[plug] (OT) - Hardware - Motherboard and RAM

[Bret Busby]

On Sun, 16 Sep 2001, wayne wrote:

> Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 15:50:07 +0800
> From: wayne <hatari at iinet.net.au>
> Reply-To: plug at plug.linux.org.au
> To: plug at plug.linux.org.au
> Subject: Re: [plug] (OT) - Hardware - Motherboard and RAM
> Resent-Date: Sun, 16 Sep 2001 15:46:27 +0800 (WST)
> Resent-From: plug at plug.linux.org.au
> 
> Bret,
> 
> My understanding is that if you use PC133 MHz RAM on a FSB (front-side bus)
> of 100 MHz the RAM will operate but at only 100 MHz.  That is no big deal,
> and a good investment.  Since your existing RAM is 100 MHz - indicating an
> FSB of 100 MHz on your m/b - you should be OK to go with it.
> 
> Having just gone through the process of buying a new m/b this is my
> understanding, but I am still keen to hear others knowledge too.
> 
> Wayne
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Bret Busby" <bret at busby.net>
> To: <plug at plug.linux.org.au>
> Sent: Sunday, September 16, 2001 3:27 PM
> Subject: [plug] (OT) - Hardware - Motherboard and RAM
> 
> 
> >
> > One of our computers has an AMD K6-2 300MHz CPU.
> >
> > Startup shows the motherboard is an AIVG+-U1-0902.
> >
> > The User's manual is for an AIVG+ V1.0C
> >
> > In the manual, it says
> > Main Memory-Two 72-pin SIMM sockets and three 168-pin DIMM sockets;
> > Memory Type->DIMMS:EDO RAM or SDRAM;
> > DIMM Size: 8MB, 16MB, 32MB, 64MB, 128MB.
> >
> > The RAM chip is 64MB, and has on it:
> > Legend L086458 64MB Sync 3.3 100MHz
> >
> > The question is:
> > Will that computer be able to use (is it compatible with) the PC-133 RAM,
> > that is currently selling for around $60 per 256MB?
> >
> > Thanks in anticipation.
> >
> > (By the way; someone was asking about upgrading a P-133 CPU, using the
> > same motherboard that the person was currently using; this M/B takes P 90
> > to 200 MHz, P55C (MMX) 90 to 233 MHz, AMD K6-2 300 to 450 MHz, IDT Winchip
> > C6 180 to 225 MHz, or IDT Winchip2-3D 200 to 266MHz; so, there is a fair
> > range of CPU's, that could upgrade the P 133, depending on that
> > motherboard)
> >
> > Bret Busby
> > ..........

Now, to make this even more interesting, the AMD system above, is using
RAM rated at 8ns.

I have just had a look at my computer motherboard User's Manual, and, that
says that that motherboard (P5T30-B4E, with Intel 430TX chipset and Socket
7) will also take 2 x 168-pin DIMM's; 3.3 volt unbuffered SD-RAM or 3.3
volt EDO, with the DIMM chip sizes supported, going from 8 MB to 128 MB,
giving a total possible capacity of 256MB RAM.

That User's Manual states "SIMM/DIMM speed requirements: 70ns or 60ns".

Would my computer take the PC-133 128MB RAM chips (if so, I expect that
they would run considerably slower than 133 MHz, but, would be able to
give me heaps more usable RAM, massively cheaper than EDO RAM)?

Once again, thanks in anticipation.

Bret Busby
..........