As we start to look at newer generation processors, we are always on the lookout for new memory that works in many systems. Usually, that means buying several kits. Finding ECC memory kits is generally a challenge at faster speeds, especially if they are UDIMM kits. While it used to be that the UDIMM platforms led the RDIMM platforms in speeds, that is not necessarily the case anymore. The Intel Xeon E-2400 series uses DDR5-4800 and the AMD Ryzen 4004 series uses DDR5-5200, some folks like to build Ryzen servers with faster ECC UDIMM memory kits, and therein lies the challenge.
We purchased Micron, SK hynix, and Samsung DDR5 ECC UDIMM modules. This is a quick look at the Micron DDR5-5600 ECC UDIMM kit we have been buying the most of. Here is an affiliate link to Newegg where we purchase them. Note: This is not sponsored by Micron, and they have no idea we are doing this.
Micron DDR5-5600 ECC UDIMM Kit
We are calling this a kit, but we just buy pairs of singles.
The part number for the DDR5 EC4 UDIMM modules is MTC20C2085S1EC56BR / MTC20C2085S1EC56BD1.
Each module is 32GB. A quick way to tell that you have ECC UDIMMs versus ECC RDIMMs is the lack of the center register chip on the module. They are also keyed differently.
If you want to see ECC UDIMM versus non-ECC UDIMM, usually the ECC UDIMMs wil lhave sets of five memory chips on each side instead of four on the non-ECC memory. We have heard of folks getting non-ECC modules instead, so that is a quick way to visually tell.
Overall, these are 32GB ECC modules that operate at DDR5-5600 speeds.
Final Words
As I am writing this, pricing of these faster modules is not great. Indeed, it is downright difficult given that these are some of the leading edge ECC UDIMM modules. So far, these have worked well in both existing Ryzen platforms as well as some platforms that will be reviewing later on STH. They are not something we would recommend unless you absolutely need them at this point, but they have been working very well in different platforms if you do need them.
I’m curious if anyone has any insight as to the absurd pricing of ECC UDIMMs. I bought 2x 32GB DDR5 5600 Kingston ECC UDIMMs back in January 2024 for ~$120 each so with ~$10 shipping a total of ~$250. Those same modules are over $180 each now so while DDR5 UDIMMs are dropping in price DDR5 ECC UDIMMs have gone up significantly. It doesn’t seem that 4800 is offering a better value either since those modules are only ~$10 less.
For that price they should be 64GB so that I can stuff 256GB into an entry-level server.
@A Napoleon – my memory guy says ECC UDIMMs aren’t high volume runners like non-ECC UDIMMS or RDIMMS. as such, when they see spikes of demand, there isn’t as much reserve stock in distribution to smooth out the pricing
The pricing is indeed pretty wild. I just picked up 2x48gb 5600 ecc udimms from vcolor for about $400. Using them with a 9800x3d on a x870e xtreme.
Leondre – We just ordered the same. Great find.
@red That’s unfortunate, but makes sense and it sounds like DDR5 IC may be going up in price over this year so it’s unlikely to get much better. Oh well I’ll just continue to periodically keep an eye out as I’m not in dire need of more yet.