[Ham-Computers] RE: Asking for help upgrading memory

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Whoops...sorry...not sure why I read it as a laptop - see, I'm as human as the next alien!  =P

Same basic info applies about the speed/timing and it looks like the memory recommended by both sites are "standard" DDR2 DIMMs.  "Standard" DIMMs should have 2 notches on either side (end) for the retaining lever, so I'm not sure why the ones you got before didn't have these notches (could have been a manufacturing defect).

Now, there are also "key" notches running along the contact edge of the module.  "Buffered" memory, used in servers, have the key notch in a different location than "unbuffered" memory found in desktops.  Typical DDR/DDR2 RAM is "unbuffered".

And, you could always utilize Newegg's pre-sales support (webchat or phone) and ask them about compatibility.


73 (with foot in mouth),

  - Aaron, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, August 20, 2007 10:20 AM
Subject: RE: Asking for help upgrading memory

Hi again, Aaron.

This isn't a laptop I'm upgrading, it's a desktop. My biggest concern was
not the physical memory itself, but the PC card that it's mounted on. The
last time I thought I had memory strips that were compatible, I found that
they were missing a simple notch at each end of the PC board that held it
into the slot by means of a lever at each end. I have the available slots,
and just want to make sure I get the right items.

Tnx es 73
Dave
KB3MOW


> G'day Dave (et al),
>
> Memory is a component that is pretty much standardized these days - most
> all the "important" specs of "new" RAM come from a consortium that
> includes several major vendors like Intel.  It's not cost effective for a
> company to vary from the standard, and, after the RAMBUS debacle a few
> years ago, I doubt that anyone would want to use non-standard RAM (or try
> to create a new proprietary standard) - at least not in the desktop/laptop
> market.
>
> So what Dave describes sounds like standard 240-pin SO-DIMM DDR2 memory
> modules.  The only differences in modules are speed (667MHz) and timings.
> The timings aren't specified here, but are probably something like
> 5-5-5-15 - just make sure they meet the laptop's minimum spec (esp the
> first number, the CAS Latency (CL)).  You might also be able to boost the
> laptop's performance by using RAM with tighter specs such as 4-4-4-12 (but
> it's up to your system to take advantage of this - not all do).  BTW, the
> "PCxxxx" numbers just specify a max bandwidth - the MHz rating and timings
> are more important number as the PC number is affected by both the MHz
> speed and the timings.
>
> Another thought (probably more important), Dave, is that most laptops only
> have 2 memory slots so you'll most likely need to "replace" rather than
> "add to" your existing memory (look for 2GB kits as "2 x 1GB" or buy 2
> individual 1GB modules).  As mentioned earlier, you can use a site like
> Crucial's or Kingston (http://www.kingston.com) to determine what your
> system needs.  Not sure about the Crucial site, but Kingston also shows
> the "bank schema" - how many sockets are in your system.
>
> And, a good thing about Newegg is that they have a decent return policy
> for most products - just check the "Returns and Rebates" section for each
> product (for RAM, typ 30-days refund, 90-day replacement).
>
>
> 73,
>
>   - Aaron, NN6O
>
>
> -----Original Message-----