Buying compatible RAM

[okronk]

I presently have a 512MB SDRAM PC133(?). The motherboard "accommodates 168-pin 3.3V/184-pin 2.5V unbuffered SDRAM memory modules. The memory chips must be standard or registered SDRAM...The CPU supports 100MHz system bus. The SDRAM DIMM's and DDR's can sychronously work with 100 MHz or operates over a 266 MHz system bus"
I want to run 1GB RAM, & my question is: Must I buy an identical module to that which is already in my motherboard, should I simply replace it with a 1GB (DDR or SDRAM?), and does it matter if the new module has a bus clock speed over 133? The guy who built my computer says I can buy whatever, but combining SDRAM with DDR sounds wrong. PLease advise the best solution for getting what I want accomplished. Thanks very much.

 

[Sforsyth]

What OS are you using ? I heard something about 98 only being able to have a MAX or 512 MB of ram I might be wrong.

 

[DaveSimmons]

If you can find the model & manufacturer of your motherboard, use the memory selector at www.Crucial.com

 

[okronk]

For Sforsyth: I am using Windows XP Pro. Thanks again

 

[leigh6]

You are running standard SDRAM. You will not be able to run any memory that is faster than pc133. Memory faster than pc133 is ddr memory and it will not fit in your memory slots. (Unless you have a mobo that takes both).

If you happen to have a motherboard that take both you can only use one kind or the other.

There is no reason to buy a 1 gig stick. You can simply add another 512 dimm of ram.

Since it seems your motherboard take both ECC and NON-ECC memory look at the amount of chips on your memory stick. If there are an odd number of chips you are running ECC memory and need to buy the same for the other.

If you have NON-ECC memory. (Most likely) You need to add NON-ECC memory.

I would suggest you open your case up and look at the numbers on the memory stick. Then repost on the forum. It will make it much easier to help you.