OT memory too cheap to pass up

From: Iggy Drougge <optimus_at_canit.se>
Date: Fri Jan 26 23:59:30 2001

On Fri, 26 Jan 2001 healyzh_at_aracnet.com wrote:

> > Now, to make this on topic, there have been memory module converters before.
> > For the Amiga 3000, which used exotic ZIP (not the moderately common SIPP)
> > modules, there have been SIMM->ZIP converters for a long time. Our hardware
> > guy said he would try to build one for our next meeting, so that we may get
> > some use out of our newly-restored A3000. Similarly, it is possible to wire
>
> Sure I've got one for my A3000, it was a lot cheaper than getting ZIP's.
>
> > 72-pin SIMMs into 64-pin ones (used on GVP equipment and certain Macs and
> > addon boards). Why shouldn't it be possible to make SDRAM to SIMM adapters?
>
> ISTR, when the 72-pin SIMM's came out you could get converters to use your
> old RAM, likewise you used to be able to get converters that would turn 4
> 1MB SIMMs into 1 4MB SIMM.

SIMM stackers, yes. A shop which I frequent still has got them, but
nowadays 30-pin memory is as rare as hen's teeth, unless you're looking
for the 1 MB variety, but adding them up in order to create a dead-slow 4
MB high-rise 72-pin SIMM doesn't seem as the wise thing to do.

> I don't know the techincal difficulties it would cause, but one problem I
> see is the speed of the RAM. For example, I've got a HP5MP printer, it
> takes 72-pin SIMMs. If you stick 60ns ones it, it won't be able to use
> them, but it loves 70ns ones. Then there is the issue of supply and demand,
> there just isn't the demand for such a product.

I think I'll have to go ask around on comp.sys.amiga.hardware or
comp.sys.atari.st.tech and see what the tech people say. I actually think
that there may be a certain demand, at least enough for some people to set
about creating some smaller batches. After all, how many of us aren't
using 72-pin systems?
Mind you, one problem is the ever-growing tangible size of memory modules.
How do you stuff a 14 cm long SDRAM module into a much smaller 72-pin
socket? Still, it's apparently possible to stuff 72 pins into 64.

Of course, with the blindeningly short access speeds of SDRAM, there may
be the possibility that this kind of RAM won't run at "normal" speeds
measured in tens of nanoseconds.
Received on Fri Jan 26 2001 - 23:59:30 GMT