Hi,

I wish to increase the memory in my desktop computer the motheboard is an NFORCE4-A939, this specifies upto 4GB memory (4 X 184 pin 2.5v DDR SDram DIMM sockets) and supports DDR400/333/266/200 etc.

I have been offered 4GB of DDR400 but either
(i) a generic memory which states 2.5v or,
(ii)Samsung memory that states JEDEC standard 1.8 +/-0.1V power supply.

Otherwise the specs are identical.

Will the Samsung memory peform OK in my machine?

Thank you

Martin

Generic RAM? Absolutely no listed manufacturer?

I would be cautious with the voltage issue. If your board Defaults at 2.5V it may or may not run 1.8V or you may have to change the Voltages in the BIOS Setup but to do this you would need to boot with 2.5V then change.

Many boards also are known to run RAM down if it is not the Default Voltage i.e. low life span.

Check the motherboard manual for details on Voltage options.

Also be aware that with XP 32 bit you will probably only get XP to detect 3GB out of 4GB. Not to say the 4GB would be there if needed (which is highly unlikely) but your XP will most likely only show 3GB.

Other tools such as CPU_Z and the BIOS will show 4GB.

Thank you Jephree,

On closer look at the Samsung memory it is advertised as 2.5v but it also says JEDEC standard 1.8 +/-0.1V power supply (in the small print) and claims to be PC3200 and fully backward compatible with PC2700, PC2100. I searched on JEDEC and what it means - can't find a staight answer! It appears that there are too many interested parties to make it simple.

Perhaps I am just being a little too cautious.

The reason I want a large amount of RAM is that I run very processor intensive programs such as Mathcad/3DS/TurboCad and Truespace 7 plus some FE programs which are struggling a bit with my current 1GB.

Presumably, if the RAM proves excessive I can just wind back to 2 X 1GB and 2 X 512KG = 3GB (the motherboard has four 184-pin DIMM) and specifies a maximum of 4GB.

Thank you again for your very helpful suggestions.

Martin