[SOLVED] Need some help concerning what memory to get for my computer.

JMFSpike

JMFSpike

Contributor
Joined
May 11, 2022
Posts
56
Location
United States
So a memory test revealed a bad memory address, so I need to replace the memory. I believe I need DD3 memory. I just have a couple of questions. Are there different types of DDR3 memory or are they all the same? Also, what brands are the best? I would like to get the very best and highest quality memory, at least considering the price is reasonable. I'm provided a screenshot with info about the memory. I have no idea what those numbers mean under speed and type detail.
 

Attachments

  • Memory.PNG
    Memory.PNG
    63.3 KB · Views: 14
Running a scanner is a quick method to find some available replacement RAM options.

Crucial System Scanner | Memory Upgrade Scanner | Crucial



When replacing RAM modules consider:

a) if available, view the computer or motherboard manual to find their Qualified Vendor List (QVL)
b) the best tested RAM modules are displayed on the QVL(s)
c) use paired RAM modules (same part number)
d) look for RAM manufacturers offering a compatibility guarantee
e) look for a lifetime warranty
 
Last edited:
Okay, so it's definitely DDR3 memory I need. It's an old computer that is maxed out at 4GB, so unfortunately I know I can't go higher then that. Some years back I brought it into a local computer repair shop. They checked for a BIOS update and there wasn't one. I doubt that's changed, but this app actually tells me what my bios is (and everything else about my computer) so I can check again. Thanks, Corday!

I'm posting what the summary says just in case anyone has any other valuable information for me I should be aware of.
 

Attachments

  • Capture.PNG
    Capture.PNG
    63.8 KB · Views: 13
You asked earlier. if all DDD3 memory was the same. The answer is sort of. If you mix you'll only get the lowest speed.
 
Okay, so I got myself some memory but there may be a problem. As you can see from the screenshots below, this clearly says it's 4GB and the info below says 2 modules. I figured that 2 4GB sticks for that price was pretty good. I can only take 4GB, but the plan was to just use one and keep the other one as a backup. So I get the memory in the mail and it's just one stick, and on the stick it says "8GB (2X4GB)"

What does the 2X4GB mean? I'm confused. I sure hope I don't have to return this. I'm not going to even bother trying this if it's not the right stick.
 

Attachments

  • Capture2.PNG
    Capture2.PNG
    347.9 KB · Views: 11
  • Capture.PNG
    Capture.PNG
    218.5 KB · Views: 10
That RAM code means that it was a (2 x 4GB) kit; (2 x 4GB) means: two RAM sticks, 4GB each one.
Your screenshot says:
- Total capacity: 4GB
- Capacity for module: 4GB
- Memory features: ECC memory
- Number of modules: 2

By the way, the title says 4GB.
If I were you, I would have asked him how many modules there were.

The seller sold you one 4GB RAM stick as the title says.
It was part of a two sticks kit.


Also: it seems this RAM could not be compatibile with your motherboard and cpu, given that the ECC features is present in its description.

After searching it on Internet, it seems the RAM is NON -ECC.
 
Okay, I don't even know what ECC memory is. Will this memory work for me? I don't want to stick it in and screw something up. The speed appealed to me. I want to get the fastest ram that this old computer can handle. I'll go with the one you linked to unless there is something better.
 
It should work at 1333MHz, because the motherboard and the cpu limit it to that value.
I.e., you spent too much for a used RAM, too fast for your hardware...
 
ECC = Error Correction Code

Explanation on the Crucial site:
You can determine if your system has ECC by simply counting the number of black memory chips on each module. ECC (and parity) memory modules have a chip count divisible by three or five. This extra chip detects if the data was correctly read or written by the memory module. If the data wasn't properly written, the extra chip will correct it in many cases (depending on the type of error).
 
xilolee said:
It should work at 1333MHz, because the motherboard and the cpu limit it to that value.
I.e., you spent too much for a used RAM, too fast for your hardware...
Click to expand...

I didn't know there was a speed limit. Nobody told me that. That's why I started this topic, because I wanted help. I'm not that knowledgeable about this stuff. Anyway, I may have paid a bit too much, but as long as this will work it's not a huge deal for me. It was still only $13.00
 

Has Sysnative Forums helped you? Please consider donating to help us support the site!

Back
Top