I currently have 512mb and I would like to upgrade to 1gb. Is it best to buy all new memory and remove the old 512mb or can I just add to the existing 512mb?

Thanks

 

I would just buy another 512mb stick.

 

mixing new with old memory is not a problem then?

okay cool, thanks!

 

nah. just make sure they are the same speed. IE.. PC2100, PC133, PC2700..

 

Easy way to check:

www.crucial.com and use the Memory Advisor Tool. Then order from www.newegg.com

 

Thank you.

You guys are very helpful, much appreciated!!

 

that is definetely recommended, but not necessary. just a lil fyi. example:

If you currently have pc100 in your system (you don't, but older computers do), good luck finding some, they stopped making it years ago, but they still do produce pc133 sticks (rare, and expensive, but they exist) the computer will underclock the pc133 down to pc100 to make it compatible.

With new computers if you have ddr333 (pc2700), it is harder to find, you might as well pay the extra $.50 and get ddr400 (pc3200), the computer will underclock the ddr400 down to ddr333.

Just makes it easier when you're buying, knowing you don't HAVE to have it exactly the same.

 

Is all this information on the memory stick? if not where do I find the type of memory I have?

 

Tell us what brand/model of computer you have, or click on the link that Chris (Churnd) posted above for Crucial and go through their questions asking... ...what brand/model of computer you have.

 

Dell Dimension 9100

I just ran throught Crucial questions

http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...9100&submit=Go

I've lots of memory choices...??? what does this all mean?

 

(EDITED!!!)


Post had incorrect info... more info coming.

 

you might need to know if your current memory consists of 1 512 stick or 2 256 sticks... well i say 'might', you WILL need to know this.

 

take two...


(I also use the memory finder at CoastToCoast)

The 9100 series takes what are known as 240-pin DIMM modules. There are 4 slots for memory on the board, and you can put in a max of 4gig.

So... the first step is to open the box and see how many slots are already in use - probably two. You have to add memory modules in pairs in this box, so that means you're actually shopping for TWO modules.

You said you wanted to get to 1gig, and have 512 now, so that means that you're looking for two 25meg DIMMs (2*256 = 512). From the Crucial site, you have two choices, with the difference being speed.

There are -4200 and -5300 speeds to choose from. This number relates to the THEORETICAL upper limit of how fast you can get data out of memory. The number is in 100/mB per second, so 4200 is 4.2GB/sec, 5300 is faster at 5.3GB/sec. The choice here depends on the speed of the memory that you have now. My guess is that you're probab;y running -3200 RAM, Dell isn't known for spending big bucks on high speed memory. The key is that you don't want to buy memory that's slower than what you have, as that will slow down the whole machine.

So... what to do. Crucial can set you up for either $76 for -4200 memory or $84 for -5300 memory.

Coast To Coast (link above) has 256MB modules for $39 each ($78 total) which is cheaper than -5300 memory is going for on eBay.

Chris suggested Newegg, and they're showing one option for 256mb of -5300 memory at $27/each.


Bottom line... Newegg's got the price, but the memory's out of stock. If you want it sooner than later, then get it from CoastToCoast, but it'll cost you an extra $24.

Remember... you need to buy TWO modules.


Good luck!

 

easiest way to get information on your dell or what you need to upgrade it is go to...

http://support.dell.com

and then enter in your service tag, will give you the links for whats in it, and what it takes to upgrade it


*edit*: sorry, forgot to add.. whatever you do, once you find out what you need. don't buy it from dell, you pay a fortune. http://www.upgradenation.com has treated me well in the past.

 

I have a Dell 9100 myself. I havent upgraded the memory but as Midiwall said. You need 2 256 modules. Right now you have 4 slots 2 of which are 256 meg modules, the other 2 are blanks/spacers or whatever you call them.

Just replace the blank ones with the 2 - 256 modules.

Unfortunately if I remember correctly the specific memory for that computer is surprisingly expensive.

 

Hey guys, thanks again for all the information here, very much appreciated!!

 

DELL

Dont Just get a 1 gb stick it speeds up the memory better if you spread it over 2 sticks. IMO. I am in the process of building a new PC one thats fast and gamerworthy cus this LapTop is a piece o sheise But I plan on 4 512MB sticks to equal 2 gigs i think thats overkill i dunno but itll be fast Check out www.tigerdirect.com they usually have really good prices.

 

I just did the same thing with my son's Dell Dimension 8300. All I did was add another stick of 512 mb.

 

Theres nothing wrong with Dells. Although I don't have a dimension, I have an Optiplex.