RAM compatability

L

LSR

New Member
Just checking something, quick question.

I'm using an Asus A8N-SLI SE mobo and a 3000+ AMD processor, and I only have 512mb of RAM, so I'm getting so more.

This is compatible, right?

Ebuyer 2048mb DDR PC3200 400MHz 184pin Extra Value Ram 2 x 1024 KIT

http://ebuyer.com/UK/product/114484/rb/21268578167

:)

On another note, will they be a difference in performance to warrant me spending an extra £20 on the branded RAM?

I'm using OCZ ram now...
 
LSR said:
Just checking something, quick question.

I'm using an Asus A8N-SLI SE mobo and a 3000+ AMD processor, and I only have 512mb of RAM, so I'm getting so more.

This is compatible, right?

Ebuyer 2048mb DDR PC3200 400MHz 184pin Extra Value Ram 2 x 1024 KIT

http://ebuyer.com/UK/product/114484/rb/21268578167

:)

On another note, will they be a difference in performance to warrant me spending an extra £20 on the branded RAM?

I'm using OCZ ram now...
Click to expand...

I would have stayed with the OCZ name over the brand at the link there without actually knowing who makes it. OCZ is a premium name. The memory at the link is certainly compatable. I'm running the same Asus board here.

Burgerbob said:
Try newegg for RAM, much better brand names and prices.
Click to expand...

Newegg does ship to the U.K.? as you note that from the link there.
 
Hey, thanks for the answers.
I just ordered my RAM, but I now have a few more questions.. :D

I now have 2 1GB sticks and 1 512MB stick of RAM.
Is it better for me to just put the 1GB sticks in, and have it on dual channel, or to have every stick of RAM inside it?

Also, how do you enable dual channel? Is it a BIOS thing, or is it complicated?
Thanks.

The ram is 400mHz OCZ in case you were wondering.
 
Your user's manual for the main board will tell you what slots are used for the dual channel mode when only using two dimms. Usually they are the blue or green colored slots while the #2 or B is for a second dimm. If you decide to run all four place the smaller 512s in the second slot for each channel. On just about every board those would be the black colored dimm slots.

When only using two dimms the A1 and B1 are filled to see the "dual channel" or "dual channel mode" displayed on the post test screen when first powering up. If populating all dimm slots still sees single channel like on some older boards where single channel mode was forced then go with the pair of 1gb dimms. Either way the total memory is displayed on screen at post.
 
What dual channel does is open up a secondary channel on the system board itself to allow background apps and Windows services to run without interferring with any large program you are running. Once you start any large game or other software that uses a large amount of the available ram(random access memory) other things like antivirus, messenger, Windows services are then more or less pushed onto the second channel.

The one thing you will have to know is the type of the memory you plan to add namely the pair of 1gb dimms at the vendor there. If they are a different type from the two 512mb dimms you now have the two types won't work together. What make and model board is in your system? Do you know offhand? The information on the board and 2x512mb memory both will be needed. Some boards run single sided dimms while others require dual sided. That is where you will see small ICs(integrated circuits) on both sides. A single sided will see a row of the ICs on only one side. This information will be needed here to determine if both sizes will work together.
 
On a board with three dimm slots two have to have a dimm in each one to go from the single to dual channel mode. The user's manual for your board will tell you if having three will still see the dual channel mode. If your board has 4 slots there shouldn't any problem. Boards with only three sometimes force the single mode with all slots filled. You still need to refer to the memory section in the owner's manual to see the instruction there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top