Replacing Memory

Hi
Again I turn to my favorite forum for help!

I purchased a DELL Inspiron 546MT desktop in July 2009 *yes I know.. BIG mistake!* but in September my computer would not boot Since the stupid warranty ran out the end of July, i turned to friends for help. I discovered it was a bad memory module. I have 4 X 1GB. I removed the bad one and the computer worked. But I noticed a terrible drop in performance. I am maxing out the physical memory and would like to upgrade and replace that chip.

My question is:
Can I replace it with a 2 GB module or do I need to keep the 1GB? And if I replace just one, how does that affect the performance .....since I understand they should be "paired" My system should support 8 GB. Would you suggest I purchase 2 X 2 GB if I can?

And, I would appreciate any suggestions where to purchase it.

Here are the details about my system from Crucial:
# Maximum Memory Capacity: 8192MB
# Currently Installed Memory: 3GB
# Available Memory Slots: 1
# Total Memory Slots: 4
# Dual Channel Support: Yes
# CPU Manufacturer: AuthenticAMD
# CPU Family: AMD Phenom(tm) 9650 Quad-Core Processor Model 2, Stepping 3
# CPU Speed: 1196 MHz

Q: What memory goes into my computer, and can I mix speeds?
A: DDR2 memory with support for DDR2 PC2-6400 speeds.
It also says that my computer requires that I install it in pairs.

But here is what Crucial says about my 545 system:
* Chipset: AMD RS780
* External Drive Bays: 2 x 5.25"
* Graphics Support: PCI Express x16
* Internal Drive Bays: 2 x 3.5"
* Maximum Memory: 8192MB
* Slots: 4 (2 banks of 2)
* Standard Memory: 2048MB removable
* USB Support: 2.x Compliant
* Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.


Any suggestions for improved performance is appreciated too.
Thanks

Gofergal

 

is your OS 32bit or 64 bit? if its 32 bit use 2x2gig sticks. if 64 bits use 4x2 gig sticks. the memory has to be the same speed. buy them in matched pairs

 

Yes it is 64 bit .... so you are saying I can't buy 2 X 2GB sticks and leave 2 of the 1GB sticks in place? All 4 must be the same?

I guess since I can't afford 4 X $ I will just replace the 1GB stick that is dead.
Any suggestions the best place to buy them or the best kind to buy?
Thanks,

 

since the OS is 64 bit it can use more ram. a 32 bit system will only use 3 gigs of ram, any more and its a waist. if you got the funds buy 4 - 2 gig sticks or buy 2 - 2 gig sticks, whichever you choose make sure they are a matched set.
try http://www.oempcworld.com/
they have memory for your dell. hope this helps.

 

@larr,

MalwareBytes defines oempcworld.com as a malicious site.

I would suggest using http://www.kahlon.com as a site for getting your memory.

 

or www.newegg.com

 

Thanks for all the suggestions. I just want to double check to be sure... if I buy 2 X 2GB sticks... i can still use the other 2 X 1GB sticks that I have. Just as long as I have 2 of the same...... it doesn't have to be all 4 the same GB's.... Is that correct?
That would give me 2X1GB=2GB (paired) and 2X2GB=4GB (another pair) for a total of 6GB.
Do they have to be the same brand.. bought in pairs or can I jut buy 2 sticks of same size? Sorry for all the dumb questions .. I just don't wanna mess up!

Thanks again.

 

Yes, it is.

You don't have to have four identical, as long as nothing you buy is "performance memory". As long as all parts follow the industry standard, you can have one pair of 2GB sticks and one pair of 1GB sticks, and it'll work just fine.

Buy your upgrade from any major retailer with a good reputation. Just make sure the brand you buy recognizes that retailer as a "listed distributor" so you can get your full warranty from them.

 

i have bought alot of ram from them with no problems, great customer service, fast cheap shipping. never had a problem at all.