RAM myths and facts - Reviews - Hardware - System Components

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This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
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RAM myths and facts

August 31, 2001
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/reviews/hardware/components/soa/RAM-myths-and-facts/0,139023397,120235021,00.htm

Can you ever install too much RAM? Is your RAM really recyclable? Separate the RAM myths from the facts.

Gold vs. tin
Motherboard memory sockets and RAM modules can come with either tin- or gold-plated connectors. There's some controversy about mixing gold with tin leads. Some people suggest that mixing the two causes oxidation and eventually corrodes the leads, both in the socket and on the module itself. While this is true, the chemical process is so slow that you'd have to leave the memory installed for many years to see any changes. One of our test machines had both gold and tin connectors inside for more than a year without a hint of tarnish.

Contents

How much RAM is too much?

Can I recycle my old RAM?

How much RAM is too much?

This is a tough question. Some say you can never have too much RAM--within the limits of your system, anyway. However, there are a couple rules of thumb. First, know thy motherboard. Be aware of which chipset you have in your system.

In some cases, adding too much memory can actually slow down your computer. To understand why, you need to know the difference between level 1 and level 2 cache. Level 1 cache (also known as L1 cache) is inside the CPU itself, and you really have no control over it. The level 2 cache (also known as L2 cache) on Pentium, AMD K6, and Cyrix systems is external to the chip. The L2 cache on the Pentium Pro and Pentium II is inside the CPU package (though still external to the CPU chip itself).

Pentium, K6, and Cyrix systems run on motherboards with a variety of core logic chipsets. However, some of them are designed so that the L2 cache only works with the first 64MB of RAM in your system. Two of the most common Pentium-class chipsets available--Intel 430VX and 430TX chipsets--are designed this way.

Pentium-class motherboards that have the 430HX chipset can probably cache up to 512MB of RAM, but a few motherboard makers cut corners and left out a critical TAG RAM chip and--you guessed it--those boards can only cache the first 64MB or RAM. As far as we know, motherboards that use the VIA Apollo or SIS chipsets can cache more than 64MB, but be wary. Pentium II, Pentium III, Celeron, K6-2/3, and Pentium Pro systems don't have this problem; all can cache up to 512MB of RAM.

Can I recycle my old RAM?

Don't just throw away your old RAM. Even if you can't re-use it in another machine, someone else can. Those old 30 pin SIMMs are getting harder and harder to find these days, especially in higher capacities. Look into donating your old memory modules to an organisation that refurbishes older PCs for charity.

If you aren't in a charitable mood, consider trading your RAM in. While you may not get as much as you paid for it, most computer stores will give you cash back for your RAM whether you'll be purchasing more or not. And RAM modules can practically be used as currency at computer trade shows.

Even if nobody wants your old RAM (perhaps because it's fried), that's no excuse to add it to your local landfill. With some wire, a pair of pliers, and a little creativity, you can turn your useless modules into anything from jewelry to Christmas tree ornaments!