Rambus Is Alive: SiS 658 In An Exclusive Test

Dual RDRAM: PC1200 Memory With 4.8 GB/s, Continued

Whereas Intel, since it has launched the Intel 850E chipset, is finally closing the book on the Rambus era, there is an upsurge on the market of PC1066 modules for 533 MHz memory clock rate with 32 ns access time. The limit in terms of the clock rate when sticking with conventional technology has still not been reached a long shot, and this is highlighted by the introduction of PC1200 modules with a 32 bit interface. The Abit SI7 also works exclusively with a 32 bit memory. This means that the theoretical bandwidth of the memory is in fact 4.8 GB/s (dual-channel with a single module!) and can only be surpassed by a dual DDR400 system (6.4 GB/s). It is for this reason that SiS wants to present the 659 chipset, which is then supposed to operate four Rambus channels with 16 bit technology (each module is equipped with a 32 bit interface). This means that, in theory, a bandwidth of up to 9.6 GB/s can be achieved. This new memory goes by the name of PC1333 and works with a clock rate of 667 MHz. Two modules working together achieve the maximum bandwidth, outstripping even an Intel Prescott with 200 MHz FSB clock rate (800 mega transfers or even marketing clock rate).

This is how it's done. View of an open Rambus memory module with chips from LG.

View of the soft menu of the Abit SI7.