Upgrading RAM on Dell Dimension 5100

Agent_C

I want to upgrade the RAM on my Dell Dimension 5100 desktop - currently it has 1GB. I ran the tool on Crucial and it advised that the PC can take up to 8GB, that the memory would need to be installed in pairs, but that it doesn't support dual channel memory. However, Googling the PC's model leads to numerous sites that say it can only take up to 4GB, but does support dual channel memory.

I'd rather get the memory from play.com if I can as it's so much cheaper, but I need to make sure I'm getting the right ones. Ideally I'd like to stick another 2GB in there. Anyone have any advice?

5bellies_2

The 5100 takes fairly standard DDR2 memory, anything over PC2-4200 spec should be fine. It has four slots, I'd assume it has 2x512Mb sticks in there, either get 2 more for 2Gb total or 2x1Gb for 3Gb total.

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/3477271/PNY-2GB-DIMM-DDR2-667MHz-Dual-Channel-Computer-Memory-Kit/Product.html

Donnie

RAM module info here.

Specifications here

5bellies solution should work. The PC should recognise it and function at 533-MHz, instead of the rated speed of the module.

Agent_C

Fab - thanks! have gone for the 2x1GB for £14.99 - bargain, and will hopefully stop me drooling over new PCs for a while...

Agent_C

I do have XP, but I believe XP can use up to 4GB and I only have 1 at the moment. It's been struggling a bit, especially when using Photoshop Elements and Lightroom side by side, so I'm confident this will make a difference.

Agent_C

Whoops, duplicate post!

5bellies_2

Agent_C wrote: »

I do have XP, but I believe XP can use up to 4GB and I only have 1 at the moment. It's been struggling a bit, especially when using Photoshop Elements and Lightroom side by side, so I'm confident this will make a difference.

XP will only 'see' a maximum of 3.25 or 3.5Gb, depending on the PC (though there is no hard and fast rule as to what sees what).

You will certainly notice a difference running those two simultaneously.