PC Memory

[tim123]

My new(ish) laptop requires PC2100 DDR SO DIMMs (266Mhz).

I am finding these really hard to source (given my own constraints on delivery arrangements).

The manual says that I must use exactly this, but is this really the case.

I realise that I have to use the same type, but someone has suggested that I can use faster memory? So can I use PC333 DDR SO DIMMs which are rated for 333Mhz? which my local supplier can supply me with OTC.

TIA


Tim

[McBainCo]

Tim123,

I used the manual that came with my PC to find which memory cards do I need and which others were compatible.

I know of a good mail order shop in Glasgow if you are interested.

[tim123]

Thanks McB

But the problem is that:

1) PC333 did not exist when my computer was designed with PC2100 so the possibility of using it did not come to mind when the manual was authored.

2) I think that PC2100 was the first memory type that is DDR.

The manual specifically says that you must not put anything in except PC2100 DDR (and they must be SO DIMMs, but that bit is somewhat self enforcing).

I'm kind of wondering if the critical part here is DDR rather than the data rate.

The man in the store told me that PC333 is compatible (but we do have a small language problem though) and I now have some PC333 still in its wrapper - which I can take back if someone tells me it is wrong. But I really don't want to have to take it back after having tried it (and broken it!).

tim

[Vetran]

have you tried www.crucial.com?

[AtW]

crucial is very good - bought a few times and was pleased every time

[tim123]

Yes crucial is one of the places I could get it from.

But I don't know what the delivery arrangements are (i.e whether it needs to be signed for or not) and I have been looking fpr a shop I could buy it from.

tim

[fiddleabout]

I hate to mention this but ....

PC World component centres are close to being competetive on some bits these days. An added advantage is that if you naff up the bit you get they'll swap it without arguing or charging (the new consumer rights for web ordering mean that online vendors must too (within 7 days) but they frequently try to tell you they don't)

[AtW]

crucial uses Royal Mail's special delivery - requires to be signed and if you not in the house they will leave it in a local sorting center. Mine works from 7am - so I can pick up stuff before I go to work. IMHO great

[tim123]

thanks AtW. Now I know (for next time!)

Anyways. I have installed the PC333 stuff and according to the BIOS, it is working.

TBH I can't say that I can tell the difference with real applications!

Anyone know how I can benchmark this?

tim

[fiddleabout]

You've already given the most likely reason your manual said you must use PC2100 memory - faster DDR memory wasn't around at the time it was written; it has to be SODIMM to fit in the slot.

From past experience (limited) faster memory has always been compatible with machines that require slower memory of the same general type but it's no guarantee - esp with laptops where I've heard that in the past manufacturers have tied machines down to their own expensive memory modules by some dastardly trick even though there is no other reason why generic would not work.

Not sure what you mean by benchmark - if you mean performance test try a search for Sisoft Sandra. If you just mean is it there you should see the count displayed during cold boot (but they disappear quick as other stuff comes up)

In WinXP and 2000 - right click taskbar and bring up task manager - the performance tab shows physical memory. There are probably other routes to the same info too. I can't remember what you had to do in 98 or 95.