Additional RAM for Dell Dimension 8200

Hi hardware advisors,

I'm trying to decide if it would be a good move to spend $55-$65 to bring the RAM in my Dell from just under 1G to a full 2G? (think I saw memory on eBay).

Would I be better off to invest in a new computer and transfer everything? This one is almost 11 years old and has served us well, but it is apparent that technology has really advanced during this time.

Which leads to another question. if upgrading to a new unit, would we get a bigger bang for our buck by building another (perhaps keeping our present case, or is the case outmoded as well), or buying a computer off the shelf?

We aren't gamers, and we don't use high-powered programs. We simply like to use the internet for research, connect with email, etc. (although our connection speed leaves a little to be desired...that's another whole issue).

Thanks in advance for help that anyone in the forum might send this way. :wave

 

Greetings, zamorazeke...

You ask valid questions, ones that I'm sure will generate varied responses. My $.02:

Doubling your RAM for that amount of money seems in line with industry standards, and increasing your memory is usually the most cost effective method for improving a computer. I suggest, however, that you use a dedicated memory supplier (such as Crucial) instead of the minefield that is eBay.

Short answer: yes.

Depends on your level of expertise and the trust in your workmanship. Of course you will save money by building your own machine, you will know exactly what components are included, and you will acquire additional knowledge about how those components work as you build the system, etc. The drawback is that you will only have the individual component warranties to fall back on in case of emergency instead of an OEM service and/or warranty plan.

But, you've got us - MajorGeeks can be your safety net.

 

Hi my friend , my opinion is that is worthless to spend money for a new machine because your works is simple , save up your money for Chistmas gifts

 

I'm going with Caliban on this one.

If you're running Windows XP, it's doubtful you'll notice much (if any) increased speed for everyday things such as web surfing or word processing by doubling the memory to 2GB.
Using Vista, 7 or 8 there will be a noticeable (but slight) gain in speed.

If you're attempting things like gaming, video editing or photo editing, even an entry-level new PC will feel like you've upgraded from a ten year old Kia to a new Corvette.

 

I agree with Caliban. I had a Dell Dimension 4600 Win XP (tower only) purchased in 2004 and got myself a new desktop (tower only) with Windows 7, 64 bit about a year ago. It took a while to get used to it but it's very smooth. I paid a lot more ($400) for the 4600 tower in $$ than for this current tower.

 

Well, my HP Obi-Zero case is going to be twelve soon, and I've gutted it twice since it was purchased. Fortunately, I can rely on me for tech support, or the forum if I run into something which has me vexed.

Is it more economical to build your own system? Yes.

Is it more fun? ABSOLUTELY!

The question is, how do you feel about gutting your case? You will need new components across the board, including a new power supply. They even sell upgrade kits, sans the case. For example:

Board, memory (RAM), hard drive:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1134282

PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182022

Copy of Windows:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116986

~OR~

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416550

And, don't forget the thermal paste:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

 

Thanks for your help, "the mekanic"

I wouldn't mind taking apart the current system...

Just hesitant about a couple things (among others):

1) getting parts that might not fit into the tower we have...I read on one of the threads that Dell used different sized parts(?) in their cases, so it might be problematic in re-using the Dell Dimension case to do an upgrade with new parts.

2) how I would transfer the contents of the current disk drive to the new drive...Would that be a matter of paying someone to do that?

None of these are insurmountable in my mind. I assume they are simply things I need to consider before I shut it down and open it up. Right?

Once again I really appreciate the input you (and the others) have given to help a member learn enough to make some well-informed decisions.

 

Your case is an ATX standard build, so that's not a worry. There were Dells that were "dead end" cases, but this is not one of them. Truth be told, you may be better off getting a fresh case, than playing with that one. The fact that it "splits" open, can be a serious pain in the behind if certain cables aren't long enough.

If your old drive is SATA, meaning it doesn't have a ribbon connector with alot of little pins, all you would have to do is hook it up to the new motherboard as a secondary drive. You could even transfer the data, and save it as a backup, or wipe it and use it as storage/backup.

Shutting it down, unplugging it, and making sure you are "static free" is VERY important. No wool socks, or sweaters while system building.

 

Good morning...

Don't know if this has been mentioned - apologies if this is redundant. If you're going to be building a new system, don't forget to budget a new operating system. You might also consider a good battery backup/UPS unit to help protect any new hardware.

 

The biggest problem I've run into trying to gut and rebuild Dell (and other major brand) cases are the connections. Most use a single-molded power/reset/hard drive light connector that will not fit a standard aftermarket motherboard connection.