Is it possible to remove the existing rambus chips in the N64 and fit larger ones? I dont want to buy an expansion pack and more than capable of replacing the chips... however: I have already read you are supposed to be able to do it, but does the N64 use the same chips as I could get on some PC rambus ram? if so, does anyone know the spec I would be looking for? (i.e. stick of 256MB etc) I have done plenty of this with modems and routers, but I know little about rambus. I know you still need the jumper pack to terminate the rambus connections - but I have a jumper pack, so thats not an issue. Thanks
Yes N64s older than revision 6 use two 18mbit chips (9bit wide RAM) N64s revision 6-9 use one 36mbit chip 1st party expansion paks have 1 36mbit ram chip, 3rd party paks may have any combination. I have swapped out the chips on the mobo itself and used the jumper pak as the terminator. Works fine.
Yeah I came across something similar in my googling. However, the major part of my post is - is this "normal" rambus ram? i.e. can I use chips from a stick a PC rambus ram? Your picture shows nintendo branded chips, which may answer my question Because my plan is to avoid buying an expansion pack (more than I even paid for the console). However, to do what you have done - I will need to buy an expansion and remove the chips from it.
I'd imagine it is "regular" RD-RAM but you'd be best trying to match the specs 1:1. Thing is I've never found a datasheet describing the chips used in any real detail. Wonder if adding the ram internally has the same odd behaviors as the expansion pak occasionally does with some games. Space Station Silicon Valley screws up left and right and I've personally had problems running Zelda: OoT with the GameShark when the expansion pak is installed. Random freezes mostly. Would be fun to try swapping in ram with tighter timings to see if it improves things but I'd doubt it would. Hell, the timings the N64 has might be requisite for some function of a single game somewhere.
Yes, but as you said - no datasheets Thats why I am asking here - as I do not want to reinvent the wheel or do research that has already been done. Im fine with using someone elses work, if it has already been done Its just that I can get my hands on rambus ram through work for free - better than the expansion pack that is 2x the cost I paid for the console Edit: Creative googling = http://www.initechsolutions.org/articles/portable_n64 Which has a link to a datasheet for the ram (apparently, just rebranded for nintendo)
Nice work. I've been tempted to fabricate PCBs to make my own expansion paks with, everyone wants one but there aren't enough to go around. Now to find me some chips.
where are ram paks in shortage, you can pick up 3rd party repros here for 5 bucks in any retro aimed store
I think it's more official ones really. It sold well when it came out but not at the ratio of 1:1 with the official one. Plus the 3rd party ones are known to have issues with overheating and some actually stick out of the ram port not allowing you to keep it covered.
Yep. Pretty sure I could design one better while drunk. How you screw up so badly they overheat is solely what amazes me. I can fully understand it sticking out if you'd prefer it removal by a method other than a coin or screwdriver (as who even has the original tool anymore?).
Nintendo didn't use OKI RDRAM, it seems to have been NEC or Toshiba RDRAM used in the N64, but I haven't found any datasheets for them (Even sent them emails requesting info on their RDRAM some years ago) AFAIK the datasheet you linked before was originally found by a member on benheck some years ago and is believed to match the pinout of the RDRAM used in the N64 (It probably does considering most chip manufacturers make parts with the same pinout) but I dont think its been tested at all, and they dont appear to offer any 36Mbit RDRAM like the one used in the Expansion Pak.
Considering ill get the RDRAM for free - I will give it a go. If it doesn't work, no real loss and I'll just buy an expansion pack.
Hmm, but most N64's already use two 18Mbit chips, so not sure how the OKI RDRAM would help? Also the 64Mbit chip mentioned in the datasheet is no good as its 8 bit, not 9 bit like the N64 uses.
My thinking was - there are 3rd party expansion packs - therefore someone must make the chips. Here is a link to a samsung page that gives you part number identification for 8 bit or 9 bit chips: http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/support/labelcodeinfo/support_RIMM.html With that type of info, should be able to find a stick with the right size chip and the right bits. I dont think the memory should be that hard to track down - just get some PC memory the size of chip you want x 8 (amount of chips on the stick).
The only problem is that all 3rd party expansion paks I have seen use two 18Mbit chips - thats why many stick out the top and sometimes overheat. I wish you the best of luck though - please keep us updated if you find anything ;-)
Samsung is a bust - they only do 16 bit and 18 bit. http://www.samsung.com/global/busin...derList.do?webpartnum=MR18&ppmi=PartnoDecoder Their part search is actually quite good. I will look into other brands. Anyone know off hand other companies that makes/made RDRAM?
Sorry to bump, but could you use the ram from a dead 64? EDIT- I was thinking of a DIY ram expansion and not an internal mod. Whoops!
