RAM Speed and timing - Can I use PC3200 CL3 in place of PC2100 CL2?

I'm about to add some RAM to a system.

The spec says use DDR-SDRAM DIMM PC2100 CL=2 or C=2.5

Can I use PC3200 CL=3 instead?

Some sites say that PC3200 is compatible with PC2700, PC2100 and
PC1600 (subject to the BIOS not barfing on the unexpected numbers).

But MUST the CL number match?

What RAM can I (probably) use?

Thanks,
Mark

 

You shouldn't have any problems as long as it's not high-density RAM that
your mobo can't use. Just to be safe, ask the supplier, tell them the mobo
and ask if you can bring it back if it doesn't work. tell them you are
careful about static. Another option is to use crucial's site to see what
your mobo can use.

Often, PC3200 (rated to 200MHz) cas 3 RAM will run fine at cas 2 at PC2100
(133MHz) speed. Even if it doesn't it doesn't really matter, you can run it
at cas 3 and only lose maybe 3% performance.

Good luck.

 

Run Cpu Z it will tell you in the ram settings at what speed the ram is
rated at. If the Cl doesn't match it should still work. If not go into the
bios and look for the ram timings and disable the setting that gets the
timings via SPD