[cliveh]

[SIZE=2][FONT=Arial]I used to know a little about computers, but things have moved on quite a bit and i've been left behind.
I have an old desktop PC which I decided to get back into working order. To do this I need to buy a new hard disc, monitor, and RAM.

The computer is a Packard Bell Imedia, with a intel pentium4 processor. It has two slots for memory.

Ideally I would like to get 2gb, is this possible and what memory should I be buying?

Thanks
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[mbonwick]

The type of RAM and how much you can use is determined by your motherboard. Use a tool like Belarc advisor to find this out. THen put your motherboard name into google and you should get some results.


Or if you still have your documentation, use that.

[cliveh]

Thanks Mbonwick,

unfortunatly the pc is not up and running so I can't really do a check using software. I also don't have any documentation for the PC. At the moment I'm using a laptop.

All I have is the info I have already submitted.
I can see some lettering on the motherboard " GA-8SIML Rev 1.0" but that's about it.

[mbonwick]

Well it's a Gigabyte motherboard and it uses 266MHz DDR Non-ECC CL2.5.

[mbonwick]

It's Gigabyte board and it uses 266mhz RAM

[cliveh]

OK thanks,

So what memory can I use?


Oh right - I've just Googled the motherboard and found the details. It only supports up to 1gb of memory.

Any ideas on what I can do, should I go with a new motherboard and cpu, or is there a easier way. ie. buying a new box with the basic elements??

[mbonwick]

Well how good are you with computers?
If you get a new mobo and CPU you'll have to buy entirely different RAM and maybe even new disk drives

I fyou buy a budget system, you'll probably have to upgrade the amount of RAm, the graphics etc.

[cliveh]

I used to build my own systems years ago, but feel a bit out of touch. I'm not so clued up on where to get the parts or decent basic systems anymore.

I need to get a new hard disc anyway so that's not an issue.

Can you recommend an online store?