RDRAM matching question

[Startled Armadillo]

I'm adding memory to a computer at work...right now it has 1x256MB PC700 RDRAM plus a continuity module (there are only 2 slots, 512MB max capacity). I know I have to match the memory size and add another 256MB RIMM...but do I need to also match the PC700 as well, or can I add PC800? If I have to put in PC700, does anyone know where I can buy that? the few places I've looked online only have PC800.

 

[Ronin]

PC700? Must be pretty old.

AFAIK, RDRAM is very picky, and the speeds do need to match.

 

[Startled Armadillo]

yeah, it is pretty old...I just built a new PC to replace this one, but they want to save it (and add more memory if possible) to replace an even older computer.

 

[rstrohkirch]

The speed of the RIMMs don't need to match. You can't, however, mix double sided and single sided RIMMs

 

[dexvx]

The only possible motherboard you could be using is an Intel i820 board, as its the only single channel desktop RDRam board. You can indeed mix-and match. However, take note that both sticks will run at the slowest speed of both sticks, meaning your PC800 will run at PC700 (or if you have the option, make your PC700 run at PC800, if it is stable).

I'm pretty sure it does not matter if its double or single sided.

 

[stevty2889]

PC800 should work fine, it will run at the slower speed, either way RDRAM is rare and way overpriced. Like dexvx said, with that config you must have an 820 chipset, so it doesn't run dual channel and the sticks don't have to match.

 

[MX2]

I just installed 2x128 into a machine (Dimension 8100) that already had 2x64 and it runs fine.

 

[rstrohkirch]

Originally posted by: dexvx
The only possible motherboard you could be using is an Intel i820 board, as its the only single channel desktop RDRam board. You can indeed mix-and match. However, take note that both sticks will run at the slowest speed of both sticks, meaning your PC800 will run at PC700 (or if you have the option, make your PC700 run at PC800, if it is stable).

I'm pretty sure it does not matter if its double or single sided.

Dual channel boards will not boot off a pair off single sided rimms mixed with a pair of a double sided rims. With that info I assume that they also not work properally in the i820 chipset but that could be wrong.