Basic RAM questions?

**simple stu** · #1 18th Jul 2008, 14:36

I have a Dell computer with an Intel Pentium 4 processor but only have 512MB of RAM. This I assume is the reason why the computer runs so slow.

My questions are:

How do I find out which RAM chips are compatible with the Motherboard?

How much RAM is it possible for me to then install in the computer?

I realise that I've more than likely missed out some vital information in this post but then that is why my username is what it is.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Stu

**Hybr!d** · #2 18th Jul 2008, 14:43

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

That will tell you what you have and what you can add.

512mb is pretty low in todays standards, I'd say get another 1gb, just use that program to check what slots are in use and what speed/type you have currently.

**serverguy** · #3 18th Jul 2008, 14:53

Easiest way would just be to open the case and have a look.

The RAM is the long thin sticks on the top right of the motherboard normally. There will probably be four slots, in two pairs of colours, and one will probably be full with your current RAM. Or there might be two sticks of 256MB.

When you have identified the RAM, post what it says on the stickers, and we can advise from there.

Or, alternatively, go to the Crucial website, and use the memory finder thing and type in the model of your computer. It should tell you the type of RAM you need.

Or just download the program Dave said, it just doesn't always work though.

The sweet spot in terms of RAM for XP is said to be 1GB. So 512MB is low today, but when XP was designed it wasn't. You might want to have a look in this thread to see if it is a software problem that is causing your slowness.

Also, depending on your motherboard, it is better to have RAM in pairs, IE 2 x 1GB or 4 x 256MB, rather than 1 x 512MB and 1 x 1GB. 1.5GB of RAM has never been ideal, a whole number is better.

**KanoakaVirus** · #4 18th Jul 2008, 18:23

This should work fine

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...0Channel%20Kit

What type of dell do you have? Because i have a dell 4600 and it's pretty fast, Do you know how to format and install an os?

**SocialWarfare** · #5 18th Jul 2008, 18:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by kanoakavirus

This should work fine

LINK

What type of dell do you have? Because i have a dell 4600 and it's pretty fast, Do you know how to format and install an os?

How do you know it isn't DDR2? Or Rambus which alot of Dell dimensions use

**KanoakaVirus** · #6 18th Jul 2008, 21:01

I went to edit the answer and remove the link leaving just

'What type of dell do you have? Because i have a dell 4600 and it's pretty fast, Do you know how to format and install an os?'

But it said something about a 15 minute period, Also I'm on ddr same goes with my friend who uses a dell dimension so im assuming the op will be running ddr aswell.

**SocialWarfare** · #7 19th Jul 2008, 02:14

Yeah ok but its not a very good assumption for the person looking for help! If they go out a buy DDR without clarification that it is actually DDR that they need then its not very good advice at all!

Just Google you will see the amount of Dell's that use Rambus, DDr and DDR2

You may be right but guessing isn't the right way to answer anybodies question

**simple stu** · #8 19th Jul 2008, 02:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by serverguy

Also, depending on your motherboard, it is better to have RAM in pairs, IE 2 x 1GB or 4 x 256MB, rather than 1 x 512MB and 1 x 1GB. 1.5GB of RAM has never been ideal, a whole number is better.

I used the link suggested by Dave which seemed to work perfectly.

The Motherboard model is ON2828 and there are 2 x 256MB DDR RAM chips connected to two of the four slots available.

Given what was said above should I play it safe and get 2 x 512MB to replace the existing chips or would the computer be able to cope with 2 x 1GB?

Thanks for all the help everyone.

**KanoakaVirus** · #9 19th Jul 2008, 10:56

check out my link in post #4 and your computer should be able to cope with either 2x512mb or 2x1gb sticks. Your dell wouldn't happen to be a 4600 dimension would it?

**serverguy** · #10 19th Jul 2008, 13:59

Right.

I am assuming your computer is a Dimension 4600, as that is the only model this motherboard seems to be used in, in different incarnations.

I think this is the service manual
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...i/sm/index.htm

You basically need what Kano suggested. It is worth noting that I believe the board required memory in pairs, so you could have 2 x 512MB or 2 x 1GB, but not 1 x 1GB and 2 x 256MB.

I would suggest buying this (what Kano suggested).

You should be able to put these two new sticks in the motherboard alongside the existing memory so you end up with 1.5GB memory.

I know I originally said this is bad practice, but the way your board was designed it shouldn't actually be a problem. Of course, if it refuses to cooperate like this, you can just use the two new sticks. But might as well try to use the existing memory as well first.

This is what Crucial recommends for the 4600
http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/list...mension%204600