Can one use 240 pin DDR3 SDRAM in a motherboard that comes with 240 pin DDR2 SDRAM?

Question

I don't know much about ram compatability, but I do know that a 184 pin ram wont fit into a 240 pin ram slot. However, since both RAM's the older DDR2 and the newest DDR3 both have 240 pins, I am assuming that the two are interchangable (fitting wise). I don't know if it would be wise to use DDR3 RAM in the motherboard and or mix the two (I can assume that this is probably not reccomended). How can I know exactly what type of ram my motherboard is capable of having. If the slots are 240 pin, and DDR2 and DDR3 are 240 pin (at different speeds however) it would be logical for me to think that it COULD work...Any help would be nice because I am still learning about this stuff. I don't wanna mess up the Alienware that is comming soon...

Ahhh, thanks everyone for the feedback. Sorry it may have seemed like a dumb question, but I gotta learn some how :D

Answer 1

it won't fit on the motherboard because they are notched differently. they are also different voltages.

Answer 2

Well they are for sale in stores, don't know what the Professional Computer Technician was talking about. While they have the same number of pins, they have a different notch location as one guy pointed out, meaning a DDR3 cannot be inserted into a DDR2 slot. The notch difference was put there for your own protection, it would not work even if you were able to put it into the slot due to differences in voltage, and the fact that a board supporting DDR2 would not have the correct memory controller to use DDR3 memory.

Answer 3

Personally I would love to see where you are getting DDR3 system memory, all reports out today show that DDR3 is strictly used in graphics cards, and that a very few select companies are only now testing DDR3 for system use but expect that it will be at least a year before it becomes available on the open market.

If the motherboard specs says it supports DDR2 in various frequency ratings, stick with what it supports unless you want to void that new machine warranty.

Answer 4

DDR3 RAM can never be inserted into DDR2 slot and vice versa. You cannot use them both..