Buffered vs. un-buffered memory question

[msiler]

Can I tell if a memory stick is Buffered or Un-Buffered from looking at it?
I removed it from a KS75A Motherboard.

Thank you in advance,
-Matt-

[Geekgirl]

Heya msiler

The two different types of modules (buffered/unbuffered) are not interchangeable and even use slightly different printed circuit boards (PCBs). If you try to install the wrong type, the first notch on the bottom of the module will be offset.

You can determine if the module is buffered by looking at the leads next to the first notch. If the leads are evenly spaced, the module is buffered. If the leads are not evenly spaced (a larger PCB area next to the lead) the module is unbuffered.

Buffered EDO and FPM DIMMs have a buffer logic chip that is used to distribute the load placed on the chipset and is primarily used only in servers on PC platforms. Apple computers have used primarily buffered modules until their recent G3 and G4 series computers.