can you explain the specs of this to me?: 128MB PC266 184 pin DDR PC2100 RAM

[rnmcd]

I need to buy ram for an older PC and the sticker on the existing RAM says PC266 so that is what I though I needed to buy.

When I went to eBay I did a search for "PC 266 ram 128mb" and I keep coming across ram that is BOTH PC266 and PC2100...what does that mean?

thanks.

 

[bockchow]

it's not pc266, pc2100 runs and a fsb of 266. so basicly it's the same stuff they just called it the wrong thing. just make sure they don't mail it to you in an envelope

 

[Lonyo]

PC2100 RAM runs at 266MHz (133x2)

 

[rnmcd]

So what does the PC266 sticker on my ram stick mean?

Is there any way to determine the type of ram I need to buy if there weren't stickers on the existing RAM? (i.e., speed and number of pins)

Thanks.

 

[Steve]

PC266 is meaningless, it should say DDR266 (which is the same as PC2100).

And no, it doesn't run at 266MHz, it runs at 133MHz. Just that twice the data throughput makes it seem like 266Mhz. Chalk that up to marketing.

 

[rnmcd]

So if a ram chip doesn't have any markings how can you tell what you need to buy if you want to double your ram.

The only thing that right click > my computer > properties shows is the amount of current ram.

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

Originally posted by: rnmcd
So if a ram chip doesn't have any markings how can you tell what you need to buy if you want to double your ram.

The only thing that right click > my computer > properties shows is the amount of current ram.

Usually the individual chips on the ram stick will have some numbers marked on them. There are a few websites where you can enter in those numbers and at least find out what the ram is rated for. Check closely on the PCB too. Some have markings in small letters that identify the ram module and or rating.

If all else fails, bring it into a local PC repair place that you trust and have them identify it. Usually anyone with the knowledge can recognize the ram by its configuration, pin count, and chip markings.

 

[rnmcd]

I was in Best Buy and I decided to look at RAM and I couldn't find any PC2100. Is it too old?

The sales guy told me anything higher than PC 2100 (eg., PC 2700) would work fine. Is he right?

 

[Steve]

Faster RAM is backwards compatible to slower speeds, and will run at the slower speed.


PC2100 is getting more rare and expensive these days as there is less need or demand for it, compared to PC2700 or so.