Odd DIMM module

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Rickles

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#151967 11-Sep-2014 15:18

All 1 GB DDR SDRAM modules I've seen usually comprise a strip with 8 chips each side ... and with a space in the middle for a 9th chip.

Recently I found a RAM module that purports to be a DDR400/PC3200, has 8 chips each side BUT no space in the middle!

The unit is from Transcend, so why is this different from a usual DDR strip?

R.

ubergeeknz

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Vocus

#1126605 11-Sep-2014 15:25

I've seen plenty of different DIMM designs. I guess if there's no need for a 9th chip (presumably, this gap is for a buffer) then why leave space on the PCB for it?

Rickles

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#1126610 11-Sep-2014 15:31

Hi Dan ... yeah, that is all true. Oddly it will not work when used in conjunction (2nd slot) with another standard-looking module of same spec.

R.

ubergeeknz

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#1126628 11-Sep-2014 16:17

Yeah DIMMS were always funny like that, best to use matched pairs.. Been a long time since I messed around with hardware now beyond upgrading my laptop RAM

Lias

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#1126629 11-Sep-2014 16:18

Ram with the "Gap" is from manufacturers that also create ECC (Parity) RAM, that uses 9 chips. They use the same base PCB layout for both ECC and non ECC to save costs. Not having it is nothing out of the ordinary.

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raytaylor

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#1126980 12-Sep-2014 08:41

DIMMs have chips on them?
I never looked close enough.

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Rickles

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#1126983 12-Sep-2014 08:45

Usually ghost chips

MadEngineer

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#1144808 1-Oct-2014 12:56

Rickles: Hi Dan ... yeah, that is all true. Oddly it will not work when used in conjunction (2nd slot) with another standard-looking module of same spec.

R.

check the manual for the motherboard. What is it your trying to install the memory into?

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Rickles

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#1144864 1-Oct-2014 14:49

Mad (if you don't mind me calling you by your first name?),

Manual just says, and I quote " Two 184-pin DIMM slots to support up to 2GB of PC1600,PC2100, PC2700 or PC3200 compliant DDR SDRAM module", so assumed would handle it. I know some motherboards are a touch sensitive mixing modules.

The unit is a Shuttle XPC FN85 model.

MadEngineer

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#1144891 1-Oct-2014 15:23

That will be in the description of hardware it supports. Read further into the manual, there will be a configuration chart showing how to set up SS/DS modules.

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Rickles

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#1144915 1-Oct-2014 15:57

Hmmm, can't see any new information in the Memory Config Section ... just reiterates that DIMMs can be used up to 2GB, being 1GB each slot. Also says use any slot.

Only proviso I can see is that it won't accept "Double-sided X16" modules ... but these days both double and single sided modules have chips on both sides so not easily identifiable.

Currently I have 1GB in one slot and 512GB in the other, and both have chips on both sides

I'm going to assume that either the module is dead, or it is in fact double-sided.

MadEngineer

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#1145104 1-Oct-2014 20:39

3.3 System Memory Configuration The FN85 mainboard has two 184-pin DIMM slots that allow you to install from 64MB up to 2GB of system memory. Each 184-pin DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module) Slot can accommodate 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, 512MB, and 1GB of PC2100, PC2700 or PC3200 compliant 2.6V single (1 Bank) or double (2 Bank) side 64-bit wide data path DDR SDRAM modules. Install Memory: Install memory in any or all of the slots and in any combination shown as follows.

[chart]

Note: Total 2 DIMM up to 2GB max and 1GB per DIMM
Note: You do not need to set any jumper to configure memory since the BIOS utility can detect the system memory automatically. You can check the total system memory value in the BIOS Standard CMOS Setup menu. Don't support double-sided X16 DDR DIMMs.

so, lots of limitations there

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzCfRV0efk8odVNIa01TNE5YYU0/edit?usp=sharing

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