RAM

[thebrelon]

hi gents,
I have an easy question for you computer experts.
My PC is running pentium 4HT 3.4GHZ, LGA775 socket and FSB800. the memory  I use is DDRII PC3200.
the question is can I use PC3700 or PC4XXX instead PC3200?
this question is because I can have RAM for a very competitive price but nothing in PC3200, just of higher bus frequency.
also, can I mix PC3200 RAM with RAM of higher bus frequency or do I have to only use the same frequency for any RAm installed?
What would be the consequence of running RAM of higher bus frequency than the computer, or mixing RAM frequencies?
well, I said one question, it's actually 3...

thanks for your help

[congo]

Give me your exact mainboard model no. and ID.

find it with this..........

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

or read it straight off you mainboard's surface, not off the box or manual. Include any revision number.

A manufacturers link to the specific board would be most helpful.

[thebrelon]

ok, here it is:


it's in french but you will easily find what you're looking for I guess.

So, clevo D900T, don't have more, and it's a laptop.

[thebrelon]

and here is the link
http://www.clevo.com.tw/Default.asp

[thebrelon]

I checked the link and found some answers to my questions: apparently I can use 533mhz memory.

so now, what about mixing them. I guess it's not a good idea, that's why I ask...to be sure, before burning my comp with incorrect components...

[Fozzer]

No help with the question, but an excuse to remind everyone of...
..good-old "Aida32" for obtaining all your computer's intricate details...;)...>>>

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download181.html

Cheers all...!

Paul......!

[Delta_]

I checked the link and found some answers to my questions: apparently I can use 533mhz memory.

so now, what about mixing them. I guess it's not a good idea, that's why I ask...to be sure, before burning my comp with incorrect components...

Mixing ram speeds will only cause them all to run at the same speed as the slowest one.

533MHz modules will run at 400MHz etc...

[thebrelon]

easy!
so I can go and buy those nice cheap RAM modules I've seen
thank you

[Delta_]

Just double check in the bios when you start up that the ram is running at the correct speed (400MHz).  You should be able to fix the speed in the bios, this may help.

[thebrelon]

According to my motherboard description in the link I gave earlier, it can run at 533MHZ, so I have to select it to 533, I guess...
and actually they are so cheap that I may get rid of the 400Mhz ram and only use 533mhz...

[congo]

No help with the question, but an excuse to remind everyone of...
..good-old "Aida32" for obtaining all your computer's intricate details...;)...>>>

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download181.html

Cheers all...!

Paul......!

Fozzer, Aida32 became Everest and the last freeware version made is linked above in my post.

[thebrelon]

hey congo, do you agree with what we have said so far?

[Delta_]

According to my motherboard description in the link I gave earlier, it can run at 533MHZ, so I have to select it to 533, I guess...
and actually they are so cheap that I may get rid of the 400Mhz ram and only use 533mhz...

Set it to 533 if you take the 400 out, if you leave the 400 in don't set it to 533.

[thebrelon]

that's clear for me delta, thanks for your help

vince

[congo]

Brelon,

It's best to get rid of any slower ram as it slows all the ram down to the lowest stick installed, thus negating some of the benefits of adding more ram.

When something is too cheap, it will usually bite you on the backside when you look the other way.

Get the CAS latency of the RAM at 533mhz and compare it with a good brand ie. cas 3. -4-4-8

I've bought cheap ram and it slowed my rig down.

Imagine two identical PC's, one has 1gb of cheaper and slower ram, the other has 512mb of fast ram....... The PC with the faster 512mb will be a better performer until an application comes along that uses more than 512mb, then of course, the slower 1gb ram PC will be faster. In other words, 90% of the time, the PC with quality ram will outperform the one with slow ram despite there being lots of slow ram. The same thing applies to video card memory, Hence, video cards fitted with heaps of slow ram will not touch a card with quality ram, even though the fast ram card has half the amount of ram.