Using SDRAM instead of EDO DIMMs (168-pin)

Hello,

I am trying to upgrade a friends computer to add some more memory to
it. They have an IBM machine and the manual states the following:

-IBM PC300PL (Type 6562, 6592) - Supported memory configurations

-Any combination of DIMM sizes, up to 128 MB is acceptable.
-Start filling DIMM socket 0, then 1, then 2.
-Use 3.3 V unbuffered EDO DIMMs only.
-Non-parity or ECC DIMMs are supported.
-Install only ECC DIMMs to enable ECC.

My question is, can I use SDRAM *instead* of using EDO DIMMs?? I
realize that I would not get the speed benefit that SDRAM has over
DIMMs -- but I would save on the cost as it appears as if EDO DIMMs
are almost *double* the cost.

I don't know if the manual does not mention SDRAM because they are
*not* compatible, or if its just that the SDRAM technology was not
available at the time the manual was printed?

Thanks so much,

Hugh

Hugh Cowan wrote:

Hello,

I am trying to upgrade a friends computer to add some more memory to
it. They have an IBM machine and the manual states the following:

-IBM PC300PL (Type 6562, 6592) - Supported memory configurations

-Any combination of DIMM sizes, up to 128 MB is acceptable.
-Start filling DIMM socket 0, then 1, then 2.
-Use 3.3 V unbuffered EDO DIMMs only.
-Non-parity or ECC DIMMs are supported.
-Install only ECC DIMMs to enable ECC.

My question is, can I use SDRAM *instead* of using EDO DIMMs??

No. When they says "Use 3.3 V unbuffered EDO DIMMs only", they mean it.



-WD

On 21 Oct 2003 12:06:55 -0700, (Hugh Cowan) wrote:
I am trying to upgrade a friends computer to add some more memory to
it. They have an IBM machine and the manual states the following:

-IBM PC300PL (Type 6562, 6592) - Supported memory configurations

-Any combination of DIMM sizes, up to 128 MB is acceptable.
-Start filling DIMM socket 0, then 1, then 2.
-Use 3.3 V unbuffered EDO DIMMs only.
-Non-parity or ECC DIMMs are supported.
-Install only ECC DIMMs to enable ECC.

My question is, can I use SDRAM *instead* of using EDO DIMMs?? I
realize that I would not get the speed benefit that SDRAM has over
DIMMs -- but I would save on the cost as it appears as if EDO DIMMs
are almost *double* the cost.

I don't know if the manual does not mention SDRAM because they are
*not* compatible, or if its just that the SDRAM technology was not
available at the time the manual was printed?

When they say "Use 3.3 V unbuffered EDO DIMMs only." they really and
truly do mean that you should only use EDO DIMMs. This board uses
Intel's 430HX chipset, which does not support SDRAM in any way, shape
or form. Stick some SDRAM DIMMs in there and best-case is that it
simply won't boot, though it's quite possible that you'll fry the DIMM
and/or the motherboard.

Your best bet is probably to look for used memory. Very few companies
are still producing new memory for such an 6+ year old systems, but
lots of people are nearly giving away old stuff that might work.
Alternatively, I see that Kingston sells 128MB DIMMs for this system
for $93.

-------------
Tony Hill
hilla underscore 20 at yahoo dot ca