Mixing RAM (Old ones)

J_D

New Member
Hi

At home I have a very old computer (not my sig), it is as follows, (and yes it does still work;) )

7 year old comp :D
Windows 98SE
P3 @ 633Mhz :eek:
128Mb PC100 RAM :eek:
30Gb HDD :eek:

Anyway I wanted to try and speed it up somewhat as my parents (who are the only ones who use it) refuse to buy a new computer for themselves.

So I stupidly went and ordered a new stick of PC133 RAM and I am just now wondering if I can mixing Different RAM speeds when they are this old.

PC100 with PC133

The RAM 101 thread says so. But I just wanted someone to clarify this for me

Cheers
 
SOURCE: http://www.dewassoc.com/performance/memory/pc100_std.htm

Are different speed SDRAM backwards compatible?

To a certain extent, yes. You can use PC133 memory in a PC100 system and you can use PC100 memory in a 66MHz system, subject to the specifications of the motherboard. However, the memory will only run as fast as (A) the capability of the motherboard, and (B) the slowest memory present in the system. As an example, a PC133 module will run at PC100 speed in a system with a 100MHz Bus, or if there is a *compatible PC100 module already present, it will only run at 100MHz.

*While we do not recommend mixing and matching PC100 with PC133, it can be done as long as the two modules are compatible.

Some people, in planning for a total future upgrade, will buy all of the total PC133 memory they anticipate needing and install it in their present system, even though it doesn't support PC133 SDRAM, with the intent to upgrade the system at a later date with a new motherboard that supports PC133 memory. In this way, you can simply take the memory out of your old system and use it in the new one.
 
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