RAM2GS II (model GW4201D) expands the Apple IIgs's fast memory to 8 MB. The RAM capacity can be reduced to 4 MB using the GWRAM.SYSTEM utility program.

Low-Power, SDRAM-Based Design

Thanks to a modern, low-power design, RAM2GS II uses a maximum of 0.15 watts when idle (30 mA @ 5V) and 0.5W in active use (100mA @ 5V). These are worst-case figures, and typical power consumption is much lower. Unlike other IIgs RAM expansion cards, which are built with vintage asynchronous DRAM chips, RAM2GS II uses modern SDRAM. This design allows for low power consumption and improved reliability over other memory cards using 15+ year old chips.

Small Size, Low-Profile

RAM2GS II features a small board outline and is the thinnest Apple IIgs expansion memory card ever produced, at under 4.5 mm thin. Small and thin dimensions improve the mechanical compatibility between RAM2GS II and peripheral cards installed into the IIgs's Slot 7.

Adjustable Capacity, Highly Compatible

The Apple IIgs can utilize up to 8 MB of fast memory, but due to limitations of the Apple IIgs hardware, not all 8 MB is considered "DMA-compatible." Only 4 MB of the 8 MB provided by an expansion RAM card such as the RAM2GS II is DMA-compatible, and peripheral cards which use DMA are not able to access expansion memory beyond 4 MB. RAM2GS II implements an adjustable capacity feature, allowing the user to select between fully DMA-compatible 4 MB capacity, or partially DMA-compatible 8MB capacity. Capacity settings can be set temporarily or saved in nonvolatile memory. The capacity adjustment utility, known as GWRAM, is available on our website.

Activity LED

All RAM2GS II cards sold since 2023 are equipped with an activity LED. By default, the LED is disabled and will not illuminate. If enabled using the GWRAM utility, the LED will illuminate during RAM access cycles.

Ecologically Friendly, Gold-Plated PCB

RAM2GS II is built with a lead-free, ENIG gold-plated, 4-layer PCB and is fully EU RoHS-compliant. All units are tested extensively before shipment, and only new parts are used to build RAM2GS II.

Open-Source Design

RAM2GS II's design is fully open-source. The schematics, board layouts, CPLD firmware, and utility software are all freely available for commercial and noncommercial use. To download the design files, visit the Garrett's Workshop GitHub page.