RAM addition to DL380 G3

[Paul Kemna]

I am looking to add RAM in an HP ProLiant DL380 G3 server. Currently there are four 256 MB sticks of PC 2100 CL2 ECC RAM installed. There are two open slots.

I know that the RAM has to be installed in matched pairs and has to be ECC if ECC is already installed, but does that mean i can mix 2 1 GB sticks with the four 256 MB as long as the 2 1 GB sticks match? Do I need to match speeds or will it be like desktop RAM and clock down? What about CL settings? Do they need to match?

I found this on ebay and thought it was a pretty good deal. Can I just add this to the four sticks installed?

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Server-RAM-2x-1GB-PC2100-ECC-REG-Memory-DDR-09N4308-/290474397707?pt=COMP_EN_Networking_Components&hash=item43a19f900b

Thanks

Paul

[Jan Soska]

Hello Paul,
according quicspec of your server at http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/11473_div/11473_div.HTML it uses Advanced ECC PC2100 DDR SDRAM.
Ibm ram you found on ebay should work, but you CL setting will rise to 2,5 (according sceenshot). Another option is use Kingston products for HP servers at http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=12862&mfr=HP%2FCompaq&model=ProLiant+DL380+G3&search_type=&root=us&LinkBack=&Sys=12862-HP%2FCompaq-ProLiant+DL380+G3&distributor=0&submit1=Search

you can use pairs of 256MB together with newer 1GB pairs.

Jan

[Paul Kemna]

So the CL will rise since the new RAM has a setting of 2.5 but the original RAM has a setting of 2? Is this an issue?

Keep in mind that this is a personal project server and not a production server, so I would like to keep any upgrades CHEAP and if i take a small hit on performance, that is OK.

Paul

[Jan Soska]

yes, as you say, ram speed will be set acording the lowest module and should work as intended. Maybe consider putting them in low-numbered slots - as first 2 modules, then put old 256's

Jan

[Jan Soska]

of course, run RAM tests - integral test or use very known MemTest x86...
Jan

[Paul Kemna]

Thanks. Yes, I will run tests.

Is this a pretty good price for server RAM or are there better deals to be had?

Paul

[Jan Soska]

I think price is ok, your server is really old, hard to buy new memory...

Jan