RAM upgrade question

Hi,

I have a pretty basic question re: RAM upgrades.

The computer I want to upgrade is a Dell Dimension 2400 running Windows XP w/ 256mb RAM, either PC2100 or 2700 DDR-184 pin-non ECC w/ 2 memory slots.

There are a few things I'm not sure of. In looking for a good deal on brand name memory, most of the offerings that come up will be for PC 3200. Will the PC21/2700(not sure which) that I have now run well with a PC3200 stick? Also, the owner's manual says that the maximum for my system is 1GB. Is that because there weren't any 1GB sticks a couple years ago, or is there something else as to why I wouldn't be able to buy a couple 1GB sticks to upgrade and potentially get 2GB?

That's mainly it, just wanted to make sure there weren't going to be any surprises if I happen to see a good deal come up.

Any advise/suggestions?

Thanks,
T

 

The 1GB max on your motherboard means that it can't handle more than 1GB of Ram. As far as the PC3200 working in a PC2700 or 2100 slot it should downgrade itself and work. The only thing is I think you could buy PC2700 or PC2100 for a lot less than the PC3200.

Hope this helps!

 

There will also be a limit on how much memory you can put in a single slot, so be sure that you are aware of that limitation before you buy anything. For example, if you have 4 slots and the max memory allowed by the motherboard is 1Gb, you can probably only put 256Mb modules in the slots. If you have 2 slots, you can put 512Mbs in each.

If you know the model of your motherboard (or the model of your computer if you bought from someone like Dell or HP for example) www.crucial.com will tell you exactly what memory you'll need.

 

It's not that there were no 1GB modules a few years ago, it's more that they were costing a lot of money, and even more that they were not really needed for every-day computinr. Dell systems of your computer's approximate age are often listed with 1GB as a maximum in the manual because that is what they were designed for. Fast forward to today, and they can often run just fine with 1GB in each slot, giving you a fully decent 2GB in total, it's just that the manual still shows exactly what was printed back then. Bottom line... double check on a Dell forum to make sure, but you should be able to run 2GB in there.

Next, if the system was designed to run at PC2100, you can install PC2700, t will slow down until it behaves as PC2100 and the system will run just fine. If it can run at PC2700, install that and enjoy. If you install PC3200, it will slow down to PC2700 speeds, so you will never see the extra performance you just paid extra money for.

If you look for good deals, check the memory brand's official page to make sure you still have a warranty if you buy from the vendor in question (the major brands all have lists of "authorized resellers" on their websites), then go for the best deal you can find.

 

"Dell systems of your computer's approximate age are often listed with 1GB as a maximum in the manual because that is what they were designed for."

That's not really true. They put the limit in the manual because that's what the limit of the motherboard is. All motherboards have some limit to the amount of RAM they can address. And it is ever increasing with new models. His is probably 1Gb, so if it says in the manual that there is a 1Gb limit, then 2Gb won't work.

 

The memory limit of a system is determined by two things: the chipset on the motherboard, and BIOS. With some Dell laptops a BIOS update is the difference between a beeping doorstop and a working system with two gigabytes of memory goodness.

Beanier, for what it's worth, I looked up your 2400 at work earlier today,and it can handle 1GB modules. If you want to upgrade to 2GB, go for it.

"Work", by the way. is customer support and tech support for a major RAM reseller in the US. Work has accurate databases when it comes to memory.

 

It appears to be 2GB (2 x 1GB modules)

http://www.crucial.com/store/listpa...abid=cr&model=dimension+2400+series&submit=go

Dell themselves list 1GB modules, if you take a look through the 'customer ratings' further down the page you will find instances of customers successfully utilising 2 x 1GB

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...=19&sku=A0740429&mfgpid=163007&chassisid=8219