RAM PC3200 question?

Frogpond51 · 27 Jul 2014

Hi All,
Was thinking of resurrecting an old computer that had WinXP on it and install Win7 for my brother to play with.
He currently has Vista (poor guy) ;-)
To the point, the old box only has 1GB PC3200 Dual Channel. MoBo is ASUS A7V880. I figure the biggest drawback to Win7 would be the lack of memory and I want to put 4GB into it. I know it will not be a screamer, just wanted to upgrade the Mem so the bro could get a feel for Win7 as he is thinking about building a Win7 box from scratch. Doing some searching on the memory and prices, was wondering if the so-called low density sticks are the same as single side? and high density is so-called dual side ( ie Dual channel)? If so, does anyone have a perspective on the speed difference? I'm not too knowledgeable on this RAM stuff, so any input is totally welcome.

Thanx, Froggy.

rvcjew · 27 Jul 2014

dual channel is when you use two or more sticks to get multiple channels sync'd, the density has nothing to do with the channels. Multi-channel memory architecture - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia As long as its not ECC you should be good will run you about 60 bucks. Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Memory, Desktop Memory, 184-Pin DDR SDRAM, DDR 400 (PC 3200), 4GB (4 x 1GB) EDIT: maybe it does http://www.ebay.com/gds/MythBUSTED-D...3939852/g.html

Frogpond51 · 28 Jul 2014

thanks for the response & links rvcjew, this high density/low density stuff is confusing. but finally got the dual channel concept figured thanks to your link. I wonder if the board would take two different sets of RAM with two different sets of timing? it currently has 256MB modules x 4. all matched.

Layback Bear · 28 Jul 2014

Basic rules of ram.
1. Find and read the motherboard manual. It will give you a lot of information on the ram needed. PC3200 is DDR2 and because of the fact it's old the price will go up and they can be difficult to find.
2. Motherboards do not like ram that is not matched in speed, volts, timing and manufacture. Matched ram is ram that has been tested to verify all modules play well with each other.

I would suggest before spending and money on this computer run this program by Microsoft to see if your computer will handle Windows 7.

Download Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from Official Microsoft Download Center

Frogpond51 · 28 Jul 2014

Hi Lb Bear, thanks for your input. yup, I have the MoBo manual, but other than getting into known compatible manufacturers, I don't see anything about densities, so I guess I had to over-think this? about the main thing it states about the RAM required is " PC3200 (DDR400) " and yes, some of the prices are a little high for this old RAM. did find some on e-bay cheap, but then, how cheap is too cheap? can it be trusted that cheap?
Also, would that Win7 Upgrade Advisor work without an OS installed if run from another computer? ( Old HDD has been wiped )
Cheers,
Froggy

Layback Bear · 28 Jul 2014

I really don't know if the program will work without a operating system; never tried. My systems are to new for me to run such a program.
Try it and see what happens. I don't see how it could hurt anything.

Frogpond51 · 28 Jul 2014

OK, thanks Bear, will do.