Installing more memory

HUFCsteve

My dad has a Dimension 3100 which is running very slow. Have done the normal things to speed it up and it has the following System Specs (see below for details of the scan from Crucial). My question is as to whether I should go for the maximum possible memory available (so a pair of 1GB). And is it straight forward enough for a non-techie like me to fit?!?

Memory: DDR2 PC2-5300
Memory Type: DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 (non-ECC)
Maximum Memory: 2GB
Currently Installed Memory: 512MB
Total Memory Slots: 2
Available Memory Slots:0
256MB
DDR PC2-5200
256MB

Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*

boxst

I would go for the maximum memory as prices are very low at the moment. I was amazed that 8gb in my MacBook was only £40.

Fitting is easy, usually unscrew a panel pop out the two existing cards and pluf in the two new ones.

Kernel_Sanders

You need to state what operating system you are running.

Lucero_2

Unfortunately, DDR2 memory is actually increasing in price as demand is now low for it. 2Gb will probably set you back near on £40.

It's a 5 minute job to fit

Kernel_Sanders wrote: »

You need to state what operating system you are running.

Not necessary, he can only fit a maxmimum of 2GB. Windows XP, Vista and 7 will all take 2Gb irrespective of architecture type.

Scho

Lucero wrote: »

Windows XP, Vista and 7 will all take 2Gb irrespective of architecture type.

Sorry, but that's a bit off the mark.
The motherboard in the machine can take a maximum of 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 per RAM slot.
A 32-bit version of XP/Vista/W7 will take a max of 2GB, the 64-bit architecture will go above this limit by quite a way.

What about changing to a 64-bit OS and popping a memory stick in the back and enabling ready boost on it? Can get quite fast 16GB ones for less than £20, but change the RAM inside first eitherway.

TakeThis

Scho wrote: »

Sorry, but that's a bit off the mark.
The motherboard in the machine can take a maximum of 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 per RAM slot.
A 32-bit version of XP/Vista/W7 will take a max of 2GB, the 64-bit architecture will go above this limit by quite a way.

What about changing to a 64-bit OS and popping a memory stick in the back and enabling ready boost on it? Can get quite fast 16GB ones for less than £20, but change the RAM inside first eitherway.

Are you sure?

Does XP 64bit SP2 have ReadyBoost...or are you suggesting that the OP coughs up for a Windows 7 licence for that old machine? What are you talking?

Lucero_2

Scho wrote: »

Sorry, but that's a bit off the mark.
The motherboard in the machine can take a maximum of 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300 per RAM slot.
A 32-bit version of XP/Vista/W7 will take a max of 2GB, the 64-bit architecture will go above this limit by quite a way.

What about changing to a 64-bit OS and popping a memory stick in the back and enabling ready boost on it? Can get quite fast 16GB ones for less than £20, but change the RAM inside first eitherway.

Yes, I'm fully aware, but I was stating this in context that the OP can only fit 2Gb total. Also, 32bit version of windows are limited by a total of 4Gb address space, not 2Gb

Readyboost is largely pointless, as you are trying to put memory throughput through USB bandwidth.

Trollburger

Why are we discussing (almost useless) readyboost in a thread about ram for an old man's computer?

Upgrade to 2GB ram and leave it at that, it will be plenty for him I'm sure.

macman

XP will run OK on 1GB, so the budget option is just to fit another 512MB. The benefit then going up to 2GB will be rather less.

TakeThis

The machine will probably have PC2-4300(or earlier) installed, contrary to what Crucial indicates.

Use CPU-Z for actual RAM installed, rather than just a recommendation for what to buy.

Lucero_2

TakeThis wrote: »

The machine will probably have PC2-4300(or earlier) installed, contrary to what Crucial indicates.

Use CPU-Z for actual RAM installed, rather than just a recommendation for what to buy.

Agreed, the specs seem to suggest it's fastest speed is 533MHz. Whilst it won't hurt to put PC2-5300 in, it won't help either as it will just clock down to 533MHZ