Compatibilty of x86/Mac hardware...

Thymox · 07-29-2002, 06:35 PM

I just acquired some memory modules (loads of 30pin, and quite a lot of 72 pin) pulled out of old Macs (I don't know which). I was just wondering if they're compatible with x86 hardware (i.e. I have a couple of 'spare parts' computers lying around that could do with them)?

Any input greatly appreciated.

--Thymox

MasterC · 08-01-2002, 07:42 AM

Since no one has answered, I am guessing you are "gonna try it" anyway. Let us know if it goes well...

Cool

frieza · 08-01-2002, 09:20 AM

well, there is certainly some compatibility, but as for the particular chips you are talking about, I'm not sure, first you need to know things like speed of the chips and speed of the machine you are putting them into (eg: what speed ram it needs) also, you need to know the voltage of the ram, as some machines might actually use different voltages, or if you have nothing to lose, just plug and try

webtoe · 08-01-2002, 12:59 PM

i doubt that they will work since the two types of architecture have chips/CPUs working in very different ways. Though the electronics involved with the RAM memory slots may be similar (or the same) the cpu will not be able to read them possibly due to the way that they use their buses to access memory.

However, try looking on the net at sites that sell ram and see if they make any distinction. That could give you a hinter. Try www.crucial.com (or .co.uk) .

Im no expert though so just try and lob em in.

Thymox · 08-01-2002, 06:43 PM

Cheers guys. I whacked the 30pin chips in... and they completely failed to register! I was getting the annoying ol' 386 continuous, punctuated buzz of 'no memory found', so I'm guessing that their arch differs, at least. As for the 72pin stuff... I haven't yet got a CPU; I need a Skt4 Pentium (rare as hen's teeth), so I can't test it yet. Thanks for the input, and I promise that I'll report back here when I have (finally) got a Skt4 CPU to test with.