Prince

I want to add more memory into my machine, but... I am not entirely sure what sort of memory comb I should be looking for. My machine is Dell Dimension 4400, and according to Dell's tech specs my memory type is DDR-SDRAM. I've heard of DDR, and of SDRAM, but not of DDR-SDRAM. This is what Dell says:

DDR SDRAM
Memory connectors: two
Memory capacities: 128-, 256-, and 512-MB non-ECC DDR SDRAM
Minimum memory: 128 MB
Maximum memory: 1 GB
Memory type: DDR (non-ECC)


I ran SiSoft Sandra, and it provided the following information about my current memory setup:

System Memory Controller
Location : Mainboard
Error Correction Capability : None
Number of Memory Slots : 2
Maximum Installable Memory : 2GB
DIMM0 - J5G3 : DIMM Synchronous DDR-SDRAM 256MB/64 @ 266Mt/s
DIMM1 - J5G1 : DIMM Synchronous DDR-SDRAM 128MB/64 @ 266Mt/s

Logical/Chipset 1 Memory Banks
Bank 0 : 128MB DDR-SDRAM 2.5-3-3-6CL 1CMD
Bank 1 : 128MB DDR-SDRAM 2.5-3-3-6CL 1CMD
Bank 2 : 128MB DDR-SDRAM 2.5-3-3-6CL 1CMD
Speed : 2x 133MHz (266MHz data rate)
Multiplier : 4/3x
Width : 64-bit
Refresh Rate : 7.80µs
Power Save Mode : No
Fixed Hole Present : No

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module 1 : 256MB 8x(16Mx16) DDR-SDRAM PC2100U-2533-750 (CL2.5 up to 133MHz) (CL2 up to 100MHz)
Memory Module 2 : Samsung M3 68L1713CTL-CB0 25C6A501 128MB 8x(16Mx8) DDR-SDRAM PC2100U-2533-750 (CL2.5 up to 133MHz) (CL2 up to 100MHz)

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My question is, what sort of memory can I put into this thing? I've found some pretty cheap memory sticks on eBay, for example 512 MB DDR PC-2100, 184 Pin DIMM, 266 MHz Bus, Unbuffered, Non-Parity, Unregistered. Would this be acceptable? Am I supposed to be looking for DDR sticks or SDRAM sticks?

It's been a long time since I've had to mess with memory, so this is somewhat baffling to me off the bat.

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hrdwareguy

First some deffinitions.

DRAM - dynamic random access memory
SDRAM - synchronis DRAM
DDR SDRAM - Double Data Rate SDRAM

When referring to DDR SDRAM, most people just call it DDR.

In short, you are looking for PC2100 non-ECC(non parity) DDR (or DDR SDRAM) Memory modules.

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todd

I have Dell Dimension 4400 as well. A while back I bought 2 sticks of 512. I had the same problem when looking for ram, but found the answer in my Users Manual that came with my computer. That thing is pretty damn useful.
Assuming we have the same motherboard, hrdwareguy was correct when he said to look for PC2100 DDR. Thats what I have in mine.

Also, in your second listing of specs, it says "Maximum Installable Memory : 2GB." You sure thats right? Again, assuming we have the same motherboard (considering we both have the 4400), the user manual for the 4400 says the max is 1 gig, and the max for each slot (2) is 512, which is what I have now. I'd love to get 2 gigs, if the max does happen to be 2 gigs. I'd trust the user manual over a 3rd party application though.

Prince

I agree; that part of Sandra's output I won't be putting any money on. I mostly use SiSoft Sandra as a reference, but take its output with a grain of salt.

I don't think the board supports more than a total of 1 gig. I think you probably have the same board model as I do, Intel's D845PT.

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Lotronex

Crucial's Link
Crucial lists 1 gig as the max for the 4400. I don't know about the cheap stuff, especially if you plan on putting alot in. I have found Crucial to be pretty affordable, and great RAM for people who arent going to be doing any overclocking.

viejo gringo

I have used Cricial several times...they are a great outfit to do business with...even allowed me to return some unused memory..

MooseMan3000

Furthermore,

Both of your DIMM slots are already taken. If you want to "add" memory to it, you'll have to take some of what's already in there out. If you do this, you might want to buy two sticks of relatively high quality PC 2100 RAM. Crucial is good, Kingston's cheaper lines are good, etc. Two 512 MB PC 2100 matched sticks will go a long way towards boosting your speed. Just make sure it's a reliable brand.