How to Read a Samsung RAM Part Number
Samsung memory-module labels can look complicated, but the beginning of the part number provides a useful starting point. In AMP’s current Samsung DDR4 catalog, prefixes such as M378, M471, M393 and M386 identify different memory-module families.
The prefix can help determine whether a module is a UDIMM, SODIMM, RDIMM or LRDIMM. However, you must still check the complete part number and system specifications before purchasing a replacement or upgrade.
Quick answer: M378 generally identifies Samsung DDR4 UDIMM products, M471 identifies SODIMM products, M393 identifies ECC RDIMM products and M386 identifies ECC LRDIMM products in AMP’s current catalog.
Samsung RAM Prefixes at a Glance
First, use the initial four characters to narrow the module family. Then compare the remaining specifications with the system documentation or original memory label.
| Samsung Prefix | Module Type | Common Applications | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| M378 | DDR4 UDIMM | Compatible desktops, workstations and embedded systems | View UDIMM |
| M471 | DDR4 SODIMM | Compatible laptops, mini PCs and compact systems | View SODIMM |
| M393 | DDR4 ECC RDIMM | Compatible servers and data-center platforms | View RDIMM |
| M386 | DDR4 ECC LRDIMM | Compatible high-capacity enterprise servers | View Samsung |
1. Start With the Samsung Module Prefix
First, identify the physical and electrical module family that the system requires.
M378: DDR4 UDIMM
M378 identifies full-size unbuffered memory for compatible desktops, workstations and embedded systems. For example, AMP currently lists Samsung M378 modules in several capacities and speeds.
M471: DDR4 SODIMM
By contrast, M471 identifies a smaller memory-module format for compatible laptops, mini PCs and other space-constrained systems. It cannot fit a full-size UDIMM slot.
M393: DDR4 ECC RDIMM
Meanwhile, M393 identifies registered ECC memory for compatible servers and data-center platforms. An RDIMM uses a register to buffer command and address signals.
M386: DDR4 ECC LRDIMM
Finally, M386 identifies load-reduced ECC memory for compatible servers that support high-capacity LRDIMM configurations. Do not substitute an LRDIMM for an RDIMM.
Even so, the correct prefix does not guarantee compatibility. The generation, capacity, speed, rank, voltage and ECC architecture must also match the system.
2. Read the Complete Samsung Part Number
Next, compare the complete manufacturer part number after identifying the module family. For example, AMP currently lists this Samsung module:
Example: M393A2K43DB2-CVF
- Module family: M393 DDR4 RDIMM
- Capacity: 16GB
- Speed: DDR4-2933 / 2933 MT/s
- Error correction: ECC
- Rank and organization: 2Rx8
- Voltage and pin count: 1.2V / 288-pin
Characters within the full part number can distinguish capacity, component organization, revision and speed-bin details. Therefore, do not assume that two modules with similar-looking numbers can replace each other.
3. Check the DDR4 Speed Suffix
Then check the ending on the Samsung DDR4 part number, which can help distinguish the listed data rate. AMP’s current catalog includes these common examples:
| Common Suffix | Listed Data Rate | Examples in AMP’s Catalog |
|---|---|---|
| -CPB | DDR4-2133 | M378 and M471 products |
| -CRC | DDR4-2400 | M378 products |
| -CTD | DDR4-2666 | M378 products |
| -CVF | DDR4-2933 | M393 and M386 products |
| -CWE | DDR4-3200 | M378, M471, M393 and M386 products |
Still, these suffix examples apply only to products that AMP currently lists. Do not use them as a complete decoder for every Samsung memory generation or product family. Instead, verify the exact product specification before ordering.
Shopping for Samsung Memory?
Browse available Samsung memory modules and narrow the selection by generation, module type, capacity, speed and ECC requirements.
4. Verify Every Compatibility Requirement
Most importantly, the host-system requirements remain the final authority. Before purchasing Samsung memory, use the complete part number to verify each of the following:
| Specification | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| DDR Generation | The DDR generation specified in the system documentation, such as DDR4 or DDR5 |
| Module Type | UDIMM, SODIMM, RDIMM or LRDIMM |
| ECC and Buffering | Non-ECC, ECC, registered or load-reduced architecture |
| Capacity | Capacity per module and maximum total system memory |
| Speed | The system’s accepted MT/s rating and possible downclocking behavior |
| Rank and Organization | Examples include 1Rx8, 2Rx8 and 4Rx4 |
| Voltage and Pins | Electrical and physical requirements of the platform |
| Population Rules | Slots to use, module-matching requirements and permitted quantities |
Can M378, M471, M393 and M386 Modules Be Mixed?
No. These module families serve different physical or electrical system requirements. Therefore, do not treat them as interchangeable.
- M378 UDIMM and M471 SODIMM: These physical form factors use different slots.
- M378 UDIMM and M393 RDIMM: Unbuffered and registered architectures are not interchangeable.
- M393 RDIMM and M386 LRDIMM: These server-memory families use different buffering architectures, so do not mix them.
- DDR4 and DDR5: Different generations with different physical and electrical requirements.
Therefore, use only the memory type and configuration that the motherboard, server or system manufacturer explicitly supports.
How to Replace an Existing Samsung Memory Module
If a module needs replacement, begin with the complete Samsung part number printed on its label. Matching the exact number is usually the safest starting point.
- Record the complete manufacturer part number.
- Confirm the DDR generation.
- Match the module type and ECC or buffering architecture.
- Compare capacity, speed, voltage and rank organization.
- Check the system’s supported-memory list and population rules.
- Confirm availability and lead time before ordering.
However, do not rely on capacity and speed alone when the exact part number is unavailable. Verify any proposed alternative against the complete original specification and the host platform.
Samsung Desktop Memory vs. Server Memory
Desktop and Compact-System Memory
For desktop and compact systems, AMP commonly lists M378 UDIMMs and M471 SODIMMs. Match the physical format, ECC requirement, capacity and speed for compatible desktops, workstations, laptops, mini PCs and embedded systems.
Server and Data-Center Memory
By contrast, compatible server platforms use M393 RDIMMs or M386 LRDIMMs. Confirm registered or load-reduced support, ECC, rank, capacity and the manufacturer’s memory-population rules.
Find the Samsung Memory You Need
Browse Samsung memory modules by part number, generation, capacity, speed, module type and ECC requirements. If you are replacing an existing module, compare the complete label before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Samsung RAM Part Numbers
In AMP’s current Samsung DDR4 catalog, M378 identifies full-size UDIMMs for compatible desktops, workstations and embedded systems. However, you must still check the complete part number for capacity, speed, ECC, rank and other specifications.
M471 identifies Samsung SODIMMs in AMP’s current DDR4 catalog. This compact format fits compatible laptops, mini PCs and other space-constrained systems.
AMP lists Samsung M393 products as DDR4 registered ECC DIMMs, or RDIMMs. Compatible servers and data-center systems use this architecture; standard desktop UDIMMs cannot replace it.
AMP lists Samsung M386 products as DDR4 ECC load-reduced DIMMs, or LRDIMMs. Compatible high-capacity server platforms must explicitly support LRDIMM memory.
Usually not. RDIMM and LRDIMM use different buffering architectures. Therefore, do not mix or substitute them unless the server manufacturer explicitly permits it.
No. The prefix identifies the general module family. However, compatibility also depends on the complete part number, DDR generation, capacity, speed, ECC and buffering type, voltage, rank organization, processor and motherboard support.
In the Samsung DDR4 products AMP currently lists, CPB maps to DDR4-2133, CVF to DDR4-2933 and CWE to DDR4-3200. However, verify the exact listing because suffix conventions can vary.
You can browse Samsung memory modules by manufacturer part number, generation, capacity, speed, module type and ECC requirements on AMPINC.STORE.
Have a Samsung Part Number?
Search the complete Samsung part number on AMPINC.STORE. Matching the original part number is often the fastest way to narrow the correct generation, capacity, speed and module configuration. If the exact part is unavailable, confirm any proposed replacement before ordering.
