RAM DDR2 vs RAM DDR3

I have an oldish computer on Windows 10 with 4GB RAM ( 2x2GB) on a 64 bits system. I have upgraded the OS from 32-bits to 64-bits and I'd like to increase the RAM to 8 GB for more speed. The current RAM sticks are of the DDR2 type , very difficult to find, but there are the newer DDR3 modules that still available on the market ( like Amazon).

The DDR2 and DDR3 look exactly the same, in both the width, the length and the pin configuration. They should fit the mother board slots, except that the notches on the sides at both ends are slightly different: the DDR2 has one notch, while the DDR3 has two. Can I replace the DDR2 with the DDR3?

Thanks

Ittiandro

No, they are not compatible.

Helmut said:

No, they are not compatible.

Sorry, I thought I had a DDR2 RAM, but when I checked with the SPECCY tool, it says that my system is on DDR3 RAM.
If this is the case and I want to upgrade to 8GB RAM, do I have to use both slots ( 2x4GB ) or can I leave one slot free and use 1 X8GB on one slot?

THanks

Ittiandro

I have also just upgraded one of my Toshiba Satellite's from 32 bit to 64 bit......with 4gb of RAM it is quite fast.....just a quick question, is it correct that it doesn't matter how much extra RAM you add to a 32bit system ? as it will only use a set amount anyway.......whereas a 64bit system will use ALL the available RAM ........

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/wi...ndows-releases

ittiandro said:

Sorry, I thought I had a DDR2 RAM, but when I checked with the SPECCY tool, it says that my system is on DDR3 RAM.
If this is the case and I want to upgrade to 8GB RAM, do I have to use both slots ( 2x4GB ) or can I leave one slot free and use 1 X8GB on one slot?

THanks

Ittiandro

It is preferable to use both slots as then the RAM will run dual channel.
You buy the RAM as a kit of 2 (2 x 4GB), in which case both modules are near identical.

Performance is a bit faster than 1 x 8GB single channel.