RAM Cards

Apple II RAM Cards

Apple IIgs

Memory Expansion Cards for the Apple IIgs will ONLY work in a IIgs Memory Expansion Slot. These are for the most part, compatible with either the ROM 00/01 or 3 motherboards, with some exception on early Applied Engineering IIgs Specific cards prior to Rev. C.

Apple IIgs Ram Card Examples

The following is a description of the types of cards and what the limitations are.

Apple IIgs Cards that use 41256 - 256K( x 1) - 16 Pin DIPs

8 Chips make one bank of 256K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
The Apple IIgs Memory Expansion	Apple Computer	1024K / 1 Meg.
DaynaRAM	MEXCEL	1024K / 1 Meg.
RAMStak Plus	AST Reseach	1024K / 1 Meg.
Super Expander GS	Price Busters	1024K / 1 Meg.
MultiRAM GS	CheckMate Tech.	1024K / 1 Meg.
GS RAM (Not GS RAM Plus)	Applied Engineering	1536K / 1.5 Meg.
GS Juice (Not GS Juice Plus)	Applied Ingenuity	1024K / 1 Meg.

Apple IIgs Cards that use 44256 - 1024K (256K x 4) - 20 Pin DIPs

8 Chips make one bank of 1024K, as 256K x 4 each.

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
GS RAM Ultra	Applied Engineering	2048K / 2 Meg.
GS RAM II	Applied Engineering	4096K / 4 Meg.
RAMPak 4 GS	Orange Micro	4096K / 4 Meg.

Apple IIgs Cards that use 41024 - 1024K(x 1)

8 Chips make one bank of 1024K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
GS RAM Plus	Applied Engineering	6144K / 6 Meg.
GS Juice Plus	Applied Ingenuity	4096K / 4 Meg.
S&S RAM Card	Silicon & Software	4096K / 4 Meg.
Super Expander GS 4 Meg.	Price Busters	4096K / 4 Meg.
Chinook RAM 4000	Chinook Technology	4096K / 4 Meg.
CV Tech 4 Meg. Card	CV Technologies	4096K / 4 Meg.
GS RAM III (Uses ZIPs)	Applied Engineering	4096K / 4 Meg.

Apple IIgs Cards that use 1024K (1 Meg) SIMMs

SIMMs for Apple products are 'x 8' but can be 'x 9'. 2 and 3 chip SIMMs are generally incompatible.

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
OctoRAM	MDIdeas	8192K / 8 Meg.
GS Sauce	Harris Labs	4096K / 4 Meg.
Q RAM	Quality Computers	4096K / 4 Meg.
Sirius RAM GS	AEC/CCC/16 Sector	8192K / 8 Meg.
Sirius RAM GS 2.0	AEC/CCC/16 Sector	8192K / 8 Meg.

Apple //e RAM Expansion Information

Memory Expansion cards for the Apple //e can be for the Auxiliary Expansion Slot and these will only work with a //e, or clone, or they could be the Slot 1-7 type, also known as Slinky Cards. See below.

Apple //e RAM Cards Explained

The 'Extended 80 Column Card'

This is the most common memory expansion the //e has. It consists of an additional 64K added to the Apple //e. It is many times incorrectly called a '128K card', it is not. What it does is, when added to the Apple //e, the total memory available to most programs increases to 128K. 70% of all //e specific software knows how to use this card, where-as 15% of //e specific software knows 'about' any memory past the 128K. AppleWorks 3.0 & Publish-It 4 are two examples of programs that require ATLEAST 128K but will use more memory if it is available.

When a program says "Requires 128K" This is the card you need to make that run. Also, newer programs required an enhanced //e as well. This is not the same. In addition to the 80 col/64K card, an enhancement kit may be required.

Apple //e Ram Card Examples

These Cards are for the //e ONLY. All Cards mentioned under this header are installed in the Apple //e Auxiliary Slot.

The following is a description of the types of cards and what the limitations are.

Apple //e Cards that use 4164 - 64K( x 1) - 16 Pin DIPs

8 Chips make one bank of 64K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
Apple Extended 80 Column Card	Apple Computer.	64K
Maxview 80e	MicroMax	128K
80/64Ke	Apricorn	64K

Apple //e Cards that use 41256 - 256K( x 1) - 16 Pin DIPs

8 Chips make one bank of 256K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
Super Expander E	Price Busters	1024K / 1 Meg.
MultiRAM	CheckMate Tech.	1024K / 1 Meg.
512K Extended *	Ninth Wave / Baum Bros.	512K / 1 Meg. Max
RAMWorks I *	Applied Engineering	512K / 1 Meg. Max
RAMWorks II & III *	Applied Engineering	1024K / 3 Meg. Max
RAMWorks I Expander	Applied Engineering	512K (Piggyback Module)
1024K Expander	Applied Engineering	1024K (Piggyback Module)
Q RAM //e	Quality Computers	1024k / 1 Meg.

• *The AE RAMWorks cards use expander modules to achieve the maximum expansion. The RAMWorks I / Baum Brothers RAM cards are only compatible with the 512K module. The 512K, 1024K and 2 Meg Expander Plus modules are compatible with the RAMWorks II and III.

Apple //e Cards that use 41024 - 1024K( x 1)

8 Chips make one bank of 1024K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
Q-RAM //e	Sequential Systems	1024K (ZIPs / Soldered)
2 Meg Expander Plus	Applied Engineering	2048K (Piggyback Module)

Apple ][+ / Slot 1-7

Cards for the Apple ][+ will work in a //e or IIgs as well, are usually known as 'slinky' (slot 1-7) RAM Cards and will not function the same as RAM cards for the RAM expansion connectors, meaning they will not be seen by the system as available RAM. Only on an individual software level will they be recognized.

Apple ][+ & //e Compatible RAM Card Examples

These Cards are mainly for the ][+ but will also work in a //e. Some even have special uses in the //e. All Cards mentioned under this header are installed in Slots 1-7. The EXCEPTION is the Language card type cards. (16K)

The following is a description of the types of cards and what the limitations are.

Apple ][/][+ Language Cards (Slot 0)

Cards that use 4116 chips. (16K x 1) - 8 chips make 16K. The same as what the ][ / ][+ motherboard uses.

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
Apple Language System	Apple Computer.	16K.
SoftCard	Microsoft	16K.
16K Card	Computer Stop	16K.
Various Pieces of Junk	Taiwan R.O.C.	16K

Slot 1-7 Cards that use 4164 - 64K( x 1)

8 Chips make one bank of 64K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
128 Expander	MPD/Price Busters	128K
Saturn 128	Saturn Systems	128K
The Apple II Memory Expansion*	Apple Computer.	1024K / 1 Meg.

• The Apple II Memory Expansion (A2B2086) uses either 64K or 256K DRAMs. They can not be mixed. The Max with 64K DRAMs would be 256K while with 256K DRAMs it would be 1024K.

Slot 1-7 Cards that use 41256 - 256K( x 1)

8 Chips make one bank of 256K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
The Apple II Memory Expansion*	Apple Computer.	1024K / 1 Meg.
SMT Memory Expansion*	SMT Peripherals Ltd.	1024K / 1 Meg.
Super Expander +	Price Busters	1024K / 1 Meg.
MultiRAM	CheckMate Tech.	1024K / 1 Meg.
RAMFactor	Applied Engineering	4096K / 3 Meg.
SprintDisk	AST Research, Inc.	1024K / 1 Meg.

• The Apple II Memory Expansion (A2B2086) uses either 64K or 256K DRAMs. They can not be mixed. The Max with 64K DRAMs would be 256K while with 256K DRAMs it would be 1024K.

Apple //c

Cards for the Apple //c will ONLY work in a //c, either plugged to the motherboard or the RAM Expansion connector depending on card/computer type. The RAM cards that piggyback onto the MMU and IOU chips will work on either //c but the cards that have the memory expansion connector only work with the Apple //c with Memory Expansion connector, or IIc Plus with some exceptions.

Apple //c - IIc Plus RAM Card Examples

RAM //c

This is a 1024K (1 Meg) Ram expansion for the Apple //c and IIc Plus. It is 100% compatible with Apple's //c memory expansion card and follows all guidelines set by Apple computer for expanded memory within the //c. It works with many programs directly, such as AppleWorks 3.0 & ProTERM 3.0.

For this card to work in an Apple //c the computer must have a memory expansion connector inside the computer. If the //c was purchased after 1985 or has a 'platinum' (grey) colored keyboard it has the connector already. If the //c is an older one it most likely does not have the connector needed and will have to use the Super Expander C.

ALL IIc Plus units have this connector [inbuilt] so this is not a problem.

Super Expander C

This is a 1024K (1 Meg) expansion card for the Apple //c. It follows Apple's memory expansion guidelines for compatibly with such programs as AppleWorks 3.0.

This card is installed by way of removing two chips from the motherboard and installing the Super Expander C into those locations. The two chips are then installed onto the card. This card is mainly used when the Sequential Systems RAM //c can't be used because no memory expansion connector exists.

Apple //c Cards that use 41256 - 256K( x 1) - 16 Pin DIPs

8 Chips make one bank of 256K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity	//c or IIc Plus
Apple //c Memory Expansion Card	Apple Computer.	1024K / 1 Meg.	//c *
Super Expander C	Price Busters	1024K / 1 Meg.	//c
MultiRAM CX & CX Plus	CheckMate Tech.	1024K / 1 Meg.	//c
Z-RAM Ultra I,II & III	Applied Engineering	1024K / 1 Meg.	//c
C-RAM	Chinook Technology	1024K / 1 Meg.	IIc Plus
C-RAM	Sequential Systems	1024K / 1 Meg.	IIc Plus
RAM Express	Applied Engineering	1024K / 1 Meg.	IIc Plus

• *The Apple branded card does not work with the IIc Plus unless a PAL is changed. The Apple card is the same as the Chinook/Sequential Systems and Applied Engineering RAM Express with the exception of the PAL(s). The Sequential and AE cards are good for either //c or IIc Plus.

Apple //c Cards that use 41024 (1024K x 1)

8 Chips make one bank of 1024K

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity	//c or IIc Plus
RAMExpress II	Applied Engineering	1024K / 1 Meg.	IIc Plus

Other Cards/Cards that contain RAM expansion

There are many peripheral cards available for the Apple that use RAM for themselves, but when not in use, the RAM may serve as a RAM disk or some other system related use. Also, for lack of a better category, we will list things that would need SRAMs here too.

Eg: AE PC Transporter, PCPI Appli-Card, ZipGS, AE TransWarp GS and ImageBuffer II

The following is a description of the types of cards and what the limitations are.

Cards that use 4164s

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
PCPI-AppliCard (Starcard/CPM)	PCPI	64K
Saturn 128K	Saturn Systems	128K

Cards that use 41256s

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
ImageBuffer II (ImageWriter II)	Orange Micro	128K

Cards that use 44256

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
AE PC Transporter Rev E	Applied Engineering	768K

Cards that use 4464 ZIPs

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
AE PC Transporter Rev A-D	Applied Engineering	768K

Cards that use 6264 and/or 62256 SRAMs

Card Name	Manufacturer	Capacity
Zip GS Model 1600 & up	Zip Technology	8/16/32/64K
TransWarp GS (45ns or LESS!)	Applied Engineering	8K

Misc. RAM Card Related Information & Problem Solutions

A //e type RAM Card Makes the Machine Lockup

... but when the card is removed, the machine works fine. There are two reasons why this could happen:

1)A Defective card. (Less likely)
2)The Apple //e has a Revision A Main Logic Board. (More Likely)

The fix for a revision A board is, upgrade to a //e Revision B motherboard. This used to be upgraded at an Apple Dealer for FREE, 100% FREE. These days, having a Revision A. //e board might be somewhat of a novelty.

This is how you used to do it:
Call your local Apple Authorized Dealer/Service Center and get the Apple //e Revision B Logic Board Upgrade. Call Apple Computer @ 408/996-1010 and ask for the toll free 800 number for the Apple Assistance Center, if located in the U.S. From there, the AAC will help them in locating a dealer that will preform the upgrade, and if needed call the dealer and remind them that their contract with Apple Computer states the dealer must SUPPORT ALL Apple Customers, regardless of computer type. If the customer has had problems with a local Apple Dealer, the AAC is also a good place to complain. (Thats what it's there for!!)

Revision A Apple //e Motherboard Information

What having a Revision A. //e means is you can not do DHR (Double Hi-Res) Graphics and can not use most RAM expansion cards without removing the jumper or cutting the "bow-tie".

Were Sorry, but XXXXXXX Program Requires 128K

A memory card for the ][, ][+ (Slot 1-7) will not fix this. The software is looking for an Apple //e with 128K. You must use memory expansion cards for the Auxiliary Slot in the //e.

AppleWorks doesn't see my newly added memory

Depending on the RAM card, and the computer type, the fix for this may be either a disk that came with the card to patch AppleWorks needs to be booted to see the memory or card, this is also known as a 'Pre-boot Disk', or the disk may contain an AppleWorks patch utility to fix your copy of AppleWorks to support this particular RAM card.

RAM Chip Types / Compatibility / Speed

RAM Cards for the Apple use CAS before RAS chips. Generally this is not a problem. These cards can use either DRAM chips or SIMMs. However, if a chip type is not listed here. Please find one that is or check with someone for the possibility of another chip type being compatible. (In which case it should get added to the list below)

120-150ns (Nanosecond refresh) is sufficient for the Apple II. Even 200ns would probably work, but they're actually a lot harder to find. The thing is, if you have a choice between 80ns and 150ns, and the latter is a lot cheaper, you're not going to have a problem.

In theory, you're not supposed to mix speeds within a bank, however, I have put together some example RAM cards that have had each chip a different speed and brand within each bank, using 80ns, 100ns, 120ns, 150ns and 200ns, just to prove a point. It's good practice to keep it consistent, but if the DRAMs are functioning properly, they're going to be refreshed all the same no matter what.

4116 - 16 x 8 DIP 14 pin

These are the RAM chips used on the Apple II and Apple II+ motherboards. Only the II and II+ use these chips on the motherboard.

4164 - 64 x 8 DIP 16 pin

These are used on the Apple //e & //c motherboards. Later model motherboards use 41464 chips instead.

Known compatible chips include (But may not be limited to) the following:

Manufacturer	Part Number
Hitachi	HM4864AP-12
???	MT4264
OKI	M3764-20RS
TI	TMS4164-15NL

41256 - 256 x 8 - DIP 16 pin

Manufacturer	Part Number
Intel	P21256
Fujitsu	MB-81256
Hitachi	HM-51256
Hyundai	HY-53C256
Micro / Mt	MT-1256
Mitsubishi	M5M-4256
Motorola	MCM-6256
Oki	MSM-41256
Toshiba	TC-51256
NEC	D41256C
Samsung	KM-41256AP
Siemens	HYD41256
TI	TMS41256

768K Expansion Set

The 768K Expansion set is used to expand a 'stock' Apple IIgs 512K system to 1.25 meg. This includes the Apple IIgs Memory expansion card and the AE GS RAM. A 768K set can also be used with an Apple //e & //c , with any memory expansion card that uses 41256 DRAMs. This set can also be used with a Laser 128 EX

256 x 8 - 30 Pin SIMM

A 256K SIMM would be made up of 8 41256's on a PCB, either DIP or surface mount, and SIMMs should be of the 8 chip variety. If 9 chip types have the same brands as listed in the DIP categories, here- you shouldn't have any issues. 2 and 3 chip SIMM varieties generally -DO NOT- work for the Apple II.

44256 - 256 x 4 18 pin DIP

These are similar to 1 Meg DRAM Chips, they accomplish the same thing but are configured differently. Not as many products use them but some of the uses are expanding the AE GS RAM Ultra & RAMPak 4GS

Manufacture	Model	Revision
Fujitsu	MB-81C4256
Hitachi	HM-514256
Hyundai	HY-534256
Micro / Mt	MT-4C4256
Mitsubishi	M5M-44256
Motorola	MCM-514256
NEC	UPD-424256
Oki	MSM-514256
Samsung	KM-41C256
Texas Instruments (TI)	TI/TMS-4C256
Toshiba	514256

1024K x 8 (1 Meg) 18 Pin DIP

These are 1 Meg DRAM Chips. Commonly used in the AE GS RAM+, these are used to expand memory in one meg increments. Other compatible interface cards are GS Juice +, MPD 4 Meg, CV Tech Rev B. RAM Card. Chinook 4000, RAMFactor 4 Meg Expansion and the S&S RAM Card. They may be listed either as 1x8 or 1x1, 18 pin, and should be RAS before CAS refresh. Sticking to these brands, with some having the suffix of "AP" is a good bet for Apple II compatibility. If they were pulled off a PC clone motherboard, and came in sets of 9, there's a slight chance that errors you're getting are because the DRAMs you've selected are RAS only Refresh. They won't work.

Manufacture	Model	Revision
Fujitsu	MB-81C1000
Hitachi	HM-511000
Hyundai	HY-531000
Micro / Mt	MT-4C1024
Mitsubishi	M5M-41000
Motorola	MCM-511000
NEC	UPD-421000
Oki	MSM-511000
Samsung	KM-41C1000
Texas Instruments (TI)	TI/TMS-4C1024
Toshiba	511000

1024K x 8 (1 Meg) 30 Pin SIMM

1 Meg SIMMs are used on some Apple IIgs Memory Expansion Cards.

Manufacture	Model	Revision
MDI Ideas	OctoRAM
Harris Labs	GS Sauce
	Q-RAM GS
	SuperRAM GS

RAMFast 1 Meg Cache upgrade

This is a two chip set that replaces two 44256 chips on the upper right corner of a RAMFast Rev D SCSI card and will increase its cache from 256K to 1 Meg.