Upgrading memory

rmg1

Hi all

I'm looking to increase the amount of RAM in my Windows XP box as far as it will go (without breaking the bank).
I currently have 1 x 512MB stick and 1 x 1GB stick (only showing as 512MB as it's dual channel which my motherboard won't recognise).

According to the Crucial scanner, I need to install "DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 with a maximum of 1GB per slot."

Can anyone point me in the right direction where I can purchase the memory from and preferably somewhere that will accept a Paypal payment?

Donnie

Don't try to skimp by purchasing high density memory. That's why your current 1 GB module is not fully recognised. You need this or this if a PC.

robredz

Try where espresso pointed and get a pair of matching 1 gig sticks of DDR, preferably the 3200. You should then have 2 gig of memory running in dual channel mode.

rmg1

OK, now for a dim question, how do I check with motherboard and chipset I have to make sure everything is compatible?

ComplexP

You can either look in the documentation your computer came with which should tell you the types of compatible memory you can use or, if you don't have the documentation, just google the motherboard you've got and maybe the word 'memory' and you'll find the same info.

I believe the crucial scanner should also give you that same information.

You need to ensure that it is the correct type, speed and size. For example:

DDR2
400MHz
1GB Dimm

(but this may not be compatible with your computer, you'll need to check)

It sounds like you need matching pairs also.

EDIT: Since the scanner has already said you need DDR PC2700 or DDR PC3200 I think that means you can go for

DDR(1)
333MHz or 400MHz
1GB Modules

Or alternately just search for the above codes and you'll get the correct stuff.

rmg1

Might help if I post the full results of the crucial scan. Here goes:-

• [FONT=&quot]Maximum Memory Capacity:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] 2048MB[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Currently Installed Memory:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] 1GB[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Available Memory Slots:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] 0[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Total Memory Slots:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] 2[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]Dual Channel Support:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] No [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]CPU Manufacturer:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] AuthenticAMD[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]CPU Family:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] AMD Sempron(tm) 2400+ Model 8, Stepping 1[/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]CPU Speed:[/FONT][FONT=&quot] 1666 MHz [/FONT]
• [FONT=&quot]The name of this model may not exactly match the model description of your system, our system scanner could not identify a specific model name when evaluating your computer. However, it was able to identify the motherboard your system utilizes.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Q: Will my system recognize the maximum upgrade?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]A: Possibly[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]How much memory your Windows OS will recognize depends on which version of Windows you are running. 32-bit versions of Windows will see (and utilize) only 3GB or 3.5GB. To utilize more memory, install a 64-bit version of your OS. More information about OS memory maximums can be found at http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=4251.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Q: What memory goes into my computer, and can I mix speeds?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]A: DDR memory with support for DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 speeds. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Because DDR memory is backward-compatible, you can safely upgrade your system with any of the guaranteed-compatible DDR speeds listed below, even if your manual calls for PC1600 or PC2100 speeds.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Q: How much memory can my computer handle?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]A: 2048MB. [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Adding the maximum amount of memory will improve performance and help extend the useful life of your system as you run increasingly demanding software applications in the future.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Q: Do I have to install matching pairs?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]A: No.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]No, you can install modules one at a time, and you can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Q: Does my computer support dual-channel memory?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]A: No.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Your system does not support dual channel.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Q: Does my computer support ECC memory?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]A: No.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Your system does not support ECC. Because ECC and non-ECC modules should not be mixed within a system, install the same type of modules that are already in your system.[/FONT]

Lokolo

Why don't you buy the memory Crucial offers?

ComplexP

So it's basically telling you that you need to buy either [FONT=&quot]DDR PC2700 or DDR PC3200 memory and that if you want to upgrade to the maximum 2GB your computer can handle you'll need to replace the two existing 512MB modules with two new 1GB modules.

That's about it really
[/FONT]

ComplexP

I just noticed also that you say you currently have a 1GB module in there, so perhaps you only need to replace the single 512MB module to get to the maximum allowed.

rmg1

Lokolo wrote: »

Why don't you buy the memory Crucial offers?

I'm not buying that straight away as I'm looking for the best price.

I know what I need to buy - just looking for the best place to buy it.

Donnie

ComplexP wrote: »

I just noticed also that you say you currently have a 1GB module in there, so perhaps you only need to replace the single 512MB module to get to the maximum allowed.

I guess you didn't bother to read the original post.