Memory upgrade

[Craig Davies]

I currently have 64MB SDRAM 100MHz Memory on my PC, I want to upgrade it, if
I bought for example:
512Mb PC3200 184pin DDR 400 DIMM Memory which I found at
http://www.savastore.com

Would I able to add it to my current RAM or is it best to take out the 64MB
SDRAM and replace it with the new one mentioned above. Note: I bought my PC
July 1999

Any advice thanks.

 

[kony]

I currently have 64MB SDRAM 100MHz Memory on my PC, I want to upgrade it, if
I bought for example:
512Mb PC3200 184pin DDR 400 DIMM Memory which I found at
http://www.savastore.com

Would I able to add it to my current RAM or is it best to take out the 64MB
SDRAM and replace it with the new one mentioned above. Note: I bought my PC
July 1999

Any advice thanks.

Your memory is PC100, but what you mentioned is DDR PC3200.
It is not compatible with your system and won't even fit
into your memory slot without a hammer. Check your
motherboard manual to determine the maximum memory your
system will support and the amount per slot (commonly in
that era the limit was 256MB per slot). Then buy PC100
memory.

 

[David Frazer]

I have a similar problem. I've bought a 512 MB DDR module for my Athlon
XP 2400+ based system, which has only 128 MB. Tech support from the
manufacturer, Elonex, told me that you cannot mix different-sized
modules and so I would have to discard the existing 128 MB module. The
manual for the motherboard, however, says that "memory modules can be
installed in any combination", which I take to mean that I can retain
the existing 128 MB module. Which is correct? Is there an absolute rule
or does it depend on the specific motherboard? (The computer has a
Micro-Star International KM2M motherboard using VIA KM266 and VT8235
chipsets.)

A definitive answer would be much appreciated, because I don't want to
damage my computer, nor do I want to throw away memory I might be able
to keep.

 

[DaveW]

Your motherboard CANNOT use the newer DDR RAM. Your motherboard uses an
older memory socket design and voltage.

 

[kony]

I have a similar problem. I've bought a 512 MB DDR module for my Athlon
XP 2400+ based system, which has only 128 MB. Tech support from the
manufacturer, Elonex, told me that you cannot mix different-sized
modules and so I would have to discard the existing 128 MB module. The
manual for the motherboard, however, says that "memory modules can be
installed in any combination", which I take to mean that I can retain
the existing 128 MB module. Which is correct? Is there an absolute rule
or does it depend on the specific motherboard? (The computer has a
Micro-Star International KM2M motherboard using VIA KM266 and VT8235
chipsets.)

Elonex is not correct. There are certain types of memory
configurations that require a pair, such as RIMMs or SIMMs,
but not yours. You can use the 128MB and a 512MB together.

A definitive answer would be much appreciated, because I don't want to
damage my computer, nor do I want to throw away memory I might be able
to keep.

Even if it didnt work, it would not damage the system.
Memory incompatible enough to cause damage is keyed
differently so it wouldnt' even fit in the memory slots.
Your system can use standard PC2100, PC2700, PC3200 memory
(actually only needing PC2100 with the FSB for the CPU at
133MHz or less, but PC3200 being backwards compatible, will
also do fine).

 

[David]

Thank you very much.