Registered memory is a type of chip that supplements random access memory (RAM) by holding a small section of memory while the central processing unit (CPU) is accessing it. The reason for doing this is to keep electrical load low and to increase stability; registered memory tends to work best with servers and important systems. Holding a portion of memory often slows down the computer, but most applications will not suffer. One of the few applications that does suffer is gaming, because computer games require a high amount of data.
When a CPU accesses RAM, it usually pulls the maximum amount of memory it can in one clock cycle. When registered memory is used, a small portion of memory is held in a register chip. This memory is released after one clock cycle, and the register typically only holds 64 bits. Bigger computer systems may have more than one register to increase the benefits of this memory chip.
Accessing RAM takes a lot of power and electricity, especially if a program is running that requires a consistent stream of data. While this largely will not affect most consumer computers, a high-end server that supports an entire business’s network usually will feel pressure from this. Registered memory keeps the power requirement low by holding some memory. Not only that, but this enables the system to hold more RAM chips by keeping the system stable. Without a registering chip, these high-end systems may burn out months or years before they should.
The amount of memory held by registered memory is very low when compared to how much memory an entire RAM stick has. At the same time, users may notice slightly slower output and performance because this memory is being stored continually. This normally does not lead to lags, though it may take just a second or two more for a program to work. Most computer applications will still be able to work without any major issues.
While most applications will not suffer, gaming is one of the few areas that can suffer greatly from registered memory. Computer games require a constant stream of data from RAM and CPU, and a game usually cannot afford the registering cycle. The slightest disturbance in memory can lead to lags, so registered memory may cause continual lags and problems for games, especially online games or those with very high power and memory requirements.