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Memory upgrading

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11 replies

by jayevans_uk

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I have bought a new mainboard for one of two PCs I have - both needed a new board (I believe).

The memory I had before doesn't fit - instead of buying new memory can I use spare memory chips that fit the new board ?

I'm sure I've done this before - but not for a long time, so I'm hesitant. The last thing I would want to do is "blow" the new board and/or CPU - but neither do I want to spend another ?40 or so on RAM chips, unless I have to (of course).

I do hope you can help me - so I can start using my desktop PC again (using a laptop so not very ergo friendly for the amount I use it !).

Regards,
Julia

11 replies

by ic-it

from the chip itself. You likely had DDR on the older board and now need DDR2.

by jayevans_uk

My problem is that the memory chips don't have a label to tell me exactly what type they are.

I need to know if fitting the chips I have would damage the mainboard/CPU if they're not the right ones ?

Regards,
Julia

by ron k.

I've never installed anything I couldn't identify.
If someone says it won't hurt and it does, what'll you do? Blame them?

by oh smeg

They will work but as you can not identify them to begin with you will not know how big that they are and it may not be enough RAM to actually work the system properly.

Also as you do not know what they are supposed to be to begin with you will be unable to look in the BIOS to see if the M'Board is correctly identifying the RAM Modules. Over all if the RAM Modules have no identifying Markings on them I would consign them to the [b]Rubbish Bin[/b] where they belong and go buy some Branded and correctly identified RAM so you know what you are attempting to work with. ;)

Col

by willcomp

If you force memory modules into an incompatible slot, the best thing that will occur is fried memory and the worst is a fried motherboard.

DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 memory is keyed slightly differently. If the module does not align with the key on motherboard slot, do not install it. Most new motherboards use DDR3 RAM.

What model new motherboard and old motherboard do you have?

by jayevans_uk

Hi Willcomp,

Thank you for your reply.

The memory chips fit perfectly into the slot and clip in both sides easily - so is it safe to proceed with turning the PC and checking in the BIOS how much RAM they give me ?

I know exactly what you mean about memory being keyed differently - as a long time ago (when I was a newbie to fitting memory) I tried to install a memory chip and it clicked in one side but not the other, on closer inspection I could see that the "notch" was slightly in the wrong place - so of course I wouldn't dream of trying to force it in !

In case you're wondering why the RAM chips don't have a label on, it's probably because they weren't bought from Crucial/Kingston - were taken from PCs whose memory was upgraded (you know when you have to take out a 256MB to install a couple of 512MBs), so perhaps the manufacturer doesn't bother to label them).

I don't mind not knowing the RAM size of the chips - at least I can start working on the PC again and decide whether to buy more later.

The board is ASUS P5KPL-AM SE.

Regards,
Julia

by jayevans_uk

If the memory chip fits perfectly and clips in both sides with no pressure at all, is it OK to turn the PC on to see if it's recognised ?

Regards,
Julia

by willcomp

There will be no shorting issues and damage. Memory still may not work properly but it's safe to try.

by jayevans_uk

Thanks very much for your reassurance. I will let you know what happens ....

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