JEDEC Works to Formalize CQDIMM Standard for Tomorrow's High-Capacity Memory
The memory world is in for a major transformation with the CQDIMM standard under development at the JEDEC organization. This specification will allow a 4-rank (quad-rank) DDR5 CKD module, which is believed to greatly increase the total memory capacity that can be sustained in desktop computers.
Technical Capabilities of CQDIMM
Going quad-rank architecture is one big advancement. Prototypes are in the making by MSI and ADATA for early implementation using current dual-rank CUDIMM modules. Major advantages of the CQDIMM standard are:
- Higher Capacity: This standard allows for individual memory modules with capacity of 128 GB.
- High speed: With CKD architecture, the CQDIMM can operate at stable speed up to 7200 MT/s.
Industry Adoption and Support in Platform
Major hardware manufacturers are already supporting quad-rank modules. It is reported that hardware giants GIGABYTE and ASUS have support implemented, but only for their highest-end motherboard models.
JEDEC is going to standardize this new specification in upcoming specifications. Arrow Lake-S Refresh will be the first processor family expected to support CQDIMMs natively, and it is expected to launch in early next year.
Rollout Expectation and Market Adoption
Intel Arrow Lake-S Refresh platform will serve as a proving ground for the new standard. With Intel Nova Lake-S platform expected to launch in the second half of 2026, the wider-scale adoption of CQDIMM is predicted to kick off thereafter.
