Difference between 16x(8x8) and 8x(16x8) memory?

[zener]

What is the difference between 16x(8x8) and 8x(16x8) memory? Should I use the same type? Thanks

 

[AndyHui]

The first is a double sided DIMM, where the amount of RAM on each separate chip on the DIMM (density) is less.

The second is a single sided DIMM, where the density is higher. There is no performance difference, but I usually prefer single sided DIMMs.

 

[Lichee]

ok...lemme further ask:

what is the benefit of getting one of the other? wouldnt single sided get a little more hot since they are more dense? good question btw.

Lichee

 

[AndyHui]

As far as SDRAM goes, heat is not an issue when running at 133MHz or so. SDRAM simply doesn't produce enough heat, certainly not in comparison with RDRAM or perhaps 400MHz+ DDR SRAM.

I prefer single sided SDRAM because there are certain chipsets out there that have a limited number of RAS lines. Some chipsets like the i815E only have 6 RAS lines, meaning they can support a maximum of 3 double sided DIMMs. However, some motherboard manufacturers implement 4 DIMM slots. Having single sided DIMMs means that you can use all 4 DIMM slots, whereas double sided DIMMs means that you cannot.

 

[Kingofcomputer]

8x8 is 2M x 8bit x 4bank = 64Mbit
16x8 is 4M x 8bit x 4bank = 128Mbit

16x8 is higher density chip than 8x8 (here density means higher memory size per chip).

16 chips of 8x8 make up a double side 128MB DIMM, each side has 8 chips.
if use 16x8 to make 128MB DIMM, only need 8 chips, so only need single side.

you can mix them, but need to make sure your motherboard chipset supports both 8x8 and 16x8 type.

also see this thread