Which type of RAM generally has a higher cost?

Buffered RAM, also known as registered RAM, typically has a higher cost compared to the other types of RAM due to its design and functionality. Buffered RAM includes an additional register that helps manage the data to and from the memory controller, which enhances stability and performance, especially in systems with a high number of memory modules. This design allows for better handling of memory loads and can improve performance in servers and workstations that require reliable and efficient memory operation.

The increased complexity in manufacturing buffered RAM, combined with its higher capacity to handle memory requests in demanding environments, contributes to its elevated cost. This makes it a preferred choice in applications where reliability and performance are critical, such as in enterprise servers and high-performance computing setups.

In contrast, unbuffered RAM lacks that extra register and is more straightforward in its design, making it cheaper. ECC (Error-Correcting Code) RAM, while often more expensive due to its error-checking capabilities, does not inherently have the same performance characteristics as buffered RAM in terms of load management. SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM) is a type of memory used in a variety of applications but doesn't specifically reflect a higher-cost characteristic linked to buffering design.