Memory? Can I mix CL2 with CL3 and...

[edm]

since I currently have a 128MB w/ECC CL2 -100MHZ, would adding a 256MB *CL3* -100MHZ chip with *NON ECC* effect the performance in any kind of negative way?

Or would falling back to CL3 and NON ECC not really have that big of an effect?

Thank you for any help.


Specs:

XPST500
128 RAM
40 GIG 7200 HD
Geforce 2 GTS 32MB
SBLive Value!

 

[Jiggz]

I have never had ECC since the days of EDO. But I don't think you can mix and match ECC and non ECC. The CL2 rating has very little relevance unless you are OC'ing. Of course, for stability purpose the lower CL rating will take precedence unless it can also work in CL2. The only thing I am not sure with your question is the mix and match of the ECC and Non ECC since the ECC memory needs an additional bit for parity check.

 

[edm]

First off, thanks for the reply, appreciate it

I had already checked Dells site about mixing ECC and NON ECC and it's ok, the thing is mixing the two will disable ECC, but from what I understand ECC can actually be a tad bit slower then a NON ECC chip.

From my Dell Documentation:


<< NOTE: Only 100-MHz DIMMs are supported. The system can include both ECC and non-ECC memory; however, to support ECC, all installed DIMMs must be ECC-capable. ECC DIMMs have an odd number of memory chips on the module and non-ECC DIMMs have an even number of chips. >>

 

[Sugadaddy]

ECC will be disabled, but that won't make a difference. Running at CAS3 might slow things down a little, but I doubt you'll notice it. (it's also possible your new stick can do CAS2, just try it)

 

[edm]

OK, but when you say it might slow things down a little, do you mean when comparing my current setup of 128MBs(CL2) to the upgrade setup 384MBs at(CL3). Or do you mean CL3 might slow things down a little when compared to CL2 *All things being equal*.

I mean I'm hoping to get a performance boost simply with the jump in the amount of RAM, even though the CL clock may be slower.

Thanks again.

 

[edm]

btw, something that I am also was wondering. As I mentioned I currently have 128MBs of RAM w/ECC (CL2)

Would I be better off adding a 128MB(CL2) stick of RAM non-ECC or going with the 256MB(CL3) stick non-ECC. Both sticks are the same price btw, So it's 256MB(CL2) or 384MB(CL3).

 

[Sugadaddy]

What OS do you run, and what do you do on your comp?

If it's in win98/ME, going over 256MB usually won't make a difference unless of course you use programs that need a ton of ram, so the decision would be tougher.

If you run win2k, than definitely get 384MB.

BTW, I was talking about CAS3 compared to CAS2, using the same amount... It makes a little difference, but hard to notice.

 

[Sugadaddy]

Also, unless there's a noticeable price difference, I'd buy PC133. It'll run fine at 100mhz, but will be better if you change system, or easier to sell in the future.

you can get 256MB PC133 CAS2 at Crucial.com for 50.14$

 

[edm]

I am using Win98 SE. And I mainly use it for gaming and the internet, but I also do sound editing, and use Dj'ing software which run Mp3's, so more RAM couldn't hurt with that.

The price on the two sticks I mentioned are $20 each, w/Free shipping, so I can hold off on the 133 Ram for now.

 

[Sugadaddy]

hehe, 20$ is good. Get the 256MB stick...