JEDEC prepares DDR5 MRDIMM Gen2 and Gen3 standards for server platforms
© MICRON JEDEC has announced new milestones for DDR5 MRDIMM memory, a server-focused module type designed to increase memory bandwidth on DDR5 platforms. The group has published JESD82-552, also known as DDR5MDB02, which defines the multiplexed rank data buffer used in MRDIMM designs.
A second standard, JESD82-542 or DDR5MRCD02, is expected soon. This will cover the multiplexed rank registering clock driver. Together, the MDB and MRCD logic are used to manage data, timing, and signal integrity as MRDIMM modules scale to higher transfer rates.
- Published: JESD82-552 (DDR5MDB02) Multiplexed Rank Data Buffer
- Expected soon: JESD82-542 (DDR5MRCD02) Multiplexed Rank Registering Clock Driver
- In progress: MRDIMM Gen2 module standard nearing completion
- In development: Gen2 DDR5 MRDIMM raw card designs targeting 12,800 MT/s and MRDIMM Gen3 module standard development, with the underlying memory interface logic nearing finalization
JEDEC says its MRDIMM Gen2 module standard is close to completion. The group is also working on second-generation raw card designs targeting 12,800 MT/s. This matches the speed class previously referenced by Rambus for DDR5 MRDIMM 12800 chipsets, which include MRCD and MDB components.
© INTEL This is aimed at server platforms, not desktop gaming PCs. MRDIMM is intended for data centers, cloud systems, AI workloads, and enterprise servers where memory bandwidth can limit platform performance. Support will require compatible CPUs, firmware, motherboards, and memory modules.
JEDEC is already planning beyond Gen2, with MRDIMM Gen3 standard development also underway . For memory vendors and server OEMs, the new standards provide a common base for faster DDR5 server memory designs. For end users, these modules should appear first in future server platforms rather than retail desktop DDR5 kits.
Source: JEDEC
