Memory Question

Iconic

I have a Dell 8300 which has 4 memory slots. Current RAM is 2x256mb sticks.

Is it OK to buy this upgrade:

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/4-/931233/Computer-Memory-1GB-PC3200-DDR-400Mhz-184pin-DIMM/Product.html

I notice one of the comments is 'DDR memory will only work in pairs of the same speed' so would I need to buy 2 sticks? I think 2.5GB of memory on an XP machine would be overkill.

benjus

I believe that is the case - your RAM has to be installed in pairs. Simplest thing to do is go to Crucial (http://www.crucial.com/uk/) and use their System Scanner tool. This will give a list of available upgrade options.

Crucial is one of the most reputable memory brands and prices aren't bad. Even if you don't buy from them you will know what options you have.

isofa

Complete agree with benjus, v good advice!

Iconic

Thanks for the link. The System Scanner Tool confirms I need to buy in pairs but the Crucial Memory is twice the price as the Play Memory. In other words Crucial want to charge me £32 for 2X512 sticks but I could get 2X1gb sticks for £32 with Play.
Is the Play stuff any good?

Anthillmob

benjus wrote: »

your RAM has to be installed in pairs.

Sorry but that's untrue. You can mix RAM, speeds and sizes, but it works BEST when installed in matched pairs.

You can insall an unmatched 1Gb stick and a 512Mb stick and have 1.5 Gb but it would probably be no more efficient than a matched pair of 2x 512 modules.

ALL unmatched RAM will run at the speed of the LOWEST speed module.

Iconic

Anthillmob wrote: »

Sorry but that's untrue. You can mix RAM, speeds and sizes, but it works BEST when installed in matched pairs.

You can insall an unmatched 1Gb stick and a 512Mb stick and have 1.5 Gb but it would probably be no more efficient than a matched pair of 2x 512 modules.

ALL unmatched RAM will run at the speed of the LOWEST speed module.

I am confused now

Crucial definately say here that I need pairs.......

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=297a4473a5ca7304&wsmd=dimension+8300+series&wspn=ct440333

nickmack

Iconic wrote: »

Crucial definately say here that I need pairs.......

To take advantage of a Dual Channel Platform, you need to install in pairs using the same specification sticks.

If you do not install in pairs or use different specification sticks, you will run in single channel mode which is not as fast.

I've seen machines with single sticks and mixed pairs. Some run without a problem and others have thrown up stability errors using memtest.

Personally I think it's a false economy and not worth the risk, just install a matched pair and you know you're good to go.

TonyLisaP

You are much, much, much better off with sticking with pairs of identical RAM otherwise you can get speed issues, system stability issues etc.....

Don't forget to increase your Virtual memory when you do the install.

Goto start, settings, control panel, system, performance options, virtual memory and follow the recommended settings.