CMTL Memory Certification

The Memory Compatibility Experts

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The CMTL Memory Module Certification Program allows computer memory manufacturers to submit their modules for advanced compatibility testing on motherboards from the industry’s leading manufacturers. Modules, which pass CMTL’s rigorous incoming inspection, and advanced testing criteria, are then awarded recognition as a CMTL Certified Memory Module, and can use the CMTL Certified Memory seal.

Memory modules that have completed all the testing phases under the CMTL Memory Module Certification process are known to be compatible with the motherboards on which they were tested, and will be listed as “Certified” on the CMTL website.

Memory Certification from CMTL
Every CMTL Certified Memory module is put through extensive incoming inspection and advanced compatibility testing to eliminate most incompatibly risks. The memory certification process requires the module to be advanced tested for compatibility in any one of the available motherboards from multiple motherboard manufacturers using a variety of processors and chipsets to ensure compatibility. Only modules that pass this in-depth set of checks and tests can receive the CMTL seal of compatibility, this is your guarantee of a quality memory module.

Minimum testing hours required to receive CMTL Memory Module Certification:

Desktop Memory Module: 25 hours of testing

Server Memory Module: 50 hours of testing

Requirements for Memory Certification:
Desktop Memory

Module part number and BOM must successfully pass all incoming inspection checks and verification of industry compliance to include form, fit, and function, device configuration, PCB layer count, PCB part ID, DRAM part ID, PLL manufacturer, Rank, CAS latency timing, device speed, and SPD programming.
Each module part number and BOM must complete and pass a minimum of 25 hours of advanced compatibility testing.

Server Memory

Module part number and BOM must successfully pass all incoming inspection checks and verification of industry compliance to include form, fit, and function, device configuration, PCB layer count, PCB part ID, DRAM part ID, PLL manufacturer, Rank, CAS latency timing, device speed, and SPD programming.
Each module part number and BOM must complete and pass a minimum of 50 hours of advanced compatibility testing.

What’s an Advanced Tested Memory Module and how is the test performed?
Each memory module that’s tested in CMTL’s Advanced Testing Laboratory goes through extensive physical and environmental testing that includes various combinations of the following tests depending on the module and the motherboard for which they are tested in:

Paper Screening (performed by the manufacturer)
A paper screen is a review of critical timings, electrical characteristics, timing requirements, environmental requirements, and packaging requirements in order to see if the DIMM meets the memory specifications.

Physical dimensions testing
Each memory module that is submitted for testing is meticulously checked and measured to ensure compliance with proper PCB manufacturing standards and practices.

SPD Testing
The SPD contents test ensures the SPD EEPROM is programmed properly and is in compliance with all the current industry standards. The modules must also be fully compatible with the motherboards in which they are tested in and will be checked to ensure proper identification and functionality in the motherboard is made.

Power Cycling Test
Power cycle testing involves powering on and off the motherboard platform for 50~100 cycles. This test checks the memory modules ability to be cycled and makes sure the system will boot properly an indefinite number of times without errors. This test verifies system response to different DIMM sizes, module organization and amount of memory installed on the board.

S3 (suspend to RAM) test
The S3 test is performed to ensure that the memory modules being tested are correctly refreshed by the motherboard and are capable of retaining their contents through an S3 power management state. The motherboard and memory modules S3 interoperability is tested to see that no test data is lost or corrupted during the testing.

Room temperature & nominal voltage functional testing
The room temperature testing involves testing the memory modules on the motherboard while running CMTL’s MCFT card (Memory Compatibility and Functionality Tester) and additional memory stress software under room temperature conditions. Each memory module test cycle typically last 25 hours (server platforms only for room temperature testing).

Elevated temperature and voltage margining functional testing
The elevated temperature testing and voltage margining tests involve testing the memory modules on the motherboard for which it is being tested while fluctuating power voltages (+/-5~9% depending on the motherboard) to the memory modules under test for extended periods of time during elevated temperatures (50c to 55c). The test involves testing the memory modules on the motherboard while running CMTL’s MCFT card (Memory Compatibility and Functionality Tester) and additional memory stress software under these harsh conditions. Each memory module test cycle typically last from 25 hours for desktops and 25~50 hours for server platforms.

To learn more details about CMTL’s Memory testing procedures and processes go to the Sample Procedures & Reports section of this Web site.

The value of CMTL Certified Memory
In order to obtain CMTL Certification, each memory product is subjected to CMTL’s exacting test procedures. This is a guarantee that every Certified Memory module is compatible with the motherboard for which it was tested, whether that’s a desktop, or server. Memory modules which are NOT CMTL Certified for compatibility and functionality may experience erratic and inconsistent functionality which can negatively affect overall system reliability. This loss of reliability can be the result of issues involving:

Module design
Component selection
SPD programming
PCB structural integrity
Manufacturing, and quality control processes

The CMTL Certified Memory testing program can detect these potential problems, providing resellers, manufacturers and consumers the confidence of a CMTL Certified Memory Module.

The CMTL difference
Because of its technical expertise, reputation for quality, and independent status, some of the world’s top processor, chipset, and motherboard manufacturers have chosen CMTL for their compatibility testing. No other independent testing lab can match CMTL’s scope of services and capabilities.

CMTL is the only 3rd party Intel-certified testing facility, to have been approved to perform the Intel Advanced Memory testing procedure on Intel Desktop Boards, Server Boards, and RAID Controllers.
CMTL is the only test lab approved to conduct CMTL Advanced Memory testing by major chipset and processor manufacturers including AMD, Intel and NVIDIA to name a few.
CMTL is often supplied with motherboards several weeks before their public launch. Compatibility test results are quickly posted on CMTL’s web site and on sites from motherboard manufacturers, opening a window of opportunity for first-to-market exposure.

The strategic value of CMTL Certified Memory for you and your customers

Enhanced market leadership positioning.
Product approval listings on web sites of major motherboard manufacturers.
Products differentiated from lower quality modules.
Increased global brand positioning.
New product test approvals mean increased revenue opportunities.
Reduces RMA’s and support calls.
Access to valuable component data mining histories and trends.
Promotes strong design and quality processes.
Offers customers easy source for pre-qualified, 100% functionally tested memory products.
Supports sales teams with valuable prospecting and development tools.
Increases customer satisfaction and retention.

A CMTL Certified Memory module means:
Quality: Modules are built using strict material control and manufacturing processes. Most manufacturers provide lifetime warranties and extensive customer support.

Compatibility: Modules can be extensively cross-platform tested for compatibility and functionality in many different motherboards which is identified by the Compatibility Ranking Level listing. The Compatibility Ranking Level indicates how many different motherboards the module has been tested and successfully passed on, and helps eliminate RMAs, tech support calls, and related overhead costs.

Reliability: CMTL provides maximum assurance that the module is reliable and not a “border line design”. CMTL is the global expert on memory compatibility testing.

Performance: Modules are tested to ensure they are optimized to run at the correct speed, and that the SPD is programmed in accordance with the latest industry specifications.

First to Market: CMTL is often supplied with motherboards that are not scheduled for public launch for many weeks, giving manufacturers in the CMTL certification program an opportunity for first-to-market exposure with Certified Memory on the tested memory lists on CMTL and the motherboard manufacturers’ Web sites.

Below is a listing of CMTL Memory Certification Participants:

Memory Certification Participants