A Question About Desktop Memory Modules

[RadCazz]

My motherboard, Intel G41, uses PC3 8500 DDR3 1066 MHz memory. I have 2 GB installed. Since I'll be getting a newer/better graphics card, I want to increase my memory to at least 4 GB (which is what the graphics card packaging recommends). I've only been able to find DDR3 PC3-10666 Memory that says compatible with 1333 MHz on the box. My question is will this memory work in a PC3 8500 1066MHz slot? I mean it says compatible with 1333 MHz but it doesn't say only works with 1333 MHz. It's a question of semantics I guess. Staples was selling this 2 GB DDR3 memory for $4.95 each, so I bought two. I'm affraid to put it in fearing I might damage the motherboard if it's not compatible.

[Fire$torm]

I'll try to keep this simple...

First, it is always best to match RAM modules by speed and CAS latency (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAS_latency). Matching brands is not a bad idea either but you can overlook that if they are constructed the same.

Second, if the new RAM modules are not compatible nothing horrible will happen to your system. You will just get an on-screen error message and beep error during the boot process.

Knowing exactly what hardware is in your system will really help when deciding to replace or upgrade hardware. An easy way to find out what components are in your system is to use a utility called CPU-Z (http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html) from CPUID. Another utility they make called hardware monitor (http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/hwmonitor.html) can also generate a report of the hardware in your system. Both of these utilities are free. There are many other utilities to be found on the net that do the same thing if you don't like the ones I mentioned.


BTW: Newegg lists quite a few PC3 8500 desktop modules on there site ---> http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611&IsNodeId=1&Description=PC3%208500&name=Desktop%20Memory&Order=BESTMATCH

F$

[RadCazz]

Thanks for the info! The NewEgg site you listed is awesome. And the above utilities take the guesswork out.