RAM question - DDR3 vs DDR2

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NoranRadd13

27 posts

Geek

#42824 12-Oct-2009 10:38

Hi everyone,

I have just purchased a new home computer and it comes with '4GB DDR2-800 Memory in Dual Channel' and an ASUS P5KLAM-PS LGA775 motherboard running a Core 2 Quad Q8400 2.66Ghz x 4 45nm processor.

What I would like to know is whether this rig can support DDR3 RAM and if so at what kind of speeds? And would it make any difference to some gaming (WAR, Crysis, CoD etc.)?

If there is any othe details you require please just let me know. Any advice would be appreciated! =)

rhysb

435 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#263440 12-Oct-2009 10:51

No, DDR3 is not compatible with DDR2. You would need a new Motherboard that supports DDR3.

NoranRadd13

27 posts

Geek

#263443 12-Oct-2009 10:58

Ok, thanks for your quick reply.

NoranRadd13

27 posts

Geek

#263444 12-Oct-2009 11:09

What about DDR2-1066? Would that be compatible? If so would it make much of a difference?

I didn't know that it was the motherboard that determined RAM type. Would my one support 8GB?

It runs Windows XP Home too if that make a difference. Sorry for so many questions, just getting into desktops properly.

Buttonmash

361 posts

Ultimate Geek

#263450 12-Oct-2009 11:29

You wouldn't see a huge amount of difference as your Front Side Bus (CPU -> Chipset communication) will be the limiting factor.

Also, if you're using XP Home your system will only address up to 3GB ram, any more than that and it's just sitting idle. You need a 64 bit OS to handle this.

xpd

Geek @ Coastguard NZ
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#263455 12-Oct-2009 12:04

Read the manual for the motherboard. It will tell you what RAM is supported.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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NoranRadd13

27 posts

Geek

#263461 12-Oct-2009 12:16

Thanks for your replies, I will read the manual when I find it.

I guess I'll just keep an eye out for Win 7 64-bit now to get the most out of my current RAM.