I'm going to upgrade my friends family desktop (pretty old) but need help on deciding what RAM. They currently have two 256MB DDR2 PC2-3200 modules installed in the 1+2 DIMM connectors, so I'm looking on putting two 1GB modules in as its only running XP; it has 4 DIMM connectors. Question is, if I buy two faster modules say at 1066Mhz and put them in two different DIMM connectors in 3+4 so that hopefully all the RAM will work in dual channel mode, will that particular RAM run at 1066Mhz or because of the current installed memory will they be limited to what the current memory speed that is installed? Thanks.
IMHO, it's never a good idea to mix RAM modules of different speeds. I would take the 256meg DIMMS out and just replace them with the larger DIMMS. Are you sure that the new RAM is compatible with the machine? What make and model number is the machine? Please post this here so that we can give you a better answer. Best, :Miki.
Sorry I forgot to post it. Dell Dimension 5100 Desktop Intel Pentium 4 @ 3GHz 512MB DDR2 RAM Intel 945G Express Chipset
no. the max sped the board can handle on ram is PC2-3200 or 4200 DDR2 4gb max in pairs as its dual channel
Ok now where can I buy PC2-3200 or 4200? Crucial don't do it, and corsair don't specify, orca logic only sell 512MB modules, I want to buy two 1GB modules. EDIT* It's ok, I have now ordered some, if they don't work I will just return them. Thanks.