fender62 said:
i as given a kingston mem module ktm3219 1g i was wondering if it would
work in any ddr2 m/b
http://www.ramshopping.fr/kingston/KTM32191G.html
KTM3219/1G: Kingston 1GB PC2-3200 DDR2-400 240-pin DIMM
The only reason that stick might not work in a DDR2
motherboard, is some motherboards lack a memory divider
to run at DDR2-400 (I didn't know that, until someone pointed
it out to me). It is safe for you to plug it in and test it.
If the motherboard lacks that divider, no damage will be done.
It just won't start, and will beep an error code. The BIOS
won't enable the slot, unless it is happy with what it sees.
Mechanical keying, prevents truly (voltage) incompatible
modules from being mated. If it fits, nothing will burn.
The description above is not a complete one. Memory can be
registered or unbuffered. Unbuffered memory is typically
used on desktop systems. Registered is used in servers.
The above description doesn't mention those terms, so I cannot
be sure about that aspect of the module.
In the picture here, is a registered DDR2 DIMM. The long rectangle
in the middle of the DIMM, is the address bus register and
PLL (phase locked loop) function for the clock signals. Unbuffered
DIMMs for desktops, lack that rectangle. The DIMM here, also has
nine memory chips, forming a 72 bit wide memory array. That means
the memory is protected by ECC (64 bits of data and 8 bits checksum).
http://images17.newegg.com/is/image/newegg/20-134-963-S01?$S640W$
So those kinds of details are missing from the description,
and as long as the module has no heat spreader metal cover
on it, you should be able to visually examine the module and
figure out any other details needed.
In any case, it'll be safe to plug in and test. The mechanical
keying scheme is what helps in that respect. If the key and
notch don't line up, it is the wrong kind of RAM (or you need
to rotate the module 180 degrees in your hand and try again).
Memory companies like Kingston and Crucial, feel they are
under no obligation, to release details about the memory used
in proprietary computers. So when you go to the site and
look up memory specific for your ThinkCenter A51, they tell
you to "use this" and give you a module part number. Since you're
buying memory for that specific computer, they don't give you any
details. On "generic" modules, intended for thousands of different
computers, they give plenty of details. In this case, the KTM3219
is intended for specific purposes. The fact the ramshopping.fr gave
any description at all, is a miracle. You might also look on the
paper label on the module itself, for further hints about
the classification of the module. For example, it might say
at least, that it is "DDR2-400". If you are forced to, you can
tell a bit about the module, based on the chip configuration
soldered to it.
Paul
