Ram Question

[Lavindathar]

So I was going to get more Ram, as my computer only has a little (1GB), and thats in 2x 512 DDR slots.

I have two spare DDR slots, and was going to get 2x1GB DDR2 Ram sticks, but someone said Windows XP is capped at using 2.7GB? Is this true? Just curious.

And someone said you could go for 2x2GB sticks, but unless your windows is 64Bit, it wont take 2GB sticks? This true, or false? I have no idea what 64bit windows means, I'm just passing it on.

And I think my ram is DDR2, I'm gonna open it up just to double check...assuming its on the lable, but if its not, any way to check?

[Firestormalpha]

well assuming the guy who posted these on flickr know's his stuff DDR2 ram slots should look like this:



here's another one (followed by a caption):


the exterior view of typical memory slot: (blue/pink) for DDR3 memory module and DDR2 (green/orange)

hopefully that helps

[Lavindathar]

Ok bollocks.

Just opened the case up.

I have two x light purple slots, that my current memory is sat in. It doesnt say on the label on the stick what they are.

I then have 2 x blue slots that are empty.

The header on the motherboard says Dual DDR 400.

Also says Dimm1 Dimm 2 Dimm 3 Dimm 4.

So I assume they are all the same kind. Any ideas?

All 4 slots look identical bar the colour as well.

[Lavindathar]

Oh, just looked back at the above picture.

Seems even though they are different colours, they are definately DDR2. They are symetrical, they don't have the offset bit like the DDR3's do.

Oh, unless its DDR1? Post pic plix

[Albromor]

1. XP will not recognize more than 3 gigs of RAM (3.5 in some cases)regardless if it is DDR2 or DDR memory.

2. 2 Gigs of RAM for XP is fine.

3. Only the 64-bit version of Vista (can't say for the XP 64 bit version can because very few run it and drivers are a pain to find) will utilize a full four gigs (or more).

4. Not even Vista 32-bit versions will utilize 4 gigs because like XP it is a 32-bit OS and they are limited to the amount of RAM it will recognize.

If you want to know what type of RAM your system can take and how much I suggest going to www.crucial.com and allow their online scanner to scan your system. This is totally safe and the only thing they need to do is dowload an Active X in order to scan. I have done this on many systems and you will not get malware/adware.

[Lavindathar]

Ok,

Well, im 90% sure I have DDR2. just need a pic of DDR1 slots to confirm.

But, you say XP wont recognise over 3gb.

So if I get the extra 2gb, it will put me at 3072mb of Ram. Will Xp just negate the 72mb and call it 3000mb, or negate the whole stick and call it 2048mb?

And how do I tell if I have 32 bit or 64 without the scan? Surely theres a way to check.

And can XP 32bit take the 3gb if I put it in?

Ty

[Albromor]

XP won't utilize RAM over 3 gigs. Seriously, 2 gigs is all you need.

As for your operating system what are you running: XP Pro or Vista? A great free tool to determine this is SIW which if you googlr you can find. Dowload and run. It will tell you all kinds of information about your system including your current RAM.

There is a DDR 400 and DDR2 400. You said your motherboard said DDR 400 therefore take my advice and go to Crucial.com and let them scan for you. Then tell us what they say.

If you can list your mobo model/type it in online you can find out whether it takes DDR2. Or list what CPU you have. If you are AMD based and have a socket 939 CPU, then you have DDR. Socket AM2 is DDR2.

As for the RAM question. I'd say just go with the GB sticks and just let memory mapping sort how much it'll use. Naturally you won't be using all RAM possible (also factor in how much RAM is on your video-card, that is part of the total system memory equation). If you do indeed have DDR2 memory, it can't hurt either to get all 4 GB in case you intend to build/upgrade in the future. That way you don't have to go and buy the RAM.

[Lavindathar]

Crucial didnt work....



But, i went digging, took me an hour or w/e, and i found the motherboards booklet.

It is 939 socket, and supports up to 4 GB of up to PC3200 DDR DIMMS. Got that from the book.

So DDR1?

The Mobo is actually an Nforce4-a939 from Biostar. I cant find this on their webpage listed.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/index.php

Closest I can find is http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/...t.php?S_ID=145, but not identical I dont think.

Well, given that information, we now know its a DDR1 ram, and the mobo can take 4gb. But, can anyone tell me the biggest AMD processor I can get in there? is that restricted? As long as its AMD 64?

So, for example, would this work - http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/sto...&category_oid=

And does quad core mean its like, 4 x 2.2ghz processors in one?

And I assume quad core 2.2 is better than dual core 3.0?

Or does it depend on whether your using say, like 1 thing at a time, or many different things? mine is purely for games, so im thinking that say a duel core 3.0ghz is better than a quad core 2.2?

Processors and motherboards confuse me. Give me computer code tbh

Edit -

I dunno what processor I have, all I can find is from DxDiag, saying - AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+, MMX - 2.2Ghz

So I assume thats a single core 2.2ghz processor. Can my mobo even support dual/quad core or w/e

WTB HELP PLIX

[Lavindathar]

Ok, just browsing, I found this :

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/...298&CatId=2963

It has 64 in its name, so I assume will run just fine on my motherboard.

But things like this

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/...788&CatId=2963

Dont.

It says AMD Phenom, not AMD 64. I'm guessing this wont be compatible? And the one with 64 in its name is REALLY cheap tbh

But Offtopic, check out this - 1k for a processor. WTF! Isnt that like 1600 USD?

http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=311407&CatId=2963