Needing to be Educated about RAM (DDR and DDR2)

T

theStudent

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2006
Messages
878
Reaction score
52
Location
Somewhere in the Milky Way
Hi,

I know the basics here...
You get DDR RAM and DDR2 RAM...

I know that RAM speeds that you get are ...,266,333, 400,... etc

What are the ranges so that you know if its DDR(1) or DDR2?
(I think anything greater than PC400 is DDR2?)

Also, is there a difference in the shape/slot for a DDR1 and DDR2 type RAM?

And finally, is there a way to find out what type of RAM is in the computer without opening the PC to have a look?

Thanks
:)
 
Last edited:
DDR2 DIMMs are not designed to be backwards compatible with DDR DIMMs. The notch on DDR2 DIMMs is in a different position than DDR DIMMs, and the pin density is slightly higher than DDR DIMMs. DDR2 is a 240-pin module, DDR is a 184-pin module.
Click to expand...

That explains the slot fit between the too also :)
 
Attempt to hijack/revive thread.

Looking to buy some DDR 400 ram im in cpt - rondebosch, i have 1 512mb in use in an old machine with 3 ram slots, so 2 slots open, would it be faster to buy another 512mb and run it in duel or would a 1gb amount making it 1.5gb but not duel channel be faster?

Anyone selling DDR 400 for a cheap price :P
Suppliers still have stock but its more than ddr 800 which is bleeding rediculous, this is just an old linux box.

Thanks
J
 
DDR memory was manufactured in speeds faster than 400MHz, it just wasn't common.

DDR memory is more expensive now than DDR2 because there is less demand for it.

It'd be better (for memory performance) to acquire an additional 512MB module that is speed matched (MHz and timings) to your existing 512MB module.
It *could* be better (for application / general system performance) to acquire an additional 1GB module. It really depends on how much memory your applications use.
 
So why the hell does gigabyte give you 3 ram slots

So why the hell does gigabyte give you 3 ram slots if ram works better in pairs :( ... any reason? like 3x 512 cant work in duel can they?

Sell me DDR400 in CPT!!!
Thanks
J
 
probably because the board's chipset supports DDR memory, but not in a dual channel configuration.
 
jsheed_sa said:
So why the hell does gigabyte give you 3 ram slots if ram works better in pairs :( ... any reason? like 3x 512 cant work in duel can they?

Sell me DDR400 in CPT!!!
Thanks
J
Click to expand...

If your board has 3 slots only then its not a dual channel board
 
Heh k . i was pretty sure it was ill recheck slots maybe i missed one

Heh k . i was pretty sure it was ill recheck slots maybe i missed one...

I can get DDR800 for the same price as DDR400 from suppliers, its bloody rediculous :(

Would 3x 512 be better than 2x - ram is supposed to work in pairs isnt it or is that only if board supports dual.

Thanks
J
 
Secondhand i dont care, anyhow i looked at classifieds here and people selling secondhand ddr400 512mb for R250, man i can get new ddr 400 512mb or new ddr2 800 1gig (not sure on this last one, gotta check pricelistS) for that price man. REDICULOUS.

People are making it hard to run a linux box charging stupid prices :(

J
 
theStudent said:
Hi,

I know the basics here...
You get DDR RAM and DDR2 RAM...

I know that RAM speeds that you get are ...,266,333, 400,... etc

What are the ranges so that you know if its DDR(1) or DDR2?
(I think anything greater than PC400 is DDR2?)

Also, is there a difference in the shape/slot for a DDR1 and DDR2 type RAM?

And finally, is there a way to find out what type of RAM is in the computer without opening the PC to have a look?

Thanks
:)
Click to expand...

Dimm length exactly the same.
DDR slot is 73mm from the one side and DDR2 slot is 70mm so one cannot insert the wrong RAM module into the wrong slot.
DDR is generally max 400 and DDR2 starts from 400 upwards.
to check the type of RAM, see the MOBO manual or check the BIOS screen when the PC starts up.
For more info on the MOBO and RAM you can use this nice Freeware utility CPU-Z.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X