Which PC2 RAM?

Alby

Alby

Alby

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Joined
27 May 2008
Posts
27
Hi all,

I've been tasked with upgrading the RAM in my fathers computer, as he's intending to start using Photosop and need s a faster response, he's got half a gig in there at the mo on windows XP with a 3gig proc which is a couple of years old (not sure of details).

What I can't seem to find an answer for is can i put any DDR2 memory in there for him?
Corsair 2GB DDR2 Value Select PC2-5300C5 Dual Channel Kit (2x1GB) is £30 where as OcUK 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-6400C5 800MHz DDR2 Dual Channel Kit is on £25 but is 6400 over 5300 and it's those numbers I cant work out if I need to worry about? Especialy as the OCZ 2GB (2x1GB) PC2-8500C5 1066MHz SLI-Ready Edition Dual Channel DDR2 jumps up to to £35 is it worth spending a couple of extra quid on that?

Or.... if it is important, what information will I need to find out from him to get it right? Was rather hoping just being DDR2 would be enough!

Thanks!

Alby
 
What I can't seem to find an answer for is can i put any DDR2 memory in there for him?
Click to expand...
Get the motherboard model and then you'll know, it is probably DDR2 but there is a chance it is DDR (which as you know, is more expensive).

As for the DDR2 speed to get, find out the CPU and mobo first!

If you get access to the computer, you can download CPU-Z (http://www.cpuid.com) and it'll show you the CPU and FSB frequency (and if you are lucky, the motherboard too).

It doesn't require installing (just run it from the exe), so you shouldn't get any complaints ;)
 
ahh, thanks Tetras!

I did pop around over the weekend, but all I coould find out was its a Dell Dimension 5000, with a dual core pentium 4 3.00ghz and it's DDR2, couldn't find out anything about the mobo and didn't want to install any third parties on his pc, I'll try that link next time I'm over and post the results. Google searches on the Mobo for it comes up with a diferent spec so i'm assuming his is an older 5000.

Thanks!
 
Right, got it!

It says:

Dell 0W5363.
Chipset Intel i915p/1915G Rev:B1
Southbridge: Intel 82801FB
LPCIO: SMSC

Bios:
Dell A05

Memory:
DDR2 512Mbytes Dual Channel
Dram 199.5 MHz 1:1
3,3,3,9,12
PC2-3200 (200mhz)

Slight worry there as 3200 isn't listed any longer :s

CPU:
Pentium 4 530
Prescott Socket 775 LGA 90nm

Intel Pentium 4 CPU 3.00GHz

Core: 2992.6 Multi: x15.0 Bus: 199.5 FSB: 798.0 Cach L1 16kb/trace 12Ku L2: 1024 1 core 2 threads

hmm... hope it's enough to run Photoshop! sticking 2Gig of memory should help?

Thanks!

Alby
 
Strictly speaking I think 533 Mhz is the maximum supported for the 915P chipset (http://www.intel.com/products/chipsets/915P/index.htm) but you may find the Dell motherboard will work ok with 667 or 800 Mhz (and automatically downclock it).

The Corsair Value Select 667 Mhz would probably have 533 and 400 Mhz DDR2 timings programmed (for the mobo to use), the 800 Mhz kits I'm not sure.

For optimal compatibility I'd be tempted to recommend the 533 Mhz PC2-4200C5 kit at £29.36 inc VAT.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showp...200C5 Dual Channel Kit (2x1GB) (VS2GBKIT533D2)
 
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