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Kingston ValueRAM 512 MB 400MHz PC3200 DDR CL3 DIMM Desktop Memory KVR400X64C3A/512
Kingston

Kingston ValueRAM 512 MB 400MHz PC3200 DDR CL3 DIMM Desktop Memory KVR400X64C3A/512

Bottom line: The Kingston ValueRAM 512 MB 400MHz PC3200 DDR CL3 DIMM Desktop Memory ($24.97 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Standard DDR400 PC3200 spec fits most 2003-2006 era desktop motherboards; main trade-off: 512 MB per module limits total RAM on boards with only two slots.

$24.97

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Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Standard DDR400 PC3200 spec fits most 2003-2006 era desktop motherboards
  • ✓ 184-pin unbuffered DIMM, the format consumer DDR1 boards require
  • ✓ Lifetime warranty plus free Kingston technical support
  • ✓ Tested for compatibility across many desktop makes and models

Cons

  • ✗ 512 MB per module limits total RAM on boards with only two slots
  • ✗ DDR1 only: will not fit DDR2, DDR3, DDR4 or DDR5 slots
  • ✗ Unbuffered design won't work in servers that require registered DIMMs
  • ✗ CL3 timings, so no low-latency CL2 option for overclockers

Manufacturer description

The Kingston ValueRAM KVR400X64C3A/512 is a 512 MB stick of DDR400 (PC3200) desktop memory. Use it to bring a mid-2000s tower back to life or to finish a retro PC build. It is a standard 184-pin unbuffered DIMM running at 400MHz with CL3 timings, which is the configuration most Socket 478, Socket 754/939 and Socket A motherboards of that era expect. Kingston designed and tested this module for compatibility across many makes and models of desktop computers, so it's a safe choice when you are replacing a failed stick or filling an empty slot. If your board supports dual-channel operation…

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Kingston ValueRAM 512 MB 400MHz PC3200 DDR CL3 DIMM Desktop Memory… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the memory & ram category. Kingston's memory & ram lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for memory & ram of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Kingston KVR400X64C3A/512 work in my old desktop?

It is a 184-pin unbuffered DDR DIMM rated at 400MHz (PC3200) with CL3 timings. It works in desktop boards that accept standard DDR1 PC3200 memory. Check your motherboard or system manual to confirm DDR400 support before ordering.

Can I use this DDR400 stick in a DDR2 or DDR3 motherboard?

No. DDR generations are keyed differently and are not electrically compatible. This module only fits DDR (DDR1) 184-pin desktop slots.

Will it run in a board rated for DDR333 or DDR266?

DDR memory is usually backward compatible and runs at the lower speed the board supports. Compatibility still varies by chipset and BIOS, so check your motherboard's documentation or Kingston's compatibility resources for your specific model.

What warranty comes with this Kingston memory?

Kingston backs the ValueRAM KVR400X64C3A/512 with a lifetime warranty and free technical support. See Kingston's website for the full warranty terms and how to file a claim.

Is this memory reliable for a retro PC build?

Kingston tested it for compatibility across many desktop makes and models. That record makes it a common pick for restoring Windows XP-era and late-DOS gaming machines.

Key Features

  • 512 MB module of 400MHz DDR Desktop Memory
  • Specifically designed and tested for compatibility in various makes and models of desktop computers
  • CL3 184-pin unbuffered DIMM
  • From the industry leader in PC memory
  • Backed by a lifetime warranty and free technical support

Full Specifications

Size512 MB
BrandKingston
ColorGold
ModelKVR400X64C3A/512
UnitCount1
ManufacturerKingston Technology Company, Inc.
ItemPartNumberKVR400X64C3A/512

Ready to buy?

Kingston ValueRAM 512 MB 400MHz PC3200 DDR CL3 DIMM Desktop Memory KVR400X64C3A/512 is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. It also has an Amazon listing — check it for current price and availability. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.

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