Checking RAM

thegills

Hi,
Is there anyway of checking your RAM - size, model, etc. without taking the computer apart? I want to buy new RAM for an old PC?
thegills

workaccount

cpu-z freeware

http://www.cpuid.com/download/cpu-z-140.zip

thegills

Thanks workaccount.
The app tells me that I have 256Mb / DDR. Can I just buy some more of the same or are there different types?
On the SPD Tab there is more info; it says that my RAM is in slot 1 with slots 2 to 4 empty? Can these be used for my new RAM?
It also sas that I have PC2700 (166Mhz) RAM
Thanks for the help.
thegills

311

Have you tried http://www.Crucial.com ,if you have a retail PC ,they advice you which ram to buy.

This is a good util ,for telling about your machine. http://www.majorgeeks.com/download4181.html

thegills

Thanks Brian,
I've checked a few online retailers (komplett, shop4memory) but they only sell PC2700 333Mhz; I have a machine about 5 years old. Can I replace my existing 166Mhz with 333Mhz, will my Motherboard support this?
Any advice appreciated
thegills

311

I'm not that up on things ,but everest will tell you what motherboard you have . Crucial.com should tell you the rest.

Your motherboard is the imortant thing ,find out what it is and you should be able to find ram for it. Everest should tell you ,or you could use Sisoft Sandra .
Sorry if thats of no help ,I'm an enthusiast with this stuff so my limits are visible.

thegills

Google.com - PC2700 or DDR333 has a total speed of 333Mhz. However it runs at 166Mhz and is accessed twice per clock cycle for a total of 333Mhz approximately. 166 Mhz is the correct speed.
Perhaps I just need to buy PC2700 333MHz RAM?? This makes sense
thegills

mathias

When a chip is specified at PC2700 that 2700 number is the bandwidth in GB/s, and the operating frequency is 166 ( usually multiplied by 2 giving a rounded answer of 333.)

The numbers are tied together , one is bandwidth and the other is freq for the same chip , all 2700 is 333 if you know what I mean.

Its better explained here in the Wiki , check out the secong paragraph for a table of bandwidth numbers and frequencies,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR_SDRAM

So essentially all you need to know is that you need DDR2700 memory , you have free slots , just stick it in one of them.

8T8

You don't actually need to get PC2700 (DDR-333) either PC3200 (DDR-400) will also suffice and is a lot more common as the motherboard will automatically clock down the DDR-400 RAM to DDR-333 speeds.

thegills

Thanks Lads for the feedback.
I'll let you know how I get on.
thegills