MSI 975X PLATINUM User Guide - Page 23

Hardware Setup Memory The mainboard provides 4 240-pin DDRII DIMM slots, which supports the memory size up to 8GB. Since DDRII modules are not interchangeable with DDR and the DDRII standard is not backward compatible, you should always install DDRII memory module in the DDRII slot. Otherwise, you are not able to boot up your system and your mainboard might be damaged. For the updated supporting memory modules, please visit http://www.msi. com.tw/program/products/mainboard/mbd/pro_mbd_trp_list.php. DIM M 1~DIM M 4 (from left (Greem) to right(Orange)) Channel A (DIMM1 & DIMM2): Green Channel B (DIMM3 & DIMM4): Orange Introduction to DDRII SDRAM DDRII is a new technology of memory module, and its speed is the top limit of current DDR technology. DDRII uses a 1.8V supply for core and I/O voltage, compared to 2.5V for DDR, and requires 28% less power than DDR chips. DDRII truly is the future of memory, but will require some changes as the technology is not backwardly compatible and only motherboards specifically designed for DDRII memory will be able to support these chips. DDRII incorporates new features at the chip level that give it better signal integrity, thereby enabling higher clock speeds. DDRII modules have 240 pins, versus 184 pins on a DDR module, and the length of DDRII module is 5.25". DDR2 modules have smaller and tighter spaced pins. The height of DDRII modules varies, but they will typically be less than 1.3" in height. Memory Module Population Rules Install at least one DIMM module on the slots. Each DIMM slot supports up to a maximum size of 2GB. Users can install either single- or double-sided modules to meet their own needs. Please note that each DIM M can work respectively for single-channel DDR, while both channels (in different color) populated with same amount of memory size will work as dual-channel DDR. 2-7