[Resolved] Choosing the Right RAM! - PC Help Forum - Free Computer Help, Windows, Hardware, Software and more!

Terdogtanner · #1 03-08-2008

I have an ECS P4VXMS Motherboard which supports 1.5 G
(I thought it was a Matsonic MS9107C MB and ended up ordering DDR SDRAM 2100!!) WOMP WOMP! lol

Actually I plan on ordering two RAM modules right now! lol
So I need some help....

Here are my original thoughts on purchasing;
Two 512MB 168 pin PC133 Single-Banked nonECC SDRAM DIMM (p/n ADT)

plus my original 256MB SDRAM module thats already in my PC...so that brings me up to 1.2G's

Now are the choices I made wise?
I wasn't sure what the difference was between Single Banked and CL2 or CL3 32X8?
Maybe compatibility? My gut tells me its fine

I just need that extra opinion or "fact"

Also, I'll be ordering a Graphics Card, but ill put that into another post right now!

Terdogtanner · #2 03-09-2008

and im pretty sure that this will be compatible with my current setup

yes or no?!?

Cobracon · #3 03-09-2008

Computer memory upgrades for Elite Group (ECS) P4VXMS Motherboard from Crucial.com

I've listed this web page as merely a suggestion, and a place where you might get some of your questions answered. When I was 'learning' about the various types of RAM, I used Crucial's website to provide detailed descriptions and definitions for my questions, then I went looking for less expensive prices while armed with the facts.

Terdogtanner · #4 03-09-2008

okay cool
so will the choices I made originally be okay though?????

Cobracon · #5 03-09-2008

You have to match the memory technology already installed in your computer. I have no idea exactly what type memory you currently run, so I can't say if your choice is supported by the motherboard and/or will be compatable with your current RAM. There should be a tag on the RAM with some of this info printed out, such as latency (the 'CL stuff'), etc. The tag should also list a part number and the manufacturer. Check their website out and look for the same memory in 512MB instead of 256MB.

Have you scanned your PC with a program such as Everest Home or PC Wizard to get the indepth details of your RAM??

A site like Crucial's (and there are others) guarantee their RAM recommendations to work, but not compatability with currently installed RAM. If you'll spend a few minutes on the web page to which I provided a link, all the details are right there, OR you can buy the RAM which Crucial says will work.

Terdogtanner · #6 03-10-2008

Yeah I have everest Ultimate edition...
here's what I got from the scan:

Memory:
Module Name=Xerox
Module Size=256MB(2 Ranks, 4 Banks)
Module Type=Unbuffered
Memory Type=SDRAM
Memory Speed=PC133 (133MHz)
Module Width=64Bit
Refresh Rate=Normal,Self-Refresh

Memory Timings at 133MHz=3.0-3-3-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)
(I have VIA chipsets as well)

Bank Interleave=4 WAY

CAS Latency=3T
RAS to CAS Delay=3T
RAS Precharge=3T
RAS Active Time=6T
Command Rate=2T

AW_3_3 · #7 03-10-2008

Hey Ter, you need this memory Newegg.com - Kingston 512MB 168-Pin SDRAM PC 100 Desktop Memory - Retail

Terdogtanner · #8 03-10-2008

alright now im confused...

shouldnt i just run PC133 again, along with my current PC133 module???
thats the type of ram i was hoping for since its the same as in my current PC

AW_3_3 · #9 03-10-2008

oh oops. my bad. i thought it was PC133. you need THIS memory Newegg.com - Crucial 512MB 168-Pin SDRAM PC 133 Desktop Memory - Retail
If i were you, i would buy 2, which would give you 1GB, and take out your old memory, because this new memory has much faster timings, Cas Latency 2 vs Cas Latency 3 for your old memory

Terdogtanner · #10 03-10-2008

so CAS 2 is better than CAS 3?

AW_3_3 · #11 03-10-2008

Yes. Lower Timings numbers are faster.