PC 100 or PC 133? How do I know?

[gonzo90017]

Currently I have a whopping 64MB RAM So as you might of guessed i'm going to upgrade to at least 256MB RAM. So how do find out if my motherboard supports PC 133?

[Tommyknocker]

Call the company you intend to purchase the memory from. Have your computer specs handy. Their technical support personnel usually have this answer for you.

[gonzo90017]

Is there a way to find the exact name and model of my motherboard? All I know is it's an Intel because that's the first thing that shows up when booting up my computer.

[Solarjetman]

Other than opening up the case and looking for a label, not really. However, if you bought the computer from a major vendor, go to http://www.crucial.com/ and enter the information for the computer. It may be able to tell you the answer.

But here is some good news for you. If you are only wondering if your computer is either PC100 or PC133, then if you just get the PC133 you should be ok. It will downclock to 100 if need be.

[The village idiot]

I have run PC100 in 66Mhz boards with NO bad effects! I have purchased PC100 memory that tests past PC133 specs. If you buy PC133, you should be fine, it will just be running slower than maximum. It should be the same as underclocking your machine to save on the heat load. In fact I have one machine that only has a 133Mhz buss but it takes PC2100 and up memory simply because the sockets are cheaper! Via ITX M-9000 board if you want to check my facts. If it were me, I would buy the PC133, and not worry.

[The village idiot]

But here is some good news for you. If you are only wondering if your computer is either PC100 or PC133, then if you just get the PC133 you should be ok. It will downclock to 100 if need be.

OOps didn't see that.

[gmatov]

This one really annoys me.

Why do so many people think that a slow buss won't charge a fast RAM module?

The rise and fall of voltage on a 66 mhz board has all the time in the world to charge a cell on a 100/133 module. A 100/133 board generally can't charge a slow 66 mhz module. The voltage drops off so quickly that the cell is not "set" on or off.

Besides which, 100 is getting to be so damn expensive, if you can use 133, buy it. Looking for 66 is looking to spend beau coup bucks, as well as buying some antique RAM that you will never be able to use again.

[The village idiot]

Anybody priced 72 pin simms lately?

[Faustus]

No but I priced some PC133 ram and found it more expensive then the DDR. Sad cause I'd like to upgrade this imac I'm typing on...

[gcutler]

No but I priced some PC133 ram and found it more expensive then the DDR. Sad cause I'd like to upgrade this imac I'm typing on...

This weeks office max circular has 128MB PC133 for $9 after rebate, 256MB PC133 for $19

[Solarjetman]

Anybody priced 72 pin simms lately?

About a year ago I was pricing FPM memory (the type used back in the days of the 486 for people who do not know). And for 32meg modules the cost was something like $50!!! Of course, that price is for new modules. You could get a much better deal off eBay I would think

[ofbarea]

If you do not mind buying used memory you could get some in the following place http://www.compgeeks.com/products.asp?cat=RAM, but I really think you will find better deals in e-bay.