hey guys, i have a dell desktop computer that only has 256mb of ram. i want to upgrade the ram but i'm not exactly sure what kind of ram it uses. i see hot deals for ram all the time on deal sites such as slickdeals.net but i'm always too scared to buy them in case they don't work with my motherboard. is there an easy way to check? thanks in advance.
Check your computer manual (specifically, your motherboard manual) - this is important. Aside from RAM type, you have to know what RAM clock speeds your motherboard supports (you can always buy faster RAM than what your mobo is capable of using, though it'll run at a lower clock speed). Plus, look if your computer has support for Dual-Channel. Easy method: try the program Aida32 (google it; freeware).
Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB Currently Installed Memory: 256MB Available Memory Slots: 1 Number of Banks: 2 Dual Channel Support: No CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel CPU Family: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1.80GHz Model 1, Stepping 2 CPU Speed: 1793 MHz what does this tell me? i know i obviously can't get dual channel ddr ram. will this work? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?ATT=20148007&CMP=AFC-SlickDeals&Item=N82E16820148007
why dont u just buy the memory from crucial? they are really good. plus they list the ram u can buy on the webpage when u run the scan.
Based on the config listed, sounds like you might have a Dell Dimension 4000 series. Look on the front of the case (around the power button) for the exact model. Once you know which model it is, you can visit http://support.us.dell.com , select the model number, view the Technical Specifications, and you're set.
holy crap, you only have 256 MB currently? I had more memory than that in the mid 90's when I got my first computer.
I was still running 256mb of Pc100 ram until a couple weeks ago when I went all out and upgraded my whole stone age Emachines unit. Got a new motherboard, threw in a gig of DDR with a new 2.0 AMD CPU and graphics card. Makes a ****load of difference i'll tell you.
Interesting. Instead of building from scratch you replaced the motherboard, CPU, graphics card and RAM. How much did it cost? How old is your PC? Were you able to re-install the Windows that came with your PC? I ask because my 4 1/2 year old 1.5 GHz Sony Vaio is getting old and replacing parts sound more attractive and cost effective than buying a new PC.
My dilemma is getting bang for buck. If I buy a new one, it will be a $399 non-Emachines bargain that I get at OfficeMax, Frye or someplace like that. I'd rather pay $400 for a computer and replace it in 2-3 years than pay $800 and replace it after 3-4 years. But after reading his post, my thought was maybe I could upgrade like moestavern19 and get better specs at a low price. I thought about building from scratch but the prices of new PCs make that a bad decision for me. The way I see it, building from scratch is for people who need a powerhouse machine for gaming and stuff like that and want to spend $1200-$1400 for materials instead of $2000-$3000 for a pre-built.
Dell came out with the Vostro line recently. It's an entry-level computer but from the specs, they have a pretty good value. Check it out. There's also some coupons floating around fatwallet for Vostros too I think
I got all that for about $150 bucks off newegg.com Of course my model is about 5 years old so I had to end up buying a new case, and I did have to reinstall windows on one of my harddrives.
Surprisingly good pricing. If I buy new, Dell's Vostro will get consideration. $150 is talking to me loudly.
