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    Looking to upgrade my RAM

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by OuTrAgE, Dec 11, 2006.

  1. OuTrAgE

    OuTrAgE Newbie

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    I was wondering if PC3200 would work in my laptop? It uses PC2100 but I don't know if it would make a difference which I use. I have a Compaq 2100 US (2195us).

    Thanks.
     
    OuTrAgE, Dec 11, 2006
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  2. CalebSchmerge

    CalebSchmerge Woof NBR Reviewer

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    If PC3200 would run in your computer (easiest way to find out it to contact Compaq, or use the support site), it probably isn't worth getting because the computer will run at the speed of the slowest RAM, so unless you upgrade all of your RAM, the PC3200 is a waste. Also, a jump from PC2100 to PC3200 seems like a lot, I would be rather surprised to hear it could use PC3200 to its full potential.
     
    CalebSchmerge, Dec 11, 2006
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  3. OuTrAgE

    OuTrAgE Newbie

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    I should have been a little more clear. I'm looking to upgrade from a stick of 256MB (PC2100) to a stick of 512MB (PC3200). The only reason I'm looking at PC3200 is because I can get it for much cheaper than PC2100. I'm really not worried about my computer using it to it's full potential or anything.

    I've checked Compaq's site, but am unable to find out if my model can support PC3200.
     
    OuTrAgE, Dec 11, 2006
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  4. CalebSchmerge

    CalebSchmerge Woof NBR Reviewer

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    OK, If I remember right, PC2100 is 333Mhz, and PC3200 is 533 Mhz (I hope thats right). If I understand right it would work, but I would wait for someone else to confirm.
     
    CalebSchmerge, Dec 11, 2006
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  5. OuTrAgE

    OuTrAgE Newbie

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    Okay, thanks for your help. Hopefully somebody else can clear it up further for me.
     
    OuTrAgE, Dec 11, 2006
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  6. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    PC2100 ram is ddr-266 at 266MHz. PC2700 ram is ddr-333 at 333MHz. PC3200 ram is ddr-400 at 400MHz. Depending on the laptop you may or may not be able to use 2700 and 3200 as well as 2100. If your laptop was made after 2700 and 3200 were released then it is likely it can.

    Also, if you intend to upgrade from 256mb pc2100, I would suggest adding another 512mb of pc2100 to make a total of 768mb pc2100. Your laptop should have 2 ram slots and more ram is nearly always better than faster ram.
     
    moon angel, Dec 11, 2006
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  7. OuTrAgE

    OuTrAgE Newbie

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    My laptop came with 2 sticks of 256MB PC2100. I've already upgraded one of them to a stick of 512MB PC2100 (so I currently have 768). I'm looking to upgrade to 1GB but I really don't want to spend another $60 on something I might replace in 3-6 months. But, I found a stick of 512MB PC3200 for about $30, so I was just wondering if that would work.
     
    OuTrAgE, Dec 11, 2006
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  8. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    If the laptop accepts it it'll only run at 266MHz as opposed to 400MHz as your other chip is pc2100. I'd suggest making sure your laptop can take pc3200 ram before making the upgrade. If it does, 512mb pc3200 is a good choice, as you can later upgrade the 512mb pc2100 chip to a 1Gb pc3200 chip if you want and then get faster ram speeds.
     
    moon angel, Dec 11, 2006
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  9. OuTrAgE

    OuTrAgE Newbie

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    That's what I'm trying to find out; if my laptop can take 3200. I was sorta hoping somebody here would know. I checked Compaq's website real quick, but didn't find any help on the issue.
     
    OuTrAgE, Dec 11, 2006
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  10. moon angel

    moon angel Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Is that a Compaq Presario 2100?
     
    moon angel, Dec 11, 2006
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  11. OuTrAgE

    OuTrAgE Newbie

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    Yeah. 2195US if that makes a difference.
     
    OuTrAgE, Dec 11, 2006
    #11