14 DAY TRIAL // Server memory is a different creature than consumer RAM, as Transcend and other companies involved in the field could tell you. In fact, Transcend has just launched a module that fits the former's criteria.
For one thing, since servers are usually made of racks or particularly large tower cases or boxes, the modules can be longer. Also, since servers are all about efficiency these days, it doesn't hurt at all if the RAM can operate at a lower voltage than usual.
That's how things like the new Transcend 8 GB DDR3L-1600 Low Voltage 1.35V RDIMM memory module come to be. Transcend made the RDIMM for servers and large data centers that need to run virtualization and to process high volumes of information at once.
The lower electrical load (normal voltage is of 1.5V) brings down system temperature and, thus, enables energy savings of 20%, because not only does the memory use less power, but also the energy needed to be fueled into cooling is reduced.
Also, one of these 8 GB modules halves the power requirements compared to two 4 GB modules, and allows for double the maximum capacity to boot (assuming the CPUs can handle it anyway).
"Server memory is the need of the hour as companies strive to better manage their virtual and cloud-based platforms, and grow their business," said Angus Wu, head of DRAM research and development at Transcend.
"Transcend looked at the factors driving server memory demand and created a cost effective solution that helps maximize capacity and increase performance."
Server memory might not seem all that relevant to us consumers, until you realize that it's servers that run our MMOs, the app stores we use, the websites we download software from and streaming sites (YouTube, Vimeo, etc.). Also, soon enough, NVIDIA's GRID plan, to have even normal, single-player games running in the cloud, will come true, and hardware like this will become even more important.