What’s the deal with cheap «AMD ONLY» RAM from eBay?
I nearly forgot about this thread! Damn, I am slacking!
Anyway, the memory arrived and here it is!
* sandpaper not included
At first glance, they do look like genuine Hynix RAM modules. However, upon closer inspection, without even opening the packaging, I noticed poor quality printing on the IC chips. I also noticed terrible quality soldering under the ICs, with drops of solder actually on the IC chips! This has got me worried immediately.
Anyway, without further ado, let’s fire them up.
I installed all 4 modules, then powered up the PC and…
…
…
Nothing. The PC was stuck in a reboot loop without even reaching the POST stage.
Okay, time to investigate.
I removed two modules and the PC was able to POST and I entered the BIOS.
From here, I narrowed it down to one module which was completely dead. I placed this back into its packaging and marked it as faulty.
So we’re running with 3 x 4GB totalling 12GB. Next, I ran Memtest86.
An hour later, the 3 remaining modules completed the first pass without any errors. Pleasantly surprised, I then booted into Windows. Everything seemed okay and stable, so I then shut the PC down as I didn’t need to use it. From here folks, it’s all downhill. While Windows was attempting to shut down, it crashed to a BSOD.
Puzzled, I ran Memtest86 for a second time. I think you’ve all guessed what’s coming next, if you haven’t, then you should have by now!
The RAM was bad… VERY BAD. If you look at the Memtest86 screen capture, you can see that the errors range from 2423.3MB all the way up to 13047.5MB, which means that at least two of the remaining three modules are defective!
I’m not sure why these errors didn’t show up the first time I ran Memtest86. The only explanation that I can think of is when I first ran Memtest86, the RAM modules were at room temperature. When they heated up to their normal operating temperature, they exposed their true colors.
I contacted the seller and included these screenshots. The seller was very apologetic and offered a full refund once the faulty modules have been returned. They have already paid for the return carriage to China (although PayPal deducted a fee of 71p) so I’ll get these sent off on Monday.
Meanwhile, I had also ordered some Samsung high density RAM from a UK seller for a more expensive price. I’m going to name and shame this seller and I’ll explain why later.
I ordered the Samsung RAM modules from here: Samsung 16GB (4x 4GB) DDR2 800mhz PC2-6400 Memory for AMD 240pin Non-ECC UK (external link, eBay)
The seller is «canoneoskiss» (external link, eBay) who (at the time of writing) has a 582 feedback rating with 99.5% being positive.
Long story short, these modules which were more expensive and like the Hynix RAM modules, they also displayed similar defects. I am naming and shaming canoneoskiss because when I requested to return the item for a full refund, canoneoskiss refused and claimed that the memory modules are not compatible with my system. canoneoskiss then became rather aggressive and childish. Eventually, canoneoskiss admitted that these RAM modules should be compatible with my system and will not accept a return for a full refund.
Well, yes, we know that these should be compatible, because if they weren’t, surely the motherboard would not even POST?
Either ways, I was getting nowhere fast with canoneoskiss, so I’ve started an eBay Money Back Guarantee case against canoneoskiss. He immediately offered a partial refund which was 1/4 of the purchase price. I am not a mug, so obviously, I declined the (let’s face it) insulting refund offer and the case is currently still ongoing.
Avoid the seller canoneoskiss at all costs. Very bad customer service, refuses return for faulty goods, communicates in broken English and is very arrogant. I can see that canoneoskiss is also selling very cheap LED light bulbs, probably imported from China, I bet these are not CE approved and they could kill you if you touch them while they’re operating!
Anyway, in conclusion. ..
Don’t bother with «high density» or «AMD only» RAM modules. They are cheap, poor quality and potentially counterfeit products. They will cause you nothing but trouble. Stick with low density RAM and known brands (Kingston, Corsair, Crucial). I think these «Hynix» and «Samsung» RAM modules are totally counterfeit.
They do look like a bargain, but they’re not.
You really do get what you pay for.
— Capt. Jack Sparrow.
Is «AMD only» DDR2 memory compatible with intel motherboards?
quicky008
Technomancer
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#1
I was looking for an affordable memory upgrade for my ageing pc and i found some sellers on ebay who were offering 4GB ddr2 ram modules at fairly low prices,the catch was that they had a disclaimer that these Rams were only intended to work with AMD chipsets and were incompatible with intel motherboards. This is the first time that i’ve heard such a thing-do rams like these even exist that are designed to work only with amd systems?
The ram in question is this:
4GB DDR2-800 MHZ PC2-6400 240 Pins Desktop PC DIMM Memory Ram AMD Chipset New | eBa
This is the motherboard that i’d like to use it on :
G31TM-P21 | Motherboard — The world leader in motherboard design | MSI Globa
Can anyone tell me whether this supposedly «AMD only» Ram will work with the aforesaid motherboard or not?
ico
Super Moderator
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#2
It will work.
quicky008
Technomancer
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#3
Thanks for the info buddy,but why is the seller claiming that its an «amd only» ram if its also compatible with intel motherboards?Is it because he’s ill informed?
So if i use this ram on my motherboard it will work without any issues,right?this system currently has a 2gb ddr2 800mhz module already installed and i’d like to use it together with the 4gb module,making the amount of ram to 6gb in total.I am feeling rather tempted to buy it as 4gb DDR2 rams have become a rarity nowadays and so they are very hard to find.
topgear
Super Moderator
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#4
AFAIK G31 can only support 4GB ram max ( 2Gb per channel ) — also newer ram modules with higher density chips have compatibility issue with such older chipset.
DDR2 4Gb module with one bracket
My today’s review will be devoted to losing ground and can even be fully considered an obsolete type of memory, namely DDR2 marked — only for AMD.
A long time ago I already wrote a review of a similar memory module. Also 4 GB, also for AMD. You can find information in it why the monitored modules are only suitable for AMD processors and most likely will not work on Intel processors.
The memory module was ordered to prolong the agony of the old system unit from ten years ago. Previously, the processor was replaced with AMD Phenom X4 9500 bought on aliexpress for about $10. Of course, the performance has increased compared to the Athlon 64X2 3600+. Now it’s time to add more RAM.
The solution to the problem was this — standing 1Gb + 512Mb modules are given to those in need. We extract the 2Gb module from the bins and buy another 4Gb. For most tasks, it’s more than acceptable, there is never a lot of memory.
So, the package was received:
Everything is here, as always, an ordinary small package, the contours of the contents are traced, probably a little volleyball was played with the package.
We take out the memory module — it is packed in a plastic individual package. At one time, I began to notice such packaging at first in the memory of Kingston, probably later it became popular with other manufacturers. However, there is no marking on the packaging, but I would like it.
Shop sticker with a code, by which you can probably find this product on the Banggood website.
External view of the memory module from both sides:
First of all, a 2-storey arrangement of memory modules is thrown, otherwise everything is as always, a bunch of small capacitors, resistor assemblies, in the center is a memory chip with spd data. There are no stickers with data on the memory module, sorry, but not fatal.
The board looks new, the contact plating appears to be gold plated. The photo shows the module after it was inserted into the motherboard a couple of times.
Those wishing to evaluate the quality of workmanship and soldering. There are no questions, at least in the photo.
Let’s dig a little deeper:
Now let’s move on to the interesting part, namely the chips. What is striking is the different dates of manufacture, which confirms, albeit indirectly, the conclusions from the above review.
First of all, we try to search by marking D9HMX and find one of the pages that mentions the chip manufacturer Micron. Already at least something, we dig further and come across the next page, which shows the 2GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 ECC Registered 240PIN DIMM module. Not that it was unexpected, rather the opposite. Register memory with parity. Usually used in servers. DDR2-800 is another piece of information.
Let’s continue the search. It turns out that quite eminent memory was produced on such chips, the Crucial Technology brand, look here
Of course, our memory is not in the list, but the 2Gb module, the manufacturer of the Micron chips, and again the memory is registered, low-profile. To finally make sure that the module is made from used chips and that such a configuration did not exist before, go to the Micron website and see which modules were produced based on our chips in the 4Gb section — and none!
Now the question arises, is it worth buying in an online store or is it better to buy locally, since here and there modules have been discontinued for 10 years, or maybe it’s not worth investing in obsolete equipment at all?
Let’s move on to testing:
We insert the module into the motherboard and turn on the computer. The computer responded with a single squeak of the speaker and I got into the BIOS:
The system unit is still the same as in the previous review. The settings were set automatically according to the spd module data.
The temporary data is certainly not record-breaking and is probably underestimated in order to get more stability on used chips, but let’s leave it as it is. Overclocking a half-dead system unit is a thankless task.
Loading the operating system (Win7 32bit). Free memory compared to the original 1.5 Gb pleases.
Run the CPU-Z test utility:
It will not let you lie and lay out all the ins and outs on the surface. But again, the data is taken from the BIOS and from spd.
Let’s check with another program, just as popular, at the same time and test it.
Run AIDA64:
Hehe, release date 2010, ok. Well, at least the voltage was not overestimated, and thanks for that.
Test:
By the way, the module from the previous review works a little faster in the same configuration, within the error of course.
Screenshot of the desktop, where the memory moved to permanent residence and feels great paired with another bar.
The last planned injection into an obsolete system unit was the installation of a 60Gb SSD drive for the system, which was also bought in an online store and was not in demand for a long time due to its small volume. I decided that I would put only the system on ssd, everything else on hard drives. should suffice. What follows is a dump of history.
Conclusion:
The price, even taking into account the points, I think is too high.
The current price on ebay is about $12. I didn’t look at the price locally, but normal modules are predominantly common. which work on all platforms in the same way.
Bought before the price increase, about half a year ago. Since then, the module has been tested and given to a friend for use. There were no complaints about reliability during this time.
Tests were carried out on the same system unit as in the first review. The difference is within the margin of error.
At the moment, I consider the purchase of DDR2 memory unreasonable. The price locally at flea markets is of course higher than in online stores, but obsolescence takes precedence over tightness and the desire to save a pretty penny. As long as there is a demand for such things, we will regularly see them for sale in Chinese stores.
All stable system blocks!
PS To take up less of your time, most of the pictures have been arranged. Convenient or not, write.
DDR2 RAM for AMD platform
Comparison of Intel and AMD processors for laptops
User Jarrords’Tech compares these processors in various parameters — features and price, performance in synthetic tests, measure the temperature during operation, and conduct performance tests in several games.
Features and price
Comparison includes Acer Predator Helios 300 and ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DU-AL174T laptops. Both models are equipped with Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics cards with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM and their frequencies are 2666 MHz and 2400 MHz, respectively.
185 2019
As can be seen from the table, the Intel Core i7-9750H has superior performance: more cores and threads, higher base and maximum frequencies, more L3 cache, but at the same time increased heat dissipation and power consumption.
Comparing the prices of the Acer Predator Helios 300 and ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DU-AL174T laptops, we see that the laptop with the Intel processor is 17% more expensive ($900 vs. $1050 at Amazon). Do not forget, however, that laptops can have different configurations, and this also affects the price more than significantly.
Performance
This comparison of Intel and AMD processors for notebooks starts, of course, with performance. In order to prevent overheating of the tested laptops, the TDP of the processors was reduced to 35W for a laptop with an AMD Ryzen 7 3750H processor and to 45W (with the ability to increase the bar to 60W) for a laptop with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor.
Tests were carried out in the following programs: Adobe Premiere, Cinebench R15/R20, GeekBench, Blender, HandBrake, 7-Zip, VeraCrypt, as well as popular 3D renderers V-Ray and Corona.
First test was done with Adobe Premiere — 4k video stabilization at ultra quality level settings at 60 fps:
Intel Core i7-9750H was tested in two modes of operation: TDP limited to 45W and limited to 60 watts.
On the strip chart, we can see the time in seconds taken to stabilize the video. The Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45 W) was the first to finish the work, which is interesting, overtaking the Intel Core i7-9 by 4 seconds750H (TDP — 60W). The AMD Ryzen 7 3750H took the longest to process, trailing the Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP 60W) by 24 seconds.
The difference between Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45W) and AMD Ryzen 7 3750H was 9.03%. In further tests, we will consider the difference only between these processors. Not every laptop processor Intel i7-9750H is able to work with an increased TDP limit.
Next test from Cinnebench R20 . The essence of this test is reduced to the process of rendering a prepared 3D scene. So you can evaluate both multi-threaded and single-threaded processor performance. Consider the test results:
In Cinebench R15, we see the following picture: Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 60 W) showed the highest result, scoring 187 points in single-threaded and 1281 points in multi-threaded modes. It is followed by the Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45W). AMD Ryzen 7 3750H showed the worst result.
The difference between the Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45 W) and the AMD Ryzen 7 3750H was 19. 35% in single-threaded mode and 44.34% in multi-threaded.
Let’s look at the test results in the newer Cinebench R20:
The results are similar, with Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 60W) scoring the most, Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45W) coming in second, and AMD Ryzen 7 3750H coming last.
The difference between the Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45W) and the AMD Ryzen 7 3750H was 10.15% in single-threaded mode and 34.7% in multi-threaded. This result is valid for all synthetic tests: Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 60 W) — in first place, Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45 W) — in second, AMD Ryzen 7 3750H — in last.
For convenience, all test results have been placed on one common chart, where the number at the end of the tape indicates the percentage difference between the Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45 W) and AMD Ryzen 7 3750H processors:
Most a small gap — in the video stabilization operation in Adobe Premiere — only 9.03%. The biggest gap was shown by the 7-Zip file compression test — the difference was 79. 65%. Why so much? The Intel Core i7-9750H has three times the fast L3 cache (12 MB vs. 4 MB).
The Intel Core i7-9750H is faster than the AMD Ryzen 7 3750H by 42.92% on average, which is significant. For video editing tasks, modeling and visualization of 3D scenes, and other resource-intensive tasks, a laptop with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor will be the preferred choice.
Temperature, frequency and power consumption
To determine which processor is better for an Intel or AMD laptop, consider the temperature indicators. Temperatures, core frequencies and power consumption were measured using the Blender BMW Benchmark and plotted in three corresponding charts.
In the first chart we can see the temperatures of the processors during load (the air temperature in the room is 21°C): , which is expected. AMD Ryzen 7 3750H reached 70°C and Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45W) reached 62°C.
It should be understood that temperatures depend on the efficiency of the laptop’s cooling system. Therefore, these figures should not be taken as an absolute, since in different laptops the cooling of elements is often implemented in different ways.
The following chart shows the core frequencies for each processor during the Blender BMW Benchmark:
The AMD Ryzen 7 3750H has the highest core frequency. This is interesting, but doesn’t really matter due to the differences in processor architectures. You need to focus on the final performance.
In the diagram below we can see the energy consumption (equivalent to power consumption in watts) during the processor testing process:
Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 60 W), along with the rest of the laptop components, consumes an impressive 117 watts. The power consumption of the rest of the systems is normal: 63W for AMD Ryzen 7 3750H and 70W for Intel Core i7-9750H (TDP — 45W).
Gaming benchmarks
Gaming performance tested at minimum and maximum graphics settings. For clarity, the results were entered in the table below (frame rate values were rounded to whole units):
You can see the difference between the performance of systems based on Intel i7-9750H and AMD Ryzen 7 3750H processors in games below. Maximum settings:
The difference was from 5.94% in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered to 71.4% in Dota 2. Minimum settings:
The difference was from 4.97% in Apex Legends to 78 .84% in CS:GO.
As can be seen from the table and diagrams, even with the same video card (Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti in our case), the system performance is strikingly different. This is especially noticeable in CPU-intensive games such as CS:GO and Dota 2.
Both laptops are equipped with a high refresh rate display: 120 Hz for the ASUS TUF Gaming FX505DU-AL174T and 144 Hz for the Acer Predator Helios 300. It is worth noting that the frame rate of the displays in these laptop models allows you to experience all the benefits of a high refresh rate display.
Based on the data obtained as a result of testing, we conclude that the Intel Core i7-9750H processor is noticeably more productive than its counterpart — AMD Ryzen 7 3750H.
DDR2 memory for AMD and Intel — how is it?
did some secret knowledge pass me by?
Skopiastyl secret knowledge — a lot of beeches: Sometimes in the computer market you can find quite curious artifacts, the existence of which often even experienced administrators have no idea. It is to those who raise questions “does this even happen ?!” Miraculous components include memory sticks marked «AMD Only». And really — does it even happen?
It turns out — Yes. Usually, offers to buy a suspiciously cheap RAM with such a clause come from the Middle Kingdom, famous not only for its omnivorousness, but also for its complete disregard for any rules, except for one — “Buy? — Sell! What is surprising is that RAM actually works well, and yes, with rare exceptions, only with AMD motherboards. What are the Chinese technological marvels that determine such selectivity? Why only PCs on socket AM start with it?
The secret of this riddle is quite simple — the contents of the SPD chip of such strips simply do not comply with the standards established by the JEDEC committee. In fact, the code written into it is a profile copied and finished on the knee of some quite decent similar RAM. But it would seem a logical decision — to write down the correct code will not bring the experimenter anything but a completely failed bar, since its Chinese changes are not a whim, but deliberately introduced false data about timings and bit depth, compensating for the non-standard organization of physical chips.
The garbled parameters columns=X, rows=Y, bit width=Z are simply not understood by most Intel controllers. But then why are they successfully swallowed by AMD?
This is because the AMD memory controller supports addressing using 11-bit columns and a page size of 16Kb. Others use only 10 and 8, respectively. AMD engineers came up with this so that the memory controller could stay on one page twice as long as the «standard» one. Thus, the increased page size allows you to increase system performance in «heavy» graphical applications, and at the same time process columns that have «crawled out of bounds».
The conclusion to the above — «AMD Only» RAM is quite a viable solution for those who want to save money on purchasing it and, of course, are the owners of Advanced Micro Devices.
Conclusions
This review of which is better Intel or AMD for a laptop has come to an end. Laptops with 4th generation AMD Ryzen processors will soon be available for mass sale.