I need some more RAM

[jnojr1]

I have a Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L motherboard with 2GB Crucial BL2KIT12864AA804 memory. Looking for 2 more GB, it appears that my RAM is 2.2V and the closest replacement I can find is Crucial BL2KIT12864AA80A 2V Can I use the other RAM?

Yes, I know it's all old. I do not want to upgrade unless I have absolutely no choice. I just don't need more computer.

 

[Termie]

Try running your current ram at 2V. If it doesn't work, you'd be forced to run everything at 2.2V, which could be too high for the new ram.

The alternative would be to toss your current ram (which is a very, very old spec), and get 2x2GB of 1.8v DDR2. This would work beautifully and cost only slightly more than the 2x1GB set: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231207

The stuff you found has terrible reviews anyway: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820148204

If you really need CAS4 sticks, it will cost a bit more out of pocket (but less after rebate): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178222

 

[jnojr1]

If you really need CAS4 sticks

How would I know?

My CPU is a 2180 if that makes a difference.

 

[Termie]

How would I know?

My CPU is a 2180 if that makes a difference.

You don't need them. CAS4 would just be slightly higher performance. By the way running four sticks is always riskier than two, especially four unmatched sticks. You could run into compatibility problems even if the specs are the same. And many motherboards choke on four sticks.

 

[Denithor]

CAS timings have maybe a 1-2% max impact on performance. Doubling your memory, even with slower rated RAM, will have a much, much bigger effect in any cases where you exceed 2GB of memory in use at any given time.

Best bet is buy a 2x2GB kit of 1.8V rated memory and sell off your 2x1GB kit.

 

[Blain]

Buy some non-Ballistix Crucial, Mushkin, G.Skill or Corsair XMS DDR2 rated to run at 1.8v

 

[ch33zw1z]

The 2.2v will be automatically replaced by Crucial. When I RMA'd my 2nd set, they asked me if I had any more 2.2v, they'll replace it all. They know it's got problems.

My suggestion, buy some other PC6400, RMA the crucial and sell it on the FS/FT forums.

I have been using the 2.0v in a couple machines for a while now, however. Not too many issues compared to the 2.2v models..

 

[tweakboy]

Youll see big difference in performance... No more hard drive thrashing etc...., I dont know what OS you use..ty

 

[ensign_lee]

You don't need them. CAS4 would just be slightly higher performance. By the way running four sticks is always riskier than two, especially four unmatched sticks. You could run into compatibility problems even if the specs are the same. And many motherboards choke on four sticks.

Wait..WHAT? Is this common knowledge?

 

[TemjinGold]

OP: If it helps, I've had that exact same mobo before and used 4 sticks of 2v Ballistix @ 1.8v with no problems.

 

[Termie]

Wait..WHAT? Is this common knowledge?

I'd say so. I can't run four sticks in my Asus P5E, which is a fairly high-end board, and I couldn't run four sticks in an old 965 board either. Neither would post, regardless of settings. While most boards should run on four sticks, it puts much more stress on the system and it's definitely not a sure thing.

 

[Cerb]

Wait..WHAT? Is this common knowledge?

Yes. It has been the case since way back in the PC100 days. With memory controllers using lots of little signaling tricks to eek out the most performance, it's gotten worse over time.

In my case, FI (R version of the OP's mobo), having 4 sticks installed seems to be preventing me from overclocking too much (about 3.3GHz/410FSB max w/ 4 matched sticks, but can push 3.6GHz/450FSB+ w/ only 2 sticks). With a matched set, they should work at rated specs, maybe with a little voltage bump; but this is one reason mobo makers have compatible RAM lists.

 

[fffblackmage]

You don't need them. CAS4 would just be slightly higher performance. By the way running four sticks is always riskier than two, especially four unmatched sticks. You could run into compatibility problems even if the specs are the same. And many motherboards choke on four sticks.

Wait..WHAT? Is this common knowledge?

It's hit or miss. I've been able to mix DDR and DDR2 memory for years without problems, though I've heard plenty of problems from other people. (For clarification, I don't mean DDR and DDR2 together.)

I'm currently using an old 2x1GB DDR2-800 CAS4 2.2V Ballistix ram with a newer set of 2x2GB DDR2-800 CAS4 2.0V Ballistix ram and it's been working out just fine. I do not run them on 2.0V or 2.2V, however. I'm using JEDEC standard timings and voltage (CAS5 and 1.8V, respectively).

 

[taltamir]

I looked up your mobo; it has 4x DDR2 slots rated for up to DDR2-1066; up to 8GB total RAM.
Just dump your current ram and get any 2x2GB DDR2 kit from here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...E&PageSize=100
starting as low as 40$. I would buy 2 such kits for a total of 8GB of ram.

Make sure to reset the CMOS on your mobo after switching out the RAM so that it uses the correct voltage (1.8v is the default for DDR2... 2.2v is an OBSCENE overclock; although I have seen higher)

 

[Cerb]

Make sure to reset the CMOS on your mobo after switching out the RAM so that it uses the correct voltage (1.8v is the default for DDR2... 2.2v is an OBSCENE overclock; although I have seen higher)

Or, if you don't want to have to go back in and change anything else that's not default (OSes have a habit of not booting after changing SATA settings, FI), just set the RAM voltage and timings to auto, the multiplier to 2.0, and let it POST once more, before shutting it down to change RAM.

 

[taltamir]

OSes have a habit of not booting after changing SATA settings, FI

Or he can just set the SATA settings to what they were before he reset the CMOS. Either method would work.

 

[Cerb]

Or he can just set the SATA settings to what they were before he reset the CMOS. Either method would work.

Yes, but one's quicker, and does not involve dealing with a jumper inside the case.