Solved Upgrading old RAM

[eggyuk]

My dad has a really old computer that he wants to upgrade the RAM in because its slow, and i mean painfully slow. His current RAM in pc2100 (266MHZ i think?) I imagine this is the fastest the M/B supports. I have been looking for some pc2100 to put in but the problem is that not many places have a good selection of it and i have found faster newer RAM for a fair bit cheaper. Is there any problem with putting this new RAM in other than the fact it wont go faster than the 266mhz that the m/b supports?

And yes i know he really should just bite the bullet and buy a new one but he's too tight fisted.

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[Brink]

Hi Eggyuk,

Ram sticks will step down to a lower MHZ rating automatically, but it's usually only by one level. (EX: A 667 MHZ (PC5300) to a 533 MHZ (PC4200) or a 800 MHZ to 667 MHZ) You will just need to check the Ram stick's specs to see if will do this for you. I doubt that it will drop that far.

It would probably be cheaper to get a new motherboard or computer. You can usually find these "barebone" systems at a very reasonable price ($200-$400).

Good luck,
Shawn

 

[Asky]

Eggy , usually the RAM Speed will Default to the Lower of the Two speeds (if 2 sticks are put in) BUT putting 2 Different sticks of RAM is not always recommended and may cause problems.
I suggest you search around for another stick of the Same RAM if possible else you can try and run two different sticks @ the same speed and timings(Through BIOS).