Do i really have to buy PC3200 ?

Stubbsy · 24 Aug 2008 at 21:54

So my girlfriends computer only has 512Mb and we all know that's insufficient for winxp... (also it's a pain if you're using photoshop) so i want to buy more.
My only concern is that the motherboard (Asus A8N-VM) says it supports DDR400 maximum.
Does this mean that I have to buy PC3200 memory (which seems to be at least twice the price of newer stuff), or can I make do with some DDR2 PC2-4200 ?

If I absolutely have to buy the old stuff, i'll plum for a 2x512 pair, and in that case can i combine them with the old ram, or will it be spare? (ie can i have 3 lots of 512 even if they don't all necessarily match?)

Any feedback much appreciated.
Regards,
Stubbsy

Tetras · 24 Aug 2008 at 22:05

DDR2 is not compatible with a DDR1 motherboard and vice versa.

If I absolutely have to buy the old stuff, i'll plum for a 2x512 pair, and in that case can i combine them with the old ram, or will it be spare? (ie can i have 3 lots of 512 even if they don't all necessarily match?)

3 sticks can work yes but for compatibility sake you are best to use matching sticks and 2 DIMMs is always the most hassle-free config.

If you can stretch to a 2x1GB kit I'd highly recommend it, for XP 2GB works very well and if you do a lot of photoshopping it will probably feel like a new PC!

TheRedZealot · 24 Aug 2008 at 22:05

That mobo doesent support DDR2.

badbob · 24 Aug 2008 at 22:08

I'd also go for 2GB, I'm on 900MB peak usage just for the HTPC also with slimcenter installed. That's the same motherboard in my HTPC more or less. Use Corsair XMS C2 /heatsink but the value stuff is fine. DDR 1 prices are probably daft, paid £60 for 2GB of second hand which compared to new DDR2 is quite expensive. But best to upgrade my HTPC from 1GB to 2GB whilst it's available.

Stubbsy · 24 Aug 2008 at 22:10

OcUK Value 2GB (2x1GB) PC3200 184pin DDR Memory Dual Channel Kit

.... £44 ? I'll plug the mouse into my laptop and use PS on there I think!

Perhaps there'll be some floating around in the bay at some point.

Thanks for the responses!

badbob · 24 Aug 2008 at 22:12

I'd go for the Crucial kit

Crucial 2GB (2x1GB) PC3200 CAS3 184pin DDR Memory Dual Channel Kit (CT2KIT12864Z40B)

Slashiem · 24 Aug 2008 at 22:12

That motherboard supports only DDR1 RAM, and physically wont fit any DRR2 ram. So yeah you gotta shell out for the PC3200 (400MHz) ram.
Mixed RAM sometimes works sometimes doesnt best way to know it try it. Just mamke sure you have the 512 pair in the dual channel slots (blue) and the odd 512 in one of the black slots.

~Slash