Putting in more RAM

[Eireann]

I finally got two ram sticks to up my computer's operating memory. Brought them home. Installed them.

Well, actually, I didn't. They don't fit. I got these:

http://www.alza.cz/kingston-4gb-kit-...on-d202309.htm

The open space on the side of the stick with the metal teeth (sorry, I don't know the terminology) is right in the middle of these sticks, whereas it's closer to one end on the slots in the computer.

So, do I need these instead?

http://www.alza.cz/zeppelin-4gb-kit-...hz-d148254.htm

Since I've opened the other package containing the sticks that I can't use, does that affect the possibility of a refund?

[Arcus]

It's possible they gave you the wrong memory. If they did give you the right memory, we would need to know more about your computer to figure out what it uses. All we need is the computers brand and model number (or motherboard brand and models number if it's a custom build)

[lordlundar]

Agreed. DDR3 RAM is keyed (aka that space position on the stick and is always off center to make sure it's not inserted wrong) the same regardless of speed. It's possible your motherboard is designed around DDR or DDR2 RAM but without knowing what the motherboard is We can't say for certain.

As for refund, that depends on the return policy. Most physical stores have a frame to return it (usually 14 days) and if it's not damaged will offer a full refund. Online purchases however is dependent on who you got it from.

[Chromatix]

DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3 all have their "key" slightly off-centre, although DDR1 has it slightly further off-centre than the newer types. It's not a huge difference, just enough to stop you putting the wrong type into a board and causing damage - or putting it the wrong way around.

Put the two sticks in the pair facing each other, contacts to contacts. If the key is really in the exact centre, they'll still line up. If not, they won't.

In any case, there's really no point in getting the newest type of RAM if your m/board isn't designed for it. This is something you really should make sure of first.

[Eireann]

The computer is an HP x7300. DDR1?

[lordlundar]

Had to do a little hunting to track down the system you have (aka I looked up an earlier post of yours to narrow down the model number) and found it out.

The model number is a HP Compaq dx7300 and that means DDR2 RAM. So what you have will not work. Try to get a refund and go get some stuff that will fit.

[ender]

If you have a brand name computer, and you're unsure which memory will fit it, you can use a memory configurator tool: Kingston, Transcend.

[Eireann]

According to the specs I found online, DDR3 will work. The problem is, as I found out today, that I have to have a card with a notch in the middle. Near one end doesn't work. I took a good look at the slot in the tower today.

So I went to the store, returned the cards, got my money, bought new cards...

And, yes, they have the notch in the wrong area, too.

I get to do this all again tomorrow.

[Chromatix]

Just get DDR2. Every DDR3 stick you get is going to have the same problem - they are, after all, designed to fit the same DDR3 sockets.

[Eireann]

You're right. I'm going to get DDR2 tomorrow. The place where I bought the other sticks allows people to shop online and pick up later - except right now, whenever I click "buy", I keep getting an error message. Who knew so much drama could be involved in this?

[dalesys]

Who knew so much drama could be involved in this?

Operations, Maintenance and Customer Service of your universe have been outsourced to Murphy, Inc. We service you with a big grin.

[lordlundar]

According to the specs I found online, DDR3 will work.

I say this with sincerity: whoever wrote those specs is full of it.

Every type of RAM is keyed differently from one another. DDR is keyed different from DDR2, and both are different than DDR3. This is done specifically because different types of RAM are not interchangeable and manufacturers don't want people screwing up their computer thinking they are.

[Eireann]

Success!

I had to go to the store to return yet another set of RAM cards that didn't work, and got the same guy who processed my return yesterday. I told him that I needed DDR2, not DDR3; he looked at the unopened packaging on the DDR3 cards and gave me the return. I got my money back and promptly spent it (and a little more) on the DDR2 cards I had ordered earlier in the day.

I brought them home and installed them along with the new graphics card that was delivered today - such a difference!