Page 1 of RAM questions

Crucial says I need this RAM:

* Module Size: 1GB
* Package: Ballistix Tracer 184-pin DIMM (with LEDs)
* Feature: DDR PC4000
* Specs: DDR PC4000 • 3-4-4-8 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR500 • 2.8V • 128Meg x 64

But 1GB (or a 2GB kit which is cheaper) is really expensive. It`s a lot cheaper on Amazon - but it this compatible?

# Product Description: Kingston ValueRAM memory - 1 GB - DIMM 184-PIN - DDR
# Storage Capacity: 1 GB
# Upgrade Type: Generic
# Technology: DDR SDRAM
# Form Factor: DIMM 184-PIN
# Memory Speed: 400 MHz ( PC3200 )
# Data Integrity Check: Non-ECC
# CAS Latency: CL3
# Features: Unbuffered
# Supply Voltage: 2.6 V

I think/know it would just run at a slower speed than the Crucial one, but I`m not sure about the voltage part mostly.

I want to take out 512MB from my PC and put it in mum`s so both computers get a kick up the arse (really it`s only hers that needs it, I`m just greedy). Crucial says mum needs this:

# Module Size: 512MB
# Package: 184-pin DIMM
# Feature: DDR PC3200
# Specs: DDR PC3200 • CL=3 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR400 • 2.6V • 64Meg x 64

So assuming the Amazon one is compatible with mine, would the 512 from mine be compatible with what hers needs?





www.soundalikes.com ~*~ glitterkat.stumbleupon.com

if it`s an AMD running ddr1 then you should be fine, but all bets are of if it`s an intel cpu/chipset, for some reason intel stuff is real picky with memory.

as for speed, basicaly all the memory installed will drop down to the speed of the lowest stick, so any pc4000 would drop down to pc3200. but essentially it should work fine.

Oh I didn`t think about that - mine is Intel, mum`s is AMD....





www.soundalikes.com ~*~ glitterkat.stumbleupon.com

your mums should be fine, & if crucial have matched the memory you looked at with your motherboard, you should be just dandy. you might have probs with the intel if you try & mix different brands of memory tho. but otherwise, it looks kosher :)

just to clarify, the memory is physicaly the same in that it`s the same type (but different speed) it`s just that intel tends to be a little more selective in what it "chooses" to allow to work :)

This item was edited on Monday, 3rd September 2007, 12:49

I`ve just bought memory from Crucial, 2x1GB matched pair, to give the old pc a bit of a boost. At first it came up with the PC4000 Ballistix memory but on the left hand side, there are some options. If you tick the box for PC3200 (DDR400) and deselect the PC4000, you should get some much cheaper options that will match your board. My 2x1gb are costing me a total of £72. I`m not that bothered about not having flashing led`s as my case isn`t clear.

The memory should be put in as a pair, if you only have 1x1gb, you won`t get the full speed as the memory can`t do dual channel. If you have 2x512mb or 2x1gb the memory will run as dual channel and get up to full speed for your board.

I`ve just bought some memory from Crucial as well (they seem to be a lot cheaper than Kingston). I`m surprised they were trying to push Ballistix memory on you as that`s their top-of-the-range stuff. I`d follow Ripper`s advice and play around with the selections, as they were suggesting an £82 best-choice option, but when I changed the option to match the speed of the board, the price dropped to £36.

They`re also bloody quick - next day delivery.

UPDATE: In fact, there you go

J Mark Oates

This item was edited on Sunday, 9th September 2007, 02:40