Question about memory
 

Hey all,

I have a Dell and want to upgrade the memory. I have 512 ram right now, i would like to go to at least a gig maybe 1.5gig... i think it is DDR PC 2700 memory but am not sure. Is there a way to check on my computer what memory I have exactly?

Anyone fimiliar with dells? I have a Dimension 8300 series computer. The memory selector on dell.com doesn't tell me what kind of memory it has but their memory seems a tad expensive. I went to newegg to check out memory there and it seems alot cheaper there...

Are there any brands of memory i want to stay away from?

Thanks DB

I probably wouldn't buy RAM from dell, as it is usually more expensive.
Newegg is fine place to buy memory, you also may want to check out Crucial.com. They have some pretty good deals on RAM and I've done business with them many times.
You may find the crucial system scanner helpful for determining the exact type of RAM that you need.
I hope you find this information helpful

Found these two modules on newegg

pqi POWER Series 184-Pin 512MB DDR PC-2700 - Retail
Specifications:
Manufacturer: pqi
Speed: DDR333(PC2700)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 2.7GB/s
Organization: 64M x 64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820141167 $66.00


WINTEC AMPO 184-Pin 256MB DDR PC-2700, Model 35134588-P
Specifications:
Manufacturer: WINTEC
Speed: DDR333(PC2700)
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 2.7GB/s
Organization: 32M x 64-Bit
Warranty: Lifetime more info-> N82E16820161612 $32.75

Would these two modules work... i would buy 2 of the same either the 512 or 256... i would like to get the 512's but not sure if i can swing that much cash here at xmas time.

DB

When you entered your service code at Dell.com did it tell you the type of memory you had? I know there is an option do upgrade your memory using your service tag number as a system identifier, maybe that will tell you the exact type.

/had a few issues with Dell and funky, proprietary memory

It looks to me that that RAM would work. Make sure there is some type of warranty in case the RAM is defective. When I first got my iBook, I maxed out the RAM, and the module ended up being defective. Thankfully, I was dealing with a good company and they replaced it free of charge.

Ok i have another question guys.

Right now I have 512 ram... I have been noticing my comp slowing down while playing certain games... (doom3 give me the most problems) Also i recently purchased a program to convert old videos to DVD and notice this is really slow also. Would i notice a significant change if I just upgraded to 1G ram instead of going all the way to 1.5 like I would like too? Or should I just go ahead and get the xtra ram?

I am thinking about getting EQ2 in the near future (after XMAS) and have heard this is a memory hog too...

DB

I had 1 GB for a long time, 2X 512 PC3200, Dual Chan. Then I slapped another 256 MB in. There was no testable difference. Maybe 1.5 GB might show a little improvement over 1.0 GB. But 1.25GB was a silly upgrade. I only did it because I had it on hand. I think for now 1.0 GB is just fine. I'm sure that folks who are running 2 GB might argue that it's worthwhile, but I think the money that it would take to get that second GB would be better spent on a better Vid card.

I would recommend getting justy another 512 module for a few reasons. I doubt you need 1.5gb right now, like Wyodiver said it's hardly detectable in like 99% of circumstances. I would definatly stay away from 2 256's because that'll just take up more slots, and who knows how many dell gives you. For example if you have 3 and right now your using 1 with a 512mb stick, and you get 2 256's and ever do want that 1.5gb you'd have to throw them out and buy 2 512's or a 1gb stick. Also games like doom and EQ would probably benefit alot more by a better video card (what kind do you have?) than more ram, I run doom3 at 1024x768 at high detail with only 512 and it runs at 30-40fps steadily. Hopefully that helps. :)

I have a 128 ATI Radeon 9800 so i think i am good on the video card for a while. I have 4 memory slots and they have 2 256 modules in there. I always thought memory had to be put in pairs? Can I put just a 512 module in? i thought I had to get 2 256 to add 512. Thanks for the input guys... i guess i think i will just upgrade to 1G for now then... save me some XMAS money...

DB

Nope memory used to have to be in pairs back in the old 72 pin SIMM days, but ever since memory has been DIMM's you could put them in singularly. Have fun with the new ram :)

I don't know exactly how all this works but you might want to check your BIOS screen (on boot) to see if you're still running dual channel RAM. The impression I get is that (among other things) you must have an even number of memory sticks to have dual channel RAM. Again, you can check this yourself by simply watching the boot display for the RAM check...

There is a really cool program called CPU-Z that will tell you what kind of ram you have. http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

i ended up getting 2 256 modules... i talked myself out of upgrading to 1.5g so i just upgraded to 1g and it was actually cheaper to go with 2 256 modules than with just 1 512 module, so i went that route...

Thanks for all the help! Now if I can just get over my fear of opening my case up to work on it... I have this big fear that if I open up my case I will just kill my computer by bad vibes alone...

DB

Don't be silly. If you're careful, you shouldn't mess up anything at all.

My setup is definitely running dual-chan. After adding the third stick, I double checked. I didn't think it would work.

The only problem with buying 2 256s now, is that you have killed any possibility of another upgrade without throwing something away, but you gotta do what your wallet will handle :)

i figure is i upgrade the memory again i will probably try and upgrade the pentium chip too.. (if that is possible) but who knows i'm hoping 1g of ram will hold me over

DB