Can I use DDR2 667 instead of 533?

[benjaminzsj]

I've got a Centrino Sonoma laptop with Intel 915 chipset, now I decided to upgrade the memory,?the?mother?board?supports?533,?can?I?use?667?instead?

[gwai lo]

Uh huh, RAM downclocks to the lowest common denominator, or slowest running component.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

so in another words, 667 will work, but it will run at 533, a waste if you ask me...

[goatsniffer]

Yes you can most likely install that memory, but it will run at the same speeds as your old RAM.

[richardsim7]

Yup, what they said.

I have a feeling the OP can get the 667 for cheaper or he wouldn't have asked :p

-Rich-

[benjaminzsj]

True, Richard. Thanks guys. :)

Weird, some 667 are PC2 5200, others are 5300 or even 5400, what's wrong?

Edited August 6, 2007 by Staind

[gwai lo]

The nomenclature rounding is kind of funny. 333?2?8 ~=5328. Some companies round up, some round down...samething either way.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

It's all a marketing scheme, they are exactly the same thing..

[benjaminzsj]

Hey guys, just plug in the DDR2-667 1G memory and the computer won't start and gave me 4 short beeps, what's wrong? Should I configure the BIOS settings?

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

reset your bios, your new ram might have a different voltage. try resitting the ram, also.

[benjaminzsj]

  Mindovermaster said:

reset your bios, your new ram might have a different voltage. try resitting the ram, also.

Thanks for the tip but this is a thinkpad here, not sure how to do that and what did you mean by "reset the ram"? BTW, if it IS because of the voltage change, does it mean I can't use this new memory with the old one?

[raskren]

  Staind said:

Thanks for the tip but this is a thinkpad here, not sure how to do that. BTW, if it IS because of the voltage change, does it mean I can't use this new memory with the old one?

The RAM may not have the proper SPD timings for 533 Mhz operation or the timings provided won't work with your motherboard.

  Mindovermaster said:

your new ram might have a different voltage

How is that possible for a SO-DIMM?

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

no idea, rask, just an idea.

and I meant reseat the ram.

[jamescross91]

yer reset the bios press the ibm access button or wht ever it is lol