Identify your RAM

Being able to correctly identify a RAM chip and its properties can make your job a lot easier and cut down on your end users’ down time. This article offers a quick overview of many common RAM chips and some tips on how to identify them.

SIMM chips
Single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) come in 30-pin and 72-pin variants. The best way to identify a SIMM chip is by a notch next to the contacts on one side. The 72-pin SIMM has a notch among the contacts in the middle.

DIMM chips
Dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) have 168 pins and transfer data 64 bits at a time. DIMMs can easily be identified because they:

• Have no bottom-corner notch (like SIMMs have).
• Have semicircular holes on both sides.
• Have two notches among the contacts.
• Are installed perpendicular to the memory socket, unlike 72-pin SIMMs that are installed at a slight angle.

SO-DIMM chips
Small outline dual in-line memory modules (SO-DIMMs) are commonly used in notebook computers. SO-DIMM chips are smaller than standard DIMMs and come in 72-pin and 144-pin varieties.

The best way to identify an SO-DIMM is by the chip’s thinness. The 72-pin chip also has a notch on the side, while the 144-pin chip has a notch among the contacts.

SDRAM and DRAM chips
Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) is a generic term for different types of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), the most common form of RAM used for personal computers. DRAM chips store each bit of data in a storage cell comprised of a capacitor and a transistor. Because capacitors quickly lose their electric charge, DRAM chips must be recharged every few milliseconds to maintain their data. SDRAM chips use interleaving and burst-mode technologies to synchronize with the clock speed the CPU is optimized for, thus accelerating memory retrieval.

RIMM and SO-RIMM chips
Developed by Kingston Technology Company in conjunction with Intel and Rambus, Inc., RIMM is the trademarked name for a Direct Rambus in-line memory module. RIMM chips are similar to DIMMs but have 184 pins and transfer data in 16-bit chunks. SO-RIMM chips, which are 160-pin variants, are also available for small form factor devices.

RIMMs are faster than DIMMs but generate more heat. As such, heat spreaders made of aluminum are required to prevent overheating. On RIMM chips, heat spreaders cover most of the chip’s exterior, while SO-RIMM chips have narrower spreaders.