Which memory?

  • Thread starter Thread starter john
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J

john

I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with 256Mb in the one slot and I'd like to
put another 256Mb in the other. The problem is, I don't know what kind of
memory to buy. The manual says the machine has (quote) "256Mb of PC2700
(333 MHz) DDR SDRAM (non-ECC)". Looking at my usual hardware vendor on the
net, they sell Crucial:

256MB 184Pin DIMM PC2700 DDR RAM Non-Parity CL2.5

256MB 184Pin DIMM PC2700 DDR RAM ECC Unbuffered CL2.5

So, which one, or doesn't it make any difference? I don't want to buy the
wrong memory, that's all.

Thanks for your time
 
Go to crucial.com and get their recommendation and compare the prices.
That said, nonECC is what you need. The 2400 doesn't support ECC,
so no need to spend the money and you'll note they don't offer it as a
choice..
 
Either will work. Non-parity non-ECC is cheaper. Your motherboard does not support parity or ECC so it is a waste of money to pay for it.
I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with 256Mb in the one slot and I'd like to
put another 256Mb in the other. The problem is, I don't know what kind of
memory to buy. The manual says the machine has (quote) "256Mb of PC2700
(333 MHz) DDR SDRAM (non-ECC)". Looking at my usual hardware vendor on the
net, they sell Crucial:

256MB 184Pin DIMM PC2700 DDR RAM Non-Parity CL2.5

256MB 184Pin DIMM PC2700 DDR RAM ECC Unbuffered CL2.5

So, which one, or doesn't it make any difference? I don't want to buy the
wrong memory, that's all.

Thanks for your time
Click to expand...

--

When replying by Email include NewSGrouP (case sensitive) in Subject

Mike Walsh
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
 
john said:
I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with 256Mb in the one slot and I'd like
to put another 256Mb in the other. The problem is, I don't know what
kind of memory to buy. The manual says the machine has (quote) "256Mb
of PC2700 (333 MHz) DDR SDRAM (non-ECC)". Looking at my usual
hardware vendor on the net, they sell Crucial:

256MB 184Pin DIMM PC2700 DDR RAM Non-Parity CL2.5

256MB 184Pin DIMM PC2700 DDR RAM ECC Unbuffered CL2.5

So, which one, or doesn't it make any difference? I don't want to buy
the wrong memory, that's all.
Click to expand...


You want the first one, since your motherboard does not support ECC memory.

For $1 you can buy this Crucial module which runs at 200MHz, for use in any
other computer using 184pin DDR.
http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT3264Z40B&cat=RAM
 
Intel says ECC DIMMs can damage the memory voltage regulator by drawing too much current. This would be a problem only if all the memory slots are filled. Considering the fact that a 9 chip ECC DIMM draws only 12% more current than a 8 chip non ECC DIMM this does not say much for Intel's power supply.

steven67@ said:
.

The Dell Dimension 2400 apparently uses an Intel 845GV based motherboard. Non-ECC DIMMs are required for these boards. Intel states that
their 845G chipset based boards can be damaged if ECC DIMMs are used.
Click to expand...

--

When replying by Email include NewSGrouP (case sensitive) in Subject

Mike Walsh
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
 
Mike Walsh wrote: (*** and unfortunately topposted - fixed ***)
Intel says ECC DIMMs can damage the memory voltage regulator by
drawing too much current. This would be a problem only if all the
memory slots are filled. Considering the fact that a 9 chip ECC
DIMM draws only 12% more current than a 8 chip non ECC DIMM this
does not say much for Intel's power supply.
Click to expand...

This makes sense, while the previous did not. Hopefully this
reply straightens out the mixture of topposts and excessive line
lengths, so it all becomes legible.
 
Mike said:
Intel says ECC DIMMs can damage the memory voltage regulator by drawing too much current. This would be a problem only if all the memory slots are filled. Considering the fact that a 9 chip ECC DIMM draws only 12% more current than a 8 chip non ECC DIMM this does not say much for Intel's power supply.
Click to expand...

..


Whether they would be damaged with one DIMM or two DIMMs, is moot. Non-ECC DIMMs are required. The board will not boot with ECC DIMMs.
 
Intel says ECC DIMMs can damage the memory voltage regulator by drawing too much current. This would be a problem only if all the memory slots are filled. Considering the fact that a 9 chip ECC DIMM draws only 12% more current than a 8 chip non ECC DIMM this does not say much for Intel's power supply.
Click to expand...

Can damage them in what, specific, situation? You mention all slots
filled, but there is certainly more to it than that.

Typical regulator is not driven to within 12% of max capacity, could
potentially overheat if not 'sunk properly but a decent board "should" be
using quality regulator with overheat shutdown.

Or to consider it another way, plenty of people have overclocked their
memory bus beyond using a 12% additional current without any observed
problem. However, if overheating occurs there is always the option of
adding a heatsink, typically the mosfet 'sinks sold online, attached with
thermal epoxy should suffice, though void the board's warranty.
 
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