Help Upgrading RAM

Discussion in 'CPU, Motherboards and Memory' started by WiseWarrior, Jul 14, 2006.

  1. WiseWarrior

    WiseWarrior Geek Trainee

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    I just Installed 512mb of ram to add to the 256mb already installed.I was just wondering how to get the most performance out of the memory I have.
    Does it make any differnece if I swap slots w/ the 256mb of ram and put the 512 in the first slot?Or does the ram work jointly w the other?

    Not sure if you need all this but just wanted to make sure I gave enough info,

    Specs
    -------
    Model:Compaq Presario #:s4010cl Manufacturer Site
    Os: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
    cpu: Intel Celeron, 2400 MHz
    Mobo: Asus P4G533-LA
    Physical Memory:
    Total 759 MB
    Used 270 MB
    Free 489 MB


    [ DIMM1: Smart Modular SM5643285D8N6CLIBH ]

    Memory Module Properties:
    Module Name Smart Modular SM5643285D8N6CLIBH
    Serial Number None
    Manufacture Date Week 31 / 2003
    Module Size 256 MB (1 rank, 4 banks)
    Module Type Unbuffered
    Memory Type DDR SDRAM
    Memory Speed PC2700 (166 MHz)
    Module Width 64 bit
    Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
    Error Detection Method None
    Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh

    [ DIMM2: Kingston K ]

    Memory Module Properties:
    Module Name Kingston K
    Serial Number 6D0C6542h
    Manufacture Date Week 18 / 2006
    Module Size 512 MB (2 ranks, 4 banks)
    Module Type Unbuffered
    Memory Type DDR SDRAM
    Memory Speed PC3200 (200 MHz)
    Module Width 64 bit
    Module Voltage SSTL 2.5
    Error Detection Method None
    Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us), Self-Refresh

    North Bridge Properties:
    North Bridge Intel Brookdale-G i845GL
    Revision 03
    Package Type 760 Pin FC-BGA
    Package Size 3.75 cm x 3.75 cm
    Core Voltage 1.5 V
    In-Order Queue Depth 12
     
  2. kenji san

    kenji san Geek Trainee

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    If you don't have dual channel RAM, which you shouldn't then RAM is RAM.

    Does your system run? Usually you can not mix varying speeds of RAM. You have both DDR2700 and DDR3200. Hmmm not good.

    If your system runs, then you should put your new RAM in the first slot and the old in the second. If your system doesn't run, then toss out the old RAM.
     
  3. JohnLynn

    JohnLynn Geek Trainee

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    According to specs, I don't think you can get more out of it. Your 512MB RAM is not running at 200Mhz because the other one is running @ 166. I also don't think (not sure), the board supports Dual Channel. Even then, both modules will be running at 166, effective 333 MHz. Some dual channel board has colour coding slots, meaning you seat 2 banks of module into the same coloured slots. Check the board specs. it explains in detail. Last but not least, all memory modules (especiallly the chips) should be of identical brand ensuring same read/write speed and latency delay.

    But undoubtedly, you pc runs faster simply because of more RAM.
     
  4. WiseWarrior

    WiseWarrior Geek Trainee

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    My system runs w/ out any errors from what I see.When I got the ram from BestBuy I asked the tech guys there"geek squad" and showed them my specs and they said I needed pc2700, which is what it says on the box, I dont know why the report I posted that came from "everest home" is saying pc3200 thats odd I know this ram is compatible w/ alot of machines and it is compatible w/ my mobo and such says so on the box anyway.But I dont want to mess anything up so I would appreciate some more input perferibly from the senior members on this issue.

    Your help is appreciated!
     
  5. WiseWarrior

    WiseWarrior Geek Trainee

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    So should I swap slots with the 256 ram or not?I'm not seeing a performance boost like I expected.
    Another thing,why does it say im using like 500mb of virtual memory?If I turn off the paging file will it move it to the physical memory and speed things up?What exactly is the paging file used for?Sorry kinda new to this stuff I have alot of questions.

    Thank You all for your time!
     
  6. JohnLynn

    JohnLynn Geek Trainee

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    Swapping the slots won't boost performance. It used to be the case in the past though. Click follows for more detail.

    Windows XP Virtual Memory / Paging File
    Virtual memory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
     
  7. jester45

    jester45 Big Geek wanna be

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    i would say trash the old one keep the 512 unless u need lots of ram but slower performace like me i have a gameing computer that i rtyied something like you but hte perforace was bad so i took the lower mb one out and added to my server beucase it dosent need to be fast but if i open something on it while a few ppl are in the game they lag while the program is opening but with the little extra even if its not urta fast helps alot

    so if u game a lot only use 512 if u muti task a lot use both
     
  8. Big B

    Big B HWF Godfather

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    That's only a problem if his CPU requires PC3200. From what I can see, it doesn't. He'd be fine with PC1600.

    RAM PCxxxx ratings are like tire ratings: they're the maximum supported speeds and will work fine running slower speeds.

    The i845 chipset the motherboard uses does not have a dual-channel memory capability, so the RAM order shouldn't matter.

    You will always use a page file under Windows.
     

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