A bank schema is a diagram of rows and columns that shows the number of
memory sockets in your system. This diagram is a theoretical bank layout and not
an actual system board layout; it is designed to help you quickly determine configuration
requirements when adding memory modules.
In a bank schema, each represents a memory socket:
Example: = 4 memory sockets
Each column in the diagram represents a memory bank. The number of " "
symbols in a column represents the number of memory sockets in a bank.
Upgrading is performed one bank at a time. For example, if there are four columns
with two in each column, upgrading is done two modules at a time. However,
if there is just a single row of , upgrading may be performed one module at a time.
Examples:
8 sockets = (Modules may be installed one at a time in any combination)
8 sockets (4 banks of 2) =
(Modules must be installed two at a time)
4 sockets (1 bank of 4) =
(Modules must be installed four at a time)
The standard memory (base amount that the system was shipped with) appears in
the diagram as either removable or non-removable.
Removable memory comes in the form of modules that fit into memory sockets,
and, if desired, can be removed and replaced with modules of higher capacity.
Removable memory is represented by a ""
symbol with a number next to it: 4 that a 4MB module is in the first socket and that the second socket is empty.
Non-removable memory usually comes in the form of memory chips soldered
directly onto the system board. It is represented in the bank schema in brackets:
[_4MB_] indicates 4MB of non-removable memory soldered onto the board and two available
memory sockets.
If your system is not included in the configurator, you may be able to find out how
many sockets are in the system and how many are filled by pressing the F1 key during
system startup. If your system supports this, a screen will appear that indicates how
many memory sockets are in the system, which ones are filled and which are open, and
what capacity modules are in each socket. If pressing the F1 key during startup doesn't
produce this result, check your computer's system manual for more information.
As a last resort, you can open your computer and take a look at the sockets.
(Important Note: Before removing the cover of your computer, refer to the
computer's system manual and warranty information for instructions and other
relevant information.) If you do open the computer, you may be able to identify
"bank labels" that indicate whether memory are installed in pairs. Bank numbering
typically begins with 0 instead of 1. So, if you have two banks, the first bank will
be labeled "bank 0", and the second bank will be labeled "bank 1."
HOW SHOULD I FILL THE SOCKETS?
In most cases, it's best to plan your memory upgrade so you won't have to remove
and discard the memory that came with the computer. The best way to manage this
is to consider the memory configuration when you first buy the computer. Because
lower-capacity modules are less expensive and more readily available, system
manufacturers may achieve a base configuration by filling more sockets with
lower-capacity modules. By way of illustration, consider this scenario: a computer
system with 64MB standard memory comes with either two (2) 32MB modules or
one (1) 64MB module. In this case, the second configuration is the better choice
because it leaves more room for growth and reduces the chance that you'll have to
remove and discard lower-capacity modules later. Unless you insist on the (1) 64MB
module configuration, you may find yourself with only one socket left open for
upgrading later.
Once you have purchased a computer and are planning your first upgrade, plan to
buy the highest-capacity module you think you may need, especially if you only
have one or two sockets available for upgrading. Keep in mind that, in general,
minimum memory requirements for software applications double every 12 to 18
months, so a memory configuration that's considered large today will seem much
less so a year from now.
represents a memory socket:
" symbol with a number next to it: