Memory question

times_champion

times_champion

times_champion

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Joined
30 Oct 2004
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364
Hi - I know that there is a dedicated memory section on here but I have asked there without much response and I am planning to make a purchase today; I have never bought memory before so wonder if anyone can help - I currently have a Dell PC with 1GB of 4200 DDR2 RAM and i want to upgrade to 2GB. The numbers on the module are; 4200u, 444, 12 and D3. 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? many thanks!
 
hey mate,

I currently have a Dell PC with 1GB of 4200 DDR2 RAM and i want to upgrade to 2GB
Click to expand...

current RAM , pc 4200, 240pin, clock speed 533mhz

GeIL 1GB (2x512MB) PC5300 667MHz Value DDR2 Dual Channel Kit (GX21GB5300DC
Click to expand...

RAM wanted pc5300, 240pin, clock speed 667mhz

Now when buying RAM you:

a) check your motherboard to see if it will support the RAM
b) check the number of pins i.e. 184pin, 240pin
c) check the clock speed in this case YOUR RAM: pc 4200 533mhz Geil: pc5300 667mhz

If you purchase the GEIL RAM it will fit into your motherboard but:

a) the geil RAM runs at pc5300 667mhz (faster then your current RAM) your RAM runs at pc4200 533hz....therefore the GEIL RAM will run at the speed of the current stick pc4200 533mhz ............
b) some motherboards do not like memory to be mixed and this could causing errors such as a) system restarting b) your new RAM not being found altogether

therefore what you need is to find out:

a) the speed of RAM your motherboard supports i.e. pc5300 667mhz, pc 6400 800mhz or pc8000 1000mhz....
b) think whether you want to sell or get rid of your current PC4200 RAM stick and upgrade to slightly faster speed ( i dont see you seeing much of a diff well depends on how fast the RAM like if its pc 6400 or pc 8000)
c) just purchase a 240pin pc4200 RAM stick...(if this option find out the manufacturer of the your current stick so you can get the same make and model of RAM you currently have)

in short the answer to your question is that if you buy the geil it will run at the slower speed of pc4200 and may not even work at all...dell machines grrrr :)

therefore i advise to either upgrade RAM altogether so long as your motherboard supports faster RAM or just buy another 1 x pc4200 240pin stick same make as you already have...

sorry about the essay but at least you know how to buy RAM now ;)
 
if you dont know who the manufacturer of the RAM is and you are hesitant to check then yes you are totally right, give them a call and tell the make and model of your PC and they should be able to tell you what you need :)

Alternatively if you download a free prog called "everesthome" then run it , that will give you a run down of the parts in your pc , with manufacturers for each component...

then state the manfacturer of your RAM here and someone be able to help you find it although calling Dell maybe easier for you....
 
buying that RAM would be a waste, its like buying a ferrari but it running the same as a skoda, surely its better to buy the skoda?

plus if ** motherboard does not accept it then it wont work....

if there is nothing wrong with it I believe u have 28 days to return it to OCUK but then u lose a percentage for restocking fee and overall the whole process is a waste of time...

so my friend why not do it right the first time or not do it at all?
 
OK - I looked on **** (apologies if i cant use the name, can someone delete it if so?) and it had a link to the crucial memory upgrade system. I entered my Dell model number etc and it suggested Crucial 2x512MB 240Pin DIMM PC2-4200 NonECC Unbuffered CL4 at £79 inc VAT. Would this be a better option?
 
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yes....spot on....

now quickly edit your post and remove the competitors name....

oh make sure u have 2 slots available in your mobo, if yes that mem will do fine :)

you may wanna check a well known auction site for bargain prices as everyone seems to be selling their hardware to go conroe etc etc ;)
 
I went for the 4200 RAM and installed it yesterday and wow! It really makes a difference! FEAR used to be pretty jerky on max settings but now runs like a dream, as does Oblivion on close to max settings. Anyone considering going for 2gb should definately go for it - thanks for your help and advice.
 
excellent am glad it worked and it was in all a smooth straight swap over....

well done, soon you can begin to build your own pc :)

enjoy
 
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