Will "Server RAM" work on my Mobo?

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Neverwhere

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Hey all,

I have a PC that I'm looking to get a bit more out of. It's an AMD 955BE with this motherboard:

http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/AMD_AM2Plus/M4N78_SE/#specifications

It's mainly for photoshop and graphics related work, and is currently running only 2 gig of ram. I'm not going to upgrade this PC again as I'll be buying an all new system next. So I was thinking that I should max out the ram, as everything else is adequate for work.

The motherboard has 2 slots and supports max 8gb. I've been finding it difficult to locate cheap 2x4gb DDR2 memory chips in SA. And when I do spot some they're around 2K for the pair, and sometimes more. I found this on take2:
http://www.take2.co.za/electronics-patriot--psd24g8002s--ddr2-800mhz--4gb-4801617.html

But is see they are "SO-Dimms" (laptop sized ram?) so I guess its a no go.

Then there are these on ebay :

1. http://cgi.ebay.com/HP-8GB-DIMM-PC2..._EN_Networking_Components&hash=item3cb9390cb3

HP 8GB DIMM PC2-5300 2x4GB DDR2 Memory Kit (397415-B21) for $113.50 (roughly R800 + shipping)
Product Type: Memory
Product Description: HP memory, 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ), FB-DIMM 240-pin, DDR2 Fully Buffered Memory - will this work and will there be any advantages/disadvantages?
Storage Capacity: 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB )
Upgrade Type: System specific
Technology: DDR2 - SDRAM
Form Factor: FB-DIMM 240-pin
Memory Speed: ( PC2-5300 )
Features: Fully buffered
Manufacturer Selling Program: HP Smart Buy
Manufacturer Part# 397415-B21

2. http://cgi.ebay.com/8GB-2X4GB-DDR2-...611?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b9c4429b

Memory Size: 8 GB
Memory Technology: DDR2 SDRAM
Number of Modules: 2 x 4 GB
Memory Speed: 667 MHz
Form Factor: 240-pin DIMM
Manufacturer: Hewlett-Packard
Manufacturer Part Number: 483403-B21
Product Name: 8GB DDR2 SDRAM Memory Module
Memory Standard: DDR2-667/PC2-5300
Signal Processing: Registered
Compatibility: HP - Server - ProLiant DL165 Generation 5 (G5)

There are tons of others...

I also just found this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Patriot-8GB-Kit...679?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e636416b7
Says is desktop ram.. so that'll definitely work.

So Any advice on what to go for, or do you know of any 2x4GB DDR2 kits at around this price locally? Also, will the server Ram with its ECC and Fully buffered features be of any advantage/disadvantage?

Thanks :)

Oh one more thing, anyone ordered RAM from ebay? Any idea on duties and VAT?
 
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SO-DIMM modules are laptop modules and they won't work on a desktop motherboard.

If you're going for 8GB RAM, then it would most definitely be cheaper to get a new motherboard with DDR3 support and to buy 2x 4GB DDR3 1333MHz for like under R800. eg. 2x 4GB G.Skill DDR3 1333MHz for R610 (incl VAT, excl shipping).

I couldn't find 1x 4GB DDR2 800MHz modules locally either, which is why I'd recommend getting a new motherboard. It might be worth while to look at 2nd-hand ones at like Carbonite.co.za
 
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Server Ram or Fully Buffered Ram, although it may be DDR2, it needs a very specific motherboard with the right type of slots and won't fit in your normal desktop motherboards.
 
SSurfer said:
Server Ram or Fully Buffered Ram, although it may be DDR2, it needs a very specific motherboard with the right type of slots and won't fit in your normal desktop motherboards.
Click to expand...
Where have you read that?

Unbuffered ECC & Buffered ECC DDR2 800MHz memory modules are also 240pin, just like the desktop DDR2 800MHz modules and they should fit in a normal (and work) desktop motherboard.
It would just be silly to get server grade RAM for a desktop PC.
 
@Maximum, if you've read my first post you would've noticed that your quote is terrible:
Yours = 4GB RAM @ R581.40
vs
Mine = 8GB RAM @ R610
 
Server RAM (DDR2 or DDR3 or whatever) doesn't fit into desktop mobo's.
Cept if it's a "clone" server that has a desktop mobo inside.

Server RAM (and chipset) is optimized for data loss & error correction (each DIMM has 1 x additional ECC chip)
Server DIMMs also have notches in different places.

* I once tried fitting 1 x HP 2GB DDR3 DIMM into a Asus desktop mobo = Doesn't fit.
 
Pada said:
Where have you read that?

Unbuffered ECC & Buffered ECC DDR2 800MHz memory modules are also 240pin, just like the desktop DDR2 800MHz modules and they should fit in a normal (and work) desktop motherboard.
It would just be silly to get server grade RAM for a desktop PC.
Click to expand...

Good luck getting your desktop processor to work with ECC ram
 
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