Can anyone help me with a RAM issue?

southernscouser

Basically looking for 2GB of ram. I understand I need DDR (think it's because of the slots on the motherboard). However, I understand there are different hz speeds or something? Can anyone tell me what one I need? :undecided

I ran a test which told me I could hold 3gb, but I can't see where it tells me the hz! Also, does anyone know the cheapest place to pick it up? Thanks.

S0litaire

Just search for DDR "PC2700" or "PC3200" either one will be fine.
(The "PC####" numbers are the speed types.)

Mista_C

In your image the DDR333 is 333MHz, DDR400 is 400MHz.

In the case of many machines you can use RAM with a higher bus speed but they will only run it to match your existing RAM/bus speed. You can't run 333MHz at 400MHz (without develing into the realm of overclocking which I personally wouldn't recommend) but you can run 400MHz at 333MHz.

There are other things to take into consideraton with RAM such as CAS Latency speed. In your image the CAS Latency is signified by CL=x. CAS Latency defies the usual convention of computer upgrades by working the opposite way around, i.e. the lower the number, the quicker the speed.

CAS is an acronym for "Column Address Strobe" and the timing, 2.5 or 3 in your image, is the length of the Clock Cycles. For the most part CL3 should be adequate for basic computing needs but for some the lower the CAS Latency the better, gamers, CAD people, etc.

I stick to some basic rules when building or upgrading machines for customers. Matched modules and highest possible clock speed at the lowest CAS Latency. It is noticable to a lot of people and I do get some excellent feedback from them.

southernscouser

Mista_C wrote: »

In your image the DDR333 is 333MHz, DDR400 is 400MHz.

In the case of many machines you can use RAM with a higher bus speed but they will only run it to match your existing RAM/bus speed. You can't run 333MHz at 400MHz (without develing into the realm of overclocking which I personally wouldn't recommend) but you can run 400MHz at 333MHz.

There are other things to take into consideraton with RAM such as CAS Latency speed. In your image the CAS Latency is signified by CL=x. CAS Latency defies the usual convention of computer upgrades by working the opposite way around, i.e. the lower the number, the quicker the speed.

CAS is an acronym for "Column Address Strobe" and the timing, 2.5 or 3 in your image, is the length of the Clock Cycles. For the most part CL3 should be adequate for basic computing needs but for some the lower the CAS Latency the better, gamers, CAD people, etc.

I stick to some basic rules when building or upgrading machines for customers. Matched modules and highest possible clock speed at the lowest CAS Latency. It is noticable to a lot of people and I do get some excellent feedback from them.

Oh crap. And I thought I had the rough jist of it before. lol

It's only for my folks. Internet, email, skype etc.

Any recommendations for sites? Are ebuyer still competitive?

UncleZen

Top Tip: Open the box first to make sure you actually have a socket to put the new ram in. The Cruicial scanner cant tell if a socket is present or not only that the MB is capable of taking additional ram - as I found out once :-(

southernscouser

UncleZen wrote: »

Top Tip: Open the box first to make sure you actually have a socket to put the new ram in. The Cruicial scanner cant tell if a socket is present or not only that the MB is capable of taking additional ram - as I found out once :-(

Thanks. I'm gonna be replacing what's in there. Currently got a 512, which I'll keep, and then 2 x 128? which I'll replace.

southernscouser

Can anyone confirm this one is what I'm after?

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/integral-pc-3200-ddr-400-dimm-ram-memory-module-1gb-09641805-pdt.html

grizzly1911

southernscouser wrote: »

Can anyone confirm this one is what I'm after?

http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/integral-pc-3200-ddr-400-dimm-ram-memory-module-1gb-09641805-pdt.html

Looks like the spec the wise guys have suggested here.

I replaced 2Gb (2x1Gb) best to do it in pairs I believe (left the other 2 X 256 in place). Brought it from Amazon, Kingston, cost £22 all in including delivery. It was sealed in its original hard "shrink wrap" and well packed.

If you search I am sure you can get better deals than PCW.


Made a marked improvement to my PC.

Mista_C

southernscouser wrote: »

Oh crap. And I thought I had the rough jist of it before. lol

It's only for my folks. Internet, email, skype etc.

Any recommendations for sites? Are ebuyer still competitive?

Sorry I didn't mean to confuse the issue. I see CL get overlooked so many times and in some cases it can make such a difference to the performance of a machine.

I've used Crucial lots of times but I tend to stick with Corsair or Kingston these days out of personal preference. No real favourite sites, usually where it's best value for money. Novatech.co.uk have never let me down yet. Aria.co.uk used to be good but I've not used them in a while now. I've found Ebuyer a bit hit and miss with RAM. Kustompcs.co.uk usually have fair prices but stock availability isn't brilliant.

If I can think of any others I'll post back.