PcBytes wrote:I just tried two double-sided PC133 sticks. No go,one shows as 128 MB (a 512MB Infineon stixk out of a HP) and the other one (256MB PQi) would give the no RAM beep.
The term "double-sided" is misleading because people take it to mean there are chips on both sides of the memory stick.
What it's SUPPOSED to mean is that it's a two rank module. (Rank meaning an addressable 64-bit wide bank.)
(I use the phrasing that double vs single sided is how the modules are 'wired' and not where the chips are located on the module.)
(I prefer the term 'rank' because 'bank' has other meanings in some places.)
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I have run across two rank (double-sided) RAM that only had chips on one side of the module.
I've also seen modules with chips on both sides that were one rank (single-sided).
I've seen such modules in both 72-pin and 168-pin RAM. Those ARE unusual and rare but they happen.
The industry has been trying to get away from using the terms "double-sided" and "single-sided" for a long while now but the terms have been in use so long they won't fade away.
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Attached is the blurb on RAM for the 440BX from Intel's documentation.
[ As you can see - back in the day even Intel was using the popular misleading terms. ]
As I understand it the part where it says "8 rows memory" translates in modern terms to that it can support 8 ranks total.
440BX_RAM-1_.jpg
This one says it can use high or low density RAM so long as the correct chips are used on the module.
It also says (assuming a 4 RAM slot board) 4x 128Mb modules (512Mb) are the max size unless you are using Registered RAM, then 4x 256Mb works.
I've played with some Intel N440BX Nightshade boards and I found that to be exactly correct on those boards.
At the time I suspected it was being enforced by the BIOS so there may be work-arounds to get non-Reg'ed 256Mb modules to work.
440BX_RAM-2_.jpg
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