AST Advantage! 623 / 624 (P/100) 600 ( 501964-410)

[condor]

This is one of those things I really gonna regret..

but here goes..

I need to upgrade this system:
(a personal favor)
http://www.ari-service.com/blender/cache/501964-410.htm

Current config:

Pentium 100 and 32MB RAM (4x8MB)

I want to put a Pentium 166 MHz (not MMX) with a CPU cooler which I can get for around $7

and I want to replace two of the 8MB RAM Modules for two 32MB RAM modules..

Finally to the question:

According to AST (see the link above) It should support upto 32MB modules 70ns SIMMS..
I looked for those and they cost around $70 each!!!!!

Is there a way to find something a little moew reasonable ? somthing arounf $20 for each module would be nice (like EDO 60ns cost)

anything I should be aware of (other than 5 and 3.3 Volts modules..)

FPM, Moodule Density, refresh, Double or single sided ?

TIA.

[condor]

According to my research I can get:

2x 32MB 60ns FPM non parity( 8x32) 2K refresh rate 5 Volts Simms...


any comments ?


Ruslan, this is where I really could use your input..

[Ruslan]

Originally posted by Condor:
<STRONG>
anything I should be aware of (other than 5 and 3.3 Volts modules..)

FPM, Moodule Density, refresh, Double or single sided ?

</STRONG>

I'm here. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">
I personally do not familiar with these AST systems. So I have few questions.
What chipset that PC running?

1.60ns SIMM should work fine being inserted instead of 70ns.
2.HX chipset don't like generic modules and
required really good memory for working stable.
3.Another chipsets are not so crotchety.
4.FPM modules works slower than EDO.
5.Doubble sided SIMMs works as well as sinle sided - haven't had any problem yet,at least ... but refer to manual to be sure. <IMG SRC="smilies/wink.gif" border="0">

[Wayward Clam]

BEWARE! AST Computers are notorious for incompatibility.

Not much you can do about it except make sure that you're able to bring the RAM back to whoever you bought it from in case it doesn't work.

[Ruslan]

If You're currently running 8Mb SIMMs without parity,then 32MB 60ns FPM non parity should work fine also.
Of course, better choice would be 32Mb EDO SIMMs for about 5-10 USD each. <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

[condor]

I did include the link to the system, there yuo can find the hardware specs...

anyway it will not work with EDO modules..

it's Intel 430FX (yes good old triton I chipset <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> ) based Mobo..

According to the support site it will work with Pentiums (non mmx) up to 200MHz and will support up to 128MB RAM (FPM, non parity, 70ns) iin 4 32MB modules..

the problem is that Kingston and many others that make RAM specifically for this ystem charge around $150 for 64MB ...

I did find 70ns FPM modules in 32x8 and 2k refresh for about $40 for 64MB..
I will get them with 30 days return <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0">

anyway I'll keep you posted..

[Ruslan]

Originally posted by Condor:
<STRONG>
anyway it will not work with EDO modules..

it's Intel 430FX (yes good old triton I chipset <IMG SRC="smilies/smile.gif" border="0"> ) based Mobo..

</STRONG>

I've never seen PENTIUM motherboard,what couldn't work with EDO memory. Even older NX chipset motherboards works with EDO memory - I have few Siemens PCD-5H and DELL PCs working with EDO memory without any problems. It's may be BIOS issue,though... <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0">

[condor]

I know the the 430FX will support 60ns EDO RAM..


but the board manual says 70ns, FPM etc..

AST is known for their compatibility problems - but anyway I did manage to get the right kind of RAM for a reasonable price (i'm not paying myself - this is not my coomputer - it's a favor for a friend)

I hope it will work with this mobo - I'd hate the hassel of returning the RAM...

thanks for all your help.