trying to put ram in an older computer

[lastgnslingr]

So heres the deal...I have an HP model p6510f and I want to add 4 GB of RAM....my first attempt at purchase was wrong.......needed 10600 bought 12800.....figured that out after purchase/ before installation. ...so I bought the correct ddr3 pc3 10600 unbuffered 240 pin....when I installed it in slot 3 my computer would power on but was sending no video signal and all the lights and sounds that indicate "thought" were not present.....so I tried slot 4 cause thats how a newb rolls and the computer came on and eventually gave me an error screen that mentioned possible new soft\hardware.....tried again in slot 3 with no response from computer.....so I went ahead and tried the 12800 cause I read it was ok as long as it was faster than the current Ram.....now computer is working and shows 8gb in properties....what happened and will this faster ram cause problems and if it will work do I need to make adjustments in bios or something? Fanx in advance.

 

[Rogue Leader]

There is more to ram than just 10600 and 12800, there is also timing and latency which can make a huge difference in whether it will work or not. Chances are the 10600 memory was far off what you need where the 12800 was closer.

 

[lastgnslingr]

There is more to ram than just 10600 and 12800, there is also timing and latency which can make a huge difference in whether it will work or not. Chances are the 10600 memory was far off what you need where the 12800 was closer.

yes....those are words, and i recognize them as having to do with RAM....and thats about it....how would i go about checking those things? the HP documents page on my computer mentioned nothing other than what i stated before.....and what about my other questions? not sure what to do with the ram thats in there...take it out...leave it....

 

[smorizio]

go to crusial memory page use there memory advisior or look up your pc info for the ram speed and max ram and size. if the ram is wrong and it within 30 days return it for the right ram. also not all ram will work in every pc. when buying ram for older pc i find that crucial ram will work as most times it was oem ram.

 

[Rogue Leader]

There is more to ram than just 10600 and 12800, there is also timing and latency which can make a huge difference in whether it will work or not. Chances are the 10600 memory was far off what you need where the 12800 was closer.

yes....those are words, and i recognize them as having to do with RAM....and thats about it....how would i go about checking those things? the HP documents page on my computer mentioned nothing other than what i stated before.....and what about my other questions? not sure what to do with the ram thats in there...take it out...leave it....

Totally understandable, what you need to do is use a tool like www.crucial.com 's memory tool to identify what you have exactly and then buy the same thing. They also do sell memory there, its usually the easiest safest way to go if you don't know what to look for.