AMD only RAM

Soldato
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12 Sep 2005
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Grundisburgh
I've seen an advert for some DDR2 memory that states "compatible with AMD chips only". Their description says "New 8GB 4x2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 Non-Ecc 240pin DIMM Memory For AMD CPU Chipset".

Can anyone explain why this would be.

Andi.
 
OK, this is the answer I had from the seller.

Because it is high density 128x4 modules.For intel chipset.Must install 128x8 low density.This is the difference.We are expert for the memory

Can anyone make sense of this for me?

Andi.
 
We are expert for the memory

Well that sounds dodgy...

I don't see any reason why the RAM kit won't work for Intel systems either, it could be just some sort of marketing stunt from the seller.
 
OK, this is the answer I had from the seller.

Because it is high density 128x4 modules.For intel chipset.Must install 128x8 low density.This is the difference.We are expert for the memory

Can anyone make sense of this for me?

Andi.

I will attempt to do so.
DO NOT BUY THAT RAM
High density RAM is extremely incompatible.

Why is it cheap ?
Because the IC's used are rejects/failures.
They should be 8 bits wide but half of the IC is faulty.

Why low compatibility ?
Memory controllers expect to address the memory a certain way 8 bits per IC
A lot of boards will only see half the memory, or none at all :(

128x4 also needs twice as many chips to make up the module as the chips are only half capacity due to faults.
Power consumption is twice as high as low density because of this.
Another reason they have low compatibility.

Also the memory bandwidth takes a hit because of the 4 bit addressing of the IC's.

If there so bad why do they exist then ?
Because companies building PC's wanted to save money and RAM manufacturers wanted to offload duff IC's.
They should never be on general sale but the less scrupulous traders try to off load them to the general public.
 
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