How to distinguish between "8-device" and "16 device." RDRAM

[DapperDpm]

I went to a local hardware shop to get two 256 pc800 Samsung RDRAM sticks but could not figure out if the sticks were 8 or 16 device. The sales rep was no help. Is there a spcific notation on the stick that i should look for ? I want to get the 16 device stick since i've heard they overclock better.

 

[DN]

I picked up 2 x 256Mb Samsung PC800 last night from the store.. If you look at the Samsung sticker, it'll say 8 or 16 in a certain location on that sticker (I think to the right of most of the information), away from the other #'s.. Sorry that I can't give you more details, but the stick is at home and I'm not..

When I get home, I'll give you more information, if someone else hasn't already replied..

 

[DapperDpm]

Great ..i would appreciate that ...i remember seeing a number starting with 'MX16.........." on a front sticker but not quiet sure..by the way ..how much did the sticks cost?

 

[KenAF]

Dapper,

It's simple...you count the number of devices, or chips, on the RAM.

Unfortunately, the heat spreader may be in the way. If it's a 256Mb RIMM...and it has memory chips on both sides (there are 8 per side), then its 16-device. If it's a 256Mb RIMM...and it has memory chips on only one side, then it's 8-device. The 16-device 256Mb RIMM has a part number of MR16R082GBN1-CK8, while the 8-device 256Mb RIMM is MR16R1628AF0-CK8.

 

[MrDudeMan]

what is the difference? does it matter?

 

[KenAF]

MrDudeMan,

The 16-device 256Mb PC800 memory modules (same as 8-device 128Mb modules) overclock far better, and more easily to and beyond 533MHz PC1066 speed, than do the 8-device 256Mb modules (same as 4-device 128Mb modules).

 

[DN]

<< Great ..i would appreciate that ...i remember seeing a number starting with 'MX16.........." on a front sticker but not quiet sure..by the way ..how much did the sticks cost? >>



$150.00 Canadian per stick..

 

[DN]

<< Dapper,

It's simple...you count the number of devices, or chips, on the RAM.

Unfortunately, the heat spreader may be in the way. If it's a 256Mb RIMM...and it has memory chips on both sides (there are 8 per side), then its 16-device. If it's a 256Mb RIMM...and it has memory chips on only one side, then it's 8-device. The 16-device 256Mb RIMM has a part number of MR16R082GBN1-CK8, while the 8-device 256Mb RIMM is MR16R1628AF0-CK8. >>



Even though I didn't look CLOSELY because I didn't have to, this "Unfortunately, the heat spreader may be in the way" is probably the main problem with identifying whether it's 8 or 16 device.. I'll take a closer look tonight so that I can help that other guy out..

 

[lastig21]

I have seen both the 8device and 16device Samsung rimms in the 256meg flavor. The heat spreaders won't be in the way. If the rimm has a heatspreader on both sides, its a 16device. If the heat spreader is only one 1 side, it is an 8 device. I couldn't vouch for the 128meg versions, I would think both the 4 device and 8 device would have only 1 heatspreader.

 

[StanFL]

>>>>>I couldn't vouch for the 128meg versions, I would think both the 4 device and 8 device would have only 1 heatspreader. <<<<<

This is correct. I think I remember seeing double sided 128's way back when (when the 820 chipset came out timeframe) but none in the last year and a half or so. Single sided 128's will be labeled /8 or /4. The /8's overclock much, much better than the /4's.