Is RAM compatible?

[jparadis]

I just upgraded my nForce i680 SLI system's RAM

FROM
G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ
TO
OCZ SLI-Ready Edition 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2N800SR4GK

I now have the 2 x 1GB chips not doing anything

I can either try and sell tehm on EBay or put them in the kids Dell Dimension E520.

The Dell has 2 x 1GB
DRAM DDR2 SDRAM DIMM 240-pin 667 MHz ( PC2-5300 ) Non-ECC Unbuffered 128 x 64

Can I put in the G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) in the 2 open slots?
I think in therory it will work and the system will run at the slower speed.

But before I do, does anyone know if the chips will work in the Dell?

[Atomic Rooster]

You are correct in that the DDR2 800 memory will run at DDR2 667 speeds if placed in the Dell along side it's current memory.

The Dell Dimension E520 supports 533-MHz, 667-MHz, and 800-MHz dual DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM as stated here: Dell™ Dimension™ E520 Service Manual

[jparadis]

I didn't know it supported 800-MHz dual DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM. I am thinking it would be better to remove the 667-MHz RAM, put in the 800-MHz and buy 2 512MB 800-MHz chips for a total of 3GB.

I am running 32-Bit Windows Vista.

What do you think?

[Atomic Rooster]

You would be better off performance wise running all DDR2 800 instead of mixing them.

You can grab matching 2x512MB Geil DDR2 800 off of Newegg for less than $30.

[jparadis]

Just went to the Dell Site and went to the Manual for Dimension E520 and got this, with no mention of support for 800-MHz chips.

Documentation

Memory
Type 533-MHz and 667-MHz dual DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM
Memory connectors four
Memory capacities 256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB non-ECC
Minimum memory 256 MB
Maximum memory 4 GB
NOTE: See "Addressing Memory With 4-GB Configurations" on
page 70 to verify the amount of memory available to the operating
system.
BIOS address F0000h


But on the spec page it says it supports 800s
Type
533-MHz, 667-MHz, and 800-MHz dual DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM
Memory connectors
four
Memory capacities
256 MB, 512 MB, or 1 GB non-ECC

I guess I will not know until I try them. If I put the 800s in alone. Is there a test I can run to see if the 800s are running at 800 instead of 667?

[dr_roberts49]

I've been running 2 matched 1GB 6400 DDR2 sticks of Crucial Ballistics in dual channel mode on the rig I built last March. My son recently did a memory upgrade and pulled his 2 matched 512MB 6400 DDR2 Corsairs and gave them to me. Aside from them being the same ram type, the timing speeds (5,5,5,12) are also matched. I put them into my empty slots and they've been working fine on my Intel Quad for several weeks now.

Although I'm running the 64-bit version of Vista Home Premium and can actually use 4GB and above, my Happauge video capture card has documented issues with computers pushing over 3GB. Been on a tight budget recently, so I saw this as a good solution until I can afford a new capture card and some more memory. I was concerned at first, but as I said, no problems. I've stressed tested it and it comes out great. Runs all my high end games and video editing apps. the 3GB seems to be the sweet spot for my system right now.

Robert