PC3200 DDR upgrade

[ryan24695]

I am pretty alright with computer knowledge but I have always had this question. The memory in my computer is PC3200 DDR and from what ive seen it is some of the most expensive for the least space. If i changed to lets say PC2-6400 DDR2 DIMM, would that still work on my computer?
Or is a computer made to handle only one type, whats the difference?

 

[Disenchanterx]

The Notch and Pin density are different. DDR2 DIMMs are not backwards compatible to DDR

 

[ryan24695]

So no other memory type will work?

 

[Disenchanterx]

Other speeds "probably" it just needs to be DDR. The reason DDR is so expensive is because its not massively produced anymore. You can use like PC4000 DDR and it would probabaly work. PC3200 is more common and easier to find.

What kind of computer are we working with here. How much memory do you have now etc.

 

[GibsonSGKing]

So no other memory type will work?

Depends on the motherboard, but it's most likely that you're stuck with DDR. I know DDR2 is not backwards compatible with DDR, as DDR3 isn't backwards compatible with DDR2.

 

[Jesusfrk611]

PC3200 DDR 400MHz is the RAM you have and it's the highest they made in DDR RAM, so no you can't upgrade with your current motherboard. You can downgrade though.

EDIT:
Guess they do have a DDR 500, but is it really worth it? Some motherboards still may not support it though. Personally I've never hard of DDR 500 until I looked it up.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146034&Tpk=pc4000

 

[Legodude522]

Other speeds "probably" it just needs to be DDR. The reason DDR is so expensive is because its not massively produced anymore. You can use like PC4000 DDR and it would probabaly work. PC3200 is more common and easier to find.

What kind of computer are we working with here. How much memory do you have now etc.

It was also more expensive to manufacture. Either way, the whole industry is full of price-fixing.

 

[ryan24695]

Well I have decided I have had this motherboard for long enough and im going to purchase a new one, however the motherboard is one thing I never screwed with as I never had the need to. So here is my question: My system has: (this is probably going to have things on here that you dont need to know but im not sure what makes a motherboard compatible with things)
CPU Type:Intel Pentium 4, 2800 MHz (28 x 100)
Motherboard chipset: Intel Brookdale G i845GE
Motherboard name:FIC VG31E/VG33
I dont know how helpful that was but if that is the information anyone needed can they tell me if:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+...864407&skuId=9724401&st=motherboard&cp=1&lp=1
That will work on my system fine?, and if not any suggestions as to what will that is within a reasonable price range?
Thanks for the help, it seems motherboard and memory are my weaknesses

 

[Disenchanterx]

Well do you have a budget in mind. You could do some really awesome stuff for a few hundred bucks

Basically here is what you want to do man.
Upgrade your Motherboard, Processor and Ram. Since your weaknesses seem to be understanding compatibility I would probably take the route of a prebuilt PC or a DIY package from someone like NewEgg. Like this one
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.354142
Depending on your budget there are cheaper and more expensive kits. Some options on these kits are great some are so-so

Or you could get the people on this forum to help you buy individual parts and build a more suited better pc all the way around

 

[ryan24695]

Im not really interested in a full build, just a better motherboard, im just curious if motherboards are very specific with systems and parts. Or will they work with most things?

Here is my system: http://s67.photobucket.com/albums/h299/ryan24695/?action=view&current=untitled.jpg
And here is something im looking at: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813141015
Will it work out?
Im sorry for all the question that im sure are simple if I knew a little more about motherboards.