What DDR ram for PC?

[Magno Boots]

Dear Amibayers,

I have an old Dell Dimension 3000 desktop that currently has 2 lots of 256mb DDR ram installed (PC2700).

I fancy upping this to one gig minimum as it struggles with high quality scans on my new printer/scanner.

Now.. I see that PC3200 ram is readily available to buy at a price not much more than the 2700.

My question is, will this be compatible and would it offer an increase in speed?

Many thanks,
Magno

 

[imnogeek]

Re: What DDR ram for PC?

if you go here it will scan your system and tell you all you need to know

linky

Gary

 

[Merlin]

Re: What DDR ram for PC?

@ Magno

PC2700 is usually DDR2-533MHz, so you may be able to add PC3200 which is DDR2-667MHz, if memory serves. The worst that might happen is that the motherboard doesn't support DDR2-667, in which case it should still work, but will underclock down to 533Mhz.

 

[Magno Boots]

Re: What DDR ram for PC?

Fantastic!

You guys have done it again

That little system scan confirms that I can use PC3200 up to 2gb with a (claimed) performance gain of what looks something like a third.

Even if it does underclock it's not a problem to me.

Sincerest thanks,
Magno

 

[rkauer]

Re: What DDR ram for PC?

Any DDR "1" type memory will run if the size is supported by the motherboard.

 

[imnogeek]

Re: What DDR ram for PC?

That little system scan confirms that I can use PC3200 up to 2gb with a (claimed) performance gain of what looks something like a third.

Good stuff

@Merlin (you had slipped into DDR2 Memory) so just to tidy up incase anybody else reads the thread and takes advice from it..

DDR1 PC2100 - 266Mhz, PC2700 - 333Mhz, PC3200 - 400Mhz, PC4300 - 533Mhz (PC4300 was also produced in DDR2 format)

as rkaur says a rule of thumb is that all DDR1 memory should work if the size is supported but some systems can be fussy.

Gary

 

[Shoonay]

Re: What DDR ram for PC?

The problem with DDR1 is that they're actually more expensive then DDR2
Just had a look at Allegro.pl and DDR1 2GB costs more then 4GB DDR2

 

[Harrison]

Re: What DDR ram for PC?

Looking at http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/listpar ... ion%203000 your PC has 2 ram slots, which can each support PC2700 or PC3200 DIMMS, with a maximum size of 1GB per slot. Therefore your system supports a total of 2GB or ram. I'm not sure if the system can actually run PC3200 ram at 400Mhz, or if it just supports it, but running at the same slower speed of 333MHz as PC2700 ram, but as both PC2700 and PC3200 ram is currently identical in price it is worth buying 2x PC3200 1GB DIMMS and installing them.

Buying a 2GB ram kit is a good idea as the ram will be matched and identical, so if your system supports dual channel mode the ram will run faster when installed together. Crucial sell a 2GB kit (2x 1GB) for £58.64.

The best price I found for you is £47.99 for a 2GB kit (1GB x2) of value PC3200 ram on ebuyer.com, or for slightly more you can get Corsair 2GB kit (1GB x2) for £51. Take a look here.

Now that the faster DDR2 ram is standard in newer faster systems, DDR1 ram is sadly getting more expensive.

 

[Magno Boots]

Re: What DDR ram for PC?

Thanks for the advice Harrison.

I did indeed purchase the PC3200 dimms (2 x 1gb) yesterday from Crucial following the tips from Imnogeek and Merlin.

I appreciate the cost comparisons also, but I played safe with Crucial as I didn't fancy taking the risk of receiving a dud from that well known online auction.

Updates to follow and thanks again to all.

Magno