RAM information/question

drivehard454

I have an ASUS P4R800-VM MoBo. I currently have two sticks 256MB DDR. I want to get another 512MB installed and am wondering if it is ok to run with two 256MB and one 512MB. Or would it be best to get two 512MB sticks.

Also if the MHz is different between the cards what effects does this have.

I know this is pretty simple, but I just don't want to make a stupid mistake.

Thanks

cozumel

The memory only run as fast as the lowest speed module.

Your mobo runs on dual channel. So, in principal if channel A has 2x256=512 and channel B has 1x512 you should get dual channel operating.

Some mobos don't like having more than two slots occupied and it effects performance - but someone else can tell you about that cos I don't know.

IMHO you should get 2x512 and remove the 256
or
add 2 more 256 if your mobo is ok with four slots occupied. Remember that the fastest memory speed will drop if you have a slower module in one of the slots.

Edit: Check this out.
Forgot to say they must all be matched single-sided or matched double-sided to work

drivehard454

Thanks, the link you provided was very informative. I was searching for that type of info myself and did not find anything that clearly stated it like that one. I don't even know what type or speed ram I have so I may just get two new sticks 512MB now.

One more question. Any thing I need to know about voltage, like adjusting voltage. The higher the MHz the faster correct? What is the best DDR to get speed wise?

Thanks again

cozumel

This is your mobo. Asus states it takes DDR400 (PC3200). It may only take Single-sided Ram but I'm not sure - maybe someone else can answer that. To find out what RAM you've got you can download CPU-Z which is a freeware program.

PC3200 is what you should get for your mobo but like I said earlier if your current RAM is slower then the PC3200 will slow down to the slowest modules speed.

You only need to increase voltage if you doing an overclock and the memory will cost you more because not all chips are as good as others and you pay a premium for better ones. Confirm first whether you can have double or single-sided modules in your mobo then you can consider your options after.

Edit: It is only Single sides RAm - confirmed

drivehard454

Thanks, I am at work now. I will check that stuff out tomorrow. You eliminated some of the questions I was wondering about and I believe I can now purchase more memory without worrying about getting the wrong stuff. I may just get all new and eliminate the two 256MB sticks.

Thanks cozumel

drivehard454

I was just looking on Ebay for new memory and found these sticks of RAM. I was going to bid on them, but I notice that they state they need 2.6 input volts. Will these work if I get them? Can I go into BIOS and turn voltage up that way? Or will they still work with my 2.4v?

Also they are ECC is this even compatable with my ASUS P4R800-VM board?

Thanks for any input.

BTW please hurry, auction ends in 14 hours

This auction is for 2x1GB Crucial Technology Memory used for about 6 months in my system. Pictures is the actual item. I am building a new system with DDR2, so I am no longer needing them. If "Buy it now" with free shipping.
Product Specifications:

Product Name1GB (1x1GB) DDR-400 PC-3200 128Megx72 CL3 2.6V Unbuff ECC 184-pinMemory Speed400MHz DDR400/PC3200Number of Modules1 x 1GBMemory Size1GB DDR SDRAMForm Factor184-pin DIMMDimensions1.25" Width x 5.25" LengthCAS LatencyCL3Error CheckingECCModule Configuration128M x 72PlatingGold PlatedSignal ProcessingUnbufferedInput Voltage2.6V DCCapacity1GBMemory TechnologyDDR SDRAM

[hobo]eclipse

are those single sided RAMS?

im not rerally sure what RAM comes single sided, all the RAM ive bought (DDR400) have been double sided, but to me sounds like what you need is a pair of budget 512 sticks like these here corsairs. Id buy from a retailer rather than ebay, especially in your situation because if there were issues with compatibility, or even quality you'll have much easier time exchanging through a retailer, i recommend NEWEGG. Going from 2x256 of DDR266 or DDR33 to 2x512 of DDR400 should net a noticible increase in performance all the way around.

[hobo]eclipse

excuse the double post-

After pokin around the reviews on newegg of the RAM i linked to here is the 3rd review down

seems the person was slightly disapointed to recieve single sided dimms, but these are exactly what u are lookin for

drivehard454

Hey thanks. I checked out the ones you suggested. I was actually only looking for 2x512, but I saw these 2x1GB for about the same as the 512's new in price, so I thought I would try and snatch them up. They were a a standstill at $102 for most yeaterday and all of today so I thought I would try and score then for that price.

I mostly wasn't sure if ECC was even compatable with my board.

I may just go as you suggested. I would hate to get burned and not be able to return them, even though the seller states I could if they were found to be bad. That would probably prove to be a hassle no matter what.

Thanks for the input.

[hobo]eclipse

i bet them 2x1gd sticks are double sided ram, also in that link provided by cozumel in post #4 says u need non-ECC RAM

drivehard454

He doesn't state if they are double sided or not. You solved the question anyways. I should have went back and looked a little better while reading the previous posts. Good eye for catching that. Thanks.

I have to look and see if I can cash out money from PayPal on ebay. I was selling some items for the money to buy new RAM, and that's why I was looking on the site. I never read the details about Paypal, so I am not sure, I may have to find something from ebay anyways.

Thanks

drivehard454

Another question. How do I know while looking through new egg if it is double sided or single sided RAM? It states Dual channel on every thing, that doesn't automatically mean double sided, right? Duel channel is if you have two cards in the proper slots to run in dual channel mode correct?

Here I thought I got enough info on what to look for and I am still confused.

Dyre Straits

Here's one link that explains the difference in functionality between Double Side and Single Side RAM modules. The physical appearance of the module has nothing to do with whether it's D or S sided:

Wikepedia: Double vs Single Sided RAM

If I'm not mistaken, any RAM designated as Dual Channel is a S-sided RAM module.

For a more detailed explanation of RAM, check out this link:

RAM Modules Explained

Good luck!

drivehard454

Thanks for the links. I got confused when cozumel mentioned the double or single sided RAM. I thought that I always saw the sticks with modules on one side. I assumed there was a different style I had to be aware of. That cleared it up thanks.

I remember getting my Ram for my computer 4+ years ago and I just bought it not even thinking about it. Now I see so much more technology and options, I think I am cunfusing myself by worrying to much about buying the wrong stuff and komakazying my computer.

Anyways, I saw these on ebay, and even though I was recommended to buy from a retailer, what do you guys think about them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...2407&rd=1&rd=1

Thanks

Dyre Straits

I used to use Kingston a lot. But, after having some go bad I've been reluctant to buy anymore. Instead, I've used Corsair and am presently using some Mushkin Extreme Gamer's RAM. I'm sure, though, that a lot of members here are using Kingston without any problems.

Mainly, it's important to get a good warranty and read the fine print.

cozumel

Dyre: good link for description of double & single sided.

DriveHard: According to Asus manual (as I recollect) your mobo can only take Single Sided but I think the Hyper X are Double Sided. Click here to link to Kingston Datasheet for the HyperX KHX3200A which says "PCB : Height 1.250” (34.75mm), double sided component." You're looking at a KHX3200AK2 so I can't be certain. Anyone else out there on DH know for certain if compatable with mobo?

drivehard454

I have been looking on newegg and such and none of the discriptions are stating about double sided or single sided. Only dual channel. Now what? I can't believe this is so complicated.

I know my luck, and my luck is always no luck. I will probably get something wrong, just like this stupid video card I bought.

ANYBODY! I just want to upgrade to 2 X 512 or 1 GB ram for about $100+/-. Can someone steer me to the right direction?

Another question came up. is it better to run 1 stick of 1 GB or 2 sticks 512MB? I'm gonna google for an answer, but I bet someone helps me here faster than I can find it. Usually happens that way. You guys are GOOD.

Thanks.

cozumel

I apologise for having caused confusion - I'm only going by what Asus published in the mobo manual!!! It does look difficult to find single-sided but maybe its not really an issue. Someone who uses that mobo on DH maybe could respond to clairify.

However, various memory manufacturers (such as Corsair, kingston etc) have a mobo matching thingy on their websites. For example, just checked and this is Corsairs version which says it has a few models for your mobo. Also in the Retailers Section of the DH forum there is a reputable company which only sells RAM based in Ireland that ships to US plus free shamrock et al. This is their link.

cozumel

One other thing, buy it from Newegg or similar if finances allow. Drop them an email first to confirm in writing that your intended purchase is compatable with your mobo. If they sell it and it then proves to be incompatable with your mobo they must refund under consumer legislation. You won't get that consumer protection on ebay.

Edit: alternatively contact Asus support to confirm which memory...

Edit 2: Apologies again. Just tryin' to save you hassles but think maybe I'm causing you a headache..sigh..

drivehard454

No, no headache. I am frustrated by other things too. Mostly that I hate having old stuff to work with. I am just not in a position at this time to buy anything expensive. Usually, when I get into problems like this I go buy something newer. But for a while maybe another 6 months at least I am going to be pretty tight.

I did see that on newegg about contacting the tech services. I will probably go that route.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions though. I appreciate it. I don't think you were confusing me as much as I have stated, it just that every turn I take there seems to be another. Like, I just sold some items on ebay to use the money and buy RAM. One person sent me a Money order and one paid on Pay pal. Now I got to screw around to get the money in one spot so I can either buy from newegg or buy from ebay. Always something.

I saved that post though where you can see how many hits it takes to destroy a computer. It helps.

Thanks guys.

Dyre Straits

drivehard454:

This link should help. Just please verify that it is referencing the correct motherboard for you:

Memory Configurator

Good luck!

drivehard454

Dyre, excellent link. I checked it out and it makes it all easy! Thanks!

Cozumel. The corsair site is perfect also.

I never thought that going straight to the manufacturer sites would lay down a golden path like that! This comes from a guy who works in the maintenance field and constantly orders manufacturer direct parts. DUH!

I guess it's all what your comfortable in and gettting hardware for computers is not something that I do regularly, or at all for that matter.

Thanks guys, I can get it from here. I see a set of corsair in my future!

.......is that a good brand?

Dyre Straits

Corsair is one of the best! Go get it!

cozumel

...and you get a lifetime guarantee and A+ customer service!!

drivehard454