AMD Athlon Manual page 74

A Guide to Building a PC with an AMD Athlon™ Processor
Q. What is the minimum amount of memory I should use with my AMD Athlon
processor?
A. We recommend a minimum of 64 Mbytes of PC-100 memory to operate current
software satisfactorily, but it is strongly recommended that you have 96 Mbytes to
128 Mbytes (or more) in order to enjoy all of the benefits that the AMD Athlon
processor has to offer you.
Q. Can I use generic or no-name brands of PC-100 memory with my AMD Athlon
processor?
A. We recommend that you do not use generic or no-name memory modules because
you really don't know what you're getting or what type of quality control your
memory chip was subjected to. There is no way to tell compatibility of one generic
or no-name memory module with another module. We strongly recommend you
purchase and use well-known and approved memory modules for the following
reasons:
n Uniformity and consistency of the memory module
n Compatibility issues
n Warranty and technical support
n Verified specifications
Heat and Cooling Issues
Q. Are there any special requirements for keeping my AMD Athlon processor cool?
A. Yes. As with any modern processor, as well as current peripherals and components,
heat is always a problem to contend with. New hard drives and devices generate a
substantial amount of heat, so you should never operate your AMD Athlon
processor without an approved processor heatsink and fan.
In addition to the processor cooling fan, make sure you have a least one fan (not
including the power supply fan) in your case that will reduce the temperature. We
recommend that the fan be in the back of the case, drawing air over the processor,
and exhausting the air out the back of the case.
Many mid-tower cases allow at least one fan in the bottom-front. Since the power
supply fan exhausts air out of the case, the additional fan in the bottom-front must
draw air in.
Muffin fans (case fans) are very inexpensive and easy to install. Just be sure to
mount the fan in the proper direction based upon the airflow arrow that you will
find on the outer fan housing.
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22914B/0—September 1999