[rasz]

Rambus meant Nintendo shipped 5 gen console on 2 layer pcb with only 4 big ICs. TWO layers! that was a huge cost saving. Compare to Sega Saturn with a total of something like 144bits of various memory buses divided into multiple memory banks over multiple memory chips.

[plerpin]

How many layers did the Saturn's PCB have?

[rasz]

at least 4 like playstation, compare this nightmare https://mcretro.net/sega-saturn-photographing-has-begun/

to https://bitbuilt.net/forums/index.php?threads/trimming-your-... revercse engineered pcb layout here https://gmanmodz.com/2020/01/30/2020-the-year-of-n64-again/

One was thrown together by committee with some function goal in mind, the other designed top to bottom with huge influence from process engineers. Simplified layout and reducent component count/variety means less time in pick&place, faster optical alignment, faster optical inspection, less opportunity for process flaws.

[plerpin]

Very interesting, thanks.