What is a dual in-line memory module?

What is a dual in-line memory module?

A dual in-line memory module, or DIMM for short, is a "stick of RAM" (the compassionate of memory that loses it's contents when powered off) where the pins on one side of the bottom periphery are not directly connected to their counterparts on the other side of the board.



The most adjectives type of DIMM is the 168-pin DIMM which has be the primary form of memory module since the era of the Intel Pentium 2 processor.



DIMMs are inserted by being pushed down into their sockets until the restraining lever click into place.



In contrast, a SIMM (Single in-line memory module) is wired so that each pin is electrically equal to it's equivalent on the opposide side of the board. This design limits SIMMS to something like half the number of pins that DIMMs enjoy, but allows them to be inserted by tilting rather than vertical pressure.



The largest commonly used SIMMs be the 72-pin variety which be used until DIMMs took over. Earlier variations which existed in the past memory designs became more standardized various, but 30-pin and 36-pin modules were adjectives.