Memory (RAM)

[Guest]

I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with a PC2700 256Mb chip can I add a PC3200
256Mb chip or must they match?

 

[Robert Moir]

I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with a PC2700 256Mb chip can I add a
PC3200 256Mb chip or must they match?

Generally speaking, you can mix memory speeds though you will need to run at
the speed of the slowest memory bank.

 

[Mike Hall - MS MVP Windows Shell/User]

It helps if they match, but some systems are not too fussy.. if the machine
accepts it, all memory will run at the lower speed, but that is not so bad
either.. for more info, contact Dell..

 

[Larry Samuels]

While technically you can mix memory speeds, I highly advise against it. I
have seen too many problems (random lockups and BSODs) on customer machines
with mixed memory that pass memory diags. Those problems mysteriously
disappear when matched memory is installed.

--
Larry Samuels Associate Expert
MS-MVP (2001-2005)
Unofficial FAQ for Windows Server 2003 at
http://pelos.us/SERVER.htm
Expert Zone-

 

[Bruce Chambers]

I have a Dell Dimension 2400 with a PC2700 256Mb chip can I add a PC3200
256Mb chip or must they match?

Perhaps. Perhaps not. The answer depends entirely upon the
capabilities of your specific motherboard and the compatibility of the
new RAM module. Check your PC's manual.

It is absolutely essential that any new RAM module(s) be fully
compatible with both the motherboard and/or any other RAM module(s)
already in the system. Additionally, there are sometimes jumper
switches on older motherboards that need to be reset for new RAM
configurations. Consult your motherboard's manual or the manufacturer's
web site for specific instructions and compatibility requirements.

If you cannot lay your hands upon the computer's manual and the
manufacturer doesn't provide a support web site, you can use these
utilities to help determine the correct type of RAM needed:

SiSoft's Sandra
http://www.sisoftware.co.uk/index.php?dir=&location=sware_dl&lang=en

Belarc Advisor
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Unlimited Possibilities' AIDA32
http://forum.aumha.org/overflow/aida32.zip

Lavalys' Everest Home
http://www.lavalys.com/products/overview.php?pid=1&lang=en

Also, Crucial Memory's web site (www.crucial.com) has a database
to help to find the right RAM for your specific make and model
computer and/or motherboard.


--

Bruce Chambers

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[Guest]

Mike thanks, the two chips actually worked perfectly, I acheived 512 Mb Ram
and the PC has become more snappy good enough for my daughter Happy Easter

 

[SilkPony]

Just a basic question. I have Windows XP Home edition and would like to know
how I go about seeing the speed (MGz) of the memory modules installed. Can't
seem to find that information. I found the amount of memory (Mg), but can't
find the speed.

Thank you.

 

[Ian D]

Just a basic question. I have Windows XP Home edition and would like to
know
how I go about seeing the speed (MGz) of the memory modules installed.
Can't
seem to find that information. I found the amount of memory (Mg), but
can't
find the speed.

Thank you.

CPU-Z will give you full memory information.

It's free from www.cpuid.com

 

[SilkPony]

Ian:

Thanks for the quick reply and information. Seems like the more I learn,
the more questions. I just installed four new Memory Modules (bought them
through Dell). When I rebooted the computer, it showed the correct storage
size (4 x 512 mg.), but indicated 333 MGz --- I'd ordered 400 MGz. Looking
at the download you suggested, I don't even see 333 anywhere. What am I
missing?

Thank you.

 

[Holz]

Just a basic question. I have Windows XP Home edition and would like
to know how I go about seeing the speed (MGz) of the memory modules
installed. Can't seem to find that information. I found the amount
of memory (Mg), but can't find the speed.

Thank you.

If you right click on my computer and select properties, you will see
the basic under the general tab. if you click the device manager, you
can see some more details

 

[SilkPony]

Thanks for the response.

I've went to Device Manager before joining this forum but couldn't find the
speed of the Memory Modules I'd just installed. That's why I was hoping
someone on this forum could tell me how to find the speed. I downloaded
CPUID, as suggested, but couldn't find anything that showed 333 MHz, which
was the speed that showed up when I rebooted the computer after installing
the new modules.

If the memory speed is in Device Manager, where should I look. I'm pretty
confient that I went through every item in DM and didn't see what I was
looking for.

Thank you for your assistance and patience.

 

[Unknown]

Go to www.crucial.com and you'll get the answer to any question you may
have.
TIP: Never buy memory from Dell. You'll pay twice as much as you should.
Buy from Crucial.
When buying a computer, buy with least amount of memory and then update via
Crucial.
Where do you think Dell gets its memory modules from?

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

If you are just looking for the rated speed, that is printed on the modules
themselves (I would hope!).

 

[Colin Barnhorst]

You downloaded the wrong program. It's CPU-Z, not CPUID. The links are
next to each other when you Google and you simply picked the wrong one.

 

[Ian D]

Ian:

Thanks for the quick reply and information. Seems like the more I learn,
the more questions. I just installed four new Memory Modules (bought them
through Dell). When I rebooted the computer, it showed the correct
storage
size (4 x 512 mg.), but indicated 333 MGz --- I'd ordered 400 MGz.
Looking
at the download you suggested, I don't even see 333 anywhere. What am I
missing?

Thank you.

When you click on the memory tab in CPU-Z, the DRAM frequency
is 1/2 the actual frequency your RAM is running at if you have DDR
or DDR2 RAM. In your case it should read 200 MHz. To prove this
further, look at the Bus speed in the CPU tab then adjust it by the
FSBRAM ratio in the Memory tab. The result should equal the
indicated DRAM frequency. For instance, if your bus speed is 133
MHz, and your ratio is 2:3, then your DRAM ferquency is 200 MHz
and your memory frequency is 400 MHz.

ID