understanding memory modules

[vbportal]

I want to add memory to my pc. The instruction manual (scanned
image below) describes the DIMMS to be used but I don't get
it - I just don't understand how they get the MB figures for
the 1,2 and 3 DIMMS in the table and how the "banks" are
figured into it - did read a bit on the web about it, but
it's still not clear.

Could someone please explain (there are 3 memory sockets and
I'd like to have 2GB of ram)

 

[vbportal]

I'm having problems with the scanned image - how should I make the
scan so that the image is visible in enough detail (photobucket
reduces it and you can't read it)?

 

[paparazi]

ooooher!
That is confusing!

I kind of understand what it's saying...
And by the looks of it you need to use slots 1 & 2 with 1gig strips I'm guessing DDR1 so PC2100/PC2700/PC3200
The problems arise when it comes to density (how many memory chips each stick has) and whether they are single sided or double sided.
The drawing states double sided modules can't be used with a particular chipset.
Clear as mud...don't know what chipset you have!
Also..one thing is clear....2GB is going to be pushing it on an old motherboard like this and getting a 'compatible' configuration even more difficult.

Martin

On wings like angels whispers sweet
my heart it feels a broken beat
Touched soul and hurt lay wounded deep
Brown eyes are lost afar and sleep

 

[vbportal]

were you actually able to read the scanned image ?- I tried saving
the file from the link and magnified it but can't read it
(directly from the link it's too small)

It is the Gigabyte P4 Titan 533 GA-8IEXP motherboard (845E chipset)
The manual indicates the following regarding memory on page 4:
* 3 184 pin DDR DIMM sockets
* Supports PC2100 DDR or PC1600 DDR DIMM
* Supports upto 2GB DRAM (max)
* Supports only 2.5V DDR DIMM
* Supports 64 bit ECC type DRAM integrity
-


The problem is that the tables make no sense to me - maybe someone understands it ?

 

[BadBigBen]

on the image it does say that it is an 845E/G chipset...

now the way I read it, if DIMM 1&2 are populated with 1GB each, then it does not matter what the 3rd DIMM slot has, as it only allows for 2GB RAM...

Although it is physically possible to install more memory, the system will only recognize the maximum listed. Installing more memory may cause major problems. Consult the system's manufacturer for more information.All Intel 845 series chipsets support a maximum of 4 banks of memory regardless of the number of memory sockets.

source: Crucial on the GA-8IEX

this will list all the mem that is compatible to the GA-8IEX

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=GA-8IEX&Cat=RAM

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[vbportal]

BadBigBen - that sounds logical but did you conclude that somehow from the tables ?- I can't figure out the tables.
If I look at the first table :
column 1 - device
column 2 - 1 DIMM - I presume it means 1st slot
column 3 - 2 DIMMS - I presume it means slot 1 & 2
column 4 - 3 DIMMS - all 3 slots
(On the page it says DDR slot 1 uses 2 banks and DDR slot 2/3 the remaining 2 banks - I guess I don't understand this either )

now, if I look at the second last line of that table (the line
which mentions the 2 GB which I'm interested in),
- column 1 - 512Mb (16M*8*4 = 512 - so far so good
- column 2 - where does 1 GB come from - maybe I don't understand
the "1 DIMM x 64/ x 72" ? - columns 2 and 3 are then a mistery
also

 

[BadBigBen]

Bank = Rank...

On a DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 memory module, each rank has a 64-bit wide data bus (with an optional extra 8-bit ECC on some DIMMs). The number of physical DRAMs depends on their individual widths. For example, a rank of x8 (8-bit) DRAMs would consist of 8 physical chips (plus one for ECC), but a rank of x4 (4-bit) DRAMs would consist of 16 physical chips (plus two for ECC). Multiple ranks can coexist on a single DIMM, and modern DIMMs can consist of one rank (single rank), two ranks (dual rank), four ranks (quad rank), or eight ranks (octal rank).

source: Wikipedia Memory Rank

what does that mean, considering your old and venerable mainboard: well it would mean that DIMM 1 and DIMM 2 could each be populated with DDR-SDRAM modules consisting of 16 chips each (eight per side (double sided)) and DIMM 3 would be left unpopulated...

it could also mean that DIMM 1 be populated with a module with 16 chips (eight on each side) and DIMM2 & 3 each be populated with eight chips modules (eight on ONE side (mostly called SINGLE SIDED) / or four on both sides (though I've never seen one of these))...

Two RANK RAM Module:

Single RANK RAM module:

so what it boils down to, is this, you can attach any DDR-SDRAMs Modules DIMM 1 and DIMM 2, but as soon as you populate DIMM 3, then you have to watch out what is in DIMM 2...

some info for you:

PC1600 = DDR 200 (probably hard as heck to find these days)
PC2100 = DDR 266 (still can be found but also very rare)
PC2700 = DDR 333 (now these are more common)
PC3200 = DDR 400 (what most sellers today still have on stock)



Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"

 

[vbportal]

OK, thanks ! - now to try to find them and see if it works