Re: GS Question #4: RAM

[fmlin@netcom.com (Fist of Fury)]

>I just bought a GS (see previous post) and am looking to upgrade the RAM. 
>A very big priority of mine is a stable system.  It is a ROM 1 with the
>stock 256k on board, and has an Apple 1 meg expansion card with 256k on it.

Since it only has 256k on it, you can basically throw it away.  Don't 
bother to buy 256x1 chips to populate it to 1mb.  It's not worth it.

>What kind of memory expansion should I get?  What are the "dogs" that I
>should avoid?  What are the "stars" that you absolutely love?

The best deal right now seems to be Sequential System's 4mb RAM board.
Just over $100 I believe.  You can order it from Sequential direct via.
800-759-4559 or through LRO via. 800-ASK-4LRO, or Big Red Computer
Club... etc.

>Is there a difference between cards (performance-wise) based on the types
>of chips they use?  A while ago, I saw several cards that used SIMM's.  Is
>this a good option?  What is a ZIPP as opposed to a DRAM?

Not really...  You should look for DMA compatible board through.  ZIPP
is just a DRAM in a different packge.  SIMMs are DRAM too.

>Once I get a card and put it in the memory expansion slot in the GS, what
>should I do with the Apple 1 meg GS expansion card?  Can I still use it in
>another slot?

You can only use it if you have CV Tech's order 4mb RAM card which has
a piggy back socket.  They are hard to find (out of production).  Like
I said, don't bother with the 256k card.

>How much RAM should I get?  Is a 4 meg card enough for most uses?  In what
>situations would I need more than 4?

4mb is plenty...

>What would be a good price?  Where are the "deals"?
>
>Does anybody have a GS memory card for sale?


-- 
frank m. lin
fmlin@netcom.com