Can RDRAM be replaced with DDR RAM

johnny_adidas

Basically, have a Dimension 8200 in work which we bought years ago but still runs well. time has come for a memory upgrade though and when i went to price it i was shocked. after some research i know the reason why now but basically what i need to know is can i just replace the current RDRAM with cheaper DDR RAM and will the comp work afterwards?
the RDRAM is 184pins, PC800, 40ns
(2x 256mb - i know i will need another 2 modules if RDRAM is needed)

also what is the difference between the 16bit and 18bit RDRAM modules and how will i check what i currently have?

P4 2.52Ghz Dell Dimension 8200 (reckon asking for a new comp wudnt go down too well either)

8T8

You cant replace RDRAM with DDR-RAM unless the actual motherboard has slots for DDR which it probably doesn't.

If you want to upgrade the RAM basically you need RDRAM PC800 [16 bit non-EEC].

See Shop4Memory RDRAM section.

18 bit RDRAM is the EEC variety used for error correction only used in servers you have no need for that.

PogMoThoin

Not compatible with each other.
Prob cheaper buy new pc. Read this:
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2054967340

ressem

Can you use DDR in place of RDRAM? No.

Home Dell PC's used 16bit RDRAM. 18 bit is ECC for servers and high end workstations.

Ruu_Old

Stupid RAMBUS RAM *kicks*

johnny_adidas

thanks guys/gals. thats where i was going ordering them from alright. thanks for the info.

*storms off to buy stupid stinking expensive 200euro 2x256 RDRAM*

Den_M

Believe me I know how you feel! Check out my thread that was linked in an earlier post.
Is 512mb more all you need though? All 4 of your slots will be used once you insert it.

johnny_adidas

ah well another 512 will do enough for what i want. just cad basically. just been struggling a tiny bit last few weeks and another comp's being upgraded now so may as well do mine while its being ordered. cudnt justify buying more over a new comp and dont want to push for that either as we only got a load of stuff in the office recently

ezdmanx

Ive the same system, RDRAM's a bummer alright. You can get 2x256mb used RDRAM on ebay.ie for around €80 tho. €120 new.

the_syco

Put it this way it's was €440 for 1GB of RD-RAM.

As its a 8200 Dell, its most likely a 478 motherboard, so you'll need a motherboard that isn't been made anymore (479 is being made), and then find compatible RAM for it...


Or you can do the easy thing. For €395 (and about €10 or €15 for delivery), you can this, which is an Intel Pentium D 940 3.2GHz, I955X (motherboard), 1024MB DDR2, PCI-Express. Aye, PCI-Express. Means you'll need a new graphics card but you can get a 7300GS for €69. So, for about €479* (only €39 more than just buying RAM), you'll get a brand new system BETTER than the current one... or just get more RD-RAM.

*May have to add in another €64 is you want a new case + PSU, as Dell's PSU is crap, and their cases are usually for Dell PSU's only but get the lads approval for the PSU, as some are dodgy, and most PCI-E cards need a bit of juice.

Since its got RDRAM slots would this be a Socket 423 machine?

I've never encountered a machine with RDRAM or S423, I find it kinda funny since I've been doing PC maintenance for 5 years now. Only P4s I've seen are S478 and S775.

ambro25

I just ran into RDRAM for the first time myself recently - with a P4 (1.4 Ghz) Willamette.

I've just grabbed a Gateway that was on the way to the skip on a single ticket And on opening the hood, I got a look of what had to be the RAM sticks, and the obligatory "WTF?!?" followed - I eventually found out through Google that it's most probably a Gateway model 1400CS (256 PC800, TNT2, 20GB HDD).

There's no hints on the mobo as to provenance (boy have I looked! I'm desperate to upgrade/flash the thing as I'm getting all kinds of weird behaviour from the AGP), but the BIOS is an Intel/AMI affair and the chipset is definitely Intel D850GB. Based on Wiki, I'd venture that my mobo is most probably a socket 423.

So ask OP to run Sisoft's Sandra and that should tell ya

8T8

^^ The board gateway used was very likely an Intel reference board that came from Intel/Foxconn (like Dell's) bios updates could be tricky if you cannot locate them on Gateways site though there should be something on it.

This the page for the D850GB as you can see it has some possible useful links like ID'ing the bios version from the bios string see if your board has a similar one.

You could try the Intel Express Bios update and see if it works on the board of course could kill it as well.

Also those boards only support 1.5v AGP 2x/4x cards which may explain the AGP weirdness.

astrofool

ALL the first p4's were s423 + RDRAM, they didn't become big sellers till northwood came out, but still sold enough, esp. to Dell, Gateway, HP etc.

TempestSabre

Buy new machine and sell yours for 150-200.

ambro25

8T8 wrote:

Also those boards only support 1.5v AGP 2x/4x cards which may explain the AGP weirdness.

Hey thx a bunch for that one 8T8 - saved me some €s, I was just about to buy a 9600XT or thereabouts (no higher, as no point) to beef up the gfx