exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

DrF wrote: 21 Sep 2017 18:08 Just a thought what can this fast ram be used for on the ST?
Is there a lot of software that can make use of it?

You could run a proper MiNT setup for one. That would be my main use.

DrF wrote: 21 Sep 2017 18:08 Just a thought what can this fast ram be used for on the ST?
Is there a lot of software that can make use of it?

Other than applications, I don't think there is much else it can be used for. Fast ram does not have access to the DMA circuit, so what TOS does is allocate a 64K buffer in normal ram so when you save allover file to fast ram has to do it by the 64K buffer. I have never tested but I would assume that this would actually be slower using fast ram and doing disk access in normal ram.

I have has to if anyone has actually tried running games in fast ram, but nobody is yet is actually given me a concrete answer.

I really do think a lot of people misunderstand what the use of fast ram is for, and they just think it is 8 MB instead of 4 MB RAM. Either that or they just want it is for the sake of it :lol:

As said previously, it is only useful for applications or multitasking environment. Of course having 32 MHz fast ram is ideal for applications running in it. I can only really think this may be useful for demo coders who are using real hardware as they could be able to compile a lot faster in fast ram.

One reason I have not particularly rushed for fast ram, is that I actually want to increase the normal ram speed. I have actually done this, and it would benefit all games and applications. I actually think this would actually be more useful than having 32 MHz fast ram with it being limited to basically just applications.

As faster normal ram is possible, I also do wonder if it's also possible to overclocked the DMA circuit to increase hard drive transfer speeds :twisted:

TBH, my boosted STE just doesn't have the top shielding fitted, and all seems fine to me :)

In fact the second STE I've just built doesn't have it either, so no need for a jigsaw at all :D