RAM compatibility

[megaman04]

I have a 5-6 year old computer that was given to me last December.  It's a Gateway.  Here is what I know about my computer:

Intel Celeron(R) 2.39 GHz
128 MB RAM
Windows XP Home Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2
40 GB hard drive
Floppy drive
CD-RW drive.

I recently removed the existing stick of RAM (128 MB DDR PC2700) and replaced it with a 512 MB stick (DDR PC3200 Cool Patriot).  Then I thought, why not insert the 128 MB stick back into the motherboard to increase my RAM and speed, so I did it.

Are both sticks compatible?  Is it okay what I did or should I remove the 128 stick?  I don't want to "harm" the computer.  Any advice?

Thanks, Megaman

[TedNelly]

I'm positive you will not have a problem installing both sticks of RAM however there is from time to time a problem with different RAM brands not getting along with each other. From memory both sticks will run at the lower DDR2700 rating.

[Hard_ROCKER]

Put the slower stick(the 128mb one) in slot 0 to make sure the SPD will automatically select the timings of the slower stick and it should work fine.

[megaman04]

Put the slower stick(the 128mb one) in slot 0 to make sure the SPD will automatically select the timings of the slower stick and it should work fine.

What happens if I don't see a slot marked 0?  Are the slots clearly marked in general?  Is there an easy way to figure out which slot is 0?  Thanks, Mega

[CharleyO]

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That may depend on what motherboard is used and how many memory slot there are in total ... 2, 3 , or 4. Generally speaking, though, it is usually the left most slot when looking at the motherboard mounted in the computer. To properly install the 2 memory modules, it would be helpful to know how many memory slots are on the motherboard.

As a side note, the motherboard in my present computer has 4 memory slots and none are 0. They are numbered 1 through 4 and this is a dual channel system. But, on my old computer there is an 0 slot but then it has 3 slots on a single channel system.


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[Hard_ROCKER]

What happens if I don't see a slot marked 0?  Are the slots clearly marked in general?  Is there an easy way to figure out which slot is 0?  Thanks, Mega

By slot 0 i mean the first slot, some mobos mark the slot as 0 and since you haven't told us which mobo you are using i really cannot tell if it's marked as 0 or 1 .   

Yes the slots are marked on all mobos. Look closely around the slots the markings should be there somewhere, it should be something like DIMM1 and DIMM2 or something like that, if you still can't find them check your mobo manual .

Another option is to download THIS program go under SPD and you can see in there which ram is where.

Third option is to tell us which mobo you use so we can look up the manual and we can guide you from the manual then.

[megaman04]

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That may depend on what motherboard is used and how many memory slot there are in total ... 2, 3 , or 4. Generally speaking, though, it is usually the left most slot when looking at the motherboard mounted in the computer. To properly install the 2 memory modules, it would be helpful to know how many memory slots are on the motherboard.
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Albatron is the motherboard.  There are only two slots.  If I remember correctly I think I saw the slots marked 1 and 2 or something like that.  I believe I installed the 512 stick into the slot that's closer to the "crowded" components and the 128 stick into the other slot that is next to a lot of "empty" space.  I'll have to open my cpu again to check it out.

Tednelly said in a prior post that my computer will run at the lower DDR2700 rating.  What does that mean?  Will my cpu will run slower than if I removed the 128 stick (DDR2700) and just kept the 512 stick in by itself?

Thanks,
Mega

[bob3160]

Will my cpu will run slower than if I removed the 128 stick (DDR2700) and just kept the 512 stick in by itself?

In your case, yes but it will be able to do more since you've increased your ram.
Remember that ram is like a one lane highway. No one can go faster than the slowest vehicle.