If my RAM is DDR3 can I ONLY upgrade to DDR3?

lister · 31 Jan 2013

I think the answer to that is yes....right? In fact it is DDR3 Unbuffered ECC Memory - so that is the exact type that I must upgrade right? Thanks

Britton30 · 31 Jan 2013

Correct, only DDR3 RAM can be used, any other type won't fit the slots anyway. If you have ECC ram now, you may be able to use non-ECC.

Dwarf · 31 Jan 2013

A motherboard will only support one type of RAM, and for the newer ones this is DDR3.

ibshaw · 31 Jan 2013

Generally speaking, memory types are mechanically keyed so that, in theory, you cannot use the wrong ones - but don't take that as gospel.... always check exactly what type you need to upgrade.

lister · 31 Jan 2013

ibshaw said:

Generally speaking, memory types are mechanically keyed so that, in theory, you cannot use the wrong ones - but don't take that as gospel.... always check exactly what type you need to upgrade.

You mean the little groove at the base of the slot, i.e. the thin slot - some of the RAM types are one third from the left, others are half way etc.

AddRAM · 31 Jan 2013

DDR DDR2 DDR3 the slots are all different. Get the fastest memory your board supports.

Britton30 · 31 Jan 2013

Britton30 said:

Correct, only DDR3 RAM can be used, any other type won't fit the slots anyway. If you have ECC ram now, you may be able to use non-ECC.

Dwarf said:

A motherboard will only support one type of RAM, and for the newer ones this is DDR3.

ibshaw said:

Generally speaking, memory types are mechanically keyed so that, in theory, you cannot use the wrong ones - but don't take that as gospel.... always check exactly what type you need to upgrade.

lister said:

ibshaw said:

Generally speaking, memory types are mechanically keyed so that, in theory, you cannot use the wrong ones - but don't take that as gospel.... always check exactly what type you need to upgrade.

You mean the little groove at the base of the slot, i.e. the thin slot - some of the RAM types are one third from the left, others are half way etc.

That's what we all are saying.

lister · 31 Jan 2013

Got it. Just want to be sure. Im watching the RAM on ebay that ends in a few hours so just wanted to be sure. Thanks

Britton30 · 31 Jan 2013

OK< get that instant bid ready.

lister · 31 Jan 2013

Yeah, it keeps going up. Im doing the sniper strategy at the end. Whats interesting is how much this is going up. Looks like 4 x 2G RAM Slots are going to be sold for $45 - seems high or is that cheap? This RAM I am buying could easily be like 4/ 5 years old....?