DDR2 PC2-5300 or DDR2 PC2-6400 as a replacement for DDR2 PC2-3200?

suljka

Hi all,

One of the memory modules has packed up and even though the machine is pretty old (Dell Dimension 4700) I'd like to use the oportunity to upgrade its memory, thus possibly speeding it up a bit as well (as it can be rather slow).
I've already removed (and tested) the momory module in question and have run crucial.com scan to see what the replacement and upgrade would cost.
Now, the memory module that was in there originaly is DDR2 PC2-3200 type (512MB)and there's identiacal one still left in the machine. There are 4 slots altogether and I'd like to upgrade it to 2GB (so 2x1GB) and keep the existing module in there, thus getting about 2.5GB altogether.

The crucial scan is suggesting either DDR2 PC2-5300 or DDR2 PC2-6400, even though the manual is suggesting that the memory should be either PC2-3200 or PC2-4400. I have also found the DDR2 PC2-3200 memory (bit cheaper) that seems to be the match on ebay, so I'm at the loss as to which one I should go for.
I called crucial to enqire about this and they are saying I'm better off buying their memory as PC2-6400 is better than PC2-3200, and when run in my machine it will be noticably better. However I have doubt that running PC2-6400 in the machine that also has PC2-3200 will inevitably result in the higher spects memory module running at the slower speed, would it not?

Please advise on the best solution here

Many thanks

S.

spadoosh

Yeh was under the impression ram should be split evenly between the doubles. Been a long time since ive been in a pc though!

TakeThis

Yes, DDR2 modules are backwards compatible. But Crucial just want to sell.

I recommend a matched pair of PC2-4300, if you want to go for 2 x 1 GB. Which ever you go for, don't re-insert the old RAM or the clock speed will drop to match the old RAM.

Something like these @ £10.42 each. Perhaps someone else can find cheaper.

Take note of how to place a matched pair. Look here

suljka

Thanks guys. Have ordered matching memory from Crucial as it turned out to be the best deal as well... so fingers crossed it works once I get it... been waiting a while for delivery though.

TakeThis

How much from Crucial?

GunJack

http://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SMEM8DHD

£8 each, free postage and 12 months warranty....they donate to Help For Heroes too

or 3200's for £2 each

suljka

TakeThis wrote: »

How much from Crucial?

just under £23 fro 2 x 1GB, which is what I ordered. However still waiting for it to be delivered.

GunJack wrote: »

http://uk.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SMEM8DHD

£8 each, free postage and 12 months warranty....they donate to Help For Heroes too

or 3200's for £2 each

Sounds great, but unfortunatelly as the comp is Dell and the memory has to be very specific most of the cheaper options are not good match. As for the one you're suggesting the info that's provided doesn't give me enough info if it is a good match and there's no guarantee if it doesn't work... so simpler to go with Crucial

GunJack

^^^ the specs match, which is the important thing. Dell aren't any more fussy than most other makes....if you wanted to match the spec of what's fitted, two of the 3200's from cex would have set you back all of £4 for 2GB