DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory)

The Intel Ivy Bridge/Sandy Bridge CPU interfaces with two DDR3 SODIMM slots, each supporting 1600MHz (DDR3-1600) memory. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the memory subsystem:

Key Specifications:

1. Memory Type:

   • DDR3 SODIMM (204-pin, 1.5V standard voltage).

   • Speed: 1600MHz (DDR3-1600), as noted in the schematic (e.g., DDRIII 1600MHz Channel A/B).

2. Configuration:

   • Dual-channel mode (Channel A + Channel B), with one slot per channel.

   • Each channel supports 64-bit data width, totaling 128-bit bandwidth when both slots are populated.

3. Capacity:

   • Likely supports up to 8GB per slot (16GB total), typical for Ivy/Sandy Bridge mobile CPUs.

   • Actual max capacity depends on the CPU model (e.g., some Ivy Bridge chips support 16GB per slot).

4. Timings & Voltage:

   • Default: 1.5V (JEDEC standard).

   • May support 1.35V DDR3L (low voltage) if the CPU is compatible.

How It Works in the Schematic:

• Channel A and Channel B are routed separately to the CPU:

  • Data lines: M_A_DQ[63:0] (Channel A) and M_B_DQ[63:0] (Channel B).

  • Control signals: Address/command buses (M_A_A[15:0], M_B_A[15:0]), clocks (SA_CK0/1, SB_CK0/1), and strobes (DQS/DQS#).

• VREF pins (DDR_VREF_S3, M_VREF_CA_DIMMx) ensure signal integrity at high speeds.

Performance Implications:

• Bandwidth:

  • 1600MHz × 128-bit = ~25.6 GB/s (theoretical max for dual-channel DDR3-1600).

• Latency:

  • Typical CAS latency (CL11 for JEDEC DDR3-1600).

Compatibility Notes:

1. CPU Limitations:

   • Ivy Bridge (3rd Gen) and Sandy Bridge (2nd Gen) CPUs officially support DDR3-1333 to DDR3-1600.

   • Some Ivy Bridge models may unofficially handle DDR3-1866 with overclocking.

2. Mixing Modules:

   • For dual-channel, use identical SODIMMs (same size, speed, timings).

3. Upgrading:

   • Check the maximum supported capacity for your specific CPU (e.g., Core i5-3317U vs. i7-3537U).

Would you like help identifying compatible RAM modules or troubleshooting memory issues?