MINICOMPUTER DESIGNER CHOOSES SEMICONDUCTOR OVER CORE MEMORY.

After comparing memory alternatives, the author concludes that 4K n-channel RAM is the best choice for minicomputer main memory. 4K RAMs produce systems which are higher in density, cheaper, faster, tougher, and, from all indications, ones that should be at least as reliable (and probably much more reliable in the future) as equivalent core systems. The problem of volatility is difficult but economically solvable. If a system design is committed to 4K RAMs, as was done in 1972 for the computer series discussed here, merely replacing core is not sufficient; instead, the entire computer, including power supply, CPU, and I/O channels, must be designed with the advantages and problems of semiconductor 4K RAMs in mind.