SIMMConn FAQ

Why do I need more DRAM on an AWE64?
Comparisons between SIMMConn™ and Creative Memory Modules.
Which type of SIMMConn™ should I use?
How many SIMM slots does SIMMConn™ supports?
Is my SIMM supported by SIMMConn™?
How about the relationship between your company and Creative Labs Inc.?

Why do we need more DRAM on an AWE64?

The most remarkable feature of AWE64 family is the E-mu8000 Advanced Wave Effect synthesizer. It uses DRAM on the sound card to provide vivid and realistic MIDI sound. Additional functions, such as 3D positional audio and DirectSound acceleration also benefits from the on-board memory. Sound Bank RAM is critical for PC music composers who use AWE64 as their sound source. The 512KB DRAM on AWE64 and AWE64 Value, even 4MB on AWE64 Gold, are too small to satisfy the need of a serious user.

Creative Memory Module Upgrades now have 4MB, 8MB, 12MB and 24MB available. SIMMConn™ adapter provides 4MB, 8MB, 16MB and 28MB upgrade capabilities at about half the cost.

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Comparisons between SIMMConn™ and Creative Memory Modules.

What SIMMConn™does the same as Creative Memory Modules:

SIMMConn™ has the same function as CMM:

SIMMConn™ has two models that are compatible with AWE64, AWE64Value and AWE64 Gold. The 512KB onboard DRAM will be disabled for the former two. The expanded DRAM will be an extension to the onboard 4MB DRAM for AWE64 Gold, which is the same as CMM.

What SIMMConn™does different from Creative Memory Modules:

SIMMConn™ is affordable. Using standard SIMM is a low cost way to add DRAM.
SIMMConn™ is versatile. It can accomodate SIMM modules in different memory sizes.
SIMMConn™ is simpler. All the core logic is integrated into one chip for higher reliability.
SIMMConn™ has lower power consumption. Low-power driver chips are used and the power consumption of SIMMs is also reduced.

SIMMConnmay prevent you from using the ISA slot next to your AWE64 due to the size of SIMM used.

For more details, please refer to the User's Manual and the Technology pages of this site.

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Which type of SIMMConn™ should I use?

Please chose the type of SIMMConn™ according to the AWE64 sound card you use:

SIMMConn™ Value: Designed for AWE64 and AWE64 Value. Almost all kinds of 4MB, 8MB, 16MB and 32MB SIMMs can be used except 4k refresh SIMMs. The maximum size of SIMM is 32MB (28MB actually used due to the limitation of E-mu8000). The color of the adapter PCB is dark green.

SIMMConn™ Gold: Designed for AWE64 Gold. It supports 8MB, 32MB SIMMs (2k refresh) and 16MB SIMMs (2k or 4k refresh, single-sided). The maximum size of SIMM is 32MB, out of which 28MB is available due to the design of E-mu8000. The color of the adapter PCB is golden.

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How many SIMM slots does SIMMConn support?

Both SIMMConn Value and SIMMConn Gold support only one SIMM slot on the adapter.

Is my SIMM supported by SIMMConn?

Please refer to the User's Manual for SIMM compatibility.

How about the relationship between your company and Creative Labs Inc.?

We are not affiliated with Creative Labs Inc., or Creative Technology Pty. Ltd. However, we received technical support from Creative Labs during the development of SIMMConn™. Also, thanks Mr. Jeff Briden of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for his kind help.

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