Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

PC-3200 vs PC-2700 RAM

Aug 30, 2010 6:53AM PDT

I have a desktop computer that supports 184-pin DDR RAM PC-2700, but clocks it at a PC-2100.

If I bought a PC-3200 RAM and fit it next to my PC-2700 RAM, would it work on my computer?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
You could put in PC3200 but bear in mind it will only
Aug 30, 2010 7:08AM PDT

work as fast the slowest RAM in the system.

Should work...just not max system performance.

VAPCMD

- Collapse -
Computer
Aug 30, 2010 12:29PM PDT

It seems that now all hardware have been upgraded. Wonderful. It is so long time not to focus on the computer.

- Collapse -
(NT) Thanks
Aug 30, 2010 2:02PM PDT
- Collapse -
RAM mysteries
Aug 31, 2010 12:31AM PDT

When installing ram, it usually is "auto-configuring" within limits to set itself. So, with a report of PC2100, then there's a PC2100 installed or its grossly set itself in order to work at all. I use PC Wizard 2010 to review ram installed for detailed look.

As already stated to you, the ram installed will work as fast as the slowest ram. Unless, you swap out all ram to be PC3200, it can work at PC3200 level. But, you state your system supports PC2700 level, so while the PC3200 will work, the bios may only allow that PC2700 level, rather than PC3200. If possible a bios update may correct for that(if applicable), but it worth a look. Refer to your current bios status with the latest available. Even, w/o a bios update, the system should accept PC3200. The best scenario is all ram be PC3200, mismatches can cause issues of their own.

tada -----Willy Happy