SD-RAM question re: PC 66

[mset]

Hi guys

I know an older couple who have an eMachines computer built in 2000. I want to upgrade their RAM, since their rig has only 32 MB in it. I found out from the manufacturer that the machine takes PC 66 RAM. Now... does this mean that I can only use a PC 66 stick? Will a PC 100 or PC 133 stick work in this slot? The max it can take is 256 MB, so I want to give them that.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks, Nik

 

[Howard]

Yes.

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: Howard
Yes.

Thanks

 

[DaveSimmons]

Maybe.

PC66 systems expect low density RAM. most PC133 and even some PC100 sold now either won't be recognized or only half of it will (128MB reads as 64).

Put a "WTB - PC66 / PC100 (Canada)" in the FS/FT forum and you can probably get some for not much more than the postage.

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Maybe.

PC66 systems expect low density RAM. most PC133 and even some PC100 sold now either won't be recognized or only half of it will (128MB reads as 64).

Put a "WTB - PC66 / PC100 (Canada)" in the FS/FT forum and you can probably get some for not much more than the postage.

aha... ok. I really want to make sure that I get them 256 MB of usable memory. Is there anything I can do to figure out if a used PC 100 stick is the 'low density' RAM the mobo will expect? The manufacturer's tech support was kind of vague about this. The first guy I talked to basically told me he didn't know and then next guy I talked to put me on hold then came back and said that I could use the PC 100 but whoever he talked to evidently wasn't aware of the density issue.

Also, there are two slots on this mobo - I assume that mean I have to get two 128 MB sticks - a single 256 MB stick probably won't work in just one slot, right?

I'll start that WTB thread right now, see what comes up. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Maybe.

PC66 systems expect low density RAM. most PC133 and even some PC100 sold now either won't be recognized or only half of it will (128MB reads as 64).

Put a "WTB - PC66 / PC100 (Canada)" in the FS/FT forum and you can probably get some for not much more than the postage.

You learn something new every day.

 

[bob4432]

in theory yes, in reality sometimes. i upgraded a friends hp machine that took pc100 ram, so i just grabbed some pc133, wouldn't at all but a pc100 stick would. so ymmv, i would really try to get a pc66 stick so you don't waste your time if a 100 or 133 stick doesn't work.

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: bob4432
in theory yes, in reality sometimes. i upgraded a friends hp machine that took pc100 ram, so i just grabbed some pc133, wouldn't at all but a pc100 stick would. so ymmv, i would really try to get a pc66 stick so you don't waste your time if a 100 or 133 stick doesn't work.

Sounds right... I opened the WTB thread so hopefully I can get the exact sticks I need.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Most PC100 low-density will work fine as PC66.

If you know the eMachines model number you can check the memory selector at Crucial.com to see what kinds of memory they recommend.

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Most PC100 low-density will work fine as PC66.

If you know the eMachines model number you can check the memory selector at Crucial.com to see what kinds of memory they recommend.

Really? Ok, I'm off to do that right now. I don't suppose you can tell me how I figure out whether a stick is low-density? If I look at it and there are contacts on only one side of the stick, will that tell me?

 

[mset]

Originally posted by: mset

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons
Most PC100 low-density will work fine as PC66.

If you know the eMachines model number you can check the memory selector at Crucial.com to see what kinds of memory they recommend.

Really? Ok, I'm off to do that right now. I don't suppose you can tell me how I figure out whether a stick is low-density? If I look at it and there are contacts on only one side of the stick, will that tell me?

Ok, Crucial memory finder did not have anything for me, but I got a Crucial guy on live chat and he said stick with low-density (get it? stick with low density?? )

He wasn't able to tell me how to tell high density from low, other than telling me to look at the spec sheet, but I am unlikely to find a spec sheet buying this RAM in the used market from someone I find in my neighbourhood. Any comments as to how to tell low-density from high by looking at the stick are appreciated.

Thanks for all the help, as usual.

 

[piasabird]

Better do some research on the model on the maximum amount of RAM that can be in each slot. You might go to some of the RAM websites and see if they have a recommendation. They often know what will work in a specific computer. Some sites like www.crucial.com have an upgrade database. Computers from that era are sometimes problematic.

 

[DaveSimmons]

No, specs are the only way I know to tell them apart other than if you find PC66 it should work and with PC100 the odds are very good but not 100% certain.