OT: Chip configuration issue of RAM

[Jorge Cervantes]

This is a question by a semi-illiterate computer user.
I want to add 1 GB memory to the existing memory.
I found a memory which has a very similar configuration to the existing
memory.
The only problem is the difference in chip configuration: 128 x 64 vs. 128
x 72.
So I am concerned about having two memory sticks with two different chip
configurations. Does the chip configuration matter ? TIA. Jorge

 

[John John (MVP)]

x64 is 64-bit non ECC (non-parity) memory and x72 is 72-bit ECC (parity)
memory. With ECC memory for every 8 bit there is an additional parity
bit. If it divides by 9 it's parity memory if it only divides by 8 it's
non-parity, 72 divides by 9, 64 doesn't.

As always, to make sure that you get the proper memory it is always best
to use the available memory configuration tools on the vendors site or
to contact them if you have doubts or questions.

You should find more information in these search results:

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt...n+parity+64+72&y=Search&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=UTF-8

John

 

[Jorge Cervantes]

Thank you John.

Jorge.

x64 is 64-bit non ECC (non-parity) memory and x72 is 72-bit ECC (parity)
memory. With ECC memory for every 8 bit there is an additional parity
bit. If it divides by 9 it's parity memory if it only divides by 8 it's
non-parity, 72 divides by 9, 64 doesn't.

As always, to make sure that you get the proper memory it is always best
to use the available memory configuration tools on the vendors site or to
contact them if you have doubts or questions.

You should find more information in these search results:

http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt...n+parity+64+72&y=Search&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=UTF-8

John

 

[John John (MVP)]

You're welcome.

John

Thank you John.

Jorge.

 

[VanguardLH]

This is a question by a semi-illiterate computer user.
I want to add 1 GB memory to the existing memory.
I found a memory which has a very similar configuration to the existing
memory.
The only problem is the difference in chip configuration: 128 x 64 vs. 128
x 72.
So I am concerned about having two memory sticks with two different chip
configurations. Does the chip configuration matter ? TIA. Jorge

If you don't understand the memory specs then you don't have the
expertise needed to change or update the system memory. Adding 1GB of
memory may or may not be possible depending entirely on what brand and
model of motherboard you have and what type of old memory you plan to
add onto. Read the motherboard's manual on supported memory types and
sizes.

You can use memory selector sites to figure out which memory you can use
in your computer. You specify the brand and model of the computer or
motherboard. One such site is crucial.com.

Remember to follow all anti-static practices when handling, removing,
and installing memory modules.

 

[Jorge Cervantes]

John,

I have a related question for yiou. Thhis is a kind of a learning process.
Manual for MB did not describe in details about the memory issue. Three
years ago, I replaced the existing low memory with 1 GB (Infineon) stick,
which is working just fine. So I want to add another 1 GB stick.
Unfortunately, the same Infineon memory is no longer availabe. My
question is how to read this spec:

(a) 1GB PC2700 ECC DDR 333MHz 184-Pin 128 x 72
(b) 1GB PC2700 ECC Registered DDR 333MHz 184-Pin 128 x 72

What is the difference between the above two spec? Thanks.

Jorge

 

[John John (MVP)]

It's yet a higher grade of memory that is meant for mission critical
workstations and servers, usually installed in servers where data
integrity and accuracy is highly important, unless you have a high end
computer you are almost certainly not using this type of memory. Here
is a quote from http://www.gen-x-pc.com/memory_faq.htm

What is meant by Registered memory

"Registered" is a means of "Buffering" the memory in SDRAM. This means
that the clock signal is boosted across the entire array of memory chips
so that the computer sees a clean sharp clock signal instead of a
weakening clock signal as it progresses along the length of the memory
path. Registered memory must be supported by the system board and cannot
be mixed with "Unbuffered" modules. You must have only Registered memory
to use Registered memory. This is a further means of eliminating the
possibility of errors when reading the data in memory and is used when
the data returned from memory is extremely critical, such as in
scientific or financial calculations where the integrity of the data is
CRITICAL. It also allows a module to be built using more chips, allowing
for larger capacity modules to be made.

[end quote]

See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registered_memory

You really should consult memory vendors to help you with your
purchasing decision. Many vendors have on-line tools that can
automatically scan your computer and give you the memory specs for your
computer. The following are just two of the many who have such tools, I
don't make any particular recommendations as to their products or
service, I only offer these as examples of on-line tools:

http://crucial.com/
http://www.4allmemory.com/

Also, please note that 1GB of RAM is already more than most XP users
need. Don't add more RAM just for the sake of adding RAM or because you
think that more RAM is better, unless you do things like heavy gaming,
CAD/CAM, Graphics or Video editing you probably don't need more memory
and the extra RAM may just go unused, you may be wasting your money.

John

 

[Bruce Chambers]

This is a question by a semi-illiterate computer user.
I want to add 1 GB memory to the existing memory.
I found a memory which has a very similar configuration to the existing
memory.
The only problem is the difference in chip configuration: 128 x 64 vs. 128
x 72.
So I am concerned about having two memory sticks with two different chip
configurations. Does the chip configuration matter ? TIA. Jorge

It is absolutely essential that any new RAM module(s) be fully
compatible with both the motherboard and/or any other RAM module(s)
already in the system. Additionally, there are sometimes jumper
switches on older motherboards that need to be reset for new RAM
configurations. Consult your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's
web site for specific instructions and compatibility requirements.

If you cannot lay your hands upon the computer's manual and the
manufacturer doesn't provide a support web site, you can use these
utilities to help determine the correct type of RAM needed:

SiSoft's Sandra
http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/index.php?dir=&location=sware_dl&lang=en

Belarc Advisor
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Unlimited Possibilities' AIDA32
http://forum.aumha.org/overflow/aida32.zip

Also, Crucial Memory's web site (www.crucial.com) has a database to
help to find the right RAM for your specific make and model computer
and/or motherboard. (Incidentally, Crucial is the only company from
which I ever buy RAM. I've never been disappointed.)


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:


http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/555375

They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ~Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. ~Bertrand Russell

The philosopher has never killed any priests, whereas the priest has
killed a great many philosophers.
~ Denis Diderot

 

[Jorge Cervantes]

It's yet a higher grade of memory that is meant for mission critical
workstations and servers, usually installed in servers where data
integrity and accuracy is highly important, unless you have a high end
computer you are almost certainly not using this type of memory. Here is
a quote from http://www.gen-x-pc.com/memory_faq.htm

What is meant by Registered memory

"Registered" is a means of "Buffering" the memory in SDRAM. This means
that the clock signal is boosted across the entire array of memory chips
so that the computer sees a clean sharp clock signal instead of a
weakening clock signal as it progresses along the length of the memory
path. Registered memory must be supported by the system board and cannot
be mixed with "Unbuffered" modules. You must have only Registered memory
to use Registered memory. This is a further means of eliminating the
possibility of errors when reading the data in memory and is used when the
data returned from memory is extremely critical, such as in scientific or
financial calculations where the integrity of the data is CRITICAL. It
also allows a module to be built using more chips, allowing for larger
capacity modules to be made.

[end quote]

See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registered_memory

You really should consult memory vendors to help you with your purchasing
decision. Many vendors have on-line tools that can automatically scan
your computer and give you the memory specs for your computer. The
following are just two of the many who have such tools, I don't make any
particular recommendations as to their products or service, I only offer
these as examples of on-line tools:

http://crucial.com/
http://www.4allmemory.com/

Also, please note that 1GB of RAM is already more than most XP users need.
Don't add more RAM just for the sake of adding RAM or because you think
that more RAM is better, unless you do things like heavy gaming, CAD/CAM,
Graphics or Video editing you probably don't need more memory and the
extra RAM may just go unused, you may be wasting your money.

John

Thanks John again.
I am going to upgrade from Adobe CS2 to CS3 premiuim soon. So I thought
that I might need more memory to accomodage too many adobe programs. That
is why I am trying to increase memory before doing that. I will take your
advise seriously.

As a matter of fact, I bought (b) 1GB PC2700 ECC Registered DDR 333MHz
184-Pin 128 x 72 and installed yesterday. The new memory did not work on my
computer. That's why I decided to learn about memory stick.

Thanks again.

Jorge

 

[Unknown]

For any questions on memory, compatibility, speed etc. go to
www.crucial.com. They are very helpful.

It's yet a higher grade of memory that is meant for mission critical
workstations and servers, usually installed in servers where data
integrity and accuracy is highly important, unless you have a high end
computer you are almost certainly not using this type of memory. Here is
a quote from http://www.gen-x-pc.com/memory_faq.htm

What is meant by Registered memory

"Registered" is a means of "Buffering" the memory in SDRAM. This means
that the clock signal is boosted across the entire array of memory chips
so that the computer sees a clean sharp clock signal instead of a
weakening clock signal as it progresses along the length of the memory
path. Registered memory must be supported by the system board and cannot
be mixed with "Unbuffered" modules. You must have only Registered memory
to use Registered memory. This is a further means of eliminating the
possibility of errors when reading the data in memory and is used when
the data returned from memory is extremely critical, such as in
scientific or financial calculations where the integrity of the data is
CRITICAL. It also allows a module to be built using more chips, allowing
for larger capacity modules to be made.

[end quote]

See also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Registered_memory

You really should consult memory vendors to help you with your purchasing
decision. Many vendors have on-line tools that can automatically scan
your computer and give you the memory specs for your computer. The
following are just two of the many who have such tools, I don't make any
particular recommendations as to their products or service, I only offer
these as examples of on-line tools:

http://crucial.com/
http://www.4allmemory.com/

Also, please note that 1GB of RAM is already more than most XP users
need. Don't add more RAM just for the sake of adding RAM or because you
think that more RAM is better, unless you do things like heavy gaming,
CAD/CAM, Graphics or Video editing you probably don't need more memory
and the extra RAM may just go unused, you may be wasting your money.

John

Thanks John again.
I am going to upgrade from Adobe CS2 to CS3 premiuim soon. So I thought
that I might need more memory to accomodage too many adobe programs. That
is why I am trying to increase memory before doing that. I will take
your advise seriously.

As a matter of fact, I bought (b) 1GB PC2700 ECC Registered DDR 333MHz
184-Pin 128 x 72 and installed yesterday. The new memory did not work on
my computer. That's why I decided to learn about memory stick.

Thanks again.

Jorge