1.4System memory

1.4.1Overview

This motherboard comes with two Double Data Rate 3 (DDR3) Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) sockets.

A DDR3 module has the same physical dimensions as a DDR2 DIMM but is notched differently to prevent installation on a DDR2 DIMM socket. DDR3 modules are developed for better performance with less power consumption.

The figure illustrates the location of the DDR3 DIMM sockets:

DIMM_B2

DIMM_B1

DIMM_A2

DIMM_A1

A88XM-A

Channel

Sockets

Channel A

DIMM_A1

Channel B

DIMM_B1

A88XM-A 240-pin DDR3 DIMM sockets

1.4.2Memory configurations

You may install 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, and 8GB unbuffered non-ECC DDR3 DIMMs into the DIMM sockets.

•You may install varying memory sizes in Channel A and Channel B. The system maps the total size of the lower-sized channel for the dual-channel configuration. Any excess memory from the higher-sized channel is then mapped for single-channel operation.

•Always install DIMMs with the same CAS latency. For optimal compatibility, we recommend that you install memory modules of the same version or date code (D/C) from the same vendor. Check with the retailer to get the correct memory modules.

•Due to the memory address limitation on 32-bit Windows® OS, when you install 4GB or more memory on the motherboard, the actual usable memory for the OS can be about 3GB or less. For effective use of memory, we recommend that you do any of the following:

-Use a maximum of 3GB system memory if you are using a 32-bit Windows® OS.

-Install a 64-bit Windows® OS if you want to install 4GB or more on the motherboard.

•This motherboard does not support DIMMs made up of 512Mb (64MB) chips or less.

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Chapter 1: Product introduction