Modders install 16MB of RAM in the original PlayStation
The original Sony PlayStation has been upgraded from 2MB to 16MB of system memory. The mod was developed by TunerTom and presented by Macho Nacho on YouTube.
PlayStation Arcade systems already used 16MB RAM
Earlier PlayStation RAM modifications increased the capacity to 8MB. TunerTom examined PlayStation-based arcade boards that used two 8MB memory banks and found that the retail console’s CPU could address the same 16MB configuration. Macho Nacho has now demonstrated the modification on working consumer hardware, aka the original PlayStation that only shipped with 2MB of RAM.
Source:Macho Nacho
The installation replaces the four factory 512KB EDO DRAM chips with eight 2MB chips taken from an older PC memory module. Four chips are installed directly on the motherboard while the remaining four are stacked on top. Pin 7 on each upper chip remains separated and is connected to the second memory bank selection signal. Modder notes that the 2MB chips are becoming hard to find already as modding community grows and production of such memory has ended years ago.
The installation also requires several motherboard trace cuts, additional wiring and a 22-ohm resistor. The available QSB design targets PlayStation consoles using the PU-18 motherboard.
Source:Macho Nacho
Existing games do not automatically use the extra RAM
SpicyJPEG’s PS1 RAM Tester confirmed that the modified console could address two complete 8MB banks. Retail games generally continue to use the original 2MB allocation, although the modification is not fully compatible with every title. Final Fantasy IX reportedly stopped at the PlayStation boot screen during testing.
No available PlayStation software currently uses the full 16MB. Games patched for earlier 8MB upgrades can still benefit. A modified version of Gran Turismo 2, for example, keeps higher-detail car models loaded at longer distances, although the added GPU workload may reduce performance. The extra capacity could also simplify homebrew projects, arcade conversions and ports such as the ongoing PlayStation version of Super Mario 64.
Source:Macho Nacho
TunerTom is also working on upgrades for the console’s video and audio memory. The planned VRAM mod would increase capacity from 1MB to 2MB (how many of you remember PS1 only had 1MB VRAM?), matching some PlayStation-based arcade boards.
Macho Nacho noted that PlayStation modding is only getting started, and these upgrades look very promising, yet very difficult to do without experience.
Source via NotebookCheck :
