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  • DDR2 memory

    I've not had my hands in a computer's guts for some time, so I'm rusty and wanted to check with the experts here.

    Parent's computer is an Acer Aspire T180-GB7z. It's got one Gb of RAM (shared with the onboard video, I suspect), and I'm looking at upgrading it to 2Gb of RAM.

    The question is about the Mhz of the RAM in question. How can I tell what is in there right now without dissassembling it, and does it matter if I go for a different speed of RAM?

    Rapscallion

  • #2
    Additional - I tried looking through BIOS to see if it was mentioned there, and in System Manager.

    Rapscallion

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    • #3
      I don't think it matters, but I am not an expert and I'll be watching this thread to see what the more knowledgeable folks have to say.

      I bought a cheap DDR2 upgrade for my computer on Black Friday and installed it myself without problems. The only question the Best Buy employee had for me was, "How old is your computer?" When I told him about a year he seemed satisfied that it would work, and it did.

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      • #4
        I think it's 800 MHz Raps. But to answer your question, IIRC, "Belarc Advsior" software will ID memory type if not brand.

        Merry Christmas.

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        • #5
          http://www.18004memory.com/result.as...=62218&mfgID=1

          800 Mhz DDR2 up to 4 gigs

          Sadly it can only handle 1 gig sticks
          Last edited by Mr. Rude; 12-25-2008, 03:41 PM.
          "I reject your reality and substitute my own"....Adam Savage-Mythbuster

          Must remember to stop using "brain of death" on slower morons.... I meant customers.

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          • #6
            Incidentally, as far as the speed goes, If it's under, the machine will run slow. If it's over, the machine won't recognize it. There will only be damage if the ram is left in for an extended period of time.
            I AM the evil bastard!
            A+ Certified IT Technician

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            • #7
              Many thanks, folks. It's a 32-bit installation of Vista, so I'll get a couple of 1Gb sticks and slip them in over the next day or five. Cheers!

              I won't need to alter anything in BIOS for new Mhz memory, will I?

              Rapscallion

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              • #8
                Nope. RAM is effectively plug-and-pray, er play.

                There's usually an acceptable range where it will work, so close is good enough and it will run at whatever is slower.
                I AM the evil bastard!
                A+ Certified IT Technician

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                • #9
                  When I have my classic brain farts, I use the online detectors to find my RAM speed.
                  http://kingston.com/
                  has one on the front page.

                  Cutenoob
                  In my heart, in my soul, I'm a woman for rock & roll.
                  She's as fast as slugs on barbituates.

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                  • #10
                    Yes, use the Crucial or Kingston websites to find compatibility information. If you use it to order, I believe they will guarantee compatibility as well as functionality.

                    You can also use CPU-Z to find out what you have already, and what speed things are going at.

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                    • #11
                      Many thanks, folks. Installed it on either Monday or Tuesday (can't remember which) and it's working like a dream.

                      Rapscallion

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                      • #12
                        Oddly enough I had a customer looking for this EXACT SAME memory yesterday.

                        And if it's 32 bit version of Vista, don't bother going for the full 4gb, it won't see it. 32 bit windows can't use more that 3.25/3.5gb of RAM. And I have heard rumors of people having issues if they install Vista on a machine that already has 3 or 4gb onboard. (They just had to go back down to 2gb then put the other 2 back in after Vista installs).

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                        • #13
                          Okies - the computer is now asking for us to hit F1 to continue, since the CPU is now in safe mode during bootup.

                          Worrying?

                          Rapscallion

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                          • #14
                            What else is on the screen at that moment?

                            This is right around POST time - enter BIOS or go to OS....What are the prompts down on bottom of screen near the F1 ?

                            Cutenoob
                            In my heart, in my soul, I'm a woman for rock & roll.
                            She's as fast as slugs on barbituates.

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                            • #15
                              I'll have to pop over to parents and see just what it says and write it down. It's the usual BIOS black screen with white writing. Will get back to you on this.

                              Rapscallion

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