is DDR memory compatible with SDRAM?

[cusimar9]

Alright peeps,

I'm basically upgrading more or less everything in my computer, but I was wondering if I could salvage my memory.

I'm gettin a new motherboard, probably a Chaintech 7KJD, with an Athlon XP 1700.

I'm gettin 256mb DDR RAM, but I have a 128mb SIMM from my old computer. Will it fit the new motherboard? Will it slow anything down?

Cheers guys

[Gkntraining]

Well, from what i understand DDR ram will not work in conjuction with SDRAM the motherboards will not support both type of ram. But I am not 100% sure of this.

[jawaligt]

It's probably not worth it, since windows (certainly xp/2000) will try to get the most out of your ram, which will 'cause performance loss. However, if you really need the extra memory, you should do it anyway. Once again, the choice is between the economic and the performance sides :p

[$1500-P4 gamer]

This is actually something I've looked at myself.First of all the boards I looked at only support one or the other-meaning it has like two banks of ddr type and two banks of sdr type.But can only run one type at a time.So it has to be sdr or ddr not both.Its intended to be a upgrade path not a dual mem. solution.Secondly it would be really buggy running two dif. kinds of ram speeds on same board.3rd it would have to slow the ddr down to sdr level to even be compateable.Hope this helped.PEACE!:D

[Bovon]

DDR SDRAM passes data on both the rise and fall of the cycle, SDRAM passes data only on one.

I am not positive, but I believe DDR works at a lesser voltage than standard SDRAM does.

I also am not aware of a mainboard that will allow both to be used at the same time.

http://webopedia.internet.com/TERM/D/DDR_SDRAM.html

Short for Double Data Rate-Synchronous DRAM, a type of SDRAM that supports data transfers on both edges of each clock cycle (the rising and falling edges), effectively doubling the memory chip's data throughput. DDR-SDRAM also consumes less power, which makes it well-suited to notebook computers. DDR-SDRAM is also called SDRAM II.

[frank5]

The slots are different. Only afew m\b have both types of slots and even then, you can't mix both types of ram. You can only use one type or the other.

[mireland]

they are NOT compatiable. I found out the hard way. I had motherboard that went bad(had sdram) ordered what I thought was the exact motherboard only they sent me a newer version and it required ddr ram. I tried to put my SDram in and guess what.....totally different chips. DDR is 184 pinpc1600 or pc2100. So I have to order some DDR ram now...sigh

[$1500-P4 gamer]

I think(not sure) he was asking about the boards inwhich feature 2 dimms of each type!Some have 2-ddr slots & 2-sdram.But this is ment as a upgrade path,not to run both at same time.

Just like during the transition from the slot to socket cpu on the P3 and the celery.Most didn't support smp(two cpu's at same time)but were intended for a future upgrade solution.A cary over if you will from what you had before with the ability to change later when more affordable.The ddr/sdr based boards are the same as that.And just for the side note there are mobo's that have adaptor to change the slot to ddr from srd-though it is rare! Bovon-has it all right.Listen to him there are no boards that run both at same time-only one or the other due to how they work.See you can adapt the interface or run two types on the board but makeing both comunicate with the cpu is the hard part-if even possible.

As for the voltage of ddr vs. sdr I'm not sure.It wouldn't take too much to find out though but I'm too lazy(besides you prob. don't even care).So as to cut through the bull its like this---

Some boards do run 2 types though one type at a time.That means only one or the other may be plugged in dimms.PEACE!;)

[cusimar9]

Cheers guys, that's great advice.

I guess I'll have to donate my 128mb SIMM to a reasonable cause!

It's only money at the end of the day isn't it :(

Cheers though guys :D

[indianhead]

First, DDR is SDRAM. DDR just means that it moves data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock. It is not interchangeable with PC100 and PC133 - they have a different keying slot. PC133 will usually work in place of PC100 but the reverse is much less likely.

[wordplex]

Hi in answer to your question ,there are a number of mobo's about that support both DDR and SDram.One such is ELITE P4S5A this is a P4 based board the info for which is on www.aria.co.uk.You did say that you wanted an Athlon processor I would suggest that you check also www.microdirect.co.uk which has excellent descriptions of mobo's and direct links to manufacturers sites.

Hope this helps you did not give location so don't know where you are likely to buy your kit.The above sites are still handy for info though.

See you Ged