why don't desktops use sodimms?

[BlahBlahYouToo]

is it slower than full size/regular dimms?

 

[nickbits]

$$$

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

i would've thought smaller pcb and less chips would mean cheaper.

 

[Zap]

Lower volume means more $$$. Some desktops do, such as the Dell Studio Hybrid (if it is upgradable at all), some mini ITX boards, Everex desktop computers.

 

[Slick5150]

Originally posted by: Zap
Lower volume means more $$$. Some desktops do, such as the Dell Studio Hybrid (if it is upgradable at all), some mini ITX boards, Everex desktop computers.

My MSI Wind desktop uses it as well.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Originally posted by: Zap
Lower volume means more $$$. Some desktops do, such as the Dell Studio Hybrid (if it is upgradable at all), some mini ITX boards, Everex desktop computers.

that's my question.
if desktops use it, the volume goes up and it will cost less, furthering the cost savings from a smaller pcb.
and you can create smaller motherboards as well.

unless, it's slower than full size dimms.

 

[StormRider]

Can a mini ITX motherboard fit into a regular ATX case? I got some spare SO-DIMMs that I wouldn't mind turning into a little 24/7 low-power desktop server.

 

[MrPickins]

Aren't so-dimms generally available in slower speed than most dimm? My guess would be that the extra pins (200 vs 240 I think) allow the memory to clock higher somehow.

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
is it slower than full size/regular dimms?

Due to their smaller size, SO-DIMMs tend to use fewer, higher-capacity chips. Which cost more.

Originally posted by: StormRider
Can a mini ITX motherboard fit into a regular ATX case? I got some spare SO-DIMMs that I wouldn't mind turning into a little 24/7 low-power desktop server.

Yes, Mini-ITX uses a subset of the ATX mounting holes, the same power connectors, and the same locations for input/output connections. Any Mini-ITX motherboard should be compatible with just about any ATX case. More on Mini-ITX.

 

[magreen]

The OP isn't asking why, given the current market price for sodimms, they don't use sodimms in desktop systems. That's obvious.

He's asking why, from a design perspective, they made two different dimm designs and chose to produce a larger one for desktops and keep the sodimm design for laptops.

I'm gonna go ahead and guess. Smaller = higher density = more expensive & complicated to produce, even if it uses a touch less silicon.

 

[StormRider]

Originally posted by: Aluvus

Originally posted by: BlahBlahYouToo
is it slower than full size/regular dimms?

Due to their smaller size, SO-DIMMs tend to use fewer, higher-capacity chips. Which cost more.

Originally posted by: StormRider
Can a mini ITX motherboard fit into a regular ATX case? I got some spare SO-DIMMs that I wouldn't mind turning into a little 24/7 low-power desktop server.

Yes, Mini-ITX uses a subset of the ATX mounting holes, the same power connectors, and the same locations for input/output connections. Any Mini-ITX motherboard should be compatible with just about any ATX case. More on Mini-ITX.

Woo hoo! That's great news. Thanks for the link.