Will ddr2-533 memory sticks work in a ddr2 800/667 MB?

[Wizard47]

Hi,

I want to move to a new Intel MB (very cheaply) to take advantage of the PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot, SATA 3Gb, add'l memory slots (for later use), and either a Core 2 Quad or Core 2 Duo CPU.

However, for now I would like to use my old memory, therefore, can I put a pair of ddr2-533 pc2-4300 1gb memory sticks in a MB that lists the memory standard as ddr2 800/667? What about a MB with memory standard as DDR2 1066/800/667?

I realize that it will only run at the slower speed, (533), if it works.

THANKS....

[RealBeast]

It should work fine.

Which particular motherboard?

edit: on second thought, you should be looking at a nice new cheap Core i3 or i5 and will need DDR3 for those.

[wh666-666]

Hi,

I want to move to a new Intel MB (very cheaply) to take advantage of the PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot, SATA 3Gb, add'l memory slots (for later use), and either a Core 2 Quad or Core 2 Duo CPU.

However, for now I would like to use my old memory, therefore, can I put a pair of ddr2-533 pc2-4300 1gb memory sticks in a MB that lists the memory standard as ddr2 800/667? What about a MB with memory standard as DDR2 1066/800/667?

I realize that it will only run at the slower speed, (533), if it works.

THANKS....

Probably not. If the board states its only compatible with 800 + 667, its unlikely to take 533 ....

Fortunately though, DDR2 is so cheap at the moment ...

[kent1146]

Hi,

I want to move to a new Intel MB (very cheaply) to take advantage of the PCI Express 2.0 x16 slot, SATA 3Gb, add'l memory slots (for later use), and either a Core 2 Quad or Core 2 Duo CPU.

However, for now I would like to use my old memory, therefore, can I put a pair of ddr2-533 pc2-4300 1gb memory sticks in a MB that lists the memory standard as ddr2 800/667? What about a MB with memory standard as DDR2 1066/800/667?

I realize that it will only run at the slower speed, (533), if it works.

THANKS....

It will most likely not work, if the motherboard is rated for 1066/800/667.

And to be honest, it isn't worth your money to buy a new motherboard for PCI Express 2.0 (which will give you zero practical performance boost), SATA 3GB (again, no practical benefit). You should bother with Core 2 technology now, since Core i3/i5 is so great from a price/performance perspective. And while additional memory slots are always good, they are intended for future upgradeability. I would strongly advise you to look at a Core i3/i5 platform for future upgradeability, since it makes no sense to invest in the aging Core 2 architecture.

In short, go with what you have now, save your $$$, and get a Core i3/i5 system when you save up enough money and need to upgrade.