At 18:17 5/27/99 , Debbie Smith wrote:
 >I have no documentation for my motherboard...
 >I have two empty 72 pin SIMM slots as well as an
 >empty DIMM slot. I currently have two 72 pin SIMMs
 >installed (16MB).
 >
 >Can I combine a DIMM and SIMMs and have them work
 >together or do I have to buy more SIMMs if I want to
 >use my existing RAM?

Hi Debby

Prices for SDRAM DIMMs are very low now. Interestingly
enough, you will probably find that it would be cheaper
to get a single 64 MB PC100 SDRAM DIMM than to get two
more 8 MB EDO or Fast Page SIMMs...let alone two 16 MB
SIMMs. There is not so much demand for older technology
memory, so prices for it have not dropped very much.

So you may very well be better off buying a large DIMM
and simply scrapping your SIMMs. I would suggest that
you visit <http://www.crucial.com/> and get acquainted
with Crucial's present prices. While they do not have the
lowest prices around, their quality is legendary. And it
would be foolish to buy from a local store and pay more.
Crucial memory comes with a lifetime warranty, a money
back guarantee, and free tech support. You'll have to
figure out what module to order however. Maybe people
on this list can help!

As for mixing SIMMs and DIMMs...

SIMMs run at 5 volts whereas DIMMs probably run at 3.3
volts. Although the memory modules may not be directly
connected to each other, they are ultimately connected
electrically via the memory circuitry.

Usually, over a period of months or even weeks, the
higher voltage of the SIMMs will leak through and damage
the DIMMs. (Unless the DIMMs are *specifically* rated as
"5 volt tolerant"...which is not likely.)

In my opinion, trying to combine them would be asking
for trouble...even though they might work together for
a while. Don't feel sentimental loyalty for your old
memory. Since you have a DIMM slot, think about going
with just a DIMM and no SIMMs.

Regards,
Bill

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