So I want to upgrade my RAM

[ghost]

My Dell manual said I have to insert RAM in pairs. I currently have 512MB RAM. The questions then becomes - can I buy one 512MB card, which gives me 1GB, and then 1GB to match the now 1GB (thanks to the first 512MB)? Does it work like that?

Or - can I remove the 512MB I currently have and just start putting in 1GB cards?

 

[BadgerinATX]

I'm not entirely sure about this, but my guess is that you have 2 x 256MB giving you the 512MB total. You probably only have two slots for RAM cards which is why you need to make your modifications in pairs. I cannot see a problem if you go with 2 x 1GB RAM. There are ceilings on the amount of RAM you can put in current OSs. I think the max is 4GB for what is out now, but the upcoming OSs will allow for essentially limitless upgrades.

 

[Longhorn_Fan68]

 

[Anastasis]

You want two matched sticks to take advantage of dual channel mode. Go to newegg or Frys and buy 2x1GB sticks with a mail in rebate. Don't waste your money on DDR3 or overclocking RAM, your system can't take advantage of it unless you are running like the top end XPS systems or whatever they are called.

Pull whatever you have in there and install the 2x1GB sticks. 32bit windows systems can only address up to 3GB I believe, 64bit can go over than limit. Unless you are doing some hardcore **** on your dell, 2GB will be plenty, and a sig improvement over 512.

 

[ghost]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Fried JJ Pickles]

RAM must be paired if you have more than 1 stick.

If you have 4 slots you have to have 2 matching pairs.

For example, 2x256 for 1 pair and 2x512 for the 2nd pair will be 1.5 gigs of ram total.

You can remove the 256 (I would) and have 2x1gb for 2 GB total.

If the sizes are mismatched for a pairing, only the lowest will be counted.

So if you have 1x256 and 1x512, you will get 512 total RAM, with half of the 512 stick going unused.

You should just get 2x1GB sticks and throw out the RAM you have.

 

[wherzwaldo]

Also make sure you buy the correct type of RAM. You probably have either DDR or DDR2, which are incompatible with each other. Google "Everest home edition" and download from MajorGeeks to find out what type of memory you have without having to open your case.

 

[ghost]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[TxTrmpt04]

1st question: What model is your Dell?

 

[ghost]

Dimension - not sure if 8200, 8300, etc. Have to look at the manual. It's 6 yrs old.

 

[Anastasis]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Anastasis]

Crucial.com has a tool that will tell you what kind of RAM you need. They also have an scan that can tell you what you already have installed and recommend upgrades. Run the check there, then shop newegg, et al.

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[westptx]

Download CPUz Link

It will tell you everything you need to know about your machine. RAM Type, Speed, Slots, etc.

 

[ghost]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[spidey69]

crucial.com has an aplication that will look at what you have and what chips or chip pairs are needed to upgrade.

 

[TxTrmpt04]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[ghost]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[wherzwaldo]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[jcdenton]

Fry's has 2 GB of DDR-400 (2 x 1 GB) right now for $30 after rebate, average price is typically around twice as much:The Link

 

[westptx]

ghost, if you really want to get into building your own computers, then check out this thread. It gets updated all of the time with prices and new computer parts, etc. I've been building machines for ~10 years and found that thread. Extremely helpful for checking for good deals on good stuff.