AMD 64 memory issues and DS, SS memory sticks

[Kaadg]

One issue that pops up over and over again on the AMD 64 are the memory issues these boards all seem to have For instance: The EPoX EP-8KDA3J can only take 1 MB stick of DS memory which limits the board to a total of 1MB. That amount varies depending on whether it?s double sided or single sided memory.

I have several questions on this:

First: I went to the local store and it appears that most memory sticks are DS. So, without physically looking at the stick (for instance shopping on line) how can you tell if it?s DS or SS?

Second: Has anyone come up with a list or database somewhere that states all the possible memory issues on each of the more popular boards?

Kaad_G

 

[Brian23]

1mb?

 

[Kaadg]

Sorry, of course I mean 1GB

 

[Peter]

Apart from individual "issues" this or that board might have, you must keep in mind that running DDR RAM at 200 MHz is designed to be restricted to one (!) DIMM per channel. For two, you need to step back to 166 MHz, for three DIMMs on the same channel you need to go back to 133.

Sure, your chances of pushing these limits are higher with single-sided DIMMs, but that's how it is, and what you need to stick to in order to be safe and really stable.

512 Megabits is the highest commercialized capacity per DDR SDRAM chip currently. Consequently, to get a 1-Gigabyte DIMM, you need to use sixteen chips in two ranks - vulgo a double-sided DIMM. 512-MByte DIMMs are being offered in SS and DS configurations.

 

[Kaadg]

Thanks Peter I didn't realize that.

There also seems to be a lot of variables to consider like DS, SS memory, memory brand, quality of memory...etc.

So if I find the right combination of memory now, I could end up paying a price in speed (or possibly not working at all) if I add memory later?

Is there any way of telling if the 512-MByte memory I buy online is DD or SS?

 

[Peter]

Buy from a source that tells you clearly?

 

[Kaadg]

Ah, OK. I thought maybe they were marked in some way. Thanks.

Kaadg

 

[Peter]

Yes they are - it's easy to tell if you have it in hand. When buying online, you need to rely on the information given ... and that often lacks those details.