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.

DIMM and SIMM are manufactured with pins which enable them to connect to the PC’s motherboard. The typical SIMM module has 72 pins, while the most common pin configuration of the DIMM module is 168 pins. Other DIMM configurations include 100, 144, 172, 184, 204, 214 and 240 pins.

While the contacts on SIMMs on both sides are redundant, DIMMs have separate electrical contacts on each side of the module. Another difference is that standard SIMMs have a 32-bit data path, while standard DIMMs have a 64-bit data path.

What Is a Single In-Line Memory Module (SIMM)?

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. The SIMM circuit board holds six to nine memory chips per board, the ninth chip usually an error checking chip (parity or non parity).

SIMM module was developed by Wang laboratories in 1983 and was used on PCs throughout the 1980s and 1990s to the early 2000s. The SIMM was used with computers using a 486, early Intel Pentium, and compatible processors.

A SIMM (single in-line memory module) typically has a 32 data bit (36 bits counting parity bits) path to the computer that requires a 72-pin connector. For synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) chips, which have a 64 data bit connection to the computer, SIMMs must be installed in in-line pairs, since each one supports a 32-bit path. A single DIMM can be used instead. Originally, a DIMM had a 168-pin connector to support 64-bit data transfer.

What You Need To Know About SIMM

•  The pins present in SIMM are present at the sides.
• There are single notches in SIMMs.
• SIMM module was developed in 1983 and was used on PCs throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
• SIMM can have a maximum 32-bit channel for data transfer.
• The amount of power consumed by SIMM is 5 volts.
• The storage provided by the SIMM ranges between 4Mb to 64 Mb.
• SIMM is the older RAM memory module standard used in early Pentium computers and the 486 CPU.
• The typical SIMM module has 72 pins.
• The typical SIMM module measures 4.25 inches in length and an inch in width.
• SIMMs are installed in pairs at a time.

What Is a Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM)?

DIMM (dual in-line memory module) commonly called a RAM stick, 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, printers, servers and other devices. DIMMs began to replace SIMMs (single in-line memory modules) as the predominant type of memory module as Intel P5-based Pentium processors began to gain market share in the early 2000s.

In other words, DIMM is a module that contains one or several random access memory (RAM) chips on a small circuit board with pins that connect it to the computer motherboard. The DIMM stores each data bit in a separate memory cell. DIMMs use a 64-bit data path, since processors used in personal computers have a 64-bit data width.

Modern DIMMs based on double data rate fourth generation (DDR4) SDRAM chips use 288-pin connectors to attach to the computer motherboard to enable the increase in data throughput. As clock speeds of the RAM chips increased, the 64-bit path handled increasing amounts of data.

What You Need To Know About DIMM

• The pins in DIMM are freelance or independent in nature.
• There are two notches in DIMMs.
• DIMM came along in the 2000s to address limitations that arose with advancing technology.
• It supports 64-bit channel for data transfer.
• The amount of power consumed by DIMM is 3.3 volts.
• The storage of DIMM ranges between 32 Mb to 1 GB.
• DIMM is used or enable in modern electronics products that include printers, netbooks and networking hardware.
• The most common pin configuration of the DIMM module is 168 pins. Other DIMM configurations include 100, 144, 172, 184, 214 and 240 pins.
• DIMM has a physical measurement range of 1.67 to 5.25 inches in length and 1 to 1.75 inches in width.
• DIMMs are installed one at a time.

Also Read: Difference Between RAM And ROM

Difference Between SIMM And DIMM In Tabular Form