Are there any problem using old RAM????

jean15paul · 10-21-2005, 07:42 AM

I hope this is a quick question.

I was cleaning up my house and I found an old RAM card. It's probably about 10 years old. I was thinking of adding it to the computer that I have now, which is about 5 years old, but I was kind of hesitant.

Are there any problems associated with using an old RAM card?

FYI, it's been stored in that anti-static bubble wrap that ram and other electronics come in. There's no dust and no evidance of damage. So I think it's ok.

Thanks in advance

**Terrister** · 10-21-2005, 08:36 AM

If it the correct RAM for your PC and close in speed to what you have installed, should be ok.

Might want to run Memtest http://www.memtest86.com/ to make sure all is well.

jean15paul · 10-21-2005, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terrister

If it the correct RAM for your PC and close in speed to what you have installed, should be ok.

Might want to run Memtest http://www.memtest86.com/ to make sure all is well.

How do I know if it's correct RAM for my PC?

Further clarification, I have an empty RAM slot so I was going to add it as an upgrade; I wasn't planning on removing the RAM that's currently installed.

(Take your time with me. I'm a newbie at this PC hardware thing.)

ebackhus · 10-21-2005, 09:52 AM

I highly doubt that you'll have too much luck with 10 year-old RAM in a 5 year-old PC. Most board from that time still used EDO and SIMM type RAM. The PC you want to work on likely uses DIMM aka SDRAM. They aren't compatible at all.

10-21-2005, 07:42 AM	#1 (permalink)
jean15paul Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 15 OS: WinXP Home	Are there any problem using old RAM???? I hope this is a quick question. I was cleaning up my house and I found an old RAM card. It's probably about 10 years old. I was thinking of adding it to the computer that I have now, which is about 5 years old, but I was kind of hesitant. Are there any problems associated with using an old RAM card? FYI, it's been stored in that anti-static bubble wrap that ram and other electronics come in. There's no dust and no evidance of damage. So I think it's ok. Thanks in advance

10-21-2005, 08:36 AM	#2 (permalink)
Terrister Moderator Hardware Forum Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: West Georgia, USA Posts: 7,098 OS: Xp	If it the correct RAM for your PC and close in speed to what you have installed, should be ok. Might want to run Memtest http://www.memtest86.com/ to make sure all is well. __________________

10-21-2005, 09:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,249 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	I highly doubt that you'll have too much luck with 10 year-old RAM in a 5 year-old PC. Most board from that time still used EDO and SIMM type RAM. The PC you want to work on likely uses DIMM aka SDRAM. They aren't compatible at all. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.