First-Ever 16GB, 2 Virtual Rank Memory Module Developed by Netlist

"In HPC datacenters, servers are typically under-utilized due to memory bandwidth and memory capacity bottlenecks. Netlist is addressing these limitations with its new high-performing DDR3 RDIMM solution, called HyperCloud," Steve Conway, research vice president of technical computing at IDC, said. "HyperCloud is designed to improve server productivity and application performance, especially for memory-intensive applications and workloads."

The HyperCloud is the first ever invented 16GB, 2 virtual rank (vRank) memory module for servers. Utilizing Netlist's patented rank multiplication ASIC technology to fully populate three memory channels with 16GB vRank RDIMMs (double-data-rate three, registered dual in-line memory modules), the module allows 384 Gigabytes (GB) of dynamic random access memory (DRAM) to be populated in a single dual socket server. In doing so, this (DDR3 RDIMM) improved data center utilization above any levels previously attained.

Using the rank multiplication technology, four physical ranks are hidden from the memory controller hub and presented as 2 vRanks. This means that dual socket servers can then be fully populated with 24 16GB 2 vRank RDIMMs, for a maximum capacity of 384GB.

"HyperCloud marks an important step for Netlist as we look to fill the datacenter memory gap," C.K. Hong, president and CEO of Netlist, added. "Growth in key technologies like virtualization and cloud computing has been stymied by the limitations of existing memory solutions. By breaking memory barriers, HyperCloud successfully supports these applications and others like high-performance computing. Maximizing memory is the easiest way to improve performance and lower operating expenses for datacenters."

The Supercomputing tradeshow that will take place in Portland, Oregon, between November 17-19, 2009 will be the proving ground for this new breakthrough. The module will come in 4GB, 8GB, and 16GB 2 vRank module options and will enter production probably during the first quarter of 2010. Netlist plans to give samples of HyperCloud to major OEM customers in December.