Re: Advice for upgrading RAM

nick1218 wrote:
Need to increase my RAM from 256 to 1.024
Have a Dell Dimension 8250
4 bays, 2 chips of 128 PC 1066 RD-RAM
Pentium 4 2.40Ghz cpu
Windows XP 5.1.2600

I use a personal consultant, just some guy who freelances. I need to
buy my new chips and have asked him, plus I have asked Dell, and even
my company's IT guy a few questions and I get conflicting answers. So
I thought I might post this

I want to buy 2 chips of 512 to add to the two open bays. Whether I
need to remove the 2 128's I get differing opinions.

Also my consultant-guy insists I find out my clock speed first before
buying and says it should be either PC100 or PC133. I ask Dell and my
company's IT guy this question and they don't seem to know what he
means by PC100 or PC133 being so important to know. Dell just says
your clock speed is 2.4Ghz. My original receipt says my RAM is PC1066
and I ask him if that could be what he needs and he says no.

But my biggest problem is RD-RAM or not RD-RAM. MY pc came with RD-RAM
and I look around and find I have to spend $500 to $800!!


RDRAM is rare and expensive. The specialized architecture never really caught on with the mass market.


I was
completely shocked and am not sure I can do this now. He tells me then
get SDRAM,....


RDRAM is gold plated and unnecessary.

Utter nonsense. Get a new "consultant."


The SDRAM is like ¼
the price and I can do that. But now he says "oh wait you do have to
get RD RAM for a Dell."


Not for a Dell, necessarily, but for your specific model, you do.


Now I don't know what the heck to do. If I have to get RD RAM I am
tempted to buy used RAM.

So my questions are
1- add two 512's, must I remove 128's?


Maybe, maybe not. It depends entirely upon the capabilities of your specific motherboard.


2- what clock speed number must I know to buy RAM?

One that your motherboard supports.

3- can I use RAM that isn't RD?


Probably not. It depends entirely upon the capabilities of your specific motherboard. From Crucia's web-site (http://www.crucial.com/library/ddr_vs_rdram.asp(:

"Rambus memory (RDRAM®) is a memory design that utilizes a different bus structure compared to other synchronous (SDR, DDR, DDR2) memories. Rambus memory sends less information on the data bus (which is 16 or 18 bits wide as opposed to the standard 64 or 72 bits), but it sends data more frequently. It also reads data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, as DDR and DDR2 do. As a result, Rambus memory is able to achieve effective data transfer speeds of 800MHz and higher.

Another difference with Rambus memory is that all memory slots in the motherboard must be populated. Even if all the memory is contained in a single module, the ""unused" sockets must be populated with a PCB, known as a continuity module, to complete the circuit.

"Rambus DRAM modules are known as RIMM modules (Rambus inline memory modules). Rambus memory supports both ECC and non-ECC applications.

"Bottom Line
Generally speaking, motherboards are built to support one type of memory. You cannot mix and match more than one type of SDR, DDR, DDR2, or Rambus memory on the same motherboard in any system. They will not function and will not even fit in the same sockets. The right type of memory to use is the one that your motherboard takes! And no matter what type of memory you use, more is typically better. A memory upgrade is still one of the most cost-effective ways to improve system performance."


4 - is used RAM ok to use?


If it's servicable and compatibile with your motherboard, yes.

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

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. (Incidentally, Crucial is the only company from which I ever buy RAM. I've never been disappointed.)

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Dimension+8250+%28400MHz+FSB%29


--

Bruce Chambers

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