Need new Ram

[mogadishu]

I have a dell 8400... here are my memory specs from aida32 ---

Here are my memory specs

Memory Module Properties
Module Name Samsung M3 78T3253FG0-CCC
Serial Number 0BA94701h
Manufacture Date Week 40 / 2004
Module Type Unbuffered
Memory Type DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Speed DDR2-800 (400 MHz)
Module Width 64 bit
Module Voltage SSTL 1.8
Error Detection Method None
Refresh Rate Reduced (7.8 us)
Highest CAS Latency 5.0 (5.0 ns @ 200 MHz)
2nd Highest CAS Latency 4.0 (5.0 ns @ 200 MHz)

Memory Module Features
Early RAS# Precharge Supported
Auto-Precharge Not Supported
Precharge All Not Supported
Write1/Read Burst Not Supported
Buffered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
Registered Address/Control Inputs Not Supported
On-Card PLL (Clock) Not Supported
Buffered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Registered DQMB Inputs Not Supported
Differential Clock Input Not Supported
Redundant Row Address Not Supported

Memory Module Manufacturer
Company Name Samsung
Product Information http://www.samsung.com/Products/Sem.../DRAM/index.htm




here is the crucial link - http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.asp?id=36D109CF31D926C3&tabid=AM

[mogadishu]

OK I JUST PURCHASED -

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141200

This website (http://www.nvplanet.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=33) says "Con's:

* SPD must be manually set to 3-3-3-8 Timing."


How would I go about doing that, Since Latency seemed to be the reason this was so popular...

[clocker]

"Dual channel" is implemented by the motherboard/CPU, not the RAM itself.

You'll need to check your motherboard manual (or Dell's website) for the proper DIMM configuration for your PC...i.e., which slots to install the RAM to activate dual channel.

Your latency is not that big a deal.
Intels aren't nearly as sensitive as AMDs are in this area.

That's one reason why AMDs whomp on Intels in memory benchmarks.

[Snee]

Are you taking out the stick you already have then?

'cos it might not work too well with that cas.

[mogadishu]

I was debating whether to take out my old memory. The worst that can happen is that the new memory runs @400mhz, correct?

[Snee]

The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work.

But if you buy DDR2 3200 (which runs @400Mhz) it should run @400Mhz, just like the other stick.

Since it says that you must set the timings manually, it might be that your bios won't recognize the timings it is specced at, but if you have them set to auto, and the other stick is first, and the timings on that can be handled by the new stick, I think you should be all right.

If not and it doesn't post, try setting the timings manually to those of the old stick.

[mogadishu]

from what ive read, it seems that the problem with the new ram is that it starts set at 4-4.... latency and if you want to run it at 3- you have to set that yourself. Is there any way to check what the latency is on my ram now? Oh, and this isnt going to physically screw up the new ram is it? it just might not work or not work to its full extent.


Final Question - If I can run my new ram with my old, would 1.5GB@400mhz (with 4 latency, I assume latency works like speed, the lesser ram sets it?) be better than 1GB @533mhz with a latency of 3..


thanks for the info

[Snee]

You'd have more ram, but your machine would be slower.


What does it say about your timings in your bios?

[mogadishu]

I looked in my bios and I couldn't find timing. Where would that be under?

In case this helps, this was the info in the bios for my current memory.

2x256MB DDR2 SDRAM(I assume they are running dual channel) in slots 1 and 3.
@400mhz
DIMM 1, 3
ECC - NO
Rank - 1(for both sticks)
Unbuffered
Organ. - X8

[Snee]

I think I had to activate some advanced settings-thing to see the timings with my mobo.

Otherwise you can try that thing clocker uses to show his oc results and that. I think it's everest home.

[mogadishu]

SWEET!. everest home says the latency is 3-3-3-8

[Snee]

Sounds like you are set then :D

[mogadishu]

unless the new ram runs at 4. in which case I'll have to set it to 3...

[Snee]

Sorry, missed this.

If your current ram runs at that speed it's either set in bios already, or, if it's set to auto, you can set the timings to the right speed manually now, already.

But then again, it's not much of an effort to do it after you've gotten the stick, if you notice that the timings are set to four something.

I don't think slightly slower timings than what's recommended have ever killed a stick of ram.