KingMax PC-150mhz Memory Module Review
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Today we are looking at the KingMax Tiny BGA memory, which has been around for several months now. To my knowledge, well before any of the other manufactures came up-to speed so to speak. I first remember reading the Tiny BGA PC-133mhz review at TheTechZone awhile back and I have been interested in this technology ever since. Within the past 2 months, I have slowly been upgrading my PC to suit my needs (and wants) to an acceptable level of speed and performance. After all, isn't this what all overclockers are after?
Product: KingMax PC-150mhz Memory Module
Price: 157$
Availability: as of June5, 2000
Written by: Mack (SPeeD) Littleton
Reviewed: Sept. 2000
KingMax Tiny BGA PC-150mhz SDRAM Memory
Introduction: Today we are looking at the KingMax Tiny BGA memory, which has been around for several months now. To my knowledge, well before any of the other manufactures came up-to speed so to speak. I first remember reading the Tiny BGA PC-133mhz review at TheTechZone awhile back and I have been interested in this technology ever since. Within the past 2 months, I have slowly been upgrading my PC to suit my needs (and wants) to an acceptable level of speed and performance. After all, isn't this what all overclockers are after?
Reviews on this type of memory were few and far between, and at the time I actually purchased the PC-150mhz, I had not seen a single review. However, I was willing to take a chance and see what KingMax had to offer us overclockers and performance seekers. As we will often tell you peeps here at the OCA. There are 2 things we are after. High Performance at a bargain price. Now this stuff was about 40 to 50$ cheaper than the well renowned corsair PC-133,(at the time I purchased it) this being our "bargain". And PC-150mhz? Well it was guaranteed at that, so that is where our performance is.
Overview: Lets begin by the definition of BGA (Ball Grid Array). What does this actually mean?
Tiny BGA is a unique DRAM packaging size used in conjunction with advanced DRAM module technology that allows for greater memory capacity.
OK, I do not necessarily like to always put things in technical terms, so as we go forward, I will try to put things in a layman's perspective for the peeps. If not only to help you guys, to also help myself understand all this stuff. From what I am gathering here. KingMax has refined and streamlined their manufacturing process in a way that enables their memory to perform well above the specs of normal memory. As high as 300mhz from what KingMax states. Is this fact or fiction? Well, if I had a processor that could run 300mhz FSB as well as the components to go along with it, I would surely fill you peeps in on the info. Unfortunately, we are not quite up to those standards yet here at the OCA secret labs. However, we have some decent hardware laying around, and you can bet we are gonna put them in the vice to see just what this memory is capable of.
Now one thing that Zero over at TheTechZone brought up that I really liked, was. If this stuff is so damn kickass. Why are we not hearing a lot of hoopla about it? They put it simple. 66% of what KingMax is distributing at this point in time is OEM for portable and desktop computers. However, I believe KingMax has definitely found their niche in the "high-end" market, and are looking to provide top-notch hardware to resellers.
Throughout this review, you will here me refer to the KingMax as just TinyBGA. I will also refer to the industry standard memory as only TSOP (Thin Small Outline Package). This is what the majority of us are running in our boxes now. Now one of the great things about TinyBGA is it's actual size. This stuff is....well....Tiny! When I first pulled it out of the package, I could not believe how small this stuff was. Overall, this has to be a good thing. Being smaller is gonna mean taking up less room in our case, therefore improving airflow, giving you more headroom to mount those gargantuan heatsinks, and improving general performance overall.
Now here are some measurements that can be found on the KingMax website.
There you see quite a big difference in actual size, again, improving overall performance. Another thing that KingMax is boasting is heat dissipation, also due to the small package. Here is a representation of what these guys are talking about.
Above you see how the TinyBGA and TSOP memories dissipate heat, with the TinyBGA of course running several degrees cooler and letting off the heat faster. Also notice the cross section and how the two memories are actually mounted on the PCB (printed circuit boards). You know, the same stuff 90% of all our PC components are mounted on. The TinyBGA looks to be mounted firmly and efficiently, and I can tell you by eyeballing this stuff in person, there is a difference. Unfortunately, our in-house digital camera just does not have the clarity to do a pic of this any justice. So you guys will have to take my word on it.
Also. KingMax informs us due to the manufacturing process of this type of memory they will continue to drive prices lower, as opposed the higher priced process of the TSOP memories. Again, being a good thing for the performance hungry overclockers that do not want to break the bank.
You can also find data on the noise levels that this memory is producing. I am not going to get into this aspect, nor try to break it down for you guys, since I do not feel technically inclined to do so. But if you just gotta see for yourself, HERE is the link.
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