3.HARDWARE SETUP

3.5System Memory (DIMM)

NOTE: No hardware or BIOS setup is required after adding or removing memory.

This motherboard uses only Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMMs). Sockets are available for 3.3Volt (power level) unbuffered Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM). One side (with memory chips) of the DIMM takes up one row on the motherboard.

To utilize the chipset’s Error Checking and Correction (ECC) feature, you must use a DIMM module with 9 chips per side (standard 8 chips/side + 1 ECC chip) and make the proper settings through 4.4.1 Chip Configuration.

Memory speed setup is recommended through SDRAM Configuration in 4.4.1 Chip Configuration.

Install memory in any combination as follows:

DIMM Location

168-pin DIMM

 

Total Memory

Socket 1 (Rows 0&1)

SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB

x1

 

 

 

 

 

Socket 2 (Rows 2&3)

SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB

x1

 

 

 

 

 

Socket 3 (Rows 4&5)

SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB

x1

 

 

 

 

 

Socket 4 (Rows 6&7)

SDRAM 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256MB

x1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total System Memory (Max 1024MB)

=

 

 

 

 

 

NOTE: At the time this User’s Manual was written, 256MB DIMMs are only available as double-sided registered memory.

3.5.1 General DIMM Notes

•For the system CPU bus to operate at 100MHz, use only PC100-compliant DIMMs. When this motherboard operates at 100MHz, most system will not even boot if non-compliant modules are used because of the strict timing issues involved under this speed. If your DIMMs are not PC100-compliant, set the CPU bus frequency to 66MHz RAM to ensure system stability.

•ASUS motherboards support SPD (Serial Presence Detect) DIMMs. This is the memory of choice for best performance vs. stability.

•Two possible memory chips are supported: SDRAM with and without ECC.

•SDRAM chips are generally thinner with higher pin density than EDO (Ex- tended Data Output) chips.

•BIOS shows SDRAM memory on bootup screen.

•Single-sided DIMMs come in 16, 32, 64,128MB; double-sided come in 32, 64, 128, 256MB.

System Memory

3. H/W SETUP

ASUS P3B-F User’s Manual

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