This enumerated value describes the physical form factor of the memory module, such as a SIMM, a permanently mounted board, or single/double-width Compaq modules, with other(1) used when the type can't be determined. It tells an administrator what kind of hardware they're dealing with when planning a memory upgrade or replacement, since board-mounted memory can't simply be swapped like a removable module. For example, seeing board(2) for a slot means the memory is fixed to the system board and can't be pulled the way a simm(5) module could.