Are RAM chips interchangeable?

Question

I have an older Compaq (2000) at home and it doesn't have much RAM. I was wondering if I could take some RAM from this Dell we have at the office that has been scrapped for parts. Thanx

Answer 1

I'm guessing here..........but if I'm not mistaken, someone once told me that you can. If I'm wrong, please don't hold it against me. LOL

Answer 2

It helps if you know what kind of chips they are. Laptop RAM is picky, and you need to know the EXACT kind, or it will not fit, i have had expierience with this. If it is say DDR2 2700 i would then get a chip that said DDR2 2700.

As for DDR, and DDR2 chips, they look VERY similar, but they will NOT work on a DDR motherboard.

The older SDRAM may be in used, there are rarely used, and not too reliable. These are most noted by the fact that they are divided up into 3 different sections on the bottom, as more common DDR, and DDR2 are only divided up into two. Also, SDRAM is not good, because older computer had a very low limit of usable ram, such as only 512mb, and more and there would be computer errors, because the computer does not recognize the chips. Now adays, its not uncommon to be able to go up to 2-4gb on the motherboard, mine boasts a maximum of 16gb.

So, mostly overall you can tell just by looking at the chip, or if the chip does not fit, it will not work.

Answer 3

Probably not, but here is how you can tell.

Visit http://www.coastmemory.com and look for the brand and model of BOTH computers. If the DELL computer uses the same parts, you are GOOD TO GO. But you might save that poor old Dell RAM modules anyway for antoher computer in your office. Or even SELL them at Coast Memory.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 4

Interchangeable only if the same type. These are most common:

SDRAM has 168 pins and 2 notches(in old PCs):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SDRAM

DDR SDRAM has 184 pins and a single notch(getting outdated):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR_RAM

DDR2 SDRAM has 240 pins and a single notch (in most new PCs):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR2_SDRAM

Laptop SODIMMs are different and not compatible with desktops.

Answer 5

u can remove each ream chip and read it if they r the same phisicaly shape u can take the ram to the another pc

Answer 6

hummmm.....if there the same type of ram yes...do a google search on the motherboards and see what type of ram they support...

Answer 7

Wow cool questin i had check now and no thy arent , you must to buy them separated

Answer 8

yes

Answer 9

i don't thik so because this know - how for the manufactures