Memory Compatibility

[carpenator]

At one point I used to know memory well, but that was about 5 years ago. I am looking at upgrading the memory in my computer by installing 2x512mb. As I have in my sig, I am running Micron 533 memory. Is there something I need to look at for compatibility, or do I just need to make sure I order the same mhz? I know back in the day if you didn't get the same memory that it caused fits, but that was when you had to pair, and omg it makes me feel old to say this, quad.

If there is a **** guide, feel free to link and tell me to RTFG, but I did look.

Thanks!

Roger

[gvblake22]

Its best to try and match speed and timings as well as operating voltage (if possible). Also, matching brands or memory IC type would be ideal, but usually not easy to do.
And no, we don't have any memory buying guides (yet)

[screwballl]

most mobo manufacturer websites have a compatibility list for their mobos so take a look to see what works and what is within your budget

[carpenator]

I went up to Crucial's site and that helped some too. I am still not sure what the #-#-#-# is though. They didn't explain that even though they have Ram spec'd that way.

The memory that they listed on the beginning of their timeline, 100 and 133 mhz, is what I was working with when I still was doing hardware. I guess it has been a long time.

If anyone has any good links, please post them as I like to read this stuff.

Thanks,

Roger

[sbohdan]

you could run CPU-Z to find out about your mem. timings. you should definitely get same speed, timings and voltage.

[carpenator]

Very cool!!! I still have a long way to go, but it is starting to make more sense. You saved me from having the pop the case to get the memory part # and that in itself is a good step.

At this point I think I am going to pair up the memory I have with something of the same type and brand. Then I am looking in the future of putting in two more sticks, are they still called sticks, of RAM that are better performance.

Is there any downside to having two different types of pairs? Does it down clock the faster pair to match the first pair or does it use a separate channel?

The more I read the more I realize how much has changed and how much I have to catch up. I guess there is no time like the present.

Thanks,

Roger

[gvblake22]

It will probably downclock the faster stick. It will only run as fast as the slowest component

[Panda Man]

Originally Posted by carpenator

At this point I think I am going to pair up the memory I have with something of the same type and brand. Then I am looking in the future of putting in two more sticks, are they still called sticks, of RAM that are better performance.

Is there any downside to having two different types of pairs? Does it down clock the faster pair to match the first pair or does it use a separate channel?

They're still called sticks, but you hear DIMMs more often. And yes, if you put in say DDR2-800 memory in one slot and DDR2667 in another, it will run at DDR2-667. Same thing with the timings, it should run at the loosest timing.

[carpenator]

Originally Posted by Panda Man

They're still called sticks, but you hear DIMMs more often. And yes, if you put in say DDR2-800 memory in one slot and DDR2667 in another, it will run at DDR2-667. Same thing with the timings, it should run at the loosest timing.

Understand. Let me try and ask this again to make sure. I have 4 slots. If I did:

Slot0 533
Slot1 533
Slot2 677
Slot3 677

Is it going to keep each pair at its own speed, or would it take all the slots down to 533? This is where I am confused as I know my MB does pairing, but I am not sure if each pair has its own bus or if all 4 slots share and it goes at the speed of the slowest one.

I think there is hope yet for me!

Roger

[Capper]

All your memory would run at the slower speed.

Although i don't mess with 4x, i would also recommend running the matched pairs in each channel.