Memory FAQ for

AMD® AM2 based systems

DESKTOP
Introduction
In May 2006, AMD® released their Socket AM2
desktop processors that support DDR2 memory
technology. Kingston® worked with AMD and our
mutual motherboard partners such as ABIT, ASUS,
ECS, Gigabyte and MSI on the development of DDR2
based AMD platforms. Below is a list of questions
and answers that may help you understand the latest
technology offerings related to AMD’s latest desktop
processor, AM2.
What is DDR2?
DDR2 is the next-generation evolution of DDR
memory technology. DDR2 memory features faster
speeds, higher data bandwidths, lower power
consumption and enhanced thermal performance
over DDR.
• Operational enhancements to increase memory
performance, efficiency and timing margins
• DDR2 CAS Latencies: 3, 4, and 5.
What is AM2?
Socket AM2 (Rev. F) is a 940-pin CPU from AMD that
supports DDR2 memory. AM2 is branded under the Athlon™
64 FX, Athlon™ 64 X2, Athlon™ 64 and Sempron™ brands.
Socket AM2 is not backwards-compatible with Socket 939.
What DDR2 memory speeds will
AM2 support?
While AM2 supports DDR2 533 MHz and 667 MHz, it also
supports DDR2 800 MHz and it will also have the capability to
support 800-MHz DDR2. As the leading enthusiast processor,
AM2’s ability to support 800-MHz memory makes it ideal for
high-performance computing.

How does DDR2 differ from DDR Going to market, how do Kingston
memory technology? products and the new AMD’s
DDR2 memory modules share the same module
processors align?
dimensions as DDR memory modules, but are not
AMD Processor Family DDR2 Supported ValueRAM PN#
backwards compatible due to incompatible module AMD Athlon™ 64 FX DDR2-800 (PC2-6400) KVR800D2N5/XXX
connections (number of pins), voltage, and DRAM DDR2-667 (PC2-5300) KVR667D2N5/XXX
DDR2-533 (PC2-4200) KVR533D2N4/XXX
technology. DDR2 memory modules have a different DDR2-400 (PC2-3200) KVR400D2N3/XXX
key or notch than same-sized DDR modules to prevent AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 DDR2-800 (PC2-6400) KVR800D2N5/XXX
DDR2-667 (PC2-5300) KVR667D2N5/XXX
their insertion into an incompatible memory socket. DDR2-533 (PC2-4200) KVR533D2N4/XXX
DDR2-400 (PC2-3200) KVR400D2N3/XXX
AMD Athlon™ 64 DDR2-667 (PC2-5300) KVR667D2N5/XXX
DDR2 chips are also internally different from DDR2-533 (PC2-4200) KVR533D2N4/XXX
DDR memory chips. For example, DDR2 memory DDR2-400 (PC2-3200) KVR400D2N3/XXX
AMD Sempron™ DDR2-667 (PC2-5300) KVR667D2N5/XXX
chips feature: DDR2-533 (PC2-4200) KVR533D2N4/XXX
• 1.8-V operation, delivering over 50 percent less DDR2-400 (PC2-3200) KVR400D2N3/XXX

power usage as well as generating less heat

compared to DDR
• Memory signal termination inside the memory
chip (“On-Die Termination”) to prevent reflected
signal transmission errors
 Memory FAQ for
AMD® AM2 based systems

How do I find the right Kingston ValueRAM part number?

To find the right DDR2 ValueRAM® module for your new AM2 desktop, simply use our
Memory Search tool at valueram.com. By looking up your motherboard or searching by
technology speed, the proper ValueRAM part number will be provided to you. Below is a
part number decoder to help you understand our part number schema.

The following Kingston ValueRAM modules have

been tested on the following motherboards:

Model Supported Memory

ABIT AN9 32X ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
KN9 SLI ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
KN9 Ultra ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
KN9S ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
ASUS M2N32-SLI Deluxe ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
M2N-SLI Deluxe ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
M2NPV-VM ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
M2V ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
ECS nForce4M-A ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
C51GM-M ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
C51GM-B ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
A25G ValueRAM 667MHz
A33G ValueRAM 667MHz
Gigabyte M51GM-S2G ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
MSI K9N Diamond (MS-7226-010) ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
K9N SLI Platinum (MS-7250-010) ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
K9N Platinum (MS-7250-020) ValueRAM 533/667/800MHz
K9N Neo-F (MS-7260-010) ValueRAM 667/800MHz

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