Re: memtest86, built into kernel

lilo (TaRDiS@mail.utexas.edu)
Tue, 23 Apr 1996 12:18:52 -0500 (CDT)


On Mon, 22 Apr 1996, Andreas Kostyrka wrote:

> >Even good RAM has some single-bit errors after a few weeks. It can be
> >caused by radioactivity (alpha particles) for example.
> Hmmm, where is your alpha particle producer in a closed computer box?
> When I remember my physics examination right, alpha particles are stopped
> even by paper, beta and especially gamma radiation are the ``difficult to
> limit'' ones. So I assume that the plastic cover on the RAM chips is
> protection enough, right?

Ceramics in the chip housings. Basically, the chips produce their own alpha
particles through natural radioactivity.

lilo