Question regarding DIMM Memory

[John in Auburn, Ga]

First of all, Merry Christmas!!

My wonderful wifey got me a new motherboard for Christmas and naturally I'm itching to get it in a box and start.

But I have one BIG question. The board is a Tyan S1854 Trinity 400 that will allow either a Socket 370 or a Slot 1 CPU. Right now, I'm leaning toward a PIII 700 CPU which I can get for around $150.

Here is the question. I also need to purchase DIMM memory since the PC I'm typing on right now has SIMMs. Now, can I get a single 128MB DIMM? The manual only shows the configurations with multiple DIMMs. I thought that one can just put a single DIMM on these MBs. The Tyan website does not touch on this issue and it being Christmas, there is no need to try and call.

I plan to head out tomorrow to Best Buy and purchase the DIMMs and would like only to purchase a single 128MB stick.

Thanks in advance. I'm off to work (I work in a hospital) and will not be able to check in until later tonight.

John in Auburn, Ga

[sea69]

Hi I would suggest you go to THIS site (http://www.crucial.com)

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lol...so I cant spell...

[This message has been edited by sea69 (edited 12-25-2000).]

[BigBlue66]

Hi John in Auburn, GA,

I would think that somewhere in the mobo manual, it would tell you how many memory banks the motherboard requires to be filled in order to recognize the memory. Some computers require memory sticks to be installed in pairs, etc., however I think that is more common with SIMMS. I realize that you have already stated that the manual shows configurations using multiple memory sticks, but somewhere there has got to be further explanations..??

I am 95% sure that a DIMM memory stick can be installed all by itself. But again, check the motherboard manual to make sure. Also, the manual should tell you the maximum size memory stick it will support. Since it is a brand new late model motherboard, you may very well get by with one 128mb DIMM.

Good luck. Let us know what you find out.

Merry Christmas,

Big Blue 66 in Madison WI

[bassvax]

Welcome to our 'family' John and congrats on the new mobo. Sea69 hit the nail on the head. This is one area that you do not want to skimp on-RAM. Determine the bus speed at which you will be running the CPU and buy RAM to match or better that speed (it will work if the RAM bus is higher, but no usually not if lower). Don't settle for that cheap RAM sold at Best Buy (Sorry Charles, I had to say it!). Crucial has taken great care to build an excellent reputation and it is so deserving. The Micron-based chips used on the CAS 2 (column addressing strobe) memory have proven a leader in reliability and performance. I demand it when I buy RAM. If you don't want to wait for the delivery from on-line, check out some of the local PC shops and ask if they sell RAM with Micron chips (I believe Kingston has a pretty good rep also) compare them to the price listed on Crucial's site. Memory prices have dropped 50% since September. I bought 64MB for $70 then and that same $$ will get me 128MB. You are wise to want the 128 stick leaving yourself the option to add more later. Most of the mobo's out there now (as mentioned) will work fine with just one stick. DIMM sticks are stand-a-lone's unlike the SIMM's. There is one thing to consider...check the mobo for mention of the preference to one-sided RAM chips...I read somewhere about some mobo's being picky in that area. It may have been at www.sharkyextreme.com (http://www.sharkyextreme.com) Just a note on the cpu side...I like the PIII as well, and I am inclined to search out the socket 370 with the Flip Chip Pin Grid Array as the slot 1's are going on vacation. They have been making the faster PIII's for the socket type. Check out www.cpuscorecard.com (http://www.cpuscorecard.com) for some comparisons as well as the other site I mentioned. Good Luck and Happy Holiday's

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Jerry

[This message has been edited by bassvax (edited 12-25-2000).]

[Paleo Pete]

Don't have time to wait for it to download right now, but will look later. The manual is at Tyan Support (http://www.tyan.com/support/html/manuals.html) for those who have a bit of time on their hands. At 31,200 it takes me 15 minutes to download a 1.98MB pdf file...

In general the above posts are correct, DIMM memory usually does not have to be installed in pairs, but I would check and be sure first. And bassvax has a very good point to watch for, some boards will not support dual sided memory.

Yes, Kingston does have a pretty good reputation, Crucial is generally considered to be top of the heap.

If you don't mind waiting a few days to a week or so, CSO (http://www.computersurplusoutlet.com) and Pricewatch (http://www.pricewatch.com) have the best prices you'll find online.

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