Chips' Fun House ~ View topic

Forum H4xor Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 1172

when adding more memory, i know that certain things need to be compatible or else it wont recognize the new memory cards. now, what are those things? Laughing

Try to match what you already have (size)...but it also depends on how many open slots you have.
For instance...if you have two sticks of 256 and one open slot, get another 256. You CAN just drop in a 512 and double what you have, but there are instances where that may cause a conflict. Kinda depends on your motherboard also.

If you have 512 total now and want to double it as in the above situation...you'd probably be safer and better off just getting two 512 sticks.

So you've got 2, possibly 3, things you need to keep with:

1. Socket type. There are 3 different ones out there now, DDR, DDR2, and SDRAM (f-in' Old!!!!). All 3 are different, so DDR and DDR2 won't work together.

2. Capacity. Now, it's true that there can be some conflicts and problems, but I recomend doubling. I see people who say that this can cause problems, like the sticks now being recognized, but I see it works. It's probably just the quality.
What DEFINITLY DOESN'T work is adding a large amount onto a small amount of RAM, like adding 1Gb onto 128mb. THAT REALLY SCREWS STUFF UP! Removing the 128, is what I would recomend.

And, if you have a recently new computer,
3. Model. Dual Channel Capable Memory works better then non-DCC RAM. But, you have to have the same make and model in order for it to work. Also, you have to put them in the corresponding slots, FYI.

Okay?
Now, there are 3 companies I reccomend buyin from:
Corsair (good overall)
OCZ (Overclocking galore)
and Kingston ('eh)

Might I ask what you may be buying?

if you are in a military family, i suggest getting it at a base/post. most BX/PXs supply Kingston RAM, and it's always at rock bottom prices.

Forum H4xor Joined: 08 Dec 2004 Posts: 2504 Location: NJ

Crimson buy me a couple of gig sticks ill pay you back, someday. Razz

Aye, Kingston RAM is by far the best. Good quality, good price, great website.

They're the best value for your money.
Corsair is a bit pricey, and their Valu-RAM sometimes isn't game-worthy.
And OCZ can be pretty pricey, but it's VERY Overclock-wothy

Forum H4xor Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Posts: 1172

bwahaha dropping in 512 worked, i had 2 256s in there.

Well, in order to assess (he he) this prob, I need to know what RAM you have, how much, and your computer set up.

About that beep, This is a way of telling that the computer has a problem.
There are several combinations, from 1 long beep, to several dits and dats.

I wish I knew them all, you could find it in your Mobo manual.
I research for you some SB. Smile

Beware of FAST ram = fast moving scout --->Tiger
Wink

I saw an article once on OCZ (Overclocking galore) ram. It showed their store - it was in a small strip mall that really had no front.. looked like the type of store (if it even was a store) with junk all over the place.. like they were making the ram in the back. The person was having issues returning their ram under warranty.

Crucial has a memony advisor tool right on their website to help you choose the proper ram for your motherboard. Even if you just use the tool to help make sure your buying the correct type. I've found buying ram at Newegg slightly cheaper than buying it direct from Crucial (didn't used to be that way). I can also vouch for their great warranty.. had a mb fry a stick. Just called them (didn't have the receipt anymore), they ship you a new one, and you return the old one in the same box - never charging your credit card.

For overclocking I like Corsair or Mushkin
Smile

SB, next time it beeps at you count how many beeps and how long they are(1 long, 3 short, etc.) and then take out the new stick and start up your computer(assuming that lets your comp startup, if not go to the library or someplace with a computer and internet) and look up '<number of beeps and length of beeps> POST code' that should get you an answer or two. Also I believe that up to two beeps is normal and signals that nothing is wrong.

Ah!
There you go!

Good Work Demasu!
I never would have thought of that.

My pin count is 184, I have a 200 something stick. Sad