used memory modules... do i dare

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 8:29 pm

whats the opinion about using used memory modules.
ive got an older machine that i dont want to spend much
money on. ill get a new machine eventually and i have a back up.
i see used ram going cheap. used memory, haha
reminds me of the willie nelson song "who will buy my memorys"
what do you think ?

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 8:32 pm

I wouldnt in all honesty. Go new, it will last longer and you have a warranty if it goes wrong. Personally I don't buy any PC hardware second hand, its not worth it as you don't know how the previous owner has used it or how much lifespan it has left.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 8:49 pm

By my experience Used memory usually sucks in the long run because you wont know how long it will last in the long run this is because RAM has a MTBF (Mean Time Before Failure) which is usually about 3 years

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:04 pm

the thing is that the pc is already 8 years old. its on its last leg because its so out of date. of course if i did buy new ram nothing stops me from pulling it out and selling it when im done with this pc. thanks.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:06 pm

phoenix hunter wrote:

the thing is that the pc is already 8 years old. its on its last leg because its so out of date. of course if i did buy new ram nothing stops me from pulling it out and selling it when im done with this pc. thanks.

The thing is you may want to use the RAM again, its good to keep your options open. Not only that but it might crap out on you quicker than you think. Kingston memory is quite cheap and has decent performance, no need to risk second hand.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:16 pm

I would never buy used when it comes to Computer Parts. With Ram being as cheep as it is now you can buy 6gb DDR3 1600Mhz for less then $80. When buying new RAM make sure you get the same Latency across all RAM. If you mix the Latency (Timing Label) you can F your CPU! Example: I am running G-Skill 4gb DDR3 1600Mhz 9-9-9-24 Times 6 DIMMS making 24GB RAM ( I paid $200 for this set plus delivery). I can take one chip out and place a 1GB DDR3 1600MHZ 9-9-9-24 and be fine (Same with 2GB) but if i mix a 7-7-7-18 or 7-7-7-21 i run the chance of killing my CPU, GPU, Motherboard, and Frying my RAM. Sorry for the long explantion but it is amazing how many people bring me a computer where this was the case. With your 8 year old PC Dont bother to buy RAM, bite your tongue and save your money to buy a new PC! If your willing to do the labour you can have a Kick A Computer

I just built one for $1200 C.
I7-950 3.07MHZ
24GB DDR3 Ram
ASUS X58 Sabertooth MOtherboard
2x750GB Sata 6.0GB R0
1000W Power
Nvidia 250
Asus 21" LED 2048x1152
COOLER MASTER V8 RR-UV8-XBU1-GP 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler
Collermaster full Case

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 9:36 pm

is it possible for two memory modules with the same part number to be a different latency ? dell snpj0203c 1gb

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 10:03 pm

phoenix hunter wrote:

is it possible for two memory modules with the same part number to be a different latency ?

No they shouldnt unless it is a error by the company that labels them the part numbers should be the same with the same CAS lats.

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2011 10:06 pm

phoenix hunter wrote:

is it possible for two memory modules with the same part number to be a different latency ?

If the Part numbers match exactly they will have the same Latency . Most "same type" RAMS have the same Latency, its when you move to DDR3 that you realy need to watch and make sure they are the same.

DDR and DDR2 will change Latency in each Mhz Catagory.
Example: mixing a 512mb DDR2 600MHZ with a 512mb DDR2 800Mhz may cause problems as most 600Mhz DDR2 and 800Mhz DDR2 have different Latency but it is possible to get a 600Mhz with the same latency as a 800Mhz which makes them work together but the motherboard defaults both RAMS to the Slowest (600MHZ).

DDR3 can change for a lot of reasons. You can have a G-Skill 4GB 1600Mhz 9-9-9-24 Latency and a Corsair 4GB 1600Mhz 8-8-8-24, These can not be combined together unless you have a built in "Memory Ok" on your motherboard.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 10:42 pm

General rule of thumb is to just keep the modules matched, latency differences are not a huge problem, as long as the difference is not huge, you can actually just tighten or relax the timings in your BIOS to balance them out, same applies to actual speed 90% of the time the faster RAM will underclock to the slower module, so all you need to do is sort the timings out manually . Pretty simple stuff really.

I also noticed, the OP said the rig was 8 yrs old, so I very much doubt he will be running DDR3, infact it is very likely to be DDR 400 or lower, which is very expensive these days, so my advise is to try and get it cheaper by any means possible.
But anything by Kingston, Crucial or Corsair should be ok second hand, they seem to last far longer than any other brand.

Posted: Wed Apr 20, 2011 11:31 pm

yeah its ddr sdram 400mhz (pc3200) dell# snpj0203c 1gb

my local electronics megastore has it for about 45$ each, new.

Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 1:02 pm

I'd check Ebay and cragslist or whatever even car boot sales for old rigs and salvage stuff .