New Device Puts SSD In a DIMM Slot

Vigile points out a new take on SSD from Viking Modular Solutions. The SATADIMM puts an SSD in the form factor of a memory module. "The unit itself actually uses a SandForce SSD controller and draws its power from the DIMM socket directly but still connects to the computer through a SATA connection — nothing fancy like using the memory bus, etc. Performance is actually identical to other SandForce-based SSDs though the benefits for 1U servers and motherboards with dozens of DIMM slots is interesting to say the least. Likely priced outside the realm for average consumers, the SATADIMM will likely stay put in the enterprise market but represents an indicator that companies are realizing SSDs don't need to be in traditional HDD form factors."

Re:Disappointed

[Rob the Bold]

Additionally, if they can squeeze a 256GB into a DIMM form factor, why the are even 4GB sticks of RAM still expensive

Because using flash memory as system RAM would be rather disappointingly slow.

Re:I suppose the real question here is...

[pushing-robot]

I guess it would be a quick way to add storage to a server that has a bunch of unused memory sockets. And the design uses off-the-shelf components which is always nice.

But there was getting to be a need for a proper SSD package, as sticking them inside HDD housings was both limiting and an inefficient use of space. Viking's solution probably won't take off, though, since Apple/PhotoFast/Toshiba just stole their thunder. [arstechnica.com]

Because RAM isn't Flash

[Sycraft-fu]

The price of flash has nothing to do with the price of RAM. They are completely different constructions, and for different tasks. Flash is faster than magnetic storage but still dog slow compared to RAM. For flash you talk access time in 2-3 digits of microseconds. For RAM you talk access time in single digit nanoseconds. For flash transfer rates are in the 100s of MB/sec with anything over 200 being rather exceptional. For ram transfer rates are in the 10+GB/sec.

Same sort of transition again when talking DRAM (what you put in your system) to SRAM (what processor cache is made out of). Again the price goes up massively so instead of 8GB, you are talking maybe 12MB. However again the speed goes way up and access time way down.

saves space primarily

[Chirs]

It's aimed at 1U servers that have no free drive bays or PCI slots.

Re:kinda dumb

[DarkXale]

You basically completely failed to look at the difference in size, or consider the type of case it is mounted in. Sure its unnecessary in a traditional Tower Case, where there are often 8 hard drive slots available. But in a small server rack where space is premium; this becomes very viable, especially as there are often few drive slots available; but probably there are unused RAM slots.

Re:Just an SSD that uses memory slot power?

[phyrexianshaw.ca]

except storage capacity. they're 512GB (raw, 400GB formatted) per Dimm. making them 32 times denser capacity vs RAM.

though yes, you're right: compared to the equivalent AMOUNT of RAM, they suck. compared to the same dollar value of ram: that's another story.