DDR memory update 1

[omegasa]

Hi,

On the motherboard of my PC There are 2 DDR slots and 2 DIMM slots. I want to add more RAM memory. Now I have only one DDR slot occupied with DDR-400Mhz CL3 PC3200U-30330(128MB). Maybe someone tell what CL3 means because I've read about CL2.5 modules.
Anyway I know that if I have 2 modules of memory both must have the same speed. Can someone tell me if the following "combination" are valid ?

1. 1xDDR400 CL3(120MB) and 1xDDR400CL2.5 (256MB)
2. 1xDDR400 CL3(120MB) and 1x DIMM (512MB)

Thanks in advance

 

[tf1]

To answer this correctly, we really need to know the motherboard type as it may or may not support dual channel memory. If it does support dual channel, then the benefit of dual channel (which requires identical modules) will outweigh the advantages of more memory in most circumstances.

You could try logging in to

http://www.crucial.com

and use their on line memory advisor which will examine your system to determine the motherboard and memory population.

Crucial are also a competitive source of good memory.



Regards: tf1

 

[paparazi]

tf1
Dual channel memory came later.
Boards that supported both PC/100133 as well as the later DDR2100/2700/3200 were introduced at that transitional period between memory types (around 2001)
It wasn't until right at the end of 2002 and early 2003 that Nvidia introduced the first dual channel boards equipt with their Nforce2 chipset and none of these supported both memory types.
I'm guessing omegasa has one of the popular ECS motherboards? K7S5A or similar or perhaps a Jetway or PCchips? all were popular for their "dual type" memory motherboards.
CL3 modules just have a slightly slower latency than CL2.5 but should work in conjunction with as long as the lower CL3 settings are used in the bios.
Download your motherboards manual for a defintive chart of compatible memory makes and module sizes.
On the face of it, all your choices should work although early DDR modules tended to use chips of a lower denomination (double sided) and these are most likely to be compatible.
Martin

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Participate and help others.

 

[omegasa]

Using Lavalys Everest:

processor: AMD Athlon XP 1666Mhz
Matherboard: Matsonic MS8137 C(+) (5PCI, 1AGP, 4 DIMM)
Chipset: VIA VT8366A Appo;o KT266A
Memory 128MB(PC3200 DDR SDRAM CL3)
memory name: Nanya M2U12864DSH4B3G-5T

Thanks

 

[paparazi]

Ahh yes, I remember them well.
Here you go:

http://www.matsonic.com/mb/downloaddata/manual_via.htm#MS8137C+

Martin


We like members to GIVE and not just TAKE.
Participate and help others.