[howtheflip]

Good afternoon all,
Recently, I decided to start looking into upgrading my RAM a bit. Because I only have a 32 bit OS, I am well aware of the 4 GB limit that is put on the machine. So, basically my two options were to either get a 2x2GB RAM or 1x4GB RAM. I am aware that the 2x2GB is dual channel and offers slightly better speeds, however I have chosen to go with the 1x4 because I plan to buy a completely new system in the future and want to transfer that RAM card over later. So, now it is time for my actual question related to my system right now:

I was looking into GHz speed of RAM memory, and obviously came to the conclusion that the higher speed is better. Although, I read somewhere that some motherboards actually limit how high this may be. I am unsure if my motherboard would support the 1600 MHz ram that I was planning on purchasing and was wondering if anyone could tell me?

Here is my motherboard: HP Compaq dc7100 SFF(DX878AV)

So with the answer, could anyone tell if my motherboard would either not allow my machine to run with the ram in it, run with the RAM in i, but at limited speeds, or run perfectly fine with the RAM? Thanks in advance.

This was the RAM I was going to purchase if it helps: http://www.ebay.com/...47#ht_654wt_970

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Hello howtheflip

Use the Crucial system scanner tool to find the best recommended Ram for your system, no need to purchase from there, write down the details and shop around for the best deal http://www.crucial.c...ner/?click=true let us know what is suggested and we can also look for you.

[phillpower2]

Hello howtheflip

Use the Crucial system scanner tool to find the best recommended Ram for your system, no need to purchase from there, write down the details and shop around for the best deal http://www.crucial.c...ner/?click=true let us know what is suggested and we can also look for you.

[stettybet0]

Given this information about your computer, it looks like your motherboard only supports DDR RAM. The RAM you linked to is DDR3 RAM and will not work with your computer. You will need to find DDR RAM, and the fastest speed of DDR RAM your computer supports is PC3200 (400 MHz). It also looks like your motherboard has 4 RAM slots, but can only support 1GB per slot. That means if you want 4GB, you'll need to buy four 1GB modules. For example, this RAM module will work with your computer.

You should also note that DDR RAM will not work with any new system you buy in the future, as all new computers today use DDR3 RAM.

[howtheflip]

thankyou for your responses. Unfortunately, my friend already purchased it for me as a debt they owed. I guess i'll just have to hold on to it for future use in my new machine.

[phillpower2]

Thanks for the update

If you are going to keep hold of the Ram for future use when the time comes check the potential motherboards QVL (qualified vendors list) as this will tell you whether or not the Ram is compatible with the MB, some information for you http://tommynation.c...d-vendors-list/ and http://www.gskill.us...ead.php?p=56934

Additional information.

For the best and most stable performance you should where possible purchase a CPU and Ram that have been tested and approved by the motherboard manufacturer, this is referred to as the QVL ( qualified vendors list ) understand though that there are too many products released for them all to be tested so other hardware will be compatible but not proven to be.

Edited by phillpower2, 15 September 2012 - 12:36 PM.
Additional information added,

[Macboatmaster]

howtheflip

As you know I have been working with you, on your other topic here
http://www.geekstogo...__fromsearch__1

As my good colleague phillpower2 says

If you are going to keep hold of the Ram for future use

as you of course already have the ram, bought in error, by your friend, in the belief that it would be suitable for your EXISTING computer, may I point out, as the article, to which my colleague has provided the link, explains - these days the CPU is largely the deciding factor - for the choice of ram.

It was, not too long ago, the motherboard - in fact the northbridge chip that dictated some details of the ram that may be installed. In those circumstances the CPU played a less important part in respect of ram.

Please see this short article I have written on the subject
http://www.geekstogo...-do-i-purchase/

I hope it explains it, in a relatively easy to understand manner. It is of course which ram to purchase, but it will perhaps give you an idea, when you select your main components of the board and the CPU - if you can use the ram.

Of course, as my good colleague has mentioned
YOU are SIMPLY keeping it on one side, for possible use in your new build and I would not think that you will be too concerned in matching the more expensive components to two sticks of ram

Hope the new build goes well and we are of course, ready to help you, sometime late next year.