Hi my computer is virus-free, and it is running slow, so im thinking of getting new ram. I just am asking what type i need. I have a Dell Dimension 4700, and im going to by two one gig ram things that are DDR2, PC2 4300… is that correct?
Hi,
You are right to think about buying more RAM as often this gives a good boost to your machines capabilities and generally is not too expensive.
However it can be very expensive if you buy the wrong type and the supplier won't take it back!
The best advice I can give is to check the specification against your computer's manual or motherboard manual and follow it exactly. If you can't find your manual then its often possible to download one from the manufacturer's site.
A lot of folks visit the main memory manufacturer's web sites, as wizards or scanners will be available there that will indicate compatible memory. Some of these major manufacturers offer a guarantee that the memory they supply (on certain terns) will be compatible with your system.
The choice of your supplier is, of course, entirely up to you, so to get you started on your research if you go here: http://www.crucial.com/
you will be able to find out the precise memory modules that should fit your machine.
Good luck
Regards
paws
1 more question, i just found out what i need, and for installing it, i have 4 slots. in those 4 slots i have 2 512 mb ram things. should they be right next to eachother? or does it not matter? For instance look at this diagram. Should it be like that where the lines are the slots and the arrows are where the ram is? OR does it not matter?
Diagram:
|….|….|….|
^ ^
Hi,
When you come to physically instal them they only go in one way, so actually putting a RAM module in a slot is the easy bit.
Some modules only go in pairs and your manual with spell out exactly which slots the identical modules should go in.
Hopefully you will be able to retain your existing RAM, but this is by no means certain. Sometimes the compatible RAM will not function with your old RAM even if of the correct type and the same make due usually to manufacturer's tolerances.
Two other points are important :
1 Make a note of where your existing RAM is placed at the moment (which slots do they occupy etc) as this will enable you to go back to a working system if you hit any problems ( its sometimes helpful if you use a camera to take a snapshot of the inside of your machine before you start, for future reference.)
2 Static electric charge can destroy both your new and old RAM in a split second (together with any number of other internal components of your machine, so be sure to take all recommended antistatic and personal safety precautions before, during and after you have finished the installation.
Good luck
Regards
paws
Hi Teutonic_Order,
Its important when doing any repairs or upgrades to make a note of any changes so that you can undo the step if its not helpful .
We tend to call this "making an audit trail", some workshops call it a "repair log" where each alteraration or change is recorded, screen dumps of settings taken, and only one step is undertaken at a time. That way a bad move can easily be "undone"
A cheap digital camera can be used to record/ensure that wiring is replaced accurately and photos taken (if necessary ) of each step and cross referenced to the repair log/audit trail.
What you should never ever do is start changing different things without keeping a record of exactly what you are doing, there are a few workshops who get away with doing this because their techs are very experienced, but somtimes they end up with a completely ususable system and it cost them to put it all right!
Its no use crying over spilt milk and it should only take you a few moments to check the correct positioning by reference to the machines or motherboards manual/handbook or schematic.
I take it that before you did anything with your machine you made sure that your back up/archive/copy of all your important stuff, registry,files, data, settings, drivers. product keys, emails, music, address book etc is 100% up to date correct and reproducible?
If your back up/archive/copy is even just a few days out of date then please stop and make sure it is 100% up to date before doing anything else.
Good luck with the upgrade and I hope it gives you the performance boost you are seeking
Regards
paws
A couple of days ago I found that crucial.com has 1 gb of memory for my Dell Inspiron 8500 xp sp2 notebook priced at about $47 less than dell.com, and $37 less than the large chain store that I can walk into anytime. Historically, I really avoid, and dislike, buying things mail order or via the Internet, but because the price difference is so large I am considering buying the 1 gb memory stick from crucial.com.
Is there anything that makes dell.com 's 1 gb memory stick work/perform better with my machine? I am sure dell will say yes, but is there really a difference?
Hi,
If you used the Crucial scanner to determine the correct memory for your machine then you should be Ok.
I have purchased memory from the likes of Crucial and Kingston over the years and (so far!) have never had a problem.
I have often found that computer manufacturers, like for example Dell, tend to charge more for their Memory than some of the other specialist memory suppliers, but I have not found any noticable difference in performance. However if you like the "big store" aproach and dislike on-line/mail order purchases, it is as well to remember that if you buy at your local big store they will probably fit it for you free of charge, and this may compensate a little for the price difference.
As always though, its your call on the supplier you use.
