New clock driver chip accelerates RAM data transfer
A new CUDIMM RAM module design incorporating a clock driver chip (CKD) enables significantly higher clock frequencies and transfer rates compared to traditional DIMM modules.
A small additional chip, a clock driver (CKD), is enabling significant improvements in computer RAM data transfer speeds. This technology is first being implemented on Intel's Arrow Lake platform's Z890 motherboards in the form of Clocked Unbuffered Dual Inline Memory Modules (CUDIMM).
The CKD chip is physically placed close to the DRAM chips on the CUDIMM module. Its function is to receive the memory signal from the processor and forward it as a cleaner signal to the module's DRAM chips. This reduces signal interference caused by long trace paths or connections, allowing for more stable operation at higher frequencies.
The technology allows DDR5 memory to operate at up to DDR5-7200 according to JEDEC standards, whereas traditional UDIMM modules are limited to DDR5-5600. Leading Chinese manufacturers such as V-Color and Asgard have already introduced modules reaching speeds up to DDR5-9600. This considerably improves the transfer rate for large data volumes, up to 153.6 GB/s in a dual-channel configuration.
The new CUDIMM technology is not limited to desktop motherboards. Similar CSODIMM modules for laptops and small form factor PCs are being developed in parallel, and LPDDR5X modules in CAMM2 format can also benefit from the signal enhancements provided by CKD chips.