Frequently Asked Questions
These are general 4 All Memory FAQs used for every auction. Not all FAQs below apply to this item. This is not a substitute for the auction description. Please see the item description for details on this item.
What is a kit?
A Kit is comprised of two pieces of memory. For example.. One 64MB Kit has two 32MB memory modules. One 128MB Kit has two 64MB memory modules. One 256MB Kit has two 128MB memory modules. One 512MB Kit has two 256MB modules. One 1GB Kit has two 512MB modules. If this auction is for a kit, the word "kit" appears in the auction title.
What does ECC mean?
ECC is a programming on your module that looks for errors and tries to correct them. (Error Checking & Correcting) You want to install the same type that is currently installed in your system.
How do I know if I need ECC?
To check to see if your machine takes ECC or non-ECC, simply open your machine and take a look at the memory already installed. Look at the sticker on the piece of memory. It will say one of three things: ECC, non-ECC, and nothing, which means non-ECC. Then you will know which memory to buy.
What if the memory isn't labeled, how can I tell?
You can also look at the RAM you have installed. Just count the chips on the RAM inside your machine. If any one side has an odd amount of chips, then you need ECC. If both sides have an even amount of chips, then you need non-ECC.
Can I mix speeds of DDR? i.e. Will PC2100 work with PC1600?
Yes and no. For example, If you have a system with both PC1600 and PC2100 modules in it, the system will work, but it will only run at a speed of PC1600. A system will run at PC2100 if all the modules in it are PC2100, this assumes the system supports PC2100.
Can I mix PC-100 and PC-133 memory in the same system?
In almost all cases, the answer is yes. If the system supports 100MHz memory, you can normally use 133MHz memory in it as well, and can even mix the two. Contact your computer manufacturer or motherboard manual for more specifics. *In many cases we will send PC133 as a complementary upgrade, since a lot of the times the machine may take either.
Can I mix PC-66 and PC-100 memory in the same system?
In almost all cases, the answer is yes. If the system supports 66MHz memory, you can normally use 100MHz memory in it as well, and can even mix the two. Contact your computer manufacturer or motherboard manual for more specifics. *In many cases we will send PC100 as a complementary upgrade, since a lot of the times the machine may take either.
Memory Terms in Plain English
Maximum Memory: The largest amount of memory that your computer can use
Standard Memory: The memory that typically comes installed from the factory
Expansion Sockets: The number of available spaces to plug in memory
Buffered Memory
Memory modules that utilize temporary storage areas (known as buffers) to help manage the data sent to the memory by the memory controller. Buffers act as current regulators keeping the amount of current flowing to and from the chips at optimal levels. The purpose of this is to allow for more memory chips on modules by keeping the memory from being overloaded by the chipset. It can also be used to allow more modules to be used in the system. Not all systems can use buffered memory; the type of memory required is dependent upon the computer's memory controller.
Dual Channel
A development in motherboard and chipset design that allows for increased bandwidth transfer when using two or more memory modules in separate transfer channels. These separate channels allow each module access to the memory controller, increasing throughput bandwidth. It is a good idea to use matched pairs of modules to ensure the best compatibility for dual channel operation.
CAS Latency (or CL)
CAS latency is determined by dividing the column access time by the memory clock cycle time. Simply put, the CAS latency is the number of clock cycles it takes the memory to respond to an operation request. Lower CAS latency, therefore, will normally give slightly better performance than higher CAS latency. The default CAS latency for SDRAM is 3 and for DDR is 2.5. The lowest possible CAS latency is 2. Low-latency memory is generally only recommended for memory-intensive applications like overclocking, gaming, video, and sound editing. In normal operation it is unlikely that lower latency will show significant improvement.
What is a Pin?
A name for the contacts on a memory module that fit into the memory socket. These can be either tin or gold, depending on the type of module.
If you have any other questions, please e-mail us! We are always glad to help!
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