Hard Light Productions Forums

Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Moonsword on December 25, 2004, 09:16:40 pm

Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: Moonsword on December 25, 2004, 09:16:40 pm: Will this work?

Memory (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=586829&Tab=11&NoMapp=0)

Motherboard (http://parts.emachines.com/emachines/moreinfo.asp?product_id=68979)
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: IceFire on December 25, 2004, 09:22:03 pm: Sorry but I have to shudder at the eMachines motherboard. I'd recommend not buying a DDR400 and trying to put it into this board. If it were an Asus or an Abit I'd be reasonably confident that it would work (I still wouldn't recommend it) and probably work just fine. But having some experience in a tech shop and with eMachines...yeah I wouldn't know what to expect.
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: Taristin on December 25, 2004, 09:23:43 pm: Might wanna point out that this (http://www.fic.com.tw/product/motherboard/1stmainboard_detail.aspx?model_id=37) is almost an exact copy, if not the same mobo as the one in the eMachines image... If it helps.
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: Kosh on December 25, 2004, 11:05:38 pm: The memory should be able to step down to DDR 333 with no problems.
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: mitac on December 26, 2004, 05:53:47 am: Memory chips of one design (i.e. SD, DDR etc.) usually are fully downwards compatible.
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: Moonsword on December 26, 2004, 06:46:51 am: Well, IceFire, if it's any consolation to you, the next thing on my upgrade list after the current round of enhancements is either a barebone kit or a new motherboard and power supply.

As for the RAM, can I get some more opinions, like, before the offer on the RAM expires?
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: BlackDove on December 26, 2004, 09:13:53 am: I have a 128mb cl3 400mhz stick of ram, and a Mobo that only supports up to 266mhz.

Needless to say I had some severe RAM issues, mostly tied to not being able to boot the computer, up to programs not working correctly.

Naturally, as soon as I replaced it with 256mb 266mhz cl2.5, everything started working smoothly.
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: Clave on December 26, 2004, 06:53:58 pm: Yep, RAM can cause freaky stuff anyway, without being the wrong speed to start with...
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: Kosh on December 28, 2004, 01:53:01 am: RAM can only step down so far. :p
Title: 400 MHz Memory on a Motherboard that only supports 266 MHz or 333 MHz
Post by: IceFire on December 28, 2004, 09:15:54 am: Quote
Originally posted by mitac
Memory chips of one design (i.e. SD, DDR etc.) usually are fully downwards compatible.

Yes they are...but only when such a functionality is properly implemented on the motherboard. If it were Asus or Abit or one of those then I'd say its probably OK to try but on this board...I wouldn't chance it.

As BD points out, there can be issues. Its not 100%. I work at a computer store part time (to get me through Uni) and I've asked the certified technicians about it....the response is they don't recommend it and they have had several service calls on campus with that sort of issue. SO...thats why I'm saying what I'm saying.

Glad to hear you're considering an upgrade. My advice is to shop around, hunt for the best prices on the best quality of parts. I put together a very powerful system two summers ago consisting of Asus, AMD, and ATI parts for a very reasonable price (it was $1400 at the time). I built it myself but it may have been just as cheap to buy a barebones and put the rest in later. There's plenty of options but research every part, every company....