What kind of RAM?

  • Thread starter Thread starter William B. Lurie
  • Start date Start date
W

William B. Lurie

Maybe this question belongs in a different forum
(in which case, one of the MVPs, please seer me to it).

eMachines says I should use PC2100 RAM if I want to add
some to my computer. They say they don't guarantee that
the available PC2700 RAM will work. And I don't see
PC2100 advertised.

Would some kind soul please give me a clue as to the
difference, what might not work if I 'invest' in the
more modern available RAM chips?

Thank you.

William B. Lurie
 
PC2100 memory is available.. you are just not looking in the right place.. a
computer store should be able to get it for you..
 
William B. Lurie said:
Maybe this question belongs in a different forum
(in which case, one of the MVPs, please seer me to it).

eMachines says I should use PC2100 RAM if I want to add
some to my computer. They say they don't guarantee that
the available PC2700 RAM will work. And I don't see
PC2100 advertised.

Would some kind soul please give me a clue as to the
difference, what might not work if I 'invest' in the
more modern available RAM chips?
Click to expand...

If you went for the higher speed RAM (PC2700) your machine should just run
it at the lower speed, PC2100. So there should be no issues. I think they
just say that to cover their backs if there is a problem.

--
Paul Smith,
Yeovil, UK.
http://windows.dasmirnov.net/ Windows XP Resource Site.
http://www.smirnov.demon.co.uk/
http://www.doom3portal.com/ A Doom 3 fansite.

*Replace nospam with smirnov to reply by e-mail*
 
RAM is tested to run properly at a maximum speed. PC 2700
is faster than PC 2100. If you need PC 2700 and put PC 2100
in it might fail. PC 2700 can run slower without any
problems.

But PC 2100 is commonly available from all the on-line
stores and most retail outlets. Stores like BestBuy only
stock what they can sell to match what is on their shelves,
so they don't carry as wide a selection. A computer store
like CompUSA or an on-line supplier like New Egg
www.newegg.com or Crucial www.crucial.com Kingston
www.kingston.com can get you just about anything.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


| Maybe this question belongs in a different forum
| (in which case, one of the MVPs, please seer me to it).
|
| eMachines says I should use PC2100 RAM if I want to add
| some to my computer. They say they don't guarantee that
| the available PC2700 RAM will work. And I don't see
| PC2100 advertised.
|
| Would some kind soul please give me a clue as to the
| difference, what might not work if I 'invest' in the
| more modern available RAM chips?
|
| Thank you.
|
| William B. Lurie
 
Hi Bill,

Try www.crucial.com, I know they have it and the sticks there are very good.

--
Best of Luck,

Rick Rogers aka "Nutcase" MS-MVP - Windows
Windows isn't rocket science! That's my other hobby!

Associate Expert - WinXP - Expert Zone
 
Jim said:
RAM is tested to run properly at a maximum speed. PC 2700
is faster than PC 2100. If you need PC 2700 and put PC 2100
in it might fail. PC 2700 can run slower without any
problems.

Thank you Jim (and others). That makes sense.
Click to expand...
And I do believe that eMachines statement is just
a blanket "CYA" cope-out.
 
Greetings --

You'll find the information you need here, I believe:
www.crucial.com

Bruce Chambers

--
Help us help you:




You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. -- RAH
 
Thank you, Rick, Bruce et al. ..... I'll
check those several sources out.
Bill L.
 
William B. Lurie said:
Maybe this question belongs in a different forum
(in which case, one of the MVPs, please seer me to it).

eMachines says I should use PC2100 RAM if I want to add
some to my computer. They say they don't guarantee that
the available PC2700 RAM will work. And I don't see
PC2100 advertised.

Would some kind soul please give me a clue as to the
difference, what might not work if I 'invest' in the
more modern available RAM chips?>Thank you. >William B. Lurie
Click to expand...

William, I have an eMachines Athalon that uses pc2700. But I just
bought my son an eMachines 2.6 GHz w/ Celeron processor (great sale
price).

We wanted to add some memory, so I asked eMachines, & they told me the
Celeron came with pc2100 (wanted to add a second memory chip/stick).
Well, it was a good thing we opened it up, because it had pc2700 in
it.

So all I am telling you is to check inside first before you go & buy
an additional stick of memory for it.. If the machine was recently
put together by emachines, like I suspect this one was, it might have
a 2700 stick in it.

By the way, people can knock Celeron's all they want, but so far his
2.6 GHz Celeron computer out performs my 2.2 GHz Athalon. &, after
rebates, I will have paid a whopping $349 for a complete system, which
includes a 17in flat screen monitor & a printer & 256 MBs of memory
(flat tube-front monitor for excellent resolution, but not a flat
monitor). & with XP bundled - crap, with the XP thrown in & counting
the everything but the computer itself, the computer was almost free!

Oh - you can find pc2100 at most places. Some stores might not carry
it, like Circuit City, but a lot do. It might be more expensive than
pc2700, even though it is inferior to pc2700, only because they
probably don't make them anymore, but people still need it. Supply &
demand.

Also, you can add an odd size, at least these two eMachines can take
it - you can have a 256 MB chip & a 512 MB chip, as long as they are
the same pc2x00 I think. & check around - wait for a sale. Some
places want like $60 for a 356 MB chip, which is ridiculous. You can
find a sale on a 512 chip (counting a rebate) for almost that price
(maybe $70). I say pay the extra $30 and go for an additional 512 MB
added to whatever you already have in there.

This week Best Buy has sale on pc2700 256 Mb chips for$39.99 after a
rebate (you pay $64.99 out the door). Circuit City starting today has
a pc2700 512 for $69.99 after rebate.
**CompUSA this week has pc2100 chips w/ 512 MB memory on sale for
$74.99 (after $25 rebate) - or pc2100 & 2700 (your choice) 256 MBs
memory for $38.99 (after $21 rebate). The above quotes were all from
adds starting today, seen in my San Jose Ca newspaper.

By the way, did you know that Dell & eMachines are now the same owner?
I guess Dell wanted a more inexpensive line of computers to sell.

And more by the way, if you bought your eMachines less than a year
ago, it should still be under warrantee, and that includes free tech
voice support, 7 days a week, 6am to midnight, Pacific time.

Big Mac
 
Big said:
William, I have an eMachines Athalon that uses pc2700. But I just
bought my son an eMachines 2.6 GHz w/ Celeron processor (great sale
price).

We wanted to add some memory, so I asked eMachines, & they told me the
Celeron came with pc2100 (wanted to add a second memory chip/stick).
Well, it was a good thing we opened it up, because it had pc2700 in
it.

So all I am telling you is to check inside first before you go & buy
an additional stick of memory for it.. If the machine was recently
put together by emachines, like I suspect this one was, it might have
a 2700 stick in it.

By the way, people can knock Celeron's all they want, but so far his
2.6 GHz Celeron computer out performs my 2.2 GHz Athalon. &, after
rebates, I will have paid a whopping $349 for a complete system, which
includes a 17in flat screen monitor & a printer & 256 MBs of memory
(flat tube-front monitor for excellent resolution, but not a flat
monitor). & with XP bundled - crap, with the XP thrown in & counting
the everything but the computer itself, the computer was almost free!

Oh - you can find pc2100 at most places. Some stores might not carry
it, like Circuit City, but a lot do. It might be more expensive than
pc2700, even though it is inferior to pc2700, only because they
probably don't make them anymore, but people still need it. Supply &
demand.

Also, you can add an odd size, at least these two eMachines can take
it - you can have a 256 MB chip & a 512 MB chip, as long as they are
the same pc2x00 I think. & check around - wait for a sale. Some
places want like $60 for a 356 MB chip, which is ridiculous. You can
find a sale on a 512 chip (counting a rebate) for almost that price
(maybe $70). I say pay the extra $30 and go for an additional 512 MB
added to whatever you already have in there.

This week Best Buy has sale on pc2700 256 Mb chips for$39.99 after a
rebate (you pay $64.99 out the door). Circuit City starting today has
a pc2700 512 for $69.99 after rebate.
**CompUSA this week has pc2100 chips w/ 512 MB memory on sale for
$74.99 (after $25 rebate) - or pc2100 & 2700 (your choice) 256 MBs
memory for $38.99 (after $21 rebate). The above quotes were all from
adds starting today, seen in my San Jose Ca newspaper.

By the way, did you know that Dell & eMachines are now the same owner?
I guess Dell wanted a more inexpensive line of computers to sell.

And more by the way, if you bought your eMachines less than a year
ago, it should still be under warrantee, and that includes free tech
voice support, 7 days a week, 6am to midnight, Pacific time.

Big Mac
Click to expand...
Mac, I thank you for taking the time. I got all the same
flyers you got, even tho' I'm 2800 miles East and South of
San Jose (Florida). My eMachines T2080 cost not much more
than yours, but I got mine 18 months ago (Circuit City).EMachines told
me to get PC2100....but several MVPs in this group say 2700 will
work fine (they just CAN run faster). And do you have specific
advice saying you can't mix'n'match 2100 and 2700s? It shouldn't
take long before people junque 'old' machines with PC2100 in them,
and they should be happy turning them into cash. The problem is,
making contact with them.

So....if anybody has some old, 'slow' PC2100 184 pin DDR RAM,
stand up and name a price for a 512Meg strip.......

Bill Lurie
 
EMachine and Gateway merged, Dell is still Dell.
HP and Compaq merged a year or two ago.


| Big Mac wrote:
| >
| >>Maybe this question belongs in a different forum
| >>(in which case, one of the MVPs, please seer me to it).
| >>
| >>eMachines says I should use PC2100 RAM if I want to add
| >>some to my computer. They say they don't guarantee that
| >>the available PC2700 RAM will work. And I don't see
| >>PC2100 advertised.
| >>
| >>Would some kind soul please give me a clue as to the
| >>difference, what might not work if I 'invest' in the
| >>more modern available RAM chips?>Thank you. >William B.
Lurie
| >
| >
| > William, I have an eMachines Athalon that uses pc2700.
But I just
| > bought my son an eMachines 2.6 GHz w/ Celeron processor
(great sale
| > price).
| >
| > We wanted to add some memory, so I asked eMachines, &
they told me the
| > Celeron came with pc2100 (wanted to add a second memory
chip/stick).
| > Well, it was a good thing we opened it up, because it
had pc2700 in
| > it.
| >
| > So all I am telling you is to check inside first before
you go & buy
| > an additional stick of memory for it.. If the machine
was recently
| > put together by emachines, like I suspect this one was,
it might have
| > a 2700 stick in it.
| >
| > By the way, people can knock Celeron's all they want,
but so far his
| > 2.6 GHz Celeron computer out performs my 2.2 GHz
Athalon. &, after
| > rebates, I will have paid a whopping $349 for a complete
system, which
| > includes a 17in flat screen monitor & a printer & 256
MBs of memory
| > (flat tube-front monitor for excellent resolution, but
not a flat
| > monitor). & with XP bundled - crap, with the XP thrown
in & counting
| > the everything but the computer itself, the computer was
almost free!
| >
| > Oh - you can find pc2100 at most places. Some stores
might not carry
| > it, like Circuit City, but a lot do. It might be more
expensive than
| > pc2700, even though it is inferior to pc2700, only
because they
| > probably don't make them anymore, but people still need
it. Supply &
| > demand.
| >
| > Also, you can add an odd size, at least these two
eMachines can take
| > it - you can have a 256 MB chip & a 512 MB chip, as long
as they are
| > the same pc2x00 I think. & check around - wait for a
sale. Some
| > places want like $60 for a 356 MB chip, which is
ridiculous. You can
| > find a sale on a 512 chip (counting a rebate) for almost
that price
| > (maybe $70). I say pay the extra $30 and go for an
additional 512 MB
| > added to whatever you already have in there.
| >
| > This week Best Buy has sale on pc2700 256 Mb chips
for$39.99 after a
| > rebate (you pay $64.99 out the door). Circuit City
starting today has
| > a pc2700 512 for $69.99 after rebate.
| > **CompUSA this week has pc2100 chips w/ 512 MB memory on
sale for
| > $74.99 (after $25 rebate) - or pc2100 & 2700 (your
choice) 256 MBs
| > memory for $38.99 (after $21 rebate). The above quotes
were all from
| > adds starting today, seen in my San Jose Ca newspaper.
| >
| > By the way, did you know that Dell & eMachines are now
the same owner?
| > I guess Dell wanted a more inexpensive line of computers
to sell.
| >
| > And more by the way, if you bought your eMachines less
than a year
| > ago, it should still be under warrantee, and that
includes free tech
| > voice support, 7 days a week, 6am to midnight, Pacific
time.
| >
| > Big Mac
| >
| Mac, I thank you for taking the time. I got all the same
| flyers you got, even tho' I'm 2800 miles East and South of
| San Jose (Florida). My eMachines T2080 cost not much more
| than yours, but I got mine 18 months ago (Circuit
City).EMachines told
| me to get PC2100....but several MVPs in this group say
2700 will
| work fine (they just CAN run faster). And do you have
specific
| advice saying you can't mix'n'match 2100 and 2700s? It
shouldn't
| take long before people junque 'old' machines with PC2100
in them,
| and they should be happy turning them into cash. The
problem is,
| making contact with them.
|
| So....if anybody has some old, 'slow' PC2100 184 pin DDR
RAM,
| stand up and name a price for a 512Meg strip.......
|
| Bill Lurie
 
Jim Macklin said:
RAM is tested to run properly at a maximum speed. PC 2700
is faster than PC 2100. If you need PC 2700 and put PC 2100
in it might fail. PC 2700 can run slower without any
problems.
Click to expand...

<snip>

That's not always true. I buy ram from a company that builds their own
modules, and my rep explained it to me ... the gist of it is that there are
differences in the way the 2100 and 2700 modules are built. I don't remember
the details, but it has to do with the configuration of the chips. And
you'll find that some modules are single-sided and some are double-sided.
For many computers, it won't make a difference, while others are quite
picky.

I can buy 2700 modules that may or may not work in a computer that requires
2100's. Or, for a higher price I can buy 2700 modules that are certified to
work in any machine that requires 2100's. Or, for the same price as those
certified 2700's, I can buy modules that only run at 2100.

Same goes for 3200 modules...some are certified for the lower speeds as
well; some aren't.
 
The bottom line is that there is more to the spec than just
PC 2100 or PC 2700, there is ECC or registered RAM, single
or dual sided. But if it meets the other specifications, PC
2700 will run just fine in a slot at PC 2100 speed.

Unless you are over-clocking or doing some critical work or
have a lot of money to spend, buy the most affordable RAM
and save a few bucks..

RAM is a commodity now, just like corn or oil, there may be
better RAM at a higher price, but do you need a $100 stick
when you can buy the same thing for $25?


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.




|
in message
| | > RAM is tested to run properly at a maximum speed. PC
2700
| > is faster than PC 2100. If you need PC 2700 and put PC
2100
| > in it might fail. PC 2700 can run slower without any
| > problems.
| >
|
| <snip>
|
| That's not always true. I buy ram from a company that
builds their own
| modules, and my rep explained it to me ... the gist of it
is that there are
| differences in the way the 2100 and 2700 modules are
built. I don't remember
| the details, but it has to do with the configuration of
the chips. And
| you'll find that some modules are single-sided and some
are double-sided.
| For many computers, it won't make a difference, while
others are quite
| picky.
|
| I can buy 2700 modules that may or may not work in a
computer that requires
| 2100's. Or, for a higher price I can buy 2700 modules that
are certified to
| work in any machine that requires 2100's. Or, for the same
price as those
| certified 2700's, I can buy modules that only run at 2100.
|
| Same goes for 3200 modules...some are certified for the
lower speeds as
| well; some aren't.
|
|
 
William B. Lurie said:
So....if anybody has some old, 'slow' PC2100 184 pin DDR RAM,
stand up and name a price for a 512Meg strip..... > Bill Lurie
Click to expand...

Try eBay for used pc2100 memory. I wouldn't screw with an auction,
but if a seller has a "buy now at this price", maybe it is OK.
However it is my experience, that though there are bargains on
non-computer related stuff, there aren't many computer related things
that are a bargain. I got my son a pc2700 stick new & lifetime
guarantee for what I'd end up paying on eBay for used or new with a
much smaller warrantee. You've got to figure in shipping costs too.
Every time an auction was close to over, the high bid on a chip would
suddenly increase to where it wasn't a bargain anymore. Why don't
you get that pc2100 512 strip at: "**CompUSA this week has pc2100
chips w/ 512 MB memory on sale for $74.99 (after $25 rebate) - or
pc2100 & 2700 (your choice) 256 MBs" You might find a used one for
less, maybe you could save $20. But it isn't worth it - what if it
doesn't work? No warrantee.
Mac, I thank you for taking the time. I got all the same
flyers you got, even tho' I'm 2800 miles East and South of
San Jose (Florida). My eMachines T2080 cost not much more
than yours, but I got mine 18 months ago (Circuit City).EMachines told
me to get PC2100....but several MVPs in this group say 2700 will
work fine (they just CAN run faster). And do you have specific
advice saying you can't mix'n'match 2100 and 2700s? It shouldn't
take long before people junque 'old' machines with PC2100 in them,
and they should be happy turning them into cash. The problem is,
making contact with them.
Click to expand...

Here is part of an email they sent me in regards to my Athalon, not my
son's Celeron. It should apply. Don't mix a 2100 chip with a 2700
chip. It's Ok to have a 256 & a 512. I'd try to get two of the same,
but according to them it is not necessary. (BTW they might answer an
email question even though your computer is out of warrantee.). Also,
not mentioned is BUS speeds. It is generally Ok to have different BUS
speeds on the two chips in your slots - it'll kick down to the slowest
one's speed.

------------ begin email to me from emachines:
From: <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Case ID:5308732
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2004 8:57 PM

3/21/04
xxxxxx xxxxxxx
xxxx xxxxxxxxx Dr
San Jose, CA xxxxx

Re: Email ID xxxxxxx

Dear xxxxxx xxxxxxx:

Thank you for contacting eMachines.

I understand you want to know your RAM upgrade options.

I have listed below your system RAM requirements.

Number of RAM Slots: 2
Total RAM Capacity: 2048
RAM Stick Size Limit: 1024
Type: DDR
Bus Speed: 166 MHz
Number of Pins: 184

Your system requires the PC2700 DDR DIMM RAM and can accommodate a
maximum of 2048MB RAM using two 1024 MB RAM modules.

The RAM chips your system supports do not need to be matched for size
(256, 512, 1024). They do need to be matched for speed (PC133, PC2100
or PC2700). Mismatching the speed will cause the system to drop down
to the lower speed setting and use both chips at this lower speed.
Sometimes this can cause incompatibilities and system errors. You
will want to ensure the chips are the same speed.

Please be aware that it is very important to follow the
specifications. You do not have to match the RAM sticks for size,
however you will need to match them for speed.

Please be aware that whenever the case is removed precautions should
be taken against electrostatic discharge (ESD). Make sure that the
computer is off and unplugged. Please maintain contact with a
grounded source, such as your computer's frame, or use a grounding
strap. Damage resulting from improper grounding may not be covered
under the manufacturer's warranty if these precautions are not taken.
Simply breaking the seal will not void the manufacturer's warranty.

You may want to check our parts website at
http://parts.emachines.com/emachines/ for the part that you are
looking for. If you prefer, you can also give them a call at
1-888-368-7898. They will be able to provide you with part
availability and pricing.

If they do not have the part available, you may wish to consider
searching online or with third party vendors for the part that you
need. Please note that eMachines does not warrant or support any
third party products, so any support that you may need will need to
come from the manufacturer of the third party device.

I hope you find the above information useful in your RAM upgrade.

Should you require further assistance with your eMachines system,
please feel free to send another message. Your comments and
suggestions are welcome.
 
EMachine and Gateway merged, Dell is still Dell.
HP and Compaq merged a year or two ago.
Click to expand...

Whoops! I need an additional 512 MBs in my brain. I had Dell on the
mind.
 
Don't worry about it. Last week on Call for Help, Leo
LaPorte was helping Cat Schwartz build a computer on
television. He has written books on the subject. He picked
up an ATI 9800 card and told her it went in the PCI slots.
After a minute he was corrected about AGP slots. His excuse
was they had just been talking about the new graphics cards
coming out that will be PCI Express. They did not edit out
the mistake on the re-run.

So we all make mistakes, no need to apologize for being
human.


--
The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.


| On Sun, 2 May 2004 16:40:58 -0500, "Jim Macklin"
|
| >EMachine and Gateway merged, Dell is still Dell.
| >HP and Compaq merged a year or two ago.
|
| Whoops! I need an additional 512 MBs in my brain. I had
Dell on the
| mind.
 
Jim Macklin said:
The bottom line is that there is more to the spec than just
PC 2100 or PC 2700, there is ECC or registered RAM, single
or dual sided. But if it meets the other specifications, PC
2700 will run just fine in a slot at PC 2100 speed.
Click to expand...

That's a big "if" and unfortunately, sometimes those specs are a big
difficult to decipher, and some of the oems don't give the details very
readily -- they want you to buy their ram.
Unless you are over-clocking or doing some critical work or
have a lot of money to spend, buy the most affordable RAM
and save a few bucks..
Click to expand...

Agreed, with the caveat that you might want to make sure that cheaper ram is
returnable/exchangeable if it doesn't work in your system. It's not such a
bargain if you have to go out and buy it again elsewhere.
RAM is a commodity now, just like corn or oil, there may be
better RAM at a higher price, but do you need a $100 stick
when you can buy the same thing for $25?
Click to expand...

As long as it works well. But I guess it depends on how you're defining
"better." If it's going to make the computer run faster or be more stable,
then it is worth the extra money. I think we've all read enough posts from
people who are having issues due to incompatible ram that we'd want to avoid
those sorts of issues. If "better" just means a brand-name sticker with no
added benefit, then there's no reason to buy the more expensive stuff.

As for me, I usually stock the non-certified and the certified, and I use
whatever works, If I can save the customer a few bucks and the cheaper stuff
works fine, that's good. If the computer requires the certified ram, there's
no choice. But at least I've got it in stock.
 
A customer should be smart enough to learn a little and ask
questions. You can get many prigrams such as the Bel Arc
Advisor or SiSoft Sandra or Everest (replaces AIDA32) that
will report details of the mobo that allow you find out who
really made the mobo in that HP or eMachine. Then you can
get the real mobo manual. Some of those system scanners
will report the maker of the RAM, not just the seller. My
two PNY sticks bought in the same store, same part number
show...
--------[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003, 2004 Lavalys,
Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------
-----

Version
EVEREST v1.00.93
Homepage
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Report Type Quick
Report
Computer xxx
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Generator
J.H.Macklin
Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date
2004-05-03
Time 01:25


--------[
SPD ]-------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------

[ Samsung M3 68L3313CT1-CB0 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name
Samsung M3 68L3313CT1-CB0
Serial Number
2883A904h
Manufacture Date Week
19 / 2002
Module Size 256
MB (2 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type
Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR
SDRAM
Memory Speed
PC2100 (133 MHz)
Module Width 64
bit
Module Voltage SSTL
2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate
Normal (15.625 us), Self-Refresh
Highest CAS Latency 2.5
(7.5 ns @ 133 MHz)
2nd Highest CAS Latency 2.0
(10.0 ns @ 100 MHz)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not
Supported
Auto-Precharge Not
Supported
Precharge All Not
Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not
Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not
Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not
Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not
Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not
Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not
Supported
Differential Clock Input
Supported
Redundant Row Address Not
Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name
Samsung
Product Information
http://www.samsung.com/Products/Semiconductor/DRAM/index.htm

[ Nanya NT256D64S88AAG-7K ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name
Nanya NT256D64S88AAG-7K
Serial Number
00000015h
Manufacture Date Week
42 / 2002
Module Size 256
MB (1 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type
Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR
SDRAM
Memory Speed
PC2100 (133 MHz)
Module Width 64
bit
Module Voltage SSTL
2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate
Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh
Highest CAS Latency 2.5
(7.0 ns @ 142 MHz)
2nd Highest CAS Latency 2.0
(7.5 ns @ 133 MHz)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not
Supported
Auto-Precharge Not
Supported
Precharge All Not
Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not
Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not
Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not
Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not
Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not
Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not
Supported
Differential Clock Input
Supported
Redundant Row Address Not
Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name
Nanya Technology Corp.
Product Information
http://www.nanya.com/e-htm/abc/abc-03.htm


--------[ Debug -
PCI ]-------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------

B00 D00 F00: Intel 82845G/GL/GV Memory Controller Hub
[A-1]


SNIP--------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
----

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein
may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

|
in message
| | > The bottom line is that there is more to the spec than
just
| > PC 2100 or PC 2700, there is ECC or registered RAM,
single
| > or dual sided. But if it meets the other
specifications, PC
| > 2700 will run just fine in a slot at PC 2100 speed.
|
| That's a big "if" and unfortunately, sometimes those specs
are a big
| difficult to decipher, and some of the oems don't give the
details very
| readily -- they want you to buy their ram.
|
| >
| > Unless you are over-clocking or doing some critical work
or
| > have a lot of money to spend, buy the most affordable
RAM
| > and save a few bucks..
|
| Agreed, with the caveat that you might want to make sure
that cheaper ram is
| returnable/exchangeable if it doesn't work in your system.
It's not such a
| bargain if you have to go out and buy it again elsewhere.
|
| >
| > RAM is a commodity now, just like corn or oil, there may
be
| > better RAM at a higher price, but do you need a $100
stick
| > when you can buy the same thing for $25?
|
| As long as it works well. But I guess it depends on how
you're defining
| "better." If it's going to make the computer run faster or
be more stable,
| then it is worth the extra money. I think we've all read
enough posts from
| people who are having issues due to incompatible ram that
we'd want to avoid
| those sorts of issues. If "better" just means a brand-name
sticker with no
| added benefit, then there's no reason to buy the more
expensive stuff.
|
| As for me, I usually stock the non-certified and the
certified, and I use
| whatever works, If I can save the customer a few bucks and
the cheaper stuff
| works fine, that's good. If the computer requires the
certified ram, there's
| no choice. But at least I've got it in stock.
|
| >
| >
| > --
| > The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
| > But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
| >
| >
| >
| >
message
| > | > |
| > | "Jim Macklin" <p51mustang[threeX12]@xxxhotmail.calm>
wrote
| > in message
| > | | > | > RAM is tested to run properly at a maximum speed.
PC
| > 2700
| > | > is faster than PC 2100. If you need PC 2700 and put
PC
| > 2100
| > | > in it might fail. PC 2700 can run slower without
any
| > | > problems.
| > | >
| > |
| > | <snip>
| > |
| > | That's not always true. I buy ram from a company that
| > builds their own
| > | modules, and my rep explained it to me ... the gist of
it
| > is that there are
| > | differences in the way the 2100 and 2700 modules are
| > built. I don't remember
| > | the details, but it has to do with the configuration
of
| > the chips. And
| > | you'll find that some modules are single-sided and
some
| > are double-sided.
| > | For many computers, it won't make a difference, while
| > others are quite
| > | picky.
| > |
| > | I can buy 2700 modules that may or may not work in a
| > computer that requires
| > | 2100's. Or, for a higher price I can buy 2700 modules
that
| > are certified to
| > | work in any machine that requires 2100's. Or, for the
same
| > price as those
| > | certified 2700's, I can buy modules that only run at
2100.
| > |
| > | Same goes for 3200 modules...some are certified for
the
| > lower speeds as
| > | well; some aren't.
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|
 
Jim Macklin said:
A customer should be smart enough to learn a little and ask
questions.
Click to expand...

Agreed. But there's the other side of the coin. If said educated customer
goes to a store to buy ram and asks if it's buffered or unbuffered or asks
what the CAS latency is, the answers are bound to be pretty interesting, but
most likely useless and/or untrue. For a great number of computers those
specs aren't going to matter, but for the special few, it's going to matter
a lot. Another problem is knowing which specs are the important ones. You've
listed a whole lot of information. but when you buy ram, which of those make
a difference? It would be pretty useless to wander around looking for ram
that matched those specs precisely when some aren't going to matter and some
aren't routinely listed by vendors.

Thus the oft-quoted advice to buy all the same ram, buy it all at the same
time, or buy from a place that does know what the important specs are and
guarantees compatibility.

And honestly, most people don't go into minute details when they buy things.
They just want to know if said purchase is going to work for them. They
don't want details. Like car tires. Multitudes of tread patterns and other
specs that are important in one way or another. Most people just want to
make sure the tires fit the car.

Chances are even if a store clerk knows the detailed answers, the stock is
limited to what's on hand at the time. And the info on the package of
Kingston Value Ram that's in the case certainly doesn't give you every bit
of information. A small shop (like mine) would special order, if need be.
Purchasing from a reputable web store is fine too, as long as they're
keeping track of all of the important specs.

But all of this evolved from someone who asked if they could use 2700's in a
computer that was specced for 2100's and one answer came back saying "yes,
the 2700 will run fine but at the slower speed."

Which, in many cases is true. I'd venture to say that 80-90% of the
computers I see have no problem with using a wide range ram configurations.
Then there are the finicky ones. Those are the ones that make me happy that
all I have to do is call my ram guy and say "This is the motherboard, send
me ram that's guaranteed to work in in," and I don't have to worry about
which specs are the troublesome ones. Heh. I remember back in the good old
simm days when there were computers that *required* gold or nickel leads and
wouldn't work with the wrong type, where 99% of the computers could use
either with no problems at all.

You can get many prigrams such as the Bel Arc
Advisor or SiSoft Sandra or Everest (replaces AIDA32) that
will report details of the mobo that allow you find out who
really made the mobo in that HP or eMachine. Then you can
get the real mobo manual. Some of those system scanners
will report the maker of the RAM, not just the seller. My
two PNY sticks bought in the same store, same part number
show...
--------[ EVEREST Home Edition (c) 2003, 2004 Lavalys,
Inc. ]------------------------------------------------------
-----

Version
EVEREST v1.00.93
Homepage
http://www.lavalys.com/
Report Type Quick
Report
Computer xxx
deleted xxxx)
Generator
J.H.Macklin
Operating System
Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date
2004-05-03
Time 01:25


--------[
SPD ]-------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------

[ Samsung M3 68L3313CT1-CB0 ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name
Samsung M3 68L3313CT1-CB0
Serial Number
2883A904h
Manufacture Date Week
19 / 2002
Module Size 256
MB (2 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type
Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR
SDRAM
Memory Speed
PC2100 (133 MHz)
Module Width 64
bit
Module Voltage SSTL
2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate
Normal (15.625 us), Self-Refresh
Highest CAS Latency 2.5
(7.5 ns @ 133 MHz)
2nd Highest CAS Latency 2.0
(10.0 ns @ 100 MHz)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not
Supported
Auto-Precharge Not
Supported
Precharge All Not
Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not
Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not
Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not
Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not
Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not
Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not
Supported
Differential Clock Input
Supported
Redundant Row Address Not
Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name
Samsung
Product Information
http://www.samsung.com/Products/Semiconductor/DRAM/index.htm

[ Nanya NT256D64S88AAG-7K ]

Memory Module Properties:
Module Name
Nanya NT256D64S88AAG-7K
Serial Number
00000015h
Manufacture Date Week
42 / 2002
Module Size 256
MB (1 rows, 4 banks)
Module Type
Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR
SDRAM
Memory Speed
PC2100 (133 MHz)
Module Width 64
bit
Module Voltage SSTL
2.5
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate
Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh
Highest CAS Latency 2.5
(7.0 ns @ 142 MHz)
2nd Highest CAS Latency 2.0
(7.5 ns @ 133 MHz)

Memory Module Features:
Early RAS# Precharge Not
Supported
Auto-Precharge Not
Supported
Precharge All Not
Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not
Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not
Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not
Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not
Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not
Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not
Supported
Differential Clock Input
Supported
Redundant Row Address Not
Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer:
Company Name
Nanya Technology Corp.
Product Information
http://www.nanya.com/e-htm/abc/abc-03.htm


--------[ Debug -
PCI ]-------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------

B00 D00 F00: Intel 82845G/GL/GV Memory Controller Hub
[A-1]


SNIP--------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
----

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein
may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

|
in message
| | > The bottom line is that there is more to the spec than
just
| > PC 2100 or PC 2700, there is ECC or registered RAM,
single
| > or dual sided. But if it meets the other
specifications, PC
| > 2700 will run just fine in a slot at PC 2100 speed.
|
| That's a big "if" and unfortunately, sometimes those specs
are a big
| difficult to decipher, and some of the oems don't give the
details very
| readily -- they want you to buy their ram.
|
| >
| > Unless you are over-clocking or doing some critical work
or
| > have a lot of money to spend, buy the most affordable
RAM
| > and save a few bucks..
|
| Agreed, with the caveat that you might want to make sure
that cheaper ram is
| returnable/exchangeable if it doesn't work in your system.
It's not such a
| bargain if you have to go out and buy it again elsewhere.
|
| >
| > RAM is a commodity now, just like corn or oil, there may
be
| > better RAM at a higher price, but do you need a $100
stick
| > when you can buy the same thing for $25?
|
| As long as it works well. But I guess it depends on how
you're defining
| "better." If it's going to make the computer run faster or
be more stable,
| then it is worth the extra money. I think we've all read
enough posts from
| people who are having issues due to incompatible ram that
we'd want to avoid
| those sorts of issues. If "better" just means a brand-name
sticker with no
| added benefit, then there's no reason to buy the more
expensive stuff.
|
| As for me, I usually stock the non-certified and the
certified, and I use
| whatever works, If I can save the customer a few bucks and
the cheaper stuff
| works fine, that's good. If the computer requires the
certified ram, there's
| no choice. But at least I've got it in stock.
|
| >
| >
| > --
| > The people think the Constitution protects their rights;
| > But government sees it as an obstacle to be overcome.
| >
| >
| >
| >
message
| > | > |
| > | "Jim Macklin" <p51mustang[threeX12]@xxxhotmail.calm>
wrote
| > in message
| > | | > | > RAM is tested to run properly at a maximum speed.
PC
| > 2700
| > | > is faster than PC 2100. If you need PC 2700 and put
PC
| > 2100
| > | > in it might fail. PC 2700 can run slower without
any
| > | > problems.
| > | >
| > |
| > | <snip>
| > |
| > | That's not always true. I buy ram from a company that
| > builds their own
| > | modules, and my rep explained it to me ... the gist of
it
| > is that there are
| > | differences in the way the 2100 and 2700 modules are
| > built. I don't remember
| > | the details, but it has to do with the configuration
of
| > the chips. And
| > | you'll find that some modules are single-sided and
some
| > are double-sided.
| > | For many computers, it won't make a difference, while
| > others are quite
| > | picky.
| > |
| > | I can buy 2700 modules that may or may not work in a
| > computer that requires
| > | 2100's. Or, for a higher price I can buy 2700 modules
that
| > are certified to
| > | work in any machine that requires 2100's. Or, for the
same
| > price as those
| > | certified 2700's, I can buy modules that only run at
2100.
| > |
| > | Same goes for 3200 modules...some are certified for
the
| > lower speeds as
| > | well; some aren't.
| > |
| > |
| >
| >
|
|
Click to expand...
 
Mac, I thank you for taking the time. I got all the same
flyers you got, even tho' I'm 2800 miles East and South of
San Jose (Florida). My eMachines T2080 cost not much more
than yours, but I got mine 18 months ago (Circuit City).EMachines told
me to get PC2100....but several MVPs in this group say 2700 will
work fine (they just CAN run faster). And do you have specific
advice saying you can't mix'n'match 2100 and 2700s? It shouldn't
take long before people junque 'old' machines with PC2100 in them,
and they should be happy turning them into cash. The problem is,
making contact with them.

So....if anybody has some old, 'slow' PC2100 184 pin DDR RAM,
stand up and name a price for a 512Meg strip.......

Bill Lurie
Click to expand...

Bill,

I saw a few folks here recommend going to Crucial, which is a very great
quality source for RAM. But there is another called Kingston, which also
sells very dependable PC products, namely RAM. They have PC2100, on up there
available and it is very typically less expensive than Crucial.

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator/memsubtype.asp

This is the 2100 list, but you can check out all of there products. If you
also can give the name of the maker/model of your MOBO, they will match up
your RAM just fine.
 
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