RAM/Memory

[Insanecyclone]

So I've had this computer for about 3 1/2 years and this is the first time I've encountered a memory problem. Thankfully it was only one slot that messed up.

It's a Corsair Dominator 1gb DDR2 CM2X 2.20V version1.2. It's pretty old and cheap now days and I'm curious what would be a good replace for them?

I was thinking about this or are there cheaper ones? I know nothing between what's compatible with ddr2 and 3.

[Niya]

DDR2 and DDR3 are not compatible, i think the pin layout/number changed and they use different voltages.
Either buy a new kit and replace the old one (but look up your motherboard first! Old MBs may have quite some restrictions on how much and what type of RAM they can use) or find RAM that is similar to yours.
Basic values for RAM are the clock speed/generation (like DDR2-800 or DDR3-1066) and the CL value (like CL7, that's a rough value for how many clock cycles the RAM needs for certain actions). The new/replacement RAM should have equal or slightly higher clock speed (RAM can run at lower clocks) and a not too high CL. Overclocking RAM tends to have extremely high clock values and voltages but also very high CLs, so better take "normal" RAM.

Handbook of your motherboard should be your easiest information source, most manufacturers offer them as PDF on their website, and it should contain detailed tables on what RAM clock and capacity is supported.

[Rellikard]

DDR2 and DDR3 DIMM sticks have the same number of pins but the slot alignment's different. The memory clock speed and data rates for the highest of DDR2 is the starting point for DDR3. If you aren't sure what your motherboard can take, go to www.crucial.com and they give you a little program you can download and scan your motherboard. After it'll give you a webpage popup of the # of slots, max RAM per slot, and what kind of RAM you can choose. You can also buy the RAM from them on the same page which is a lot of times cheaper than other places I've found and they usually have free shipping.

[Insanecyclone]

That was actually what I was looking for, thanks. Trying to get everything I can out of this outdated 630i xps.

edit: How reliable are they?