DDR Ram

Hi: I hope I am posting this in the correct forum. I have a P4 1.6 w/ 256K of SD Ram. I am looking to replace it w/ the same amount of DDR Ram as I have heard it is faster. Is it faster and can I switch the sticks?

 

If your mainboard uses SDRAM, I don't think you can replace it with DDR. You'll have to get a new mainboard. Sorry.

 

Thank you for replying Shadowhawk.
Maybe my wife will buy me a DDR Ram compatible motherboard if I'm good.

 

Let's not forget that many boards support both (just not at the same time) as mine does.

 

SDRAM is 168 Pin and DDR is 184.

You should be able to tell just by looking at the MotherBoard whether it has the 2 types of slots.

 

Thank you orndog & breezycricket. I will see if my board is compatible

 

I should add that the average person would not notice an improvement in speed by changing the RAM.

The average PC to-day is used for Word Processing and, as such, an old 286 is more than adequate.

For anyone using it specifically for browsing the "Net ", the bottleneck is usually the Internet Connection, and even doubling the Processor speed does not help under those circumstances.

I should add also that this is my opinion only. I am sure there are many who may disagree.

 

No disagreement here. I would assume that those absorbed with frame rates in video games will notice the difference, but then that may be more the domain of your video card. I would think more benefit might be had in doubling the current RAM as opposed to replacing it.

 

Adding RAM rather than replacing certainly would give more "bang for the buck ".

 

Thank you for the many suggestions. So as I have 256 meg SD Ram,my best bet would be to double my existing ram??

 

Actually, considering that you have that amount of RAM already, your best bet would be to spend the money on taking your wife out to a nice candlelight supper instead.

I's called a "win/win" situation.

 

But, as humans, we always want more. Ask yourself what would make you happy. If it were me, I'd double my existing RAM. If that is going to make you feel like you got cheated out of faster RAM, it will always bug you. Just remember, it won't be long before they come out with yet another type of RAM to make people drool.

 

Thank you for your suggestions & opinions.

 

"TAKE YOUR WIFE TO DINNER" ???? What are we turning into around here? This is not the dear abby site!!! geeshh I believe this man said his wife might buy him the memory... "if he's good "..
Sounds like it's a lost cause already. lol Just kidding mac... I believe the question was to change or to increase the RAM in your machine, right? IMHO SDRAM is lickity split stuff and more is better here. Even if you're the type who likes to keep current with today's technology, a loosing battle (again IMHO), Compatability is key. You go changin' things, pretty soon something's not gonna match, and you'r in the market for a whole new machine again. Changing the MB is some serious changing, all things inclided, and unless your willing to do it yourself, might as well get a new system. That is if your wife lets you. Keep Smiling pal,
sidermike w/mean P4pc

 

Bimmer, I wouldn't worry about the switch to DDR. Your P4 is hamstrung by your SDRAM and would continue to be hamstrung with DDR. P4s need the extra bandwidth of RDRAM to really shine! So I wouldn't waste any money on a DDR board. Eventually, if you stay with the Intel route, you'll want to get an RDRAM board and let that baby fly - or whatever flavor of memory Intel will be pushing then.

The amount of ram you need also depends on the OS you're running. For Win98 and even Win2k, 256MB is fine. For XP, 512 might be better. But I'd only recommend the extra memory if you're a true power user who does video editing or CAD/CAM or 3D rendering or something of that nature...or plays Jedi Knight 2.

 

This RDRAM....is that the "RIMM" stuff I've seen on the shelves?

Anyone got any info on that?

 

Not much except that it's used in some "Intel-type" boards and that you have to use it in pairs. And you have to use a terminator like you do with SCSI chains (?). And I think it's more expensive than DDR - at least it used to be. I'm grasping here as I don't do the "Intel scene ".

 

I once saw some on a shelf in PC World, it quoted "256 Mb - 800Mhz ", surely this can't be the bus speed?

 

Hi everybody... check this out... http://www.crucial.com
memory selector by mother board manufacturer & model number, memory explained in detail, technical support & F.A.Q page.
My 128 mb PC-133 modules I purchased from them, are 2+ years old and still going strong... hope you find this useful...