SDRAM Upgrade: CL=4 or CL=2?

[ianrobbo]

I want to add more RAM to my Gateway P3/450. The System Board (an Intel 440BX) Tech Manual gives quite definite specs for a RAM upgrade (most of which are easily understood). One item states that it "must be 4-clock compliant".
All the suppliers I've spoken to don't seem to know what this means http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/eek.gif -and have suggested modules that are either rated as 'CL=2' or 'CL=3'.
I've asked Gateway if these will be compatible - but they haven't (or won't) respond to my e-mails. So I'm desparately looking for help. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/confused.gif
Can anyone tell me with certainty if I can use a CL=2 or Cl=3 module... or do I have to find one that is specifically rated CL=4?

[Reid]

From this PCGuide (http://www.pcguide.com/ref/ram/techSDRAM-c.html) link:
"2-Clock and 4-Clock Circuitry: There are two slight variations in the composition of SDRAM modules; these are commonly called 2-clock and 4-clock SDRAMs. They are almost exactly the same, and they use the same DRAM chips, but they differ in how they are laid out and accessed. A 2-clock SDRAM is structured so that each clock signal controls 2 different DRAM chips on the module, while a 4-clock SDRAM has clock signals that can control 4 different chips each. You need to make sure that you get the right kind for your motherboard. The current trend appears to be toward 4-clock SDRAMs."

The 4-clock design appears to be the current standard.

The CL refers to the Column Address Strobe Latency, which is unrelated to the clock design. Click the link above for more information on that.


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reido@my-deja.com

Friends don't let friends install Windows ME

[ianrobbo]

Thank you very, very much Reido... at last someone with some knowledge has lifted me out of this hole. Your interest is greatly appreciated.