Quick question about RAM

[Linux711]

I was just putting some RAM on a board and I was wondering why did they stop making those SIMM style RAM slots (the early 90s style) where the RAM would be tipped and then bent upward using almost no force at all on the motherboard? I have to push so hard to put the RAM in, it seems like I am going to break the motherboard, so I hold it from the back and nearly puncture my fingers on the solder points. I am not posting this just to complain, if that's how it sounds. I just want to know why they stopped making RAM like that.

[Computer_Commando]

They're called ZIF sockets (Zero Insertion Force).  They stopped using those when DIMM's were introduced.
Laptop SO-DIMM's used the same type of socket.  They still use them on DDR type RAM.  One module actually overlaps another and they want them to lay flat to save space.  You're right, a ZIF style would be nice.  I've had some motherboards I though would break from the force needed to insert RAM.  BTW, you're doing it the right way if you access to the back of the motherboard, once it's installed, you don't.  After a few insertions, they are a lot easier to install.  BTW, sockets are rated for only so many insertions/de-insertions, somewhere around 400.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SO-DIMM

[Linux711]

Thanks for replying, but that doesn't answer the question why they stopped making them.

[rthompson80819]

My guess, and it's just a guess, is so the same type of memory and slots could be used in both desk tops and notebooks.

If a company like Dell could standardize parts between notebooks and desktops it would save them a significant amount of money.

[BC_Programmer]

Thanks for replying, but that doesn't answer the question why they stopped making them.

SIMM= Single Inline Memory Module
DIMM= Dual Inline Memory Module

Dual > Single. Also, I imagine it would be time consuming to install 4GB or so of RAM in 1MB increments, even if some folks might find each one easier to install.

Also, I've never had to push down very hard to insert SDRAM, DDR, or DDR2 Memory.  If you leave the little hook things up when you go to insert it that might make it tough. Also, the only SIMM modules that I've dealt that did that little "push back insertion" were actually a bigger pain in the *censored* then the SDRAM or DDR that I used later on. (I speak of a 40 Mhz 386 and a 120Mhz 486DX2 that had SIMM slots, as well as an SB AWE32 that has them in fact I think the 486 had them sit upright just like the SDRAM.

The main reason I would imagine is that DIMMS generally have chips occupying both sides of the card, meaning you can't have a "fold back" type insertion since either the memory wouldn't fit (the chips on the back would prevent it locking into place) or the chips on the bottom will have 0 airflow and circulation. temps weren't an issue with SIMM modules but with DIMM (especially the later ones) those things started to get toasty.

[Computer_Commando]

My guess, and it's just a guess, is so the same type of memory and slots could be used in both desk tops and notebooks...

Same type of memory, but different form factor.  Notebooks all use SO-DIMM's (Small Outline), even the current DDR2 & DDR3.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SO-DIMM