SDRAM, Synchronous DRAM

SDRAM
(Synchronous DRAM)

Manufacturer:

Kingston®

Speed:

6-10ns

Year Introduced:

1996

Frequency:

60-133MHz

Burst Timing:

5-1-1-1

Pins:

100-278

Voltage:

3.3

Bandwidth:

2.1GBps

Short for Synchronous DRAM, a new type of DRAM that can run at much higher clock speeds than conventional memory. SDRAM actually synchronizes itself with the CPU's bus and is capable of running at 133 MHz, about three times faster than conventional FPM RAM, and about twice as fast EDO DRAM and BEDO DRAM. SDRAM is replacing EDO DRAM in many newer computers

High Density vs. Low Density SDRAM
High Density	Low Density
32Bit DRAM	16Bit DRAM
Will not work in systems that can not accept 1.5GB or More Maximum Total System Memory	For system that max out at 512MB, 768MB, or 1024MB

Your system's motherboard must accept 512MB in each memory slot in order for 'High Density' modules to work properly. As with the 512MB modules, if your system/motherboard does not support 'High Density' SDRAM these modules will only be read as a smaller size. The 'Low Density' modules are built using 16Mbit DRAM technology, this type of module is generally compatible with a wider range of systems. In any case, you are advised to check your motherboard/system documentation for support information.

Optimum BIOS settings for SDRAM

DRAM Clock
- Host CLK (for PC100 RAM with an FSB of 100MHz,
  or PC133 RAM with an FSB of 133MHz on the KT7A/KT7A-RAID)
- HCLK+PCICLK (for PC133 RAM with an FSB of 100MHz)
Enhance Chip Performance
- Enabled
Force 4-way interleave
- Enabled
Enable DRAM 4k-Page Mode
- Enabled
Auto Detect DIMM/PCI Clk
- Enabled (this is an EMC setting and does not affect performance)
Bank x/y DRAM Timing
- set as fast as you can SDRAM 8/10ns and Medium are the slowest Normal and Fast, or Turbo is the fastest on some machines Fast is faster than Turbo!
DRAM Bank Interleave
- Optimum is 4-Way
- If not supported, try 2-Way, else Disable
Delay DRAM Read Latch
- Auto
- With large amounts of RAM, you may need to increase this delay value for stability
MD Driving Strength
- HI is recommended for stability with most SDRAM types
- If HI is unstable, try LO This setting has no impact on performance
SDRAM Cycle length
- Set to 2 for CAS 2 PC133 SDRAM
- Set to 3 for PC100 SDRAM, most unbranded PC133 SDRAM and PC133 CAS 3 SDRAM
Fast R-W Turn Around
- Enabled for maximum performance
- Disabled for stability
Memory Parity/ECC Check
- ECC SDRAM is not supported and hence this BIOS option is not functional

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Last Update: 3:54 PM 5/26/02