quick question about pc133 memory compatibility....

[bigpimpatl]

I have an old Compaq Pentium 3 computer, and looking to upgrade RAM. The RAM included is pc100, but I can only find a good deal on pc133. I'm not sure if the motherboard will support pc133, so will the motherboard just declock it to pc100? or will it not work at all? thanks for the help, i know this is a newbie type question =P

 

[Elixer]

PC133 should work. It just won't use the extra speed available as you mentioned.

I don't recall if you have to set the RAM timings manually (in BIOS) or not though.

 

[themisfit610]

Depends.

Some machines aren't compatible with the faster memory. I think it has something to do with whether or not the new stick is double sided, etc...

Also, a lot of older memory controllers have very tight restrictions on how much memory you can put in each slot - and newer high density sticks won't work.

Old machine is old

 

[bigsnyder]

To echo the last reply, chip density will have more impact on compatibility than speed. No good way to find out before hand until you try.

 

[techmanc]

Go here and get the tester

http://www.crucial.com/store/drammemory.aspx?cat=ram

 

[bigpimpatl]

thanks guys for the reply, I got it working just fine. I'm gonna do a memtest tomorrow when I go to my office. thanks again!

I went from 128 to 512 and WOW what a difference lol. I'm thinking to either put windows 2k or maybe linux. and to think i was gonna junk this computer!

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: bigsnyder
No good way to find out before hand until you try.

Sure there is.
He can cross reference the MB chipset to see if he needs "low density" memory and what size modules his MB supports.

If you're running a non-Intel based chipset, you can get by with just about any density modules that are around (within DIMM size limits of the chipset).

To play it safe, only buy memory that's rated "Low Density".

 

[bigsnyder]

I follow what you are saying, but my point is that there is no sure fire guarantee until he actually tries it. I have seen memory that a spec sheet said would work, but didn't. Just something to be aware of. Since he did get it working, its a moot point now anyway.

Originally posted by: Blain
Sure there is.
He can cross reference the MB chipset to see if he needs "low density" memory and what size modules his MB supports.

If you're running a non-Intel based chipset, you can get by with just about any density modules that are around (within DIMM size limits of the chipset).

To play it safe, only buy memory that's rated "Low Density".