SDRAM Test Core & Final Poll
I know you are tired of SDRAM trials. So am I. So this will be the last one.
I have built a memory test, which uses the SDRAM logic I use on my cores (including CPS). There are two versions: 48 MHz, and 96 MHz. Both will show a green screen until a problem is detected. Then, the display will turn red and stay red.
Each time screen goes from dim to bright and back to dim; a test cycle has been completed. Only the first 32MiB of memory are tested.
Please unzip the attached files to the root of your memory card. The files are available in JTBIN too, but I have not included them in the update tool because you would get the MRA merged with your arcade files. And I guess you don't want that.
Today is the last day I devote myself to the SDRAM. Starting tomorrow, I am back to arcade core development with the explicit goal of a CPS2 beta in January.
(the attached file is for MiSTer, MiST and SiDi files can be found in JTBIN)
Comments (123)
Both modes passed on a recently ordered 128mb module from MISTeraddons for 40+ minutes, as well as The Punisher attract mode for 40+ minutes, as well as all the gaming I've thrown at it.
96Mhz almost immediately fails, 48Mhz works fine on Antonio Villenas 128MB module over here
96Mhz works fine in my 6 Ram modules 32, 64, 128 official or unofficial.
The poll is wrong to me. Only 48Mhz fails in 5 of my modules (128 official, 64 official/unofficial, 32 official and 32 unofficial). I could make 48Mhz only in 128 unofficial.
Just tested now as a number of cores had stopped working for me. 96mhz passes fine but 48mhz now fails.
Just received a new 128MB module from www.misterfpga.co.uk and both tests pass. Both ran for over 15 minutes without issue 👍
Both tests have run successfully for at least 15 min on my two 128MB modules :) But on my CRT, the screen doesn't dim, it's a total black backgroud or the green noise one, but not in a dim way.
Both 48MHz and 96MHz have run successfully for an hour on my 128MB module purchased from Zerohimself. I've had no luck since the update being able to play Cadillac and Dinosaurs or The Punisher without crashes within one minute of game play.
It's weird, both of your memory tests pass, I even ran the 96MHz version for a long time. But try it on the old core running at 96MHz and I can't even boot SFA CPS 1.5 and C&D would crash most of the time towards the start. I've voted saying both run, but as mentioned, actual core gave trouble.
48 mhz failed after few minutes. 96 work fine. 128 MB module
Both good for 12hours, my two 128MB modules
Both 48 and 96Mhz pass on my 128MB module. Ran each test for 30 minutes in succession, no issues.
Both good for 5 mins, porkchop 128MB module.
Both passed. Over a half hour each. Official module from MiSTer Addons.
48Mhz failed after 15 minutes or so
I ran it at 96Mhz with a RAM from Pork Chop for a few hours.
For the 56 edge cases, is there a way to verify they are properly updated to the latest mister core and main file firsT? I think that might have a lot to do with things.
Hello José, I wrote you on Twitter today, i'm one of the few guys that has fails on 48mhz but not on 96mhz, both on 128 and 32 modules of SDRAM.
My SDRAM XS-D v2.5 128MB works. Tested 96Mhz for 30 minutes and 48Mhz for 5 minutes. Got it from misterfpga.co.uk
My Friend has issues only on 48 MHz on 128 and 32mb SDRAM too, on 96mhz both works perfectly.. while i on my 2 Misters 128mb SDRAM modules works both perfectly on 48 and 96 MHz
I tested a 32 MB module from Villena and it passes the 96Mhz one for 10 min without problem. But in the 48Mhz test it fails in less than 1 minute (tested it 3 or 4 times and fails every time). I wont vote on the poll because there is no 32 MB option.
Modulo de 128 Mb pasó ambos test sin problema, comprado con Mister Addons. Grasias José.
I have tried for a few hours on each both work fine after the initial hickup .I bought mine from Ricardo over a year ago
Performed both tests without issues for about 1 hour, purchased the 128mb memory module from Ricardo Saraiva (Ultimatemister.com) on November 13th.
128MB 2.4 XSD module from Ricardo/retroshop.pt, both tests worked for 20min+ :)
20 minutes each on both tests. no issues that I could see or hear. I don't remember where I got the module.
Both tests always pass with my 128MB XXSD module from Antonio. I ran them 3 times: 5mins, 20mins, >1h - however some cps1.5 games do not work with the latest version, e. g. c&d always fails when the first level starts, as I described in the other post in my comment. the first q sound beta was fine for me.
on my 128 mb from Antonio Villena received last week 48mhz fail after2/3 minutes.... 96mhz no problem after 15 minutes... tried 2 times
Both passed for 10+ mins on my 128MB from LegacyPixels. Never had any issues running CPS games except for the bugs with the SlamMaster games
thank you for helping make the MiSTer the best it can be, JOTEGO !!
Purchased from misterfpga.co.uk. Ran both tests for an hour each and had no problems. Had crashes only in The Punisher until most recent release in which everything runs fine.
Find this fascinating. Well done Jose for working on the problem - I am Arcade Engineer/restorer and memory is something that problem for some Sega kit, so watching carfully. :)
128MB passed on 48/96. Purchased from eBay @dirkthedaring71 on 09 Jun, 2020 https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/dirkthedaring71
Ran 48 MHz for about 20 minutes, no issues. Left 96 MHz running for well over an hour, and also no issues. 128 MB module using Alliance memory chips, purchased from https://misterfpga.co.uk/
Run both tests on the 128Mb from ManuFerhi and everything seems to work just fine.
Both tests run fine for 30+ minutes. 128 MB module bought from https://ultimatemister.com in May 2020.
I have the 128mb from ManuFerHi, ran all tests (30 minutes aprox. of running time - TVcommercials from Antena 3 tv standard time, xd ) and ALL OK.
128MB home made, 20minutes and no problems at all @ 48 & 96 MHz 😊
48 works for hours, 96 fails within minutes every time (part of the screen turns red) - 128MB RAM module was included in a complete set from ultimatemister.com
Hey. I have a ultimate mister pro as well and don’t have problems with both tests. I wonder what kind of power supply you used. The one I received shipped with it is not great. I picked another one I had in my home with 3A output and that solved stability issues I had in some cores. Could it be part of the SDRAM problem?
48/96 MHz both worked without fail. Tested for approx. 10 minutes each. My 128 MB SDRAM is from misteraddons.
128MB SDRAM built by myself works fine with both .
128MB passed on 48/96. Purchased from misteraddons mid 2020
128MB 48/96 passed
Both ran fine for 30m each on my 128MB RAM module. I have a blue PCB one I bought from misteraddons via Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DQY7NRN?ref_=pe_527950_33920290_dpLink
Ran for 5+ (<10) minutes each. No problems. Did have to cold reboot between 96 and 48, but I do not consider that an issue. 128MB RAM from zerohimself.
Ran both for 30 minutes each, misterfpga.co.uk as well. Tested out another build with misteraddons.com build. Both worked perfect. Both 128MB modules that both test reliably at 140mhz in the normal SDRAM test.
Need to ask about the supposed sound that gives an error. How it is the sound like ? My speakers buzz during the mister start up and in memory test when they are very loud. But at normal volume I can't hear anything. Is it supposed an audible buzzing ?
It is very loud. You will hear it. The screen goes red at the same time too. The three fail signals are simultaneous.
My test for SDRAM 128MB v2.5 from ZeroHimself: sdram 48MHz run from 6:10 pm to 6:25 pm - good sdram 96MHz run from 6:25 pm to 6:30 pm - fail - failed after 5 min sdram 96MHz run from 6:30 pm to 6:36 pm - fail - failed after 5 min sdram 48MHz run from 6:37 pm to 6:47 pm - good sdram 96MHz run from 6:47 pm to 7:00 pm - good sdram 96MHz run from 8:25 pm to 8:32 pm - fail - failed after 5 min sdram 96MHz run from 8:38 pm to 9:20 pm - good When released the jtcps15_20201218.rbf only crashed 1 time for SFZ QSOUND, restarted and played fine entire gamethrough, played fine Cadillacs&Dinosours and The Punisher as well. For release of jtcps15_20210101.rbf had no problem at all. Choose "Only 96MHz fails. 64/128MB user. Official module" on the poll.
I'll rerun mine for a longer period of time. Thanks for the detailed time ranges
48 failed within 2 mins, but 96 was happy to run for over an hour. I think I bought my module from Ricardo in late 2019.
Oops, I've got a 128mb module. And I didn't vote as the option wasn't on the list.
Did about 5 minutes of each, no problems. Purchased from misterfpga.co.uk 👍🏻
So far so good. 10 minutes each at 48/96 on 128MB SDRAM.
128MB SDRAM XS-D v2.5 from Antonio here. Both tests passed for +25min each. Full disclosure : I had crash problems with december releases of jtcps15 core, no more problems with jtcps15_20210102.rbf
I'm getting Flashing LED's intermittently @48 mhz and lots of flashing @96 mhz :( .Screen is all green and no noise
I turned everything off left it for a few minutes re tried know everything is fine at both 48/96.I'll keep trying the test
No issues with either test after 10 minutes on 128MB module from https://misterfpga.co.uk/
Hi Jose. Statistics do not match the 20% failure rate of the previous poll. Does that mean that the test is not hard enough on the SDRAM? Or have you made some modifications recently that improve the stability of the SDRAM access?
It looks like there are many people with failures only at 48MHz. I didn’t provide an option for that in the poll. Silly me. The test tries to represent what the cores do in a quicker way. But no test is perfect.
No issues with 48MHz or 96MHz on my 128MB module purchased from ZeroHimself. Ran for 5 min each with my fingers crossed.
Ran both tests for 10 mins on 2 different 128MB modules. One from Porkchop and one from eBay seller irianordaz. All green.
Can't vote twice, but I tested both my 128MB MisterAddons SDRAM and my 128MB Zerohimself SDRAM and both pass 48/96 for 10 minutes each.
I have been running both for over a half hour each with no issue using a 128mb from https://www.ebay.com/usr/dailydeals1001. My module also has a 22uF cap that I added not too long ago.
128MB from Ricardo. No issues. 20 mins each.
Thanks for working on this less fun core. It is good to have a stable test method.
I have a offical Module. 96Mhz is working fine more then 10 Minutes. 48Mhz errors after some seconds. Added for test a 10uF Capacitor, still the same Error.
Ricardo modules are considered official or non-official?
Official
Both ran successfully for me for 5+ minutes with my Mister Add-Ons 128MB module. Thanks so much for this. I haven't been experiencing any problems but it's good to know for sure.
128 Mb module from Ricardo. No issues - ran each test for 10 min plus
Hello, 128 Mb module, only fails with 48MHz test and it fails at the begining, 96MHz test is working good for more than 15 min. Jose thank you again for your hard work.
All good with 128MB module from MisterFPGA.co.uk (cps 1.5 core @96 crashed)
Ran each test for 10 minutes: No issues. 128mb by Zerohimself, fwiw.
All tests ran for 5+ minutes: - 3x ZeroHimself 128MB SDRAM modules tested fine for both tests. - 1x AliExpress 32MB SDRAM module failed instantly at 48 MHz, but passed for the 96 MHz test.
Both tests ran fine for 10 mins each MiSTerFPGA.co.uk 128MB module
Both tests ran fine for about 30 mins using a 128MB L-shaped module (XXSD?) from MiSTerFPGA.co.uk.
Please if just 48MHz fails write it here. I’ll contact you in a few days. There is one thing different between 48 and 96 (rather than the obvious) that I’d like to clarify
Happens to me
48 test fails almost right away. 96 is working fine for 30 minutes. So I couldn't vote as there no '96 only works on 128MB'
I have the same case. 96 is working without problem and 48 fails in seconds with a 64mb module from Antonio Villena
Thanks once again José. Both tests passed fine in two 128MB modules (stock, no caps added), for 15+ minutes each separate test. Got these out of eBay, US seller “daily deals” fwiw
Ran the test on 2 different MiSTers, both with 128MB (one from Ricardo, the other from zerohimself). Both ran for 10+ minutes on 48/96mhz with no errors.
Both ran fine for 30 minutes on a MiSTerFPGA.co.uk 128MB board. Gameplay is not quite as good as your other cores, but the graphics were good :D
128 MB Ricardo module works very well 48Mhz and 96Mhz as allways.
Misteraddons 128MB x 2 @48/96 working without issue over 10min each
128 mb module from zerohimself. All systems go! :)
Only 48MHz fails. 64/128MB user. Official module. This option is missing from the poll but it's what happens for me and other people according to their comments. This is a v2.4 module from Ricardo/ultimatemister.com, I have also tested a v2.5 module from Ricardo which works fine in both 48 and 96MHz.
I am seeing no issues with a 128MB module from ZeroHimself. Running both 48Mhz and 96MHz tests both for longer than 5 mins,10-15 or so. I ran it again for ~ 1hour for each with no issues.
all 3 of my mister fpga with 128 mb module, work both at 48 and 96 mhz. 1 Mister from Misteraddons.com and 2 Mister from ManuFerHi.com.
Both tests are OK. 128 MB module (flat version) from Antonio Villena.
Jose, I have been trying to follow this saga on Twitter, but eventually lost track. I appreciate the hard work you have been doing to work around manufacturers defects. At the same time, I have no qualms buying new memory if they fix the design flaw. Let me download and test on my setup tonight.
Both worked for over 6 minutes before I reset.
96mhz passes, I've run it for over 5 minutes, but 48mhz fails after 4 minutes, 128mb from Twinkytwonka on the Atari Forum. So I've not voted
Both tests passed - 128MB Module from ManuFerHi
both ran great for over 15 minutes for me. 128mb from misteraddons
Both tests passed - 128MB Module Purchased from US Ebay Seller
Both tests ran successfully, each for 10+ min. Got my 128 setup from UltimateMister.com
all ok with 128 module from spanish seller ;)
What about an option with just 48MHz failing? seems to be happening to me. 96MHz is absolutely fine. Is Ricardo's module considered official?
same for me. My official 32 MB module works ok at 96 MHz for 40 minutes, but fails almost immediately when running the 48 MHz test.
I've run both tests for over 5 mninutes and both pass. Using a SDRAM XS-D v2.5 128MB Module from misterfpga.co.uk here.
128 module, both tests passed > 5 min. (128 module, Acrylic case, noctua fan from misterfpga.co.uk)
Using a 128MB module from misteraddons.com and ran both tests for 5+ minutes each without issue.
I contacted my memory seller to say that his memory is bad - because it doesn't crash on 48 nor 96. I'm disappointing in the quality. p.s. there is an issue when booting the 96 core after running the 48 core without rebooting. p.p.s: please put a timer on the screen how long the test runs.
Sorry, do you see a fail or not? I’m not sure by reading your text.
how long sould we leave it running to get a "proper" test result?
I don’t know. A cycle is a full dim/bright sequence in the video. Each cycle uses different data in different order. If you make a short in the SDRAM using a metallic object, it will catch it in one cycle. But don’t tamper with your SDRAM to prove it!
128 module (misteraddons) and 48/96 both work just fine for at least 5 minutes each!
both ok > 5min original 128MB original sdram with added electrolitic capacitor
Weird it fails on 48 only on my end. Almost immediately. 96 will run for a while though...
Green on 96Mhz test but it fails almost immediately on 48Mhz. Weird
hi i have 48mhz fails after some secondes but 96mhz good for 10min on 32mo aio
Seeing your name scrolling in red text is stressing me out during the test :)
LOL. You can press the 1 key to turn the text off. Same as with the pause screen in arcade cores.
All good here with both after 5 minutes. 128mb. Can’t wait for CPS2 👍🏻
Looking forward to later in January!
Nice, thanka for the test core. Will run it asap. You've done a great job with all the sdram Problems already
Thank you for your work Jose!
Sorry, I passed out... after reading "CPS2 beta in January."
haha Right?
Awesome!! - good thinking! - a joystick and analogue/mouse/spinner tester would be cool too some day :)