Can I use slower memory on faster motherboards?

Question

Hi everyone, I'm building a computer and the motherboard I plan to buy says the memory standard is DDR2-800. However, I already have some older memory with the standard DDR2-533. Can I use this slower memory? I would think the system could detect the speed and slow itself down, right?

If it matters, here's the motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128357

Answer 1

Yes, indeed, I have verified it:



http://www.gigabyte.us/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-g31m-es2l.pdf



It indeed states quite a few "supported" DDR2-533 RAM chips. Yours will probably work too. Usually, as a general rule, slower chips will work, unlike the previous post's statement, as long as they are the same standard, like the first post said.



You're welcome.



Edit: lots of conflicting answers, hehe. Though I do believe that my link provides undeniable evidence that the motherboard does indeed support it.



However, that said, I would also recommend getting DDR2-800, you'll be a bit happier that way. And no, unlike the post below, it only goes UP TO DDR2-800, and not some insane DDR2-1333/DDR2-1600



Edit 2.0: They do also state in the spec's page "Support for DDR2 800/667 MHz memory modules", however, they also then say:

"(Go to GIGABYTE's website for the latest memory support list.)", which is exactly what I did, I clicked on the "Memory Support List". The specs page does indeed phase me, and as a result I am a bit less confident with my answer, however, it's definitely worth a try if you're short on cash with your 60 dollar motherboard. It DEFINITELY won't "fry" the ram by "going to fast", that's absurd.

Answer 2

According to the motherboard's specification page, it can run:

1600(OverClocked)/1333/1066/800 MHz FSB RAM. The 533 misses this, which would indicate that it is not longer compatible with this newer board. A motherboard with this potential should not be crippled by slower RAM. I always recommend going with RAM that has the same FSB as the processor to create a harmonious relationship between the two pieces on the motherboard. If the 533 RAM is intact, try selling it on Ebay or Craigslist, then pay the difference for the better RAM.

Answer 3

Yes. As long as it is within the same version "DDR, DDR2, etc."

Answer 4

NO you will destroy the board. You can always use faster, but if it is too slow, it will flood the ram and fry the computer.

If its faster, the motherboard just wont use it all.



Tommy, dont comment unless you know what you are talking about. I have worked with computers all my life.



Don't do it!!