Memory upgrade recommendation
I have an XP box here which is actually performing quite well despite having only 512MB RAM installed, but i'm wondering if an upgrade would be worth it.
It seems that it could use 166MHz DDR SDRAM of up to 2GB, the board being Asus P4S533-VX. It seems that type of memory is difficult to buy, so i'm looking for recommendations as to how to get a cheap and reasonably good quality upgrade. I'm in the UK.
It seems that it could use 166MHz DDR SDRAM of up to 2GB, the board being Asus P4S533-VX. It seems that type of memory is difficult to buy, so i'm looking for recommendations as to how to get a cheap and reasonably good quality upgrade. I'm in the UK.
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A Debian spin-off I can highly recommend is Makulu Linux XFCE 6.1. It is based on the testing branch of Debian, and runs really fast. Besides that, it has a very polished and beautiful desktop. Being based on Debian Testing means it is a "Rolling Release", so it is usually very up-to-date, as opposed to the stable Debian versions. Also Makulu Cinnamon 2.0 is very nice, but the Cinnamon Desktop uses more video resources than the xfce version does.
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rindi, that sounds interesting. Xfce is my normal choice. I'm not entirely convinced on systemd yet, so might install Wheezy
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plenty of desktop DDR 400 sticks going around on there for under 10-15pounds.Are these going to be ok for that board?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kingston-2GB-2x1GB-DDR-400-MHz-PC3200-Non-ECC-Desktop-PC-DIMM-Memory-RAM-184-pin-/161553616157?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item259d588d1d
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Are these going to be ok for that board?Just checked the specifications for your motherboard and it seems that the highest memory clock it can support is DDR333. This doesn't mean DDR400 modules won't work though, they should just get clocked down to run at DDR333 speeds.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kingston-2GB-2x1GB-DDR-400-MHz-PC3200-Non-ECC-Desktop-PC-DIMM-Memory-RAM-184-pin-/161553616157?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item259d588d1d
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In that case
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Low-Density-2GB-2x1GB-DDR-333-PC2700-Non-ECC-Desktop-PC-Memory-RAM-184-pin-/221640560773?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item339ace9085
might be safer? Not sure if one can ask the seller for a particular brand but what would you ask for?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Low-Density-2GB-2x1GB-DDR-333-PC2700-Non-ECC-Desktop-PC-Memory-RAM-184-pin-/221640560773?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item339ace9085
might be safer? Not sure if one can ask the seller for a particular brand but what would you ask for?
The speed doesn't matter, what matters is thing like ECC or FB.
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I'd personally go with the Kingston modules in your other link.Sorry - i don't know which one you mean ;)
Sorry, I was referring to these modules:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kingston-2GB-2x1GB-DDR-400-MHz-PC3200-Non-ECC-Desktop-PC-DIMM-Memory-RAM-184-pin-/161553616157?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item259d588d1d
They're new Kingston modules (at least according to the seller) whereas the DDR333 modules you posted up were refurbished modules and no specific manufacturer was mentioned. Given the choice, I'd go with new Kingston modules over unknown refurbished modules any day of the week.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kingston-2GB-2x1GB-DDR-400-MHz-PC3200-Non-ECC-Desktop-PC-DIMM-Memory-RAM-184-pin-/161553616157?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item259d588d1d
They're new Kingston modules (at least according to the seller) whereas the DDR333 modules you posted up were refurbished modules and no specific manufacturer was mentioned. Given the choice, I'd go with new Kingston modules over unknown refurbished modules any day of the week.
The speed is not an issue -- DDR400 will clock down to 333Mhz with no problem.
What IS important is to ensure you have the correct density modules. According to what I've found for the P4S533-VX motherboard, it requires low-density modules. So the 2nd link is what you want to buy: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Low-Density-2GB-2x1GB-DDR-333-PC2700-Non-ECC-Desktop-PC-Memory-RAM-184-pin-/221640560773?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item339ace9085
Note that these are not only low-density, but they happen to be the DDR333 speed you actually need (as I noted above, that really doesn't matter, but it's certainly nice to have the match). Also, note from the picture that they are Kingston modules (assuming they match the picture).
What IS important is to ensure you have the correct density modules. According to what I've found for the P4S533-VX motherboard, it requires low-density modules. So the 2nd link is what you want to buy: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Low-Density-2GB-2x1GB-DDR-333-PC2700-Non-ECC-Desktop-PC-Memory-RAM-184-pin-/221640560773?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item339ace9085
Note that these are not only low-density, but they happen to be the DDR333 speed you actually need (as I noted above, that really doesn't matter, but it's certainly nice to have the match). Also, note from the picture that they are Kingston modules (assuming they match the picture).
Where did you find the the info on the low density modules Gary? I found the manual for the P4S533 board and it makes no mention of low or high density RAM. With that being said, the DDR400 modules on eBay are low density according to search engines when you look up the model (KVR400X64C3A).
Also if you look at the description of the item for the DDR333 modules on eBay, you'll note that Manufacturers field states: Miscellaneous: Kingston, Hynix, Samsung etc so you really don't know what you'll be getting.
Either way, I think both sets will work fine. If CEHJ wants to be on the safe side then stick with the refurbished DDR333 modules.
Also if you look at the description of the item for the DDR333 modules on eBay, you'll note that Manufacturers field states: Miscellaneous: Kingston, Hynix, Samsung etc so you really don't know what you'll be getting.
Either way, I think both sets will work fine. If CEHJ wants to be on the safe side then stick with the refurbished DDR333 modules.
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Can we get consensus guys? ;) Points split will follow
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How long are you looking to use this PC. Refurbished isn't usually too bad just not as long of a lifespan in my experience but if you're looking at just 2-3 years of usage that should be well within there limit I would think and I know personally that it's nice to have the matched frequency (though not required). As mentioned above it is "safer" compatability wise but I have never had an issue with higher frequency ram (DDR3 1600mhz will auto configure down to 1333 on most boards even those that take 1600mhz and has to be changed in BIOS). Either way I don't think you can really go wrong here but if you're like me and you like things to match then go with the 333 but if you like new and shiny then go with the 400.
As noted, either set should be fine, although I'd go with the DDR333 since they're available, low-density, and very close to the same cost.
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Thanks guys
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