Member Avatar for tws1

Hi folks,

I've got an asus P4C800-E with one gig of ram...

i'd like to max it out ...

my manual says:

"the motherboard comes with four double data rate (DDR) dual inline memory module (DIMM) sockets. these support up to 4GB system memory using 184-pin unbuffered ECC or non-ECC PC3200/PC2700/PC2100 DDR DIMMs, and allow up to 6.4GB/s data transfer rate.

this is gibberish to me...

can anyone direct me via link or other to a vendor (reasonable price) that will help me get the correct ram?

thanks for any help.

tws1

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by GrimJack

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A short, practical plan that builds on the replies from , , , and .

Start with compatibility checks before buying. Inspect the stickers on your existing DIMM or read SPD with a tool (to see voltage, speed and part numbers). Check the motherboard memory compatibility list (QVL) and the latest BIOS notes for memory fixes. The important gotcha on older DDR boards is module “density” and chip organization: some 1GB sticks use high-density chips that a given board or BIOS may not recognize. If the QVL does not list a part number you can still use the same chip-organization specs as a guide.

Buy in stages and buy safe. Purchase a matched kit (identical part numbers) for the amount you want to add, but consider buying only two modules first to confirm compatibility and stability before completing the set. Keep all packaging and proof of purchase so you can return or RMA quickly if a module is bad or incompatible. Prefer reputable sellers with a clear return/RMA policy and modules backed by long-term warranty.

Install and validate carefully. Update the board BIOS, then install modules into matching-color slots (consult the manual for channel population). After first boot confirm the BIOS detects the expected memory, then run an extended memory test (Memtest86 or equivalent) for several passes to catch subtle errors. If you see problems, test each DIMM alone to isolate a bad stick or incompatibility.

Remember OS limits. A 32-bit OS will often not use the full physical total because parts of the address space are reserved for hardware. If full use of the installed RAM matters, plan to use a 64-bit OS. These steps reduce the chance of wasted money and the headaches of returns.

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Member Avatar for compdoc

http://www.crucial.com

you can select what you have or the website can scan your system then it will show the RAM you need.

Member Avatar for jbennet

Best performance will be with 1gb in each of the 4 slots.

Member Avatar for tws1

thanks compdoc and jbennet...

i checked crucial.com out and am looking at about $200 to max out my ram @ 1 gig per slot (4 slots). my apprehension stems from my uncertain knowledge of this hardware and *reliability* of recommendations from reputed professionals... i have to purchase from someone who will honor a return if their recommendation doesn't work... however, it seems that the particular ram i need is not obscure so i should be able to find it from several different vendors and thereby get a good deal from someone.

thanks again.

tws

Member Avatar for jbennet

crucial are good. i use them a lot. Never had to return anything.

Member Avatar for coolraj003

You can get it on the net from any good PC website. The thing is RAM is something that vendors don't do returns on. Because of the fact that it could be ruined by handling it carelessly which is not their fault. But any good quality RAM with the required specifications would work. As said earlier you can get Crucial, Kingston is also quite good quality as well.

Raj

Member Avatar for GrimJack

Don't forget that 32 bit machines do not support more than 3.2 gigs of mem. I recommend buying a matched set of 1 gig and a set of half gigs -- it is not worth paying for 4 gigs if can only use 3.2. (from summary: Leveraging the Intel 875P chipset to support 3.2 GHz+ P4)

Member Avatar for jbennet

"Leveraging the Intel 875P chipset to support 3.2 GHz+ P4)"

that system supports PAE. In that case, Windows can use up to 4gb (max 3gb for applications, 1gb system) . Add /3gb and /PAE to the boot.ini . Ms state this method in the documentation for SQL Server in the part detailing how to install on Server 2003 .

Member Avatar for GrimJack

Don't forget that 32 bit machines do not support more than 3.2 gigs of mem. I recommend buying a matched set of 1 gig and a set of half gigs -- it is not worth paying for 4 gigs if can only use 3.2. (from summary: Leveraging the Intel 875P chipset to support 3.2 GHz+ P4)

Sorry about the above copy and paste error, I was watching a PBS special on the climbers who died on Everest and I misread GHz as memory, sigh

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