Specifications of RAM

[Vishiouz]

So i recently got a gifted an old gateway and i plan on upgrading it. I have a 550 w PSU and a pretty good Graphics card. All i need now is RAM. I'm wondering if there are certain RAM for certain builds. I understand that DDR3 is the best but i'm not sure if there are specifications, or if any RAM would fit any MoBo. btw i plan on buying http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277&cm_re=ram-_-20-231-277-_-Product and my MoBo is PCI Express.

 

[AlienMenace]

You better get the name and specs of the Motherboard first, before you go and buy the ram. Not just any ram will do. Depending how old the board is, you probably won't be running DDR 3's in it. It could be DDR's or DDR2's made for that board.

 

[Vishiouz]

So my MoBo is http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006157R/4006157Rsp2.shtml so does that mean that i would only be able to put in DDR2?

 

[thesam101]

So my MoBo is http://support.gateway.com/s/MOTHERBD/Shared/4006157R/4006157Rsp2.shtml so does that mean that i would only be able to put in DDR2?

Yah, DDR2, from link:

Type: 4 DIMM DDR2 sockets
Supported speeds: 800,667,533,400 MHz
Expandable up to 4 GB total memory

Incidentally, when you buy the RAM it may not say the speed in MHz, but instead just say the 'module name/type', these are the corresponding ones:

Mhz Module name/type

800 PC2-6400
667 PC2-5300
533 PC2-4200

needless to say, the higher the Mhz you buy the quicker it will be, however the most expensive also.

 

[Benny Boy]

And according to the specs it has 4 RAM slots and a 4GB max. Which means DDR2 800 with a 1GB dimm in each slot is the max.

 

[Vishiouz]

So one last question. When adding sticks of ram, do i have to remove the old one? Or can i keep the old stick and instead just add on to it.
Thanks for all of the support, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[Okedokey]

You can retain the old RAM, but remember to run it all in Dual Channel, that is the same type in Slot 1, as Slot 3 and so on (usually colour coded). Also, don't forget if you change your motherboard you will probably need a new version of Windows.

 

[Vishiouz]

One more question. So if i wanted could i go with a 2x2 ram configuration and have my comp at the max of 4gigs of ram?

 

[Benny Boy]

One more question. So if i wanted could i go with a 2x2 ram configuration and have my comp at the max of 4gigs of ram?

Memory SupportType: 4 DIMM DDR2 sockets
Supported speeds: 800,667,533,400 MHz
Expandable up to 4 GB total memory

That, means each slot will support 1GB max. So the 2x2gb kit won't do it.

 

[Okedokey]

Memory SupportType: 4 DIMM DDR2 sockets
Supported speeds: 800,667,533,400 MHz
Expandable up to 4 GB total memory

That, means each slot will support 1GB max. So the 2x2gb kit won't do it.

Sorry how do you figure that? Its a total of 4GB, why cant you put a single 2 x 2GB module in there?

 

[StrangleHold]

Sorta of a if it will kinda thing. Some boards with 4gb limit and 4 slots will only read 1gb. stick in each slot. But some will read a 2gb stick. A shot in the dark thing.