuit board with pins that connect to the computer motherboard. SIMMs usually come in memory chip multiples of four megabytes. The memory chips on a SIMM are typically dynamic RAM (DRAM) chips.

What is Sodimm ddr4 RAM?

A SO-DIMM, SODIMM, or small outline dual in-line memory module, is a type of computer memory built using integrated circuits. SO-DIMMs are a smaller alternative to a DIMM, being roughly half the size of regular DIMMs.

Which DIMM slot to use first?

If you are installing memory in a dual-channel memory motherboard, install memory modules in pairs, filling the lowest numbered slots first. For example, if the motherboard has two slots each for channel A and channel B, numbered 0 and 1, fill the slots for channel A slot 0 and channel B slot 0 first.

How do I know if my RAM is 240 pin?

You need to find out what your motherboard takes and buy that type of RAM; the easiest way to do this is to look at the sticker on the RAM stick, searching for SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, or DDR3. The 240 pin ram is for desktops, the 204 pin ram is for laptops.

What type of RAM do I have?

Just click on the Start menu, type "about," and press Enter when "About Your PC" appears. Scroll down, and under Device Specifications, you should see a line named "Installed RAM"—this will tell you how much you currently have.

Is DIMM better than ddr4?

Physically, a DDR4 module, or dual in-line memory module (DIMM), looks very similar to a DDR3 DIMM. However, DDR4 has 288 pins compared with DDR3's 240 pins; DDR4 SO-DIMMS have 260 pins instead of 204 in DDR3.

How does DDR4 differ from DDR3 in appearance?

ItemDDR3-1866DDR4-3200
Peak transfer rate14928 MB/s25600 MB/s

How do I know how many pins my RAM has?

You can find out easily by downloading CPUz, and going to the "Memory" tab. It's will specify the type of RAM you have.

Which DIMM slots to install RAM?

The DIMM slots for your RAM are usually right next to your CPU. Different motherboards arrange their DIMM slots in different ways, so it's best to check your motherboard manual to see what it recommends, but nine times out of ten, groups of four work like this: 1 and 3 are a pair, as are 2 and 4.

Is DIMM ddr4?

Physically, a DDR4 module, or dual in-line memory module (DIMM), looks very similar to a DDR3 DIMM. However, DDR4 has 288 pins compared with DDR3's 240 pins; DDR4 SO-DIMMS have 260 pins instead of 204 in DDR3.

What are the types of RAM slots?

Most motherboards have two to four memory slots, which determine the type of RAM used with the computer. The most common types of RAM are SDRAM and DDR for desktop computers and SODIMM for laptop computers, each having various types and speeds.