Quick question, I'm thinking of getting some new RAM for my parents computer. Currently 256mb DDR266 (FSB of CPU) and it's time for an upgrade. I've found that the DDR333 and in some cases 400 is cheaper than 266, will there be any adverse effects if I use the faster RAM?
RAM Backwards Compatability
- Thread starter malcontent
- Start date
This is a hypothetical, but as long as the pin count is the same and the mb will support it, it should work. I know you can put pc133 ram in a pc that uses pc100 and it works. So try it and update us.
It should work fine BUT will run at the SLOWEST ram's speed usually 
Almost any assembled pc will work fine but I had some cases with branded pcs (read HP/Compaq) where the modules get to work fine but at half the capacity (256 modules read only 128).
Many of the older M/B's that were designed to take PC2100 or PC2700 ddr ram will "hicup" using the latest and cheap PC3200 ddr ram. Lots of memory problems, BSOD, etc once Windows is running, I've been there done all that. The only way is to "suc it and see" (just give it a try ) if it works great, if it doesnt, drop the stick in another PC. Most old M/B's can handle the cheap faster memory, but many cannot.
) if it works great, if it doesnt, drop the stick in another PC. Most old M/B's can handle the cheap faster memory, but many cannot.I'll go with CM on that one, it "SHOULD" work, but some motherboards are extremely fussy.
Some PC3200 RAM has SPD timings for 2700 and 2100 as well - if the BIOS fails to set sensible timings, then manual settings (absent on some OEM motherboards) may be required.
Also, in case of trouble, try just the new memory - while you shouldn't need to match memory, other than to support dual-DDR channels, it often woks better - it seems a common scenario - two different memory modules work individually, but not together.
Some PC3200 RAM has SPD timings for 2700 and 2100 as well - if the BIOS fails to set sensible timings, then manual settings (absent on some OEM motherboards) may be required.
Also, in case of trouble, try just the new memory - while you shouldn't need to match memory, other than to support dual-DDR channels, it often woks better - it seems a common scenario - two different memory modules work individually, but not together.