A memory expansion blade for a multi-protocol architecture, includes dual inline memory modules (DIMMs) and a multi-protocol memory controller coupled to the DIMMs and operable to control operations of the DIMMs. The multi-protocol memory controller includes one or more memory channel controllers, with each of the memory channel controllers coupled to a single channel of DIMM, and where the DIMM in each single channel operate according to a specific protocol. The controller further includes a protocol engine coupled to the memory channel controllers, where the protocol engine is configurable to accommodate one or more of the specific protocols, and a system interface coupled to the protocol engine and configurable to provide electrical power and signaling appropriate for the specific protocols.