RD RAM

[Guest]

Hi, i have a pc, pentium 4 1.7 ghz. it currently has 128 mb ram and i want to
upgrade it to 256mb.

The fsb is 396 mhz.
The max memory speed is 400 mhz.
The memory module is RD RAM pc800 (cl-2 up to 411 mhz)
The max installable memory is 256mb.

The system is currently using 128mb RD RAM.

My problem is i dont know what to buy. Does RD RAM fit into RIMM slots? how
many pins? does that matter?

regards and thanks in advance.

 

[R. McCarty]

Rambus memory is "Proprietary", and is generally expensive. My
local parts shop has 256 Megabyte upgrades for $120. Rambus
has fell out of favor, because of the lawsuits, etc. and is now longer
found in newer PC's.

Instead of spending money for new Rambus memory, I would just
switch motherboards and buy a single DDR 512 module for around
the same money as a Rambus upgrade. (~$95.00).
A motherboard for the Intel can be had for around ~$65 and then
the memory.

If you do switch MB, you'll need to do a Repair install - so set aside
an hour or two for the changeover.

 

[Guest]

RDRAM has to be installed in pairs. Since you currently have 128MB of RAM
installed-thats made up of two 64MB sticks of RAM occupying the 1st and 3rd
RIMM slots. If you open up your system, you'll have 4 slots for RAM. The
other two slots, the 2nd and 4th are just place holders-they are called
CRIMMS. You have two choices, you can remove the two sticks of RAM that you
currently have and replace them with two 128 MB sticks of RDRAM or you can
purchase two 64MB's of RDRAM-if you go with this option remove the 2nd and
4th slots that are occupied by CRIMM modules and replace them with the two
64's.

Go to simpletech.com and navigate to their products page...select memory
upgrades...RDRAM. You will need PC800 ECC 184-pin RDRAM. I hope this helps.

 

[Art Sheppard]

I just purchased 2 - 265 PC1066 Rambuss memory modules for around $210.00. If you
shop around on the Internet, you can find PC800 Rambuss memory fairly inexpensive.
Replacing or adding additional memory is much easier that finding a Mother Broad
that will support your 1.7 GHZ Pentium 4 Processor. If you replace your Mother
Board, you will have to replace your processor also, and that is going to be a
costly fix for your memory problem.
/art

 

[Guest]

Hi, thanks for all your help. Just a quick question:

how to i identify and remove the CRIMMS, is that a straight forward process.

regards and thanks in advance

 

[R. McCarty]

Motherboards that are inexpensive and compatible with Intel
P-4 1.7 Gig processors aren't that difficult to find or acquire.
A motherboard swap would not require replacing the processor.
Plus the newer motherboard would provide USB 2.0 channels,
probably a built-in 5.1 sound, etc....

My suggestion was simply to avoid expending that much money
on a marginal increase of Rambus memory.

 

[Guest]

Hi, thanks for your help. In regards to the CRIMMS, how do i identify them
and remove them. is it a straight forward process.

regards

 

[Guest]

The CRIMM modules will look like "sticks of gum"... they are thinner than the
RIMM modules. The CRIMM modules will be occupying the 2nd and 4th slots
respectively. Removing the CRIMM modules is pretty easy to do. Push down
the handle on each side of the memory module to eject the module from its
socket. Once you replace the CRIMMS with the new RAM, make sure its firmly
seated in the socket and locks into place. Depending on your system, you may
have to remove other components to get to your RAM. I have a VAIO PC and I
have to remove the power supply to get to my memory modules. As a
precaution, touch any exposed metal part of the metal chasis before removing
or installing components to discharge any static electricity in your body.