Which type of memory module was installed

Installing memory modules is straightforward. Most recent motherboards automatically detect installed memory modules regardless of the slot they occupy, but it is good practice to install modules in the lowest numbered slots first. For example, if a single-channel memory motherboard has four memory slots, they will be numbered 0 to 3 (or 1 to 4). Fill slot 0 (or 1) first, then the other slots sequentially as you add modules. If you are installing memory in a dual-channel memory motherboard, install memory modules in pairs, filling the lowest numbered slots first. For example, if the motherboard has two slots each for channel A and channel B, numbered 0 and 1, fill the slots for channel A slot 0 and channel B slot 0 first.

Some motherboards require higher-capacity modules to be installed in lower-numbered slots. For example, if you are installing two 256 MB DIMMs in a dual-channel motherboard that has four DIMM sockets, with 128 MB DIMMs already installed in the 0 slots for channel A and channel B, you may have to move those 128 MB DIMMs to the 1 slots for channel A and channel B and install the new 256 MB DIMMs in the 0 slots for both channels.

That rule is not invariable, though. A few motherboards require smaller modules to be installed in the lower banks. Some motherboards don't care which module you install in which bank. Best practice is to check the manual before installing memory. If no documentation is available, experiment by moving modules around. If some or all of the memory is not recognized during the boot-time memory check or in CMOS Setup, power down the system, rearrange the modules, and restart the system. If all memory is recognized, you can safely assume that you have the modules installed correctly.

To install a DIMM, locate a free memory slot and pivot the ejector arms on each side of the socket as far as possible toward the horizontal. The contact edge of the DIMM module is keyed with notches that correspond to protuberances in the DIMM socket. Align the notches and slide the DIMM straight down into the socket. Position your thumbs on top of the DIMM at each end and press down firmly, as shown in Figure 6-5.

Figure 6-5: Align the memory module and press straight down until it seats

DON'T CRACK UP

Some motherboards particularly cheap ones are thin and very flexible. The pressure required to seat a DIMM may flex the motherboard enough to crack it. When you install a DIMM in a motherboard that's already in the case, pay close attention to how much pressure you're applying. If the motherboard appears to be flexing too much, remove the motherboard from the case before installing the DIMM. Yes, that takes a lot more time, but it's better than destroying the motherboard.

The DIMM slides (sometimes snaps) into the socket, which automatically pivots the ejector arms toward the vertical. If the ejector arms are not fully vertical, press them toward the DIMM until they lock into the vertical position, as shown in Figure 6-6. Note that some DIMM sockets have minor physical variations. If the DIMM does not fit easily into the socket, do not force it. Contact the vendor who supplied the DIMM for a replacement.

Figure 6-6: When the memory module is fully seated, the ejector arms pivot back to the vertical

To remove a DIMM, pivot both ejector arms simultaneously toward the horizontal position. The DIMM simply pops out.

DON'T FORGET THE CRIMM

If you are installing Rambus RIMMs, also install a Continuity RIMM (CRIMM) in each unused memory slot. Rambus systems malfunction unless all memory slots are occupied, either by a RIMM or a CRIMM. Most Rambus motherboards have enough CRIMMs bundled with the motherboard to populate all but one memory slot. If you run short of CRIMMs, you can buy them online.

After you install the new memory modules and verify that all is as it should be, apply power to the system. The memory self-test should increment up to the newly installed amount of memory. (If your system displays a logo splash screen rather than the BIOS boot screen, turn off the splash screen in BIOS Setup so that you can see the BIOS boot screen.) If it instead shows only the original amount of memory, the cause is almost always that you have not seated the new memory module completely. Power down, reseat the module, and try again.

If the memory check shows an amount of memory larger than the original amount but smaller than the expected new amount, the problem is almost always that the BIOS and/or chipset do not support memory modules of the size you've installed. If that occurs, you may need to do one or more of the following things to resolve the problem:

A 72Pin SIMM has 72 pins on the bottom of the circuit board, 36 on each side  There is a notch cut in the bottom of the circuit board in the mi dd le.  These modules measure 4.25 inches long.  Because the notch is not centered they can only be put in one way.

72-pin SIMMs are found in older desktop 486 and Pentium computers. Each 72-pin SIMM provides a 32-bit data path, so they can be installed alone in 32-bit systems (486 models) but must be installed in pairs in 64-bit Pentium or AMD Athlon systems. They are available in FPM or EDO. 

168-pin DIMM

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 5.375” x 1.375”

The DIMM is larger than either of the SIMMs.  They contain 168 pins on the bottom of the circuit board.  There are two notches on the bottom of the board and they must be aligned properly in order for them to be inserted.  These memory modules are primarily used in newer computers and can be inserted one at a time unlike the SIMMs, which have to be inserted in pairs.

168-pin DIMMs are found in Pentium and Athlon systems. Each 168-pin DIMM provides a 64-bit data path, so they are installed alone in 64-bit systems. 168-pin DIMMs are available in FPM, EDO, PC66, PC100 and PC133.

The number of chips on a 168-pin DIMM may vary, but they have 84 pins on the front and 84 pins on the back for a total of 168. 168-pin DIMMs are 5.375″ long and 1.375″ high, and the heights may vary. They have two small notches within the row of pins along the bottom of the module.

184-pin DIMM DDR

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 5.375” x 1.25”

The DIMM is larger than either of the SIMMs.  They contain 184 pins on the bottom of the circuit board.  There is one notche on the bottom of the board and it must be aligned properly in order for them to be inserted.  These memory modules are primarily used in newer computers and can be inserted one at a time unlike the SIMMs, which have to be inserted in pairs.

184-pin DIMMs are for DDR SDRAM modules found in Pentium III and 4 and Athlon systems. Each 184-pin DIMM provides a 64-bit data path, so they are installed alone in 64-bit systems. 168-pin DIMMs are available in PC2100, PC2700, PC3200 and PC3500 and later..

The number of chips on a 184-pin DIMM may vary, but they have 92 pins on the front and 92 pins on the back for a total of 184. 184-pin DIMMs are 5.375″ long and 1.375″ high, and the heights may vary. They have one small notche within the row of pins along the bottom of the module.

184-pin Rambus RDRAM RIMM

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 5.25” x 1.25”

The Rambus ® RIMM™ module is a general purpose high-performance memory module suitable for use in a broad range of applications including computer memory, personal computers, workstations, and other applications where high bandwidth and low latency are required. 

Features
High speed 1066, 800, 711 and 600 MHz RDRAM storage
184 edge connector pads with 1mm pad spacing
Maximum module PCB size: 133.5mm x 31.75mm x 1.37mm (5.25″ x 1.25″ x 0.05″)
Each RDRAM has 16 banks, for a total of 256, 192, 128, 96, or 64 banks on each 128MB, 96MB, 64MB, 48MB, or 32MB module respectively
Gold plated edge connector pad contacts
Serial Presence Detect (SPD) support
Operates from a 2.5 volt supply (±5%)
Low power and power down self refresh modes
Separate Row and Column buses for higher efficiency

RDRAM delivers pure performance where it matters most: leading-edge applications. Whether on multimedia, network packet switching, content creation, etc., RDRAM unleashes the processing power of your system. High-bandwidth RDRAM is essential to drive top performing processors. RDRAM provides a flexible solution to meet bandwidth requirements of tomorrow’s high performance systems. RDRAMs system solution scales easily from 800Mhz to 1066Mhz to 1200Mhz. Additionally, commodity RDRAM components are configurable in a range of RIMM module configurations from 16 to 32 and 64 bit data busses. These RIMM module solutions offer up to 9.6 GByte/second of memory performance while retaining standard PC form factors.

240-pin DIMM

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 5.25″ X 1.18″

A dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists of a number of memory components attached to a printed circuit board. The gold pins on the bottom of the DIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a DIMM are not connected to each other.

DDR2 SDRAM use 240-pin DIMM sockets for desktop computers. Each 240-pin DIMM provides a 64-bit data path (72-bit for ECC or registered modules), so they are installed one at a time in 64-bit systems. DDR2 chipsets are expected to support dual-channel memory, providing a 128-bit data path.

240-pin DIMMs are available in DDR2 or DDR3 SDRAM.

Memory modules (Unbuffered, Registered, Small Outline DIMMs) have a special “key” or notch in their connector. These keys must align with a key in the memory socket to allow the module to be inserted. All DDR3 and DDR2 module types are keyed differently.

To use DDR2 memory, your system motherboard must have 240-pin DIMM slots and a DDR2-enabled chipset. A DDR2 SDRAM DIMM will not fit into a standard SDRAM DIMM socket or a DDR DIMM socket. DDR2 modules use a 1.8V power supply, providing a big power saving over the 2.5V DDR modules.

To use DDR3 memory, your system motherboard must have 240-pin DIMM slots and a DDR3-enabled chipset. A DDR3 SDRAM DIMM will not fit into a standard SDRAM DIMM socket, DDR DIMM socket or DDR2 socket. DDR2 modules use a 1.5V power supply, providing a big power saving over the 2.5V DDR modules or 1.8V DDR2 modules. DDR3 is the next generation of Double Data Rate (DDR) Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM). It is an evolution of DDR and DDR2 memory technology that delivers higher speeds, lower power consumption and heat dissipation.

The number of components on a 240-pin DIMM may vary, but they always have 120 pins on the front and 120 pins on the back. 240-pin DIMMs are approximately 5.25″ long and 1.18″ high, though the heights may vary. While 240-pin DDR2 DIMMs, 184-pin DDR DIMMs and 168-pin DIMMs are approximately the same size, 240-pin DIMMs and 184-pin DIMMs have only one notch within the row of pins. The notch in a 240-pin DDR2 DIMM is slightly more toward the center of the module.

100-pin DIMM

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 3.5″ x 1.25″

A dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists of a number of memory chips that are attached to a printed circuit board . The gold pins on the bottom of the DIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a DIMM are not connected.

100-pin DIMMs are ussualy used in printers. The number of black chips on a 100-pin DIMM can vary, but it always has 50 pins on the front and 50 pins on the back, for a total of 100. 100-pin DIMMs are approximately 3.5 inches long and 1.25 inches high, and the heights may vary. They have two small notches within the row of pins along the bottom of the module.

172-pin MicroDIMM DDR

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 1.67” x 1.18”

The number of chips on a 172-pin MicroDIMM can vary, but they always have 86 pins on the front and 86 pins on the back for a total of 172. 172-pin MicroDIMMs are approximately 1.67 inches long and 1.18 inch high, though the heights can vary. Unlike SODIMMs, MicroDIMMs do not have any notches along the bottom edge

214-pin MicroDIMM DDR2

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 2.165” x 1.18”

The number of chips on a 214-pin MicroDIMM can vary.. 214-pin MicroDIMMs are approximately 2.165″ long and 1.18″ high, though the heights can vary. Unlike SODIMMs, MicroDIMMs do not have any notches along the bottom edge and uses a new 2 piece type of connector known as the ” Mezzanine Socket.

144-pin SODIMM

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 2.625” x 1”

The SODIMM is a smaller version of the DIMM.  They are primarily used in Laptop although they are used in some others like the original tray-loading iMac computer.  They have a notch in the bottom of the circuit board, which is offset from the mi dd le, which makes inserting it easier to line up.

144-pin SODIMMs are commonly found in laptop computers. Each 144-pin SODIMM provides a 64-bit data path, so they are installed alone in 64-bit systems. 144-pin SODIMMs are available in FPM, EDO, PC66, PC100 and PC133. 

The number of black chips on a 144-pin SODIMM may vary, but they always have 72 pins on the front and 72 pins on the back for a total of 144. 144-pin SODIMMs are approximately 2.625″ long and 1″ high, and the heights may vary. They have one small notch within the row of pins along the bottom of the module.

200-pin SODIMM

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 2.625” x 1”

The SODIMM is a smaller version of the DIMM.  They are primarily used in Laptop systems.  They have a notch in the bottom of the circuit board, which is offset from the mi dd le, which makes inserting it easier to line up.

200-pin SODIMMs are used to provide DDR SDRAM memory for laptop computers. Each 200-pin SODIMM provides a 64-bit data path, so they are installed alone in 64-bit systems. 200-pin SODIMMs are available in PC2100 and PC2700. 

The number of black chips on a 200-pin SODIMM may vary, but they always have 100 pins on the front and 100 pins on the back for a total of 200. 200-pin SODIMMs are approximately 2.625″ long and 1″ high, and the heights may vary.

204-pin SODIMM

Which type of memory module was installed

Approximately 2.6″ X 1.75″ (66 mm X 44.45 mm)

204-pin small outline dual inline memory modules (SODIMMs) are the form factor used to provide DDR3 memory modules for notebook computers and other small form factor computing platforms. 204-pin SODIMMs are currently available in PC3-8500 (DDR3 1066MHz) speeds.

To use DDR3 memory, your system must have both a 204-pin SODIMM slot and a chipset that supports DDR3 memory. A DDR3 SODIMM will not fit into DDR2 or DDR memory sockets.

SODIMMs are smaller and thinner than regular DIMMs, and the 204-pin SODIMM PCBs are always ~2.6 inches long and are usually around 1.75 inches high (though the heights can vary slightly). They consist of a number of memory components (usually black) that are attached to a printed circuit board (usually green). The number of memory components on a 204-pin SODIMM’s printed circuit board (PCB) can vary, but the PCB will always have 102 pins on the front and the back both, for a total of 204 pins. The gold pins on the bottom of the SODIMM provide the connection between the memory module and the memory socket.

What type of memory modules are installed on the motherboard?

Alternatively referred to as a memory board or memory stick. A memory module is a circuit board with DRAM integrated circuits that are installed into the memory slot on a computer motherboard.

What are the types of memory module?

Types of memory module include:.
TransFlash Memory Module..
SIMM, a single in-line memory module..
DIMM, dual in-line memory module. Rambus memory modules are a subset of DIMMs, but are normally referred to as RIMMs. SO-DIMM, small outline DIMM, a smaller version of the DIMM, used in laptops..

What is the most common type of memory module?

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) The most common type of computer memory. DRAMs hold data for a relatively brief period of time and need to be refreshed at regular intervals. DRAMs are measured by access time (in nanoseconds, or ns) and storage capacity (in megabytes, or MB).

Where are the memory modules installed?

The RAM modules are installed on memory slots. These slots are usually located to the right-side of the CPU socket. Some motherboards have memory slots on both sides of the CPU socket, but those are mostly in case of advanced boards.