RAMpedia - Power Consumption

Memory Power Consumption

This page shows how to determine power consumption of memory modules to help specify a system power supply. Here are some factors affecting memory power calculations:

1) Power calculations are based on DRAM IDD values and different DRAM vendors have different IDD values.

2) Power depends on memory usage that is software driven

3) There is only one active rank of memory per channel

To determine memory module power consumption, follow the steps below:

1) Determine total current draw

2) Estimate memory power based on DRAM IDD modes and utilization rates

It is important to note that memory may briefly consume the most power during power up, resulting in a current surge on the power supply for a short amount of time. This extra current should be accounted for when choosing a power supply.