Hi everyone, im new to this forums... ive been into pcs for a while and i can handle myself pretty good with software.. but i suck at hardware.. a friend used to do all that for me, but i want to learn.. so here i am... ok i wanted to ask something... I have 256MB of RAM a small poart of it goes to the integrated Gfx card so its more like 248.. and i also have one more port for extra memory... according to a bunch of system diagnostic programs.. ive found out my RAM is Pc2100 (266) and it is kind of hard to get around here.. can i install a 333 or so in my pc, will it run ok?

these are my motherboards stats
Board: Intel Corporation D845GEBV2 AAA97677-107
Serial Number: ABBV34031809
Bus Clock: 100 megahertz
BIOS: Intel Corp. RG84510A.86A.0028.P15.0302260937 02/26/2003

and im running on an Intel P4 processor

Thx

Hi RomSfan,

Welcome to the PCHF!


I'm not 100% sure to be honest on that question, I used to know, but i really can't think of the answer this very second. One of the other techs might be able to answer a bit better for you.

Hi RomsFan!

you can run the faster ram on your system but it will not speed up your computer(clock speed). DDR Ram is backward compatable meaning that it will work in all DDR systems but only at the same speed as determined by your computer specs or as determined by the speed of the ram.

PC2100 will work in systems designed for PC2700 0r PC3200 but it will only work at the original speed of PC2100 ram at the same time PC3200 will work in systems designed around PC2700 or PC2100 but will lower its speed to that of the system it is installed in.

I would not recommend that you use different speeds of ram at the same time. Remove the PC2100 and replace it with PC2700 and you will be fine. Although what I said above holds true with the PC3200 I don't recommend that you use that speed in your system as it is actually a next step up in ram manufacturing and it may not be compatable within your system.
You should be fine with the PC2700 but I would go for a top grade or brand and not settle for some low value.

Hope that helps you!

I found on the web a company that sells 512 Mb Pc3200 but he claims that this memory is totally compatible with 333 and 266 and that it'll run perfectly should i trust it? i mean.. there are memory that even thou are more advanced still run perfectly in old systems? or should i just go for the safe move and look for a 266 memory??

It may be compatable with with newer 333 and 266 as I stated above all DDR Ram is backward compatable. The problem is that PC3200(DDR400) is a different step up from PC2700 and as in older mobo's it is not always compatable. It is a pure shot in the dark as to whether it will work on your system.
Unless you have money to throw away it is best to go with what you know works.
That is why you should look for major brand names in buying ram of any type!

Your system uses a NON ECC memory make sure that what you buy is also NON ECC Registered.

what does NON ECC means?

Hey Rom.

ECC or Non-parity? You may have to decide whether you want ECC or non-parity. ECC can find and correct some memory errors, but it comes with a performance price-it will slow your system by about 2%. Fortunately, memory errors are rare in today's memory chips, so most average users don't have a need for ECC. If you're planning to use your system as a server or other "mission-critical" machine, I recommend ECC. If you're looking for maximum speed, I recommend non-parity.