Old RAM Question

[DrMoe]

As the summary implies, I am interested in putting additional RAM in an old P3 that currently has 128MB of PC133. I have two additional sticks of 128MB PC100, just curious if anyone has experience with using PC100 labeled RAM in a PC133 environment - DM

 

[imported_Kiwi]

Although mixing isn't likely to create any problems, you are aware that the entire system will slow down to accomodate the slower RAM, right? Anyone else reading this should be aware that a couple of years after the last P3 was made, there were changes to PC133 RAM SIMMs such that those were no longer backward compatible with older PC's intended for PC100. I wasn't keeping up closely with the hardware situation at the time, and the details are pretty vague in my (aging) memory now . .

 

[DrMoe]

I was actually wanting to try and run the PC100 RAM at PC133 speeds. I know that much of the newer DDR modules are capable of speeds beyond that of what they are labeled - I just don't have much experience with older RAM in this regard. I suppose if this won't work that I may still be better off with more RAM at a slower overall speed, as you suggested -DM

 

[DaveSimmons]

Kind of obvious, but that's a 33% overclock, so it probably depends on whether the PC100 was made using underclocked RAM chips or used super high quality PC100 speed chips that can take such a massive overclock.

384MB at PC100 speed is likely to run XP faster than 128 at PC133, but for Win98 the 128 at 133 might be faster. It really depends on what programs you're running

 

[bendixG15]

Okay, here it is...
Some 100 chips will run at 133 and some won't.......
Its a crap shoot....manufactorer don't make no never mind.....
All you can do is...Buy and Try
Good Luck
P>S> My experience says the odds are against you