Compatible Memory (2nd Try)

[Grinder]

I tried posting this about an hour ago, but it has not shown. At any
rate, I think I can make a better run at it this time anyhow, so I hope
you'll forgive the (potential) repetition.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I have an Intel Easton D815EEA Mainboard that has three memory slots.
The existing 168-pin 128Mb stick of memory is marked PC133, and I want
to add a bit more.

http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d815eea/
ftp://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d815eea/A1696401.pdf

The system memory section (pages 20-21) of the technical manual presents
quite a few contraints on what memory can into the PC, but I think I'm
alright if I get an additional 256Mb stick. At newegg, I've used the
following criteria:

http://www.newegg.com/ProductSort/SubCategory.asp?SubCategory=147

Manufacturer: Any
Capacity: 256Mb
Cas Latency: Any
ECC: No
Type: 168-pin SDRAM
Speed: PC 133
Voltage: 3.3V
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ce=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=147&Submit=Property

That scores me 12 hits. So, finally my questions:

1) Should all of those matches be compatible with my system?

2) Of those brands, what would you recommend?

3) Under capacity I also see "256Mb (2 x 128Mb)" listed -- is that
dual-sided 256Mb, and "256Mb" would be single-sided 256Mb?

Here's the brands for your perusal:

# A-DATA # All Components, Inc. # Centon # crucial # Kingston Technology
# Mushkin Enhanced Memory # PQI # Rosewill # Viking # Wintec Industries

 

[Grinder]

2) Of those brands, what would you recommend?

Here are the options, with prices this time:

-----------------------------------------------------
256MB 168-Pin SDRAM PC 133 Unbuffered System Memory
-----------------------------------------------------
WINTEC AMPO Model 3AMSD133-256M-R - Retail $27.99
pqi Model MS3856UOE - Retail $28.44
A-DATA Model VDABC2808 - OEM * $28.65
Rosewill Model RW133/256 - Retail $29.99
VIKING Model VG13332X64CL3-8 - OEM * $32.04
AllComponents Model Ac133X64/256/8c - OEM $32.87
CENTON Model 256MBPC133 - Retail $37.99
Kingston ValueRAM Model KVR133X64C3/256 - OEM $39.55
mushkin Model 990617 - Retail $43.25
mushkin Model 990614 - Retail $44.99
Crucial Model CT32M64S4D75 - OEM $68.99
Kingston Model KTD-DM133/256 - Retail $66.95

 

[kony]

I tried posting this about an hour ago, but it has not shown. At any
rate, I think I can make a better run at it this time anyhow, so I hope
you'll forgive the (potential) repetition.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I have an Intel Easton D815EEA Mainboard that has three memory slots.
The existing 168-pin 128Mb stick of memory is marked PC133, and I want
to add a bit more.

815 chipset has 512MB total, limit, so one issue is whether
you want to keep the 128MB module in the system and if so,
what it's CAS rating is. If you kept it and it's CAS3,
there's no point in trying to get CAS2 memory... but if you
remove it and use only CAS2 (which is about same price
sometimes) it'll be a few (single-digit) % faster.

I'd try this,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141205

1) Should all of those matches be compatible with my system?

I was too lazy to look at the specs on all but if Newegg
returned valid data then yes.

2) Of those brands, what would you recommend?

PC133 tech was mature a long time ago, they should all work.
Therefore, given small enough price difference get the CAS2
over CAS3. Except, rarely if a board isn't stable running
marginal CAS2 modules, CAS3 is stable and in cases where the
board bios doesn't allow manually setting CAS3 (even for a
CAS2 module) in those cases CAS3 is more likely to work.
Odds are good though, that any randomly-chosen CAS2 will
work, and Newegg has a good return policy so that seems a
good option.

3) Under capacity I also see "256Mb (2 x 128Mb)" listed -- is that
dual-sided 256Mb, and "256Mb" would be single-sided 256Mb?

That means 2 physical modules, 128MB each... a pair of
memory for those who just want two (theoretically identical)
modules.

 

[Grinder]

815 chipset has 512MB total, limit, so one issue is
whether you want to keep the 128MB module in the
system and if so, what it's CAS rating is. If you
kept it and it's CAS3, there's no point in trying to
get CAS2 memory... but if you remove it and use only
CAS2 (which is about same price sometimes) it'll be a
few (single-digit) % faster.

I want to keep the existing 128Mb module. I'm unsure as
to how to determine the CAS Latency, however.

I'd try this,
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141205

You would recommend this irrespective of my choice to keep
the 128 Mb module?

 

[MrGrumpy]

Use the memory config tool from a branded memory manu. eg
Crucial,Kingston,Corsair that way you get memory that will work with your
sys, and tech support.

PS your first post showed up fine

 

[kony]

I want to keep the existing 128Mb module. I'm unsure as
to how to determine the CAS Latency, however.

CPU-Z should tell you both the module's actual SPD
programmed CAS rating, _and_ the CAS speed the board is
actually using (which sometimes isn't the same).

You would recommend this irrespective of my choice to keep
the 128 Mb module?

If you keep that module installed and it's CAS3, the
motherboard bios is "supposed" to keep the CAS speed at 3
even if you install a CAS2 module. Therefore, if the CAS2
memory were significantly more expensive I'd suggest to save
the $ and get CAS3, but since it's about the same price,
might as well get CAS2.

The above is with all things being equal... I dont' have
your board and boards can be less tolerant of peak
performance as they age (capacitors, and contacts get dirty
for example) so I only suggest what should work on a new
board with properly working, typical bios.

 

[Grinder]

Thanks kony -- newegg is processing the order as I write this.