Kingston's System-Specific Memory Delivers Legendary Reliability
For 25 years, Kingston has designed and manufactured memory customized for specific systems or classes of systems. Kingston is dedicated to providing memory solutions that work the first time, every time, and for a lifetime, and guarantees compatibility of its system-specific memory, which is also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Kingston's core competency lies in our engineering expertise, which allows us to design, manufacture, and deliver top-quality products to our customers. More Fortune 500® companies have standardized on Kingston memory than any other memory brand. In addition, 10 out of today's top 14 semiconductor and system manufacturers depend on Kingston.
Why is it important to use system-specific memory?
- Different chips provide varying performance levels
- Chip compatibility can vary
- Testing is conducted in the system in which the memory will be installed
- System-specific constraints in module height or width
- Presence detect configuration
Chip Brand and Performance
When Kingston designs a new memory module for a newly released system, Kingston engineers test several brands of chips on the new module design. This testing allows us to determine which brands of chips provide the best performance. Kingston uses a controlled bill of materials for our system-specific module designs to deliver the best performance for your system.
Chip Compatibility
While Kingston tests the chip performance for a specific system, it also tests the chips for compatibility. As memory speeds get faster, chip compatibility becomes increasingly important and varies from system to system, so Kingston tests several different chip brands in each system it supports and has approved vendor lists for its modules.
In addition, module physical dimensions affect a module design's compatibility. In many systems, the number of chips makes a module physically installable and electrically compatible. Designing modules for chip compatibility as well as chip quantity allows us to guarantee absolute compatibility with the system or class of systems in which the module will be installed.
In-system Testing
Kingston's engineering process includes the testing of each new module design in the system in which it will ultimately be used. The memory is tested on the system motherboard and with the applications and operating systems most commonly used in the system. This is just one step in the seven-step pre-production testing process. The in-system testing allows us to make sure that the memory is compatible with all aspects of the system we are designing for including hardware, operating systems, and applications.
System-Specific Constraints
Although the user guide for a computer system may state that the system requires PC100 168-pin Synchronous DIMMs, it may not include other system-specific constraints. For example, some systems have less room in their system box for memory. This can require the use of low-profile chips. In a generic, one-size-fits-all design, you would get the normal chip packaging. In a situation where there is limited space, two modules may not even fit side by side in such a system, or even worse, cause excessive heat in the system and result in system failure. A one-size-fits-all option just won't work. Kingston does not rely on generic specifications for modules; modules are designed to the specific needs of the systems in which they will be installed.
Serial Presence Detect (SPD)
For a computer system to recognize a memory module, the module needs to have a chip on it that communicates the specifications of the module to the system. If this chip is improperly configured for the system in which you are installing the module, the system won't recognize the memory or may get incorrect information about the module's speed.
The memory brand you choose can make a significant difference in the performance you get from your system. Choose memory that is designed and manufactured to your systems' requirements. Choose Kingston proprietary module designs for absolute reliability.