# Need help finding the right (RAMBUS) RDRAM for a motherboard. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 12, 2003, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-the-right-rambus-rdram-for-a-motherboard/218625 "2003-12-12T17:30:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-the-right-rambus-rdram-for-a-motherboard/218625/1 "2003-12-12T17:30:39Z")
Ha, I thought this would be easy. Motherboard = [The FIC KC19 +](http://www.fic.com.tw/product/motherboard/1stmainboard_detail.aspx?type=legacy&model_id=14) Memory could be anything from a PC600 164 pin to a PC1066 184pin. I`m pretty sure it`s a 184 pin type but the kind of RAMBUS has me thrown for a loop. Does it matter what I shove in there or does it have to be very specific? And does the memory have to be installed in pairs or can I get a CRIMM for the other slot? Should I buy the cheapest 184 pin memory that I can find and just go with that, or is there way more to it than that??? For instance, go to [Pricewatch.com](http://www.pricewatch.com/) and try to figure out wich one I can use. Don`t send me to Crucial, they don`t even stock the stuff. BestBuy Has some CircuitCity Has some CompUSA Has more [Here](http://www.compusa.com/products/products.asp?sid=3FD905003039617F&N=0&Ntt=RDRAM&Ntk=All&Nty=1&D=RDRAM) Any other info/tips regarding RAMBUS would be helpful. I did some reading on the net, but you guys always seem to have the best first-hand experience, THANKS!!! ---
**Author:** ![Futile\_Gesture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f05b48/32.png) [@Futile\_Gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futile_Gesture)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-the-right-rambus-rdram-for-a-motherboard/218625/2 "2003-12-12T18:44:35Z")
What I’ve found out about RAMBUS memory when looking to upgrade my existing memory: - Must be paired. - Empty slots **must** have a CRIMM. - No-one stocks it. - Those who do, charge twice the price of other memory. - Or only have a single RIMM in stock, :rolleyes: like that helps. - The RDRAM I already have is flakey. So I’m not too bothered on the quality of what I buy, any at all would be a start. What I’ve concluded about RAMBUS memory: - Avoid it. I am now facing up to buying an entirely new computer rather than spend a fortune upgrading the memory in my existing one. It’s ridiculous, but comparing prices and specs it makes economic sense. ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2003, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-the-right-rambus-rdram-for-a-motherboard/218625/3 "2003-12-12T19:24:03Z")
Your manual says the board supports PC800, up to 2x512MB. I’m surprised there isn’t more info in there.There is only one form factor for PC800 RIMMs, as far as I know. Personally, I probably wouldn’t make the effort. This is a slot 1 system, so the CPU is probably under 800 Mhz, not fast enough to take advantage of RDRAM anyway. Probably be cheaper to purchase a new MB (or new MB & CPU) and new DDR or SDRAM memory. If you still want to upgrade, most of the electronic stores will accept a return (for computer stuff, usually within 14 days) for most products, even if they’ve been opened, so you can always bring it back if you end up choosing the wrong one. But bring your old one in to make things easier. Avoid CompUSA as they charge a restocking fee. ---
**Author:** ![Futile\_Gesture](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f05b48/32.png) [@Futile\_Gesture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futile_Gesture)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2003, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-the-right-rambus-rdram-for-a-motherboard/218625/4 "2003-12-13T14:26:55Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Running with Scissors \* > \*\*If you still want to upgrade, most of the electronic stores will accept a return (for computer stuff, usually within 14 days) for most products, even if they’ve been opened, so you can always bring it back if you end up choosing the wrong one. \*\* Is this usual in the U.S.? You won’t get many UK shops to do this, probably because they’ll get returned components that people have succeeded in breaking or zapping while installing. ---
**Author:** ![Running\_with\_Scissors](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Running\_with\_Scissors](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Running_with_Scissors)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2003, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-the-right-rambus-rdram-for-a-motherboard/218625/5 "2003-12-14T13:08:32Z")
Yeah, it’s typical for most things at most chain stores, although there are certain types of items (mostly things that people would otherwise pay to hire/rent) that can usually only be exchanged for the same thing (if defective), such as: DVDs & CDs Laptops Camcorders Some stores are more flexible than others, and most reputable places will bend the rules somewhat for a good reason (e.g. if you purchased a camcorder but later found out that a different model better suits your needs, they’d probably let you exchange it for the new model). In the UK, what would you do if you bought some memory (the correct type), only to find out when you got it home that it was defective? Would you then have to take it up with the manufacturer? ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2003, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-the-right-rambus-rdram-for-a-motherboard/218625/6 "2003-12-14T14:11:34Z")
Sorry to Hijack the thread, but. 😃 If the motherboard specs say to install PC800 memory, what would happen if I install PC600 (which is much cheaper)?? Would it just run a little slower, or would it not recognise it at all?? ---
**Author:** ![Saranga](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Saranga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saranga)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2003, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-help-finding-the-right-rambus-rdram-for-a-motherboard/218625/7 "2003-12-14T14:39:10Z")
PC600 should work fine but slower. Avoid generic/cheaper brands (won’t name names).