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SIMMs.jpg
30- and 72-pin SIMMs
A SIMM is an older type of memory module used for RAM in personal computers. SIMM stands for Single In-line Memory Module. It differs from a DIMM (the most predominant form of memory module today) in that the contacts on a SIMM are redundant on both sides of the module.
The first variant of SIMMs has 30 pins and provides 8 bits of data (9 bits in parity versions).
The second variant of SIMMs - also called PS/2 after the IBM line of computers in which it was first used - has 72 pins and provides 32 bits of data (36 bits in parity versions).
Due to the differing data bus widths of the memory modules and some processors, sometimes several modules must be installed in pairs to fill a memory bank. For instance, on 80386 or 80486 systems (data bus width of 32 bits) either four 30-pin-SIMMs or one 72-pin-SIMM are required for one memory bank. On Pentium systems (data bus width of 64 bits) two 72-pin-SIMMs are required.
To install a SIMM, the module must be placed in the socket at an angle, and then rotated into position. To remove one, the two metal clips at each end must be pulled to the side, and then the chip must be tilted back and pulled out.
RAM technologies used on SIMMs include EDO and FPM.
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