What are the different types of SDRAM?

[Lancer]

If I get 2 512mb SDRAM can I get the wrong type or something? I always screw things up with my comp and I'm trying to anticipate the inevitable. So, what can go wrong?

Also, can I get normal RAM instead?

[VetLegion]

SDRAM is older than DDR RAM, so I gather it's an upgrade? If you are going to mix your old SDRAM with new SDRAM, maybe they won't work together. They should, but sometimes they don't.

[Skanky Burns]

You should see what type of motherboard you have. Google the model number and it should lead to what types of memory your computer is compatible with. Also, check what type of memory is currently in your computer. If you get slower memory than is in there, ALL your memory will go at that slower speed.

[notyoueither]

Who made your computer, Lancer? If it is a brand name, what model?

[Lancer]

It's an HP pavilion a300n, but I did put a video card in it so it's a bit better that way. If DDR memory is better can I toss what I have and get that?

Thanks for the replies!

[Aeson]

HP's site says that DDR-400 (PC3200) is what your computer uses. (Another site says PC2100, but the DDR-400 should work "down" if that is the case.)

It also says that you can have up to 1GB (2x512).

[Lancer]

The sticker on the front of my comp advertises 256 mb DDR SDRAM! How did I miss that? So if I go to the store and ask for DDR 400, 2 of them @ 512, should I say anything about "SD" or just forget it?

Aeson, thank you very much for looking that up. I was in HP's site and got nowhere.

[Aeson]

Yah, just ask for 2x512MB DDR-400 (PC3200). Take in your 256MB module to be sure. It will have the same number of pins (184... don't count them ), and the notch in the same place as what you should buy.

Technically DDR is a type of SDRAM, but SDRAM was more commonly used to refer to the previous generation of RAM. So mentioning SDRAM would only be confusing.

[Darius871]

tech forum

[OneFootInTheGrave]

as Aeson says, and he already checked it for you, so if you plan to buy online, just go for DDR-400 (PC3200) and that will work (plus do not buy larger than 512MB sticks, like 1GB sticks might not be accepted by the old motherboard) ...

but if you are going to take it to a local store, just take the original stick out and they will give you the upgrade

other than that - potentially a lot can go wrong as there are many types of RAM out there to buy, but the DDR-400 (PC3200) is the right acronym for what you need.

[notyoueither]

Kingston is generally pretty reliable. They say that it will take 2 1GB PC2700 or 2100 modules.

http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=16856&mfr=HP%2FCompaq&model=Pavilion+a300n&root=&LinkBack=&Sys=16856-HP%2FCompaq-Pavilion+a300n&distributor=0&submit1=Search

You can generally use Kingston value RAM (KVR) instead of the stuff they make and pakage specifically for HP models (KTC, in this case).

If you want Kingston, look for
KVR400X64C3A/1G or /512, C3 or C25 would be OK too
or
KVR333X64C25/1G or /512

It is strange that HP is saying 1G max but Kingston is saying 2G max. As I said, Kingston is generally very reliable and systems of that vintage should not be limited to 1G.

You may want to find a shop that will install them for you if you opt for the 2x1G's just to be safe.

[Lancer]

Ok, I'll go into the biggish city and look for it next week. There are issues with the Philippine mail so I'm nervous about ordering online.

[Lancer]

I think I'll go with 1 gig since I might be replacing this system in a year or max 2 years.

Anyone want to take a wild guess at what 2 512 DDR RAM might cost?

[snoopy369]

$50 is a wild guess. Probably close to accurate, also

[Lancer]

WoW that's cheap!