RAM for Compaq Proliant Server -- ECC, Registered

[Epsil0n00]

My company just got a new Compaq Proliant ML350 G4 server which requires PC2700 ECC Registered RAM. The RAM has to be installed in identical pairs, unless you're running it with only one DIMM in slot 1. Currently there is 1 512 DIMM in slot 1. We ordered the server with 2 DIMMs of 512, the second DIMM hasn't arrived yet. We are planning to install an additional 1-2GB of RAM (which would have to either be 2x512MB DIMMS or 2x1GB DIMMs).

I have two questions:

1. Does this server really need HP/Compaq brand RAM? Could it use any brand of PC2700 ECC Registered RAM?

2. What brand would you recommend for top of the line server RAM? Crucial? Corsair? Most likely any brand will be cheaper than the Compaq/HP brand, so let me hear your suggestions!

Thanks!
Epsil0n

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Epsil0n00
My company just got a new Compaq Proliant ML350 G4 server which requires PC2700 ECC Registered RAM. The RAM has to be installed in identical pairs, unless you're running it with only one DIMM in slot 1. Currently there is 1 512 DIMM in slot 1. We ordered the server with 2 DIMMs of 512, the second DIMM hasn't arrived yet. We are planning to install an additional 1-2GB of RAM (which would have to either be 2x512MB DIMMS or 2x1GB DIMMs).

I have two questions:

1. Does this server really need HP/Compaq brand RAM? Could it use any brand of PC2700 ECC Registered RAM?

2. What brand would you recommend for top of the line server RAM? Crucial? Corsair? Most likely any brand will be cheaper than the Compaq/HP brand, so let me hear your suggestions!

Thanks!
Epsil0n

1. RAM is RAM is RAM. There's nothing special about "HP/Compaq" RAM; I'm sure they just buy it from some Tier 1 OEM and rebrand it, like they do with most of their components.

2. I would go with Crucial (which is actually the retail arm of Micron), as they have a money-back compatibility guarantee. However, any of the major manufacturers (Crucial/Micron, Kingston, Corsair, and even OCZ or Geil) should be fine. Unless you're talking bleeding-edge performance (where PCB designs, speed binning, etc. come into play), most RAM is pretty interchangeable; there are only so many chip suppliers!

 

[Epsil0n00]

One follow-up question:

When a server requires RAM to be installed in "Indentical Pairs", what exactly does that mean? If I get HP to supply me with a 1GB HP brand DIMM (using infineon chips), can I combine that with a 1GB Crucial brand DIMM? Both DIMMs would be PC2700, ECC, Registered, CL2.5--but does it matter beyond those specs? Does the brand need to be identical?

Thanks for the help!
Epsil0n

 

[Vegito]

no identical as in must install in 2 of the same size.. ie for 2 gb = 2 x 1 gb.. for 1 gb = 2 x 512mb

Just get game timing since timing is critical for server operations.. last thing you want to mis-match.

Just make sure you check existing.. some ecc are registered, or unbuffered or buffered.