----- Original Message -----
From: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2000 12:56 AM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Intel i815e Solano Chipset and Motherboards


>      Memory
>     ----------
>     Architecture non-ECC PC133 SDRAM
>     Memory sockets two; gold contacts
>     Memory capacities 64, 128, and 256 MB (non-ECC)
>     Minimum memory 64 MB (non-ECC)
>     Maximum memory 512 MB (non-ECC)
>     Frequency 133 MHz
>     Clock cycle 7.5 ns (supports 4 clocks only)
>     CAS latency 3
>     SPD revision 1.2 A
>     Buffering unbuffered
>     Voltage 3.3 V
>     Data bus width 64 bits
>
>
> One thing that immediately raised red flags for me is the use of 4 clock,
> CAS3 PC133 memory in two (not three) DIMM memory slots.
>
> What gives here ???
>
> I had expected support for high-performance 2 clock, CAS2 PC133 memory and
> timing, such as is offered in any good 440BX-based mainboard system.
>
> Is this a configuration that has been built by design to inhibit the
> system's performance potential ???  Or is this a way of dealing with
> unresolved (perhaps unresolvable) stabilty issues ???
>
> Or is it a little bit of both ???

I don't see any reason why Dell would use CAS3 7.5ns memory instead of CAS2
7ns. I'd say this is just a cost saving for Dell, I'd ask for fast CAS2
(like Micro/Crucial memory), or not buy anything if they refuse to make the
change. After all, if you can (and if the computer is for home use), build
the system yourself, so you can choose the best components and stay away
from those "brand name evils".

Jun Qian

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