keithbraithwaite
asked on
Different SDRAM slots
Just came up against a new one (for me...)
Still building PII's and PIII's for Emmaüs in France.
I'm upgrading (slightly) an old mainboard which has what looks like SDRAM slots with the two notches and the same number of contact points. Trouble is that at each end of the slot, instead of the plastic catches which hook on the "normal" SDRAM bars, there are rather smaller plastic catches which just seem to press against the ends of the bar. I manage to press some bars in but they hardly hold in at all and most of them spring out of their own accord!
What sort of bars do I need?
Thanks in advance
keith
Still building PII's and PIII's for Emmaüs in France.
I'm upgrading (slightly) an old mainboard which has what looks like SDRAM slots with the two notches and the same number of contact points. Trouble is that at each end of the slot, instead of the plastic catches which hook on the "normal" SDRAM bars, there are rather smaller plastic catches which just seem to press against the ends of the bar. I manage to press some bars in but they hardly hold in at all and most of them spring out of their own accord!
What sort of bars do I need?
Thanks in advance
keith
Callandor
Very likely PC100 or PC133 SDRAM, if you are dealing with PII's and PIII's. I don't think those work with anything earlier, such as EDO RAM.
whats make and model of the motherboard?
ASKER
Sorry - I shouldn't have mentioned PII's and PIII's - that was just to reintroduce myself. This motherboard is rather older - I haven't noted down the make and model yet. It has 2 EDO slots and two of these weird SDRAM slots.
I got a 128 bar to hold in one of the slots and the computer detected 32 !
I'll check the make and model when I get back there tomorrow.
Thanks for getting back to me
K
I got a 128 bar to hold in one of the slots and the computer detected 32 !
I'll check the make and model when I get back there tomorrow.
Thanks for getting back to me
K
no problem, If you get the motherboard make and model we should be able to look up what is compatiable with it and get you the info your looking for
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ASKER
I'm going to look though all our old boxes to find different kinds of SDRAM - I'm sure you're right it must be pretty feeble.
I've put two 32 EDO's in to be able to configure the new (second hand) HD
If it was our's it would already have been recycled but it belongs to a client who is buying an old 10 G° HD from us for it, and anything I can do to boost the RAM.
I'll check the make and model tomorrow. I's nearly midnight here.
Thanks to all of you
Keith
I've put two 32 EDO's in to be able to configure the new (second hand) HD
If it was our's it would already have been recycled but it belongs to a client who is buying an old 10 G° HD from us for it, and anything I can do to boost the RAM.
I'll check the make and model tomorrow. I's nearly midnight here.
Thanks to all of you
Keith
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ASKER
Willcomp, I think you have given me the answer I'm looking for. These slots are then EDO 168 slots? Is there a drawing or photo somewhere of an EDO 168 bar so I know what I'm looking for?
If that proves to be the answer, the points are yours.
Thanks Natsharp for the BIOS idea - but if I really need to up the capacity I know how to change or flash the BIOS. The real problem is finding which type of bars will hold in these slots.
I'll be back
Keith
If that proves to be the answer, the points are yours.
Thanks Natsharp for the BIOS idea - but if I really need to up the capacity I know how to change or flash the BIOS. The real problem is finding which type of bars will hold in these slots.
I'll be back
Keith
Modules look just like SDRAM. I don't have a stick to compare chip markings, but all would be 66 MHz chips and most manufacturers have speed rating on chips (-10 for Micron and TC-10 for Hyundai). Only problem is that PC66 SDRAM also uses same speed chips (10 nS) and I don't know a good way to tell apart unless they have labels on them.
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Callandor,
If you look at specs, they are 168 pin DIMM modules, same as SDRAM. I still can't tell the difference unless labeled as EDO or SDRAM.
If you look at specs, they are 168 pin DIMM modules, same as SDRAM. I still can't tell the difference unless labeled as EDO or SDRAM.
ASKER
OK - thanks for the reference. However, those sticks are exactly like SDRAM with notches for ordinary SDRAM slots. My slots don't have long catches which slot into the side notches - thye just come up flat against the edge of the memory stick - fairly low down.
All my SDRAM sticks just jump straight out!
All my SDRAM sticks just jump straight out!
ASKER
I've looked at them all - as you say, it's impossible to tell the difference.
I still haven't had time to note down the mainboard make and model number. I'm sure that will shed some light on things.
I still haven't had time to note down the mainboard make and model number. I'm sure that will shed some light on things.
Those aren't level 2 cache RAM slots are they? If so, no retaining clip. Modules go straight down and are held in place by tension. As I recall, cache RAM slots were usually brown and higher sided than system memory sockets. Keys on RAM may not be mating causing RAM to cock up.
Hard to tell without being able to eyeball your mobo.
Hard to tell without being able to eyeball your mobo.
ASKER
Very interesting - I'm learning all the time! level 2 cache RAM slots...
I'll get those mainboard details as soon as I can, but it will be next wednesday.
I'll get those mainboard details as soon as I can, but it will be next wednesday.
Keith, what is CPU on this beast? May shed some light on situation.
CPUs have not always had on-chip cache. Cache RAM was mobo mounted and usually static RAM rather than dynamic RAM. Earlier caches were DIP chips, then transitioned to 2 different size (that I have seen) modules. Modules are much easier to install than DIPs.
CPUs have not always had on-chip cache. Cache RAM was mobo mounted and usually static RAM rather than dynamic RAM. Earlier caches were DIP chips, then transitioned to 2 different size (that I have seen) modules. Modules are much easier to install than DIPs.
Cache RAM? That would be interesting if these were such beasts. I thought those disappeared way before Pentium cpus, around the time coprocessors were integrated with the cpu, but who knows? Maybe this is a 486 system?
If I recall correctly, PIIs were first CPUs with integrated Level 2 cache. Reason for card mount was to accomodate cache memory.
Your memory may be better than mine, then! ;-)
willcomp, you win the prize for that one: http://www6.tomshardware.com/cpu/20020903/
Age and experience have their benefits. Now if I can just convince myself of that when I try to get my creaky joints moving every morning!
ASKER
"Age and experience have their benefits". Welcome comment from Willcomp...
As I was just saying on another question: "I may be a bit of duffer on hardware, but if there was a "CAM" (computer assisted music?) :) section on your forum I'd have expert status!. I was feeling a bit old this morning too (it's 8 o'clock here in France)
That helped me recover my self resect :)
You're right, this mainboard is from way back. I'm trying to upgrade it a bit becuse the young guy who brought it to me is able to read DIVX files on it! That surprised me so much I thought it would be worth some improvements.
Before you all say that's money down the drain, I should say that the charitable organisation for which I do voluntary work sells 10 GB HD's for $5. Old memory sticks $1 or $2
I promise to bring in the make and model on wednesday! i'm intrigued!
As I was just saying on another question: "I may be a bit of duffer on hardware, but if there was a "CAM" (computer assisted music?) :) section on your forum I'd have expert status!. I was feeling a bit old this morning too (it's 8 o'clock here in France)
That helped me recover my self resect :)
You're right, this mainboard is from way back. I'm trying to upgrade it a bit becuse the young guy who brought it to me is able to read DIVX files on it! That surprised me so much I thought it would be worth some improvements.
Before you all say that's money down the drain, I should say that the charitable organisation for which I do voluntary work sells 10 GB HD's for $5. Old memory sticks $1 or $2
I promise to bring in the make and model on wednesday! i'm intrigued!
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Cam,
You are referring to 72 pin SIMMs that came in FPM and EDO flavors.
We are referring to 168 pin EDO DIMM modules that are identical in size and notch configuration to 168 pin SDRAM DIMM modules. So much so, that I cannot tell a PC66 SDRAM module from a 66MHz EDO DIMM module and I'm pretty familar with PC hardware.
Dalton
You are referring to 72 pin SIMMs that came in FPM and EDO flavors.
We are referring to 168 pin EDO DIMM modules that are identical in size and notch configuration to 168 pin SDRAM DIMM modules. So much so, that I cannot tell a PC66 SDRAM module from a 66MHz EDO DIMM module and I'm pretty familar with PC hardware.
Dalton
ASKER
I assure you that these are 168 slots with two notches, one of which is near the end like your diagram.
I assure you also that the slots DON'T have catches at each end like all the 168 SDRAM slots I have ever seen (and I've seen hundreds, if not thousands...)
The catch at each end is low slung and only comes up flat against the module - much lower than the end fixing notchs in a standard 168 stick.
I wouldn't be asking this question if the slots were anything like "real" SDRAM slots, or even less, if they were anything like standard EDO slots.
Maybe none of you has ever seen the like either?
I've been building and dismantling these beasts for the past 15 years and I never saw that before.
K
I assure you also that the slots DON'T have catches at each end like all the 168 SDRAM slots I have ever seen (and I've seen hundreds, if not thousands...)
The catch at each end is low slung and only comes up flat against the module - much lower than the end fixing notchs in a standard 168 stick.
I wouldn't be asking this question if the slots were anything like "real" SDRAM slots, or even less, if they were anything like standard EDO slots.
Maybe none of you has ever seen the like either?
I've been building and dismantling these beasts for the past 15 years and I never saw that before.
K
Keith, what is the CPU?
Can you figure out what your motherboard maker is and also what willcomp said "the cpu your using"
since you said it was an old computer. So that way we can google some information about it
since you said it was an old computer. So that way we can google some information about it
ASKER
Sorry - I forgot again... Too much work at the moment. I know that the CPU is a Cyrix round about 180, 178 or something like that, but I didn't note the motherboard reference.
Since I got everything working with a couple of 32 EDO's, I've let it go till wednesday next. That way the young guy who I'm updating it for can play with his new toy for a few days...
Since I got everything working with a couple of 32 EDO's, I've let it go till wednesday next. That way the young guy who I'm updating it for can play with his new toy for a few days...
EDO should be correct for a Cyrix CPU mounted to its original motherboard (pre-dates SDRAM). You probably will be limited to 32MB or 64MB (if you're lucky) per slot. If you have 64MB installed on that dinosaur, That's likely about the best you can do.
ASKER
I agree, but the mystery remains: what the hell are these two 168 slots just next to the EDO slots?
Motherboard model would probably help resolve that question, if online documentation is available.
ASKER
I finally got a look at that mainboard again (the young chap I was mending it for was disappointed at the performance at 64 RAM... he's persuaded his mother to pay the difference for one of our second hand PIII boards...) so I took it all apart!
First, when I've got such good access to the board I CAN fit SDRAM sticks into the slots! I didn't dare press so hard when the board was in the box. They've never been used so first entry was harder (!). i'll see whether they are detected properly today.
Second, it's a very anonymous board - only thing I found was this number between two PCI slots: 35-8804-01
I'll chase that up on Google.
If the memory sticks work, the problem is solved - I'll split the points.
Thanks once again
Keith
First, when I've got such good access to the board I CAN fit SDRAM sticks into the slots! I didn't dare press so hard when the board was in the box. They've never been used so first entry was harder (!). i'll see whether they are detected properly today.
Second, it's a very anonymous board - only thing I found was this number between two PCI slots: 35-8804-01
I'll chase that up on Google.
If the memory sticks work, the problem is solved - I'll split the points.
Thanks once again
Keith
Keith,
Will probably require 168 pin EDO DIMM modules and any 72 pin SIMMs will have to be removed. May also be a jumper involved.
168 pin EDO DIMMs came in 3.3V and 5V flavors (mostly 3.3V).
66MHz SDRAM may work.
Been an interesting exercise.
Will probably require 168 pin EDO DIMM modules and any 72 pin SIMMs will have to be removed. May also be a jumper involved.
168 pin EDO DIMMs came in 3.3V and 5V flavors (mostly 3.3V).
66MHz SDRAM may work.
Been an interesting exercise.
ASKER
Very curious results today. I set up the whole computer outside the box and tried all sorts of combinations. It took everything I threw at it - 64 SDRAM, 128, as well as EDO DIMM sticks... (wouldn't eat 256's...)
however - with one 64 stick it gave me 16, with 2, 32
With one 128, 32 and with two 128's, 64...
I don't have any 66 Mhz sticks - all those were 100 Mhz.
The result is that I can only boost to 64 - same as with my two 32 old EDO sticks.
I presume that the mainborad is therefore limited to 64?
Anyone find a diagram/manual?
however - with one 64 stick it gave me 16, with 2, 32
With one 128, 32 and with two 128's, 64...
I don't have any 66 Mhz sticks - all those were 100 Mhz.
The result is that I can only boost to 64 - same as with my two 32 old EDO sticks.
I presume that the mainborad is therefore limited to 64?
Anyone find a diagram/manual?
Keith,
When the old relic boots, there should be a BIOS identifier at bottom of screen. With that ID string and BIOS type, may be able to ID mobo. You can hit pause key to keep display on screen so you can copy string. Press Enter to continue boot.
Post BIOS maker and ID string.
I suspect you may be limited to 32MB per slot. Would really like to see what 64MB EDO or 64MB PC66 do though.
When the old relic boots, there should be a BIOS identifier at bottom of screen. With that ID string and BIOS type, may be able to ID mobo. You can hit pause key to keep display on screen so you can copy string. Press Enter to continue boot.
Post BIOS maker and ID string.
I suspect you may be limited to 32MB per slot. Would really like to see what 64MB EDO or 64MB PC66 do though.
ASKER
OK - I'll chack that.
Stangely enough, it won't accept one 64 EDO stick on its own - when I put two in, it gives me 64.
You're probably right that the slots are limited to 32 MB
Stangely enough, it won't accept one 64 EDO stick on its own - when I put two in, it gives me 64.
You're probably right that the slots are limited to 32 MB
ASKER
for chack read check... :)
well it tis an old motherboard ... so it makes sense