DDR2 RAM

[napier48]

can you use any ddr2 ram in a ddr2 slot just as long as it is ddr2?

I have a dell precision 380 and the brochure says to use 533 mhz.

Can I use any mhz like 667 or 800?

 

also the manuals recommend specific CPUs.

like it says the motherboard uses 2m cache can i use a cpu with 4m cache?

can I use any, as long as it is the same socket, like 775 socket?

[manikyath]

in theory, yes to all of that.

 

but in practisce socket 775 is one of the most confusing sockets compatibility wise, a friend of mine has a mobo with a chipset that should support c2q, but actually the mobo doesnt support c2q because the chipset doesnt support it, but it does..

 

TL:DR its a mess.

[Quaker]

Maybe, to both questions.

667 or 800 Mhz RAM should be able to run at 533, but there's no guarantee. It won't hurt to try it (unless the RAM costs you money - you should be able to get used DDR2 real cheap. Don't buy new DDR2.)

The CPU's cache size shouldn't matter. But some 775 boards don't support certain CPUs such as quad cores. You could check Dell's website for an updated BIOS, or they may be using some off-the-shelf motherboard that you can get an updated BIOS from that company's website.

[TeoIzAwezome]

Also make sure it's not ECC RAM (unless you're using a Xeon/Opetron)