Memory questions. Can i Use PC3200 and PC 2100

[lefty31199]

I just bought a new system (piece by piece) and plan on putting it together this weekend. My old system has 512MB ram (2x256)

Its a Dell Dimension 4400 1.8Ghz.

Dell's web site under technical specs for this model doesnt say anything about what speed the mobo takes or anything like this.

Is there a program I can download that will tell me what speed memory I have in my system?

Also, I just bought 2 sticks of Corsair 512MB chips (3200)

If this memory I have in my old system turns out to be like 2700 or 2100 or whatever, could I use it with the 3200? or would that significantly slow things down (slow down the 3200, no improvements)

Thanks for the help!

[custompccases]

http://www.cpuid.com/index.php

Will give you the speed of each stick. Ram is backwards compatible so it will just down clock the 3200 sticks to match your 2100 sticks. So yes it will slow things down if your motherboard is going to take advantage of anything past 266fsb.

[tchang]

Originally posted by custompccases
http://www.cpuid.com/index.php

Will give you the speed of each stick. Ram is backwards compatible so it will just down clock the 3200 sticks to match your 2100 sticks. So yes it will slow things down if your motherboard is going to take advantage of anything past 266fsb.

Couldn't agree more

[Gait_Keeper]

I agree too backwards compatible

if you go to one of the memory sites, crucial, kingston, et al

they have memory configurators that willtell you what memoery is for what board or system, then you can go from there