Question:
My old Gateway desktop PC currently has 512 Megabytes of PC-2700 RAM (256 Megs each on two sticks). I’m wanting to upgrade the memory but PC-2700 sticks cost over twice as much as DDR3 sticks with higher capacities! Can I replace the old PC-2700 sticks with new DDR3 sticks or do I have to pay the higher price and stick with old technology? –Kevin B.
Answer:
Kevin, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but DDR3 RAM modules aren’t backward compatible with older types of RAM. In fact, it isn’t even compatible with DDR2! I’m afraid you’ll have to bite the bullet and buy the more expensive PC-2700 RAM that your motherboard was designed to use if you really want to upgrade the memory on your aging computer. You’ll find an in-depth article explaining the various types of computer memory right here.
That being said, if I were in your shoes I would strongly consider replacing the entire PC instead. A couple of 1 GB PC-2700 memory modules will cost almost one-half of what you will have to pay for a brand new entry level PC (without monitor). In my opinion, a new computer will be a much better investment than new RAM for the one you have now.
About the author: Rick Rouse is the owner of RLROUSE.COM. He is also an A+ Certified computer technician with over 30 years of experience in the computer industry. Do you have a computer question that you’d like to have answered? Send it in and we’ll answer it right here (and via email as well).