PowerBook 3400-series


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The PowerBook 3400-series has one 120-pin motherboard memory expansion slot addressed along a 64-bit memory data bus via low-power bus buffers. These computers require unique, extended refresh capable (L-type), Extended Data Out (EDO), 3.3v, 60ns, TSOP (thin small outline package) low-profile PB3400 Memory Expansion Cards in either 8MB, 16MB, 24MB, 32MB, 64MB, 96MB, or 128MB, capacities.

Although the RAM expansion connector on 3400-series modules is identical to that used on modules for the PowerBook 5300-series, the connector is oriented oppositely and pin assignments are distinct. PowerBook 5300 memory modules consequently will not work in 3400-series PowerBooks.

As of March 7, 1997, the PowerBook 3400-series ships in two configurations, both including 16MBs of non-self-refresh EDO 70ns DRAM soldered to the logic board:

• PowerBook 3400c/180;

• PowerBook 3400ce/200.

The addition of a single 8MB, 16MB, 24MB, 32MB, 64MB, 96MB or 128MB expansion module yields memory configurations of 24MB, 32MB, 40MB, 48MB, 80MB, 112MB, or 144MB.

The PB3400-series currently ships with a 180MHz or 200MHz Motorola 603ev microprocessor which accesses RAM and ROM in a cached, burst mode, across a processor bus operating at 40MHz. Utilizing the same PSX IC memory controller found in the PowerBook 1400-series, the processor bus and PCI buses run asynchronously, with the PCI bus running at 33MHz. Significantly, the 3400-series also includes a 256K L2 cache, the largest ever in an Apple PowerBook.

Specifications
Logic Board RAM		16MB.
Supported Modules		8MB, 16MB, 24MB, 32MB, 64MB, 96MB, 128MB.
Number Expansion Slots		One.
Soldered VRAM		1MB.
Number VRAM Slots		None.
L2 Cache Supported		256k L2 soldered on logic board.
Module Type		60ns PB3400-series RAM Expansion Card.

The PowerBook 3400 memory specification is detailed in the Apple PB 3400 Developer Note available for download from Apple's Developer World web site. MacGurus highly advises that all owners of PowerBook 3400-series computers considering the purchase of 64MB modules review this document and make an informed buying decision.

Video is controlled by a Chips and Technologies 65550 IC, which is typically found in laptop computers running the Windows operating system. Consequently, the PowerBook 3400's video circuitry lacks support for dual monitors, traditionally a hallmark feature of Macintosh system design. With a video adapter, the 3400's non-upgradeable video circuitry will support all Apple displays, however, including the MultiSync 20.