help with memory

times_champion · 14 Sep 2006 at 14:55

Hi - I have never bought memory before so wonder if anyone can help - I currently have a Dell PC with 1GB of 4200 DDR2 RAM. The numbers on the module are; 4200u, 444, 12 and D3. Can you suggest 1Gb (2x 512mb) I can get from overclockers for under £100?

Minstadave · 14 Sep 2006 at 15:34

Are you intending to add to your existing setups RAM or replace it?

times_champion · 14 Sep 2006 at 16:32

Add to it really, so I have 2gb. My Dell PC is a 9150 if that helps.

times_champion · 17 Sep 2006 at 15:27

any help at all would be appreciated - which memory would fit? My PC is a Dell 9150 if that helps.

Rab · 17 Sep 2006 at 16:38

GeIL 1GB (2x512MB) PC6400 800MHz Ultra Low Latency DDR2 Dual Channel £105

these r getting grt reviews, tbh dont go mixing diff modules of ram, 9o% of time will just cause probs.

times_champion · 17 Sep 2006 at 20:34

Really? So I cant add 1GB to what i already have?

times_champion · 17 Sep 2006 at 20:48

How do I know if the memory i get will work? I dont want to blow £100 if Im not sure it will work!

times_champion · 17 Sep 2006 at 20:53

Would it make more sense perhaps to buy direct from the place I bought my PC, so I can select the exact model I have etc to prevent problems?

times_champion · 19 Sep 2006 at 11:45

Please could someone help me with this? i really want to upgrade to 2GB but dont want to waste nearly £100 if it doesnt work!

Minstadave · 19 Sep 2006 at 11:48

times_champion said:
Would it make more sense perhaps to buy direct from the place I bought my PC, so I can select the exact model I have etc to prevent problems?

It might be worth contacting them to see if they can do you a good price, but any good quality DDR2 should work fine. The GeIL 1GB (2x512MB) PC5300 667MHz Value DDR2 Dual Channel Kit would be perfect. There's no gaurentee mixing modules will work, but it rarely cause problems nowadays.

wizardmaxx · 19 Sep 2006 at 11:50

Problem is if u buy from the place u got the pc u will probably have to settle for no-name brand and there is a very good reason that OCUK stock what they do (performance, reliability, etc) You may end up with 2gb of ram, but personally i'd rather have 1gb of good quality stuff.

Minstadave · 19 Sep 2006 at 11:52

wizardmaxx said:
Problem is if u buy from the place u got the pc u will probably have to settle for no-name brand and there is a very good reason that OCUK stock what they do (performance, reliability, etc) You may end up with 2gb of ram, but personally i'd rather have 1gb of good quality stuff.

If you're gaming 2GBs really is a must, and there's usually nothing wrong with OEM RAM, it has to be reliable but usually won't break any speed records

The rest of the systems specs would help know the ideal solution though.

times_champion · 19 Sep 2006 at 11:54

Well, the online store for where I got my PC from lists a 512mb RAM stick which it describes as DDR2 533mhz for £42. I was planning on getting a couple of them; if they list it as compatable with my model PC then surely there cant be any probs?

times_champion · 19 Sep 2006 at 11:55

Also how do I check the speed of my existing RAM?

Minstadave · 19 Sep 2006 at 11:56

times_champion said:
Also how do I check the speed of my existing RAM?

Use a little app called CPU-Z, check the memory section of that

The benefit of buying from the original maker is that if there's any problems you can get support from them.

times_champion · 14 Oct 2006 at 22:52

So do you think the The GeIL 1GB (2x512MB) PC5300 667MHz Value DDR2 Dual Channel Kit would be OK for me then? My system specs are as follows;

Pentium 940 3.2ghz dual core
7800GTX
1 GB DDR2 RAM
320GB HDD

Would having 2 GB RAM help with games like FEAR and Oblivion which are a little choppy when loading new areas on high settings?

Minstadave · 15 Oct 2006 at 00:08

times_champion said:
Would having 2 GB RAM help with games like FEAR and Oblivion which are a little choppy when loading new areas on high settings?

It definately would help, it'd be a shame to hamper your system with too little RAM.

times_champion · 22 Oct 2006 at 00:04

Will the GeIL 1GB (2x512MB) PC5300 667MHz Value DDR2 Dual Channel Kit (GX21GB5300DC) be OK for my needs and fit my system with no problems though?

times_champion · 22 Oct 2006 at 15:24

Can anyone tell me for sure if these memory modules are OK as I am planning on ordering them today - thanks!

Rroff · 22 Oct 2006 at 18:25

I can't tell you for sure they will work - however if you have trouble - try putting the lowest speed RAM in slots 1 and 3 and the others in 2 and 4...

imo you'd be best off getting a couple of 512Mb sticks of value RAM PC-4300 or so - however in theory aslong as the RAM will do 4-4-4-12 @ 533MHz on 1.8-2.0volts then you shouldn't have a problem.

If you do purchase from OCuk - open them carefully, keep the packing and any paperwork and if they don't work put them back as they were and you can RMA them for a refund within 7 days of delivery without any hassle.