Mr_Putter Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 Well, Oblivion's coming out soon, and I'm probably going to want to get more RAM (currently I have 512, I may upgrade to 1gb, or perhaps 1.5gb if possble). The problem is that I really don't know too much about the inner workings of a PC. So: First I will need to know what kind of RAM I need to get, that works as good as it can on my computer. I opened up my computer, and I have 4 slots (surprise!) and 2 of them have 1 stick each of 256mb (They were both in the white clipped slots, the manual says thats slots 1 and 2). I wrote down the code on it, and it said it was DELL SAMSUNG DDR2 MEMORY 256mb 1Rx8 PC2-3200U-333-10-A1 . I'm pretty sure it's 240pin if that means anything. So, on the suggestion on another forum I took a Best Buy Memory thing, which told me that any of these 3 would be good: Corsair Memory DDR2, 512MB, 533MHz, CL4 KBYTE 512MB DDR2 DIMM 533 (4200) Corsair Memory DDR2 256MB 533 MHz CL4 This says that I want 533MHz, but my RAM says its PC2-3200 (in the midst of that code) and newegg has no option for 533MHz and 3200 (it says when you search the options are "DDR2 533 (PC2 4200)" and "DDR2 400 (PC2 3200)". Now, since I've heard that if you have 2 different speeds it goes down, this confuses me that it would suggest something higher. Now, my next question is is there any other types that will work (I'm a noob, don't hurt me). Second, if I plan to upgrade from my 512 (256mb x 2) to 1gb, can you just get 1 stick of 512mb, or do you need 2 sticks of 256 (for balance? or something.) My manual also says not to install ECC memory. So after putting in the following search functions on newegg: Computer Hardware > Memory & Flash Memory > Memory - System > capacity : 512MB > type : 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM > Corsair Memory, Inc. > ecc : No (this assumes Corsair is the best) I came up with 3 different things seen here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... 59&Ntk=all However, I haven't got a clue how these differ or why their costs differ by almost 20 bucks. This also assumes newegg is the best place to buy stuff (is it?) So why this may seem like an idiotic and overly long post, could someone just help me cuz I'm stoopud? I may have other questions later. Thanks in advance. OH yeah, and whatever RAM I get (2x 256, or 2x 512, or 1x 512 or 1x 1gb) what slots do I put it in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VilemasK Posted March 18, 2006 Share Posted March 18, 2006 I got upgrades directly from Dell because I was inexperienced, but if you're Canadian, check out http://wwww.tigerdirect.ca. As for installing, I hope another member can answer that question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Militaris Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 There are several options, but the one I would probably choose to do is to remove the 2 256mb chips you already own, and replace it with 2x512mb of DDR (PC 3200) or DDR2 ram. Something like this would be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231030 A cheaper option, would be to just buy a 512mb stick and slot it into the 3rd slot, you would get slightly less preformance but it would cost about half the price. Something like the following should be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820161633 It is important to try and match memory speed/type as close as possible to decrease the chance of any complications occuring. I do not think my above suggestions would cause any compatibility issues, but I might have missed something. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart_G Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 Based on the fact that you were able to find and gather all this info about your RAM, i think its fair to say you have an alright knowlege about the inside of a computer. Newegg is probably one of the best places to order from based on what ive read. They have quick delivery, if they dont work, they usually send you a new part within days and they just seem all around helpful and good. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144166 That seems that it would match your current set up. You could take out your current 512MB and just have this 1GB or you could put this in with your current 512MB and see how that goes. As for installing RAM, it was pretty much plug-n-play for me. Just stuck it in the ram slots and it was all done. It should be the same for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Putter Posted March 19, 2006 Author Share Posted March 19, 2006 There are several options, but the one I would probably choose to do is to remove the 2 256mb chips you already own, and replace it with 2x512mb of DDR (PC 3200) or DDR2 ram. Something like this would be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231030 A cheaper option, would be to just buy a 512mb stick and slot it into the 3rd slot, you would get slightly less preformance but it would cost about half the price. Something like the following should be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820161633 It is important to try and match memory speed/type as close as possible to decrease the chance of any complications occuring. I do not think my above suggestions would cause any compatibility issues, but I might have missed something. The first one is 184 pin, the second 240. Wouldn't that pose a problem? And as for the second one, if I bought 2 512s, would I be able to keep my 512's in 2 slots, and then my 2 256's in the other 2 (thus having 1.5gb?) And Stuart G, the link you gave has many. Which were you refering to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrcowcow Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 If you have 4 slots for ram, then yes, you would be able to keep what you have now and add two 512mb sticks. Trophy Fish Caught: 3/399 Woodcutting 10-30-0599 Firemaking 2-22-0699 Fletching 9-27-07 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WutangFlu Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 If you have 4 slots for ram, then yes, you would be able to keep what you have now and add two 512mb sticks. yeah get 2x512's and keep ur 256's in the 3rd and 4th slot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icehart Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 Threadstarter, Do you mind posting extra information regarding your motherboard & Processor so that I can check the compability of certain Ram? If you do not know how to check these stuff, you can download CPU-Z from http://www.cpuid.org to verify your CPU FSB and speed, and most importantly, memory. Second, if I plan to upgrade from my 512 (256mb x 2) to 1gb, can you just get 1 stick of 512mb, or do you need 2 sticks of 256 (for balance? or something.) 2 sticks of 256mb will be better to allow dual channel memory :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart_G Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144166 That was what i was trying to link to. The damn tags messed up :? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Militaris Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 There are several options, but the one I would probably choose to do is to remove the 2 256mb chips you already own, and replace it with 2x512mb of DDR (PC 3200) or DDR2 ram. Something like this would be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820231030 A cheaper option, would be to just buy a 512mb stick and slot it into the 3rd slot, you would get slightly less preformance but it would cost about half the price. Something like the following should be fine http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820161633 It is important to try and match memory speed/type as close as possible to decrease the chance of any complications occuring. I do not think my above suggestions would cause any compatibility issues, but I might have missed something. The first one is 184 pin, the second 240. Wouldn't that pose a problem? And as for the second one, if I bought 2 512s, would I be able to keep my 512's in 2 slots, and then my 2 256's in the other 2 (thus having 1.5gb?) And Stuart G, the link you gave has many. Which were you refering to? If you only use the type of rams with their related pairs it would not cause a problem, but you should not use 184 pin with 240 pin. If you read what I wrote, for the 184 pin ram I suggested you get rid of the stuff you already have so it would not cause a problem. (Most motherboards can use DDR or DDR2 ram in them) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icehart Posted March 19, 2006 Share Posted March 19, 2006 I'm sure that the threadstarter has already mentioned that he/she is using a 240 PIN DDR2 memory... :roll: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Putter Posted March 19, 2006 Author Share Posted March 19, 2006 Well, I'm just now realising that newegg.com doesn't ship to Canada. So I reckon I'll check a local store or maybe tigerdirect.ca You think this would work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Putter Posted March 22, 2006 Author Share Posted March 22, 2006 How stupid. I went in to Futureshop, just to look around at some new RAM, and he said since it was "DELL SAMSUNG DDR2 MEMORY 256mb 1Rx8 PC2-3200U-333-10-A1 " that I would have to buy it straight from Dell. He said it was "RD" or something, and that they made it so that only RAM made by Dell will work with it. He said other's wouldn't fit, because the space in the middle was changed in place. I'm not sure if this is true. He didn't seem to be the smartest guy, as he didn't seem to have ever heard of Dual Channelling...My bro bought 1 stick of 512, and he asked if he shouldn't get 2x 256's for Dual Channling, and he said nothing of anything like Dual Channeling. So my bro's comp, which is Dell Dimension 4600 got to have RAM, but they changed mine (mines Dell 4700) so that I can't get RAM. So I'm now wondering what to do. I hope Oblivion works...Since I bought it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icehart Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Ops forget about that..Dell computers only works with Dell rams. No matter what rams you buy, when you insert it into the motherboard..the system will fail to recognize the 3rd party ram. It's more like the context of buffered ram/registered ram. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercifull Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Ops forget about that..Dell computers only works with Dell rams. No matter what rams you buy, when you insert it into the motherboard..the system will fail to recognize the 3rd party ram. ^^ Absolute rubbish Mercifull <3 Suzi "We don't want players to be able to buy their way to success in RuneScape. If we let players start doing this, it devalues RuneScape for others. We feel your status in real-life shouldn't affect your ability to be successful in RuneScape" Jagex 01/04/01 - 02/03/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jass0 Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 i think u just put it to sum slot i migth be wrong but u can do it man good job Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icehart Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Ops forget about that..Dell computers only works with Dell rams. No matter what rams you buy, when you insert it into the motherboard..the system will fail to recognize the 3rd party ram. ^^ Absolute rubbish I wonder what makes you said that my statement is an absolute rubbish? According to proper support documentation by DELL Corporation, the Dell system was manufactured with only one specific type of RAM and they are not interchangeable. You may view the documentation here: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/ ... l=en&s=dhs This indicate that there's only one RAM supported by DELL, but I might be wrong. Futhermore I've tested this in my school's computer lab, with Dimension 3000 and what it gave me is just a continuous beeping sound, which marks the failure of system to recognize the ram. However, someone from CNET forum manage to open the casing of his DELL system (In which I forgot which specification of DELL computer he's using) and attach a Kingston Value Ram. It works..what a miracle. So I came to a conclusion, that only certain DELL system works with 3rd party ram but majority of DELL computers will not able to recognize 3rd party RAM. But to prevent from getting into any harm in terms of warranty, the best thing is to follow what DELL documentation said which is to use the ram supplied by DELL. I apologize if I'm misleading certain forumers here. Please correct me If I'm wrong too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercifull Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 I put 3rd party RAM in my old Dell 8300 and it worked fine. I then put the memory from the 8300 into my new motherboard (an Asus) and again everything was all fine. I also upgraded my old old Dell with 3rd party RAM and also several of my friends computers. If you couldnt get it to work in the past its most likely because you failed to correctly install the correct type of memory. Mercifull <3 Suzi "We don't want players to be able to buy their way to success in RuneScape. If we let players start doing this, it devalues RuneScape for others. We feel your status in real-life shouldn't affect your ability to be successful in RuneScape" Jagex 01/04/01 - 02/03/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icehart Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 I wouldn't risk the void of my 3 years limited warranty just for that 3rd party RAM.. :roll: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercifull Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 I wouldn't risk the void of my 3 years limited warranty just for that 3rd party RAM.. :roll:I wouldn't waste my money with a 3 years warranty. :roll: Mercifull <3 Suzi "We don't want players to be able to buy their way to success in RuneScape. If we let players start doing this, it devalues RuneScape for others. We feel your status in real-life shouldn't affect your ability to be successful in RuneScape" Jagex 01/04/01 - 02/03/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Even if you added Dell RAM wouldn't it still void a 3 year warranty? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icehart Posted March 22, 2006 Share Posted March 22, 2006 Even if you added Dell RAM wouldn't it still void a 3 year warranty? It wouldn't void the warranty if you enquire them about upgrades and send your desktop to the service center for the upgrade requested. (Please correct me If I'm wrong) As what stated in Dell's Limited Warranty Policy : This limited warranty does not cover: [*:2se742aw] Software, including the operating system and software added to the Dell-branded hardware products through our factory-integration system, third-party software, or the reloading of software [*:2se742aw] Non-Dell branded and Solution Provider Direct products and accessories [*:2se742aw] Problems that result from: [*:2se742aw] External causes such as accident, abuse, misuse, or problems with electrical power [*:2se742aw] Servicing not authorized by Dell [*:2se742aw] Usage that is not in accordance with product instructions [*:2se742aw] Failure to follow the product instructions or failure to perform preventive maintenance [*:2se742aw] Problems caused by using accessories, parts, or components not supplied by Dell [*:2se742aw] Products with missing or altered Service Tags or serial numbers [*:2se742aw] Products for which Dell has not received payment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Putter Posted March 23, 2006 Author Share Posted March 23, 2006 Newer model Dell's aparently have mismatched pins (ie. they don't line up with the pins of standard RAM). Or so I have concluded. This only includes Dell Computers made in the last 1-2 years, and I'm not even sure if that means all of them, and possibly some before. But the middle gap piece is off. So then you can only use Dell RAM in Dell computers, and that's what they need. Stupid Dell wants me to spend all my money on their products. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Icehart Posted March 23, 2006 Share Posted March 23, 2006 Newer model Dell's aparently have mismatched pins (ie. they don't line up with the pins of standard RAM). Or so I have concluded. This only includes Dell Computers made in the last 1-2 years, and I'm not even sure if that means all of them, and possibly some before. But the middle gap piece is off. So then you can only use Dell RAM in Dell computers, and that's what they need. Stupid Dell wants me to spend all my money on their products. If your computer is still in warranty, you better send them to service center for upgrade or you might risk the void of your warranty. I guess it's part of DELL marketing to use only RAM by DELL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mercifull Posted March 23, 2006 Share Posted March 23, 2006 If your computer is still in warranty, you better send them to service center for upgrade or you might risk the void of your warranty. I guess it's part of DELL marketing to use only RAM by DELL.Yes i agree you shouldn't mess with your pc while in warranty which is why paying money for 3 year protection is just rubbish, especially if its a return to base. The chances of anything going wrong with a pc in its second and third year are slim, if they are any problems you'll know pretty soon into year 1, and it means you cannot upgrade or even as you say add memory without breaking the warranty agreement. All parts in a computer are covered by a 1 year warranty as standard, its the law, i would never throw money away on something for 3 years, especially as i don't think i could even go 3 years without taking it apart and adding something new lol But you must stop keeping on about Dell computers only working with Dell RAM because it is a false statement. You are seriously misinformed. Crucial make compatable RAM for ALL Dell computers (or at least the select few i checked up on) currently on the market. Dell Dimension 110 and [compatable memory] Dell Precision 670 and [compatable memory] Dell XPS600 and [compatable memory] Above are 3 example i got links for you to look at. Its one from the home range, one from the high end business range and the other is a high power gaming machine. Maybe now you will belive me? Mercifull <3 Suzi "We don't want players to be able to buy their way to success in RuneScape. If we let players start doing this, it devalues RuneScape for others. We feel your status in real-life shouldn't affect your ability to be successful in RuneScape" Jagex 01/04/01 - 02/03/12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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