DIMM vs. SIMM Physical Differences

[TalRW]

Hey all I'm kinda a RAM newb but I know SIMM stands for single inline memory module and DIMM is a dual inline memory module and all that but like lets say I get a stick of RAM and I look at it. What is the physical difference between the two. Like if I look at it how could I say oh this is a 72 pin SIMM or whatever it happens to be.

[TalRW]

bump, anyone?

[ZachM]

SIMM RAM is only used in old computers. A SIMM stick is usually smaller than a DIMM stick. Do a Google image search for each. That should clear things up.

[TimoneX]

Simms are the same physical size as dimms. A simm has two notches in the PC board whereas a dimm has only one to prevent improper usage. Otherwise they're nearly identical in appearance, though heatspreaders on simms is far less commonplace.

[amdking]

Simms are the same physical size as dimms. A simm has two notches in the PC board whereas a dimm has only one to prevent improper usage. Otherwise they're nearly identical in appearance, though heatspreaders on simms is far less commonplace.

I think u are confusing SIMM's with Single Sided DIMMS
SIMMS were generally ur older EDO memory found in pentium 1's 486's and older. DIMMS started coming with PII's and newer and that was PC66 PC100 and P133 and even DDR today is all DIMM.

and the 2 notches vs 1 notch u are referring too is SDR SDRAM vs DDR SDRAM

like PC66 PC100 and PC133 were all SDR memory and has 2 notches
then u have the PC1600 - 4400 we have today thats DDR that only has 1 notch

[TimoneX]

You're absolutely right my mistake. I know all this too as I still have some 60 & 72 pin sticks around, they are tiny. They're the little puppies that used to be stuck in audio cards such as the SB Awe32 and the like. Guess I just have SDR SDRAM on the brain since I'm toying with a stack of it ATM trying to get an old s370 setup going. One of the first setups I built for myself used EDO simms, think it was a whopping 32MB for $350 or something crazy. :) Well since I messed this thread up and I *HATE* misinforming peeps perhaps I'll snap a pix of a 60 or 72pin simm next to Dimm and post it up...if I can find those old suckas. :p

[TimoneX]

Hmmm...that must be one of the 4 EDO simms from my old Intel board and it's 16MB, so it must have been $350 for 4x16MB so I guess it had a whopping 64MB RAM. :eek: Here's a pix to illustrate the differences:

[TimoneX]

Sychronous? LMAO Wull I ain't changing it...too lazy. YOU KNOW WHAT I MEANT!!! :p