Can you use DDR 400 in a DDR 333 Dell desktop? Does density matter?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ~AlicGinnis~
  • Start date Start date
A

~AlicGinnis~

Hi,

A friend emailed me this question. I don't know the answer and though
someone here may know. Thanks. Al



"I want to put a 512MB DDR SDRAM module in my computer. It takes DDR 333.
My Dell manual doesn't say anything about needing low versus high density
modules, but I saw somewhere that high density modules are less universal
than low. However, not all modules are identified as high or low density.
Do you think it matters?



Also, is a faster module (such as DDR 400) compatible? There's one on eBay
that's cheaper than 333."
 
Hi,

A friend emailed me this question. I don't know the answer and though
someone here may know.  Thanks.  Al

"I want to put a 512MB DDR SDRAM module in my computer.  It takes DDR 333.
My Dell manual doesn't say anything about needing low versus high density
modules, but I saw somewhere that high density modules are less universal
than low.  However, not all modules are identified as high or low density.
Do you think it matters?

Also, is a faster module (such as DDR 400) compatible?  There's one on eBay
that's cheaper than 333."
Click to expand...
 
Hi,

A friend emailed me this question. I don't know the answer and though
someone here may know.  Thanks.  Al

"I want to put a 512MB DDR SDRAM module in my computer.  It takes DDR 333.
My Dell manual doesn't say anything about needing low versus high density
modules, but I saw somewhere that high density modules are less universal
than low.  However, not all modules are identified as high or low density.
Do you think it matters?

Also, is a faster module (such as DDR 400) compatible?  There's one on eBay
that's cheaper than 333."
Click to expand...

OK..density matters..use low density for assurred compatability. Now
here is the definitive solution to your problem. Go to the crucial
memory site and use the system scanner there. It will scan your
computer and tell you in detail everything you need to know about
adding memory. I used it today. I thought I knew a lot about memory. I
did not. It was quite an education and painless at that. www.crucial.com
Stanley
 
~AlicGinnis~ said:
Hi,

A friend emailed me this question. I don't know the answer and though
someone here may know. Thanks. Al



"I want to put a 512MB DDR SDRAM module in my computer. It takes DDR 333.
My Dell manual doesn't say anything about needing low versus high density
modules, but I saw somewhere that high density modules are less universal
than low. However, not all modules are identified as high or low density.
Do you think it matters?



Also, is a faster module (such as DDR 400) compatible? There's one on eBay
that's cheaper than 333."
Click to expand...


PC3200 or DDR 400 will most often work at 333MHz. I don't see a 512MB
module being a problem.

The Crucial Memory Advisor tool is quite helpful in instances like this.

http://www.crucial.com/store/drammemory.aspx
 
Hi,

A friend emailed me this question. I don't know the answer and though
someone here may know.  Thanks.  Al

"I want to put a 512MB DDR SDRAM module in my computer.  It takes DDR 333.
My Dell manual doesn't say anything about needing low versus high density
modules, but I saw somewhere that high density modules are less universal
than low.  However, not all modules are identified as high or low density.
Do you think it matters?

Also, is a faster module (such as DDR 400) compatible?  There's one on eBay
that's cheaper than 333."
Click to expand...

Faster ram is compatible. As for density, sometimes it matters, more
often not. Half a gig is cheap enough not to lose any sleep over.


NT
 
Hi,

A friend emailed me this question. I don't know the answer and though
someone here may know.  Thanks.  Al

"I want to put a 512MB DDR SDRAM module in my computer.  It takes DDR 333.
My Dell manual doesn't say anything about needing low versus high density
modules, but I saw somewhere that high density modules are less universal
than low.  However, not all modules are identified as high or low density.
Do you think it matters?

Also, is a faster module (such as DDR 400) compatible?  There's one on eBay
that's cheaper than 333."
Click to expand...

If I may suggest, the lower density mem modules are better. High-
density modules tend to lower older computer models' speeds in my
experience. I will detail the discussion in my site http://www.kokeytechnology.com
 
But one caveat, it doesn't work or is inaccurate with homebuilt
computers. Then again, if you are doing a build, hopefully you've
researched all aspects and should know compatible memory for your mobo.
Just I'd throw this in as a friendly reminder for 1st time newbies.
Click to expand...

Nonsense - that's specifically what it's for. You have to accurately
specify your motherboard and they then give you a list of modules
(sizes and speeds) that are guaranteed compatible for that board. In
the unlikely event that they incorrectly recommend the wrong part,
you're covered by their guarantee. Why the caveat?

You're right on though suggesting self education through research to
enable a sanity check before purchase. Given the number of mobos on
the market and the sometimes abysmal technical descriptions - an
occasional error is bound to occur - ergo the guarantee.
 
tanstafl wrote:

<some stuff.>

Isn't your handle is missing an "a?" That is, if it's the acronym from
"The Moon is a Harsh Mistress."

Tanstaafl: "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"

TJ
 
tanstafl wrote:

<some stuff.>

Isn't your handle is missing an "a?" That is, if it's the acronym from
"The Moon is a Harsh Mistress."

Tanstaafl: "There Ain't No Such Thing As A Free Lunch"

TJ
Click to expand...

Yeah - but you would be surprised how many double 'a' IDs are already
taken around the net. Dropping an 'a' lets me be more consistent
across the various groups & fora. Robert passing was a sad day.
 
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