If you are seeking assistance with setting up a new dual SDRAM MiSTer build or upgrading an existing single memory module build to accommodate dual SDRAM, your search ends here. This quick setup guide will walk you through the process of configuring your MiSTer for dual RAM operation.
MiSTer FPGA Dual SDRAM’s with 2 x 128MB Memory Modules
A question regularly asked is “What does dual SDRAM actually mean?” There exists some misunderstanding stemming from the fact that the MiSTer’s 128MB SDRAM memory module is populated with two memory chips. This leads some users to mistakenly believe this configuration translates to a MiSTer system with dual RAM. However, this assumption is inaccurate. In reality, a dual SDRAM arrangement involves the utilisation of two dedicated SDRAM modules, with each memory stick being connected to one of the dedicated 2×20 GPIO pin headers on the DE10-Nano mainboard.
Minimal configuration of the DE10-Nano is required to support dual SDRAM on the MiSTer, the first step is to locate the bank of toggle switches on the DE10-Nano mainboard, the toggle switch marked SW3 should be flipped into the ‘On’ position as shown in the image below.
DE10-Nano Mainboard Switch Configuration
Toggle Switches
SW0
SW1
SW2
SW3
Enable Dual SDRAM
Off
Off
Off
On
What is currently required for a dual SDRAM setup are two SDRAM memory modules to enhance the MiSTer’s overall memory bandwidth. If you possess two memory modules of the same capacity, such as a pair of 128MB SDRAM sticks, you can install either of them onto the respective 40-pin GPIO headers, as demonstrated below. Nevertheless, if your memory modules have varying sizes, place the one with the greater capacity onto the GPIO 0 header, and the smaller capacity module onto the GPIO 1 header. Make certain that the memory module chip(s) are oriented inwards, facing each other, as illustrated below.
The main GPIO pin header designated for memory module installation is GPIO 0, clearly indicated in green on the image provided. When you possess a single memory module of any capacity, this is the designated location for installation. The secondary GPIO pin header GPIO 1, highlighted in red on the image, is the appropriate spot for adding a second memory stick.
Dual SDRAM Frequently Asked Questions
After installation, why doesn’t the second SDRAM memory module show an icon on the MiSTer menu?
Presently, the MiSTer main menu does not provide an extra visual indicator to signal the presence of a second SDRAM module. Cores will disregard the second SDRAM stick unless they are specifically programmed to utilise it.
Can I use the Analog IO board with a dual SDRAM setup?
Regrettably, the Analog IO board takes up one of the essential GPIO headers necessary to accommodate the additional memory module in a dual RAM configuration. It’s worth noting that only the digital IO board provides support for a dual SDRAM setup.
Can you mix memory modules sizes?
Yes you can, for an economical dual SDRAM setup, all you require is an extra 32MB memory module. The primary purpose of dual SDRAM setup is to enhance memory bandwidth rather than overall capacity, making 32MB adequate to achieve this goal.
What size memory module can I use?
Every current official MiSTer project memory module is compatible with a dual SDRAM setup. Among the frequently available options the 128MB and 32MB versions are popular.
Install Dual SDRAM on MiSTer FPGA
If you are seeking assistance with setting up a new dual SDRAM MiSTer build or upgrading an existing single memory module build to accommodate dual SDRAM, your search ends here. This quick setup guide will walk you through the process of configuring your MiSTer for dual RAM operation.
A question regularly asked is “What does dual SDRAM actually mean?” There exists some misunderstanding stemming from the fact that the MiSTer’s 128MB SDRAM memory module is populated with two memory chips. This leads some users to mistakenly believe this configuration translates to a MiSTer system with dual RAM. However, this assumption is inaccurate. In reality, a dual SDRAM arrangement involves the utilisation of two dedicated SDRAM modules, with each memory stick being connected to one of the dedicated 2×20 GPIO pin headers on the DE10-Nano mainboard.
Minimal configuration of the DE10-Nano is required to support dual SDRAM on the MiSTer, the first step is to locate the bank of toggle switches on the DE10-Nano mainboard, the toggle switch marked SW3 should be flipped into the ‘On’ position as shown in the image below.
What is currently required for a dual SDRAM setup are two SDRAM memory modules to enhance the MiSTer’s overall memory bandwidth. If you possess two memory modules of the same capacity, such as a pair of 128MB SDRAM sticks, you can install either of them onto the respective 40-pin GPIO headers, as demonstrated below. Nevertheless, if your memory modules have varying sizes, place the one with the greater capacity onto the GPIO 0 header, and the smaller capacity module onto the GPIO 1 header. Make certain that the memory module chip(s) are oriented inwards, facing each other, as illustrated below.
The main GPIO pin header designated for memory module installation is GPIO 0, clearly indicated in green on the image provided. When you possess a single memory module of any capacity, this is the designated location for installation. The secondary GPIO pin header GPIO 1, highlighted in red on the image, is the appropriate spot for adding a second memory stick.
Dual SDRAM Frequently Asked Questions
After installation, why doesn’t the second SDRAM memory module show an icon on the MiSTer menu?
Presently, the MiSTer main menu does not provide an extra visual indicator to signal the presence of a second SDRAM module. Cores will disregard the second SDRAM stick unless they are specifically programmed to utilise it.
Can I use the Analog IO board with a dual SDRAM setup?
Regrettably, the Analog IO board takes up one of the essential GPIO headers necessary to accommodate the additional memory module in a dual RAM configuration. It’s worth noting that only the digital IO board provides support for a dual SDRAM setup.
Can you mix memory modules sizes?
Yes you can, for an economical dual SDRAM setup, all you require is an extra 32MB memory module. The primary purpose of dual SDRAM setup is to enhance memory bandwidth rather than overall capacity, making 32MB adequate to achieve this goal.
What size memory module can I use?
Every current official MiSTer project memory module is compatible with a dual SDRAM setup. Among the frequently available options the 128MB and 32MB versions are popular.