Updgrade RAM on Computer that Uses DDR1 on 266Mhz

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
K

kikibiki

Reputable
Aug 2, 2014
3
0
4,510
Hi,

I need some advice on how to upgrade RAM on my mom's old computer.

Now, my question is: is it ok to use 400mhz RAM if a computer currently uses 266mhz? (That's right, 266, not even 333). I don't think I'd be able to find 266mhz RAM these days.

The motherboard is ASUS A7V600-X. It has 3 DDR slots. According to its documentation, it can use PC32000 memory, but when I go to my BIOS I only see two options for frequency: Auto and 266.

What to do?

The computer currently has 500 MB of RAM (2x 265). I'd like to upgrade it to at least 1GB. Now, do I HAVE TO find a DDR 266Mhz RAM or am I allowed to use 333Mhz and 400 Mhz RAM? (And how to control that in BIOS?)

(In case you need to know, the processor is Athlon XP 2200+)

Thank you in advance.
 
Solution
DSzymborski


You can actually still snag some on the internet...
Sort by date Sort by votes
M

mbarnes86

Splendid
Sep 16, 2010
3,839
7
26,965
Hi

You need to go to the motherboard manufactures web site and check on the RAM compatibility list
Or go to crucial web site and see what they recommend for your motherboard

If all modules are same type probably ok
(Eg remove old modules and replace with new 2x 512 or 2 x 1024 )

In some cases the number of dimms which can be fitted depend on if single or double sided RAM modules fitted and speed rating
So you have not given enough information for a definite answer

Crucial stocks DDR 400 MHz 512 MB & 1GB modules and corsair 1GB value ram 400 MHz are still available

Regards
Mike Barnes
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

kikibiki

Reputable
Aug 2, 2014
3
0
4,510
According to the manual: "The motherboard has three Double Data Rate (DDR) DIMM sockets that supports
up to 3GB unbuffered non-ECC PC3200/2700/2100 DDR DIMMs. PC3200 maximum to 2 banks only."

And what about the processor, does it play any role in here? (The amount of RAM/frequency I can use?)

And here's the list of modules supported. I notice there are no 1GB 400Mhz modules on the list; does that mean it's safer to use only 512MB 400Mhz modules and stay away from 1GB ones?

http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/socka/kt600/a7v600-x/A7V600-X_QVL.pdf
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
M

mbarnes86

Splendid
Sep 16, 2010
3,839
7
26,965
Hi

400 MHz DDR is equivalent to PC3200 DDR
So 2 x DDR 400/pc3200 1GB modules is ok

I expect ram sockets different colours 2 one colour 1 other colour
Use 2 the same colour for the 2 ram modules

( I was looking at a 10 year old PC with similar configuration last week, it already had 2 x 1GB DDR 400 MHz modules which I expect was an upgrade)

Regards
Mike Barnes
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
K

kikibiki

Reputable
Aug 2, 2014
3
0
4,510


It's supported by the motherboard, but (as I understand), I can use only two 400Mhz modules.

I am not sure about the CPU, and I don't know how to find this info. It's Athlon XP 2200+ Its frequency (FBS) is 266Mhz. Shouldn't memory accommodate it automatically? (Downgrade itself from 400Mhz to 266Mhz)? If not, there's no way I'd be able to find 266Mhz memory/PC2100.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
DSzymborski

DSzymborski

Curmudgeon Pursuivant
Moderator
Nov 19, 2010
20,892
5,116
106,640


You can actually still snag some on the internet.

http://www.esaitech.com/patriot-psd1g26636er-1gb-pc2100-ddr-266mhz-ecc-registered-cl2.5-184-pin-dimm-memory-module.html?pk_campaign=ga-pla&gclid=Cj0KEQjwmPKeBRCj4bOro6nBitABEiQABa2FJFhWDH_g9fJOaPAOpyUlU0pFuhFlKv-0FdZndOcd3NYaAiRp8P8HAQ

(Just a random one I came across, not necessarily recommending it - it's been a *long* time since I looked at the original DDR RAM).
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
SlayZombi

SlayZombi

Honorable
Jan 3, 2014
950
1
11,165


Why get new higher frequency RAM if it'll just downgrade?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom