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RDIMM stands for Registered Dual In-line Memory Module. It is a type of computer RAM that includes a register between the memory module's DRAM chips and the system's memory controller. This register buffers the electrical signals, reducing the electrical load on the memory controller and allowing for more memory modules to be installed on a single system. This is particularly beneficial in servers and workstations where large amounts of RAM are common.

LRDIMM, or Load-Reduced Dual In-line Memory Module, is a more advanced type of RAM module. Similar to RDIMMs, LRDIMMs also use buffers, but they employ a different technology called a Memory Buffer (MB) chip. This MB chip acts as a translator for both command and address signals, as well as data signals. This effectively isolates the memory controller from the DRAM chips, further reducing the electrical load. As a result, LRDIMMs can support even higher memory capacities and higher memory speeds compared to RDIMMs.

The key difference lies in the buffering approach. RDIMMs register command and address signals but not data signals. LRDIMMs, on the other hand, buffer all signals using the Memory Buffer chip. This makes LRDIMMs more effective for systems requiring very high memory configurations, such as high-performance servers and data centers. While RDIMMs are a significant improvement over unbuffered DIMMs (UDIMMs) for memory density, LRDIMMs push the boundaries further by enabling even greater scalability and performance in memory-intensive applications. Both RDIMM and LRDIMM are typically found in server-grade motherboards and are not usually interchangeable within a system.