PC2700 vs PC2100 memory

[rlthornt]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1100 that uses PC2100 266 MHz SODIMMs. I installed a Corsair PC2700 module that I thought would be backwards compatible but the machine won't POST. Dell says that only PC2100 will work. Crucial Memory Configurator says PC2700 is compatible. I'm confused. I thought the faster memory would simply run a bit slower. Who's correct?

 

[wahnula]

If your machine does not boot then Dell is correct. They are famous for proprietary hardware. In this case maybe Crucial's PC2700 memory was compatible, but Corsair's was not.

When in doubt, always go with Dell's recommendations.

Tony

 

[cdogg]

Not sure if this helps, but here's what your manual says:

Memory module connector 2 user-accessible SODIMM sockets
Memory module capacities 64, 128, 256, and 512 MB
Memory type 2.5-V DDR SODIMM
Standard memory 128 MB
Maximum memory 1 GB
Memory access time: clock speed 266 MHz

I'm assuming what you have stays within all the specs. If that's the case, pull the original and just leave the Corsair in. See if it recognizes it then. Sometimes different modules just won't play together.

~cdogg
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." - Albert Einstein
[tab][navy]For general rules and guidelines to get better answers, click here:[/navy] faq219-2884

 

[rlthornt]

Thanks for the replies. The Corsair won't work so I'm sending it back. I should've investigated a little more before buying. ZipZoomFly was pretty good about taking it back so I ordered a Kingston 512 MB PC2100 stick from them. Restocking was 15% but I guess that's just the price of education.

 

[wahnula]

Restocking was 15% but I guess that's just the price of education.

A very good attitude. It's always best to follow specs, especially when Dell is involved. It should also be a lesson in researching reseller's return policy. Some offer free return shipping and zero "restocking" fee for mis-ordered parts, like Amazon and Crucial. Sometimes it's worth paying a little extra to get that comfort factor. Best of luck.

Tony