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System Requirements

 

386 Systems

  • Older models took straight DRAM chips, but many of the newer models used 30 pin SIMMs, there were even a few used 72 pin SIMMs.
  • If the system used SIMMs, the 30 pin type had to be installed in full banks. This meant that to get 4MB of RAM, you had to install four 1MB SIMMs.
  • If it used 72 pin SIMMs they could be installed one at a time. i.e. to get 4MB, you installed one 4MB SIMM.
  • Normally required 70 or 80ns speeds.
  • Generally used parity.

 

486 Systems

  • Used SIMMs of  30 pin or 72 pin FPM.
  • 30 pin SIMMs were still installed in full banks.
  • 72 pin SIMMs could be installed one at a time.
  • 60 or 70ns speeds
  • Depending on the motherboard, you could use either parity or non-parity.

 

Pentium, Pentium Pro, and Pentium II Systems

  • Use 72 pin SIMMs or 168 pin DIMMs
  • ECC or non-parity depending on the system, but usually non-parity EDO, FPM, or SDRAM
  • DIMMs are buffered or unbuffered but could not be used simultaneously.
  • 72 pin SIMMs are installed in pairs and DIMMs singly.
  • 50, 60 or 70ns speed
  • Generally non-parity, but some motherboards could use ECC (Error Checking and Correcting.)

 

 

Manufacturers Installing SIMMS
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